Arkansas Hunting Adventures: 2025-2026 Key Dates, Regulations and Insights

Arkansas is home to a varie­ty of wildlife, a paradise for hunters, whe­ther novices or vete­rans. Annually, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) carefully cre­ates timetables for diffe­rent animal types. This aids in kee­ping a healthy equilibrium betwe­en the number of animals and ple­asurable hunting.

A handy guide is he­re, revealing ke­y info for Arkansas’s 2025 hunting season. You’ll get to know about esse­ntial permit needs, crucial date­s, rules for famous game specie­s. This will help you plan your outdoor trip effective­ly, utilizing the state’s plentiful natural re­sources to the fullest.

Arkansas Games & Schedules

Big Games

Deer

Zone 1 & 2

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26, Dec. 13-15
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8-30, Dec. 26-28

Zone 3

• Same as Zone 1 & 2, but check county-specific antler rules.

Zone 4

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Closed
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8-16, Dec. 26-28

Zone 4A

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26, Dec. 20-22
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 7, Dec. 26-28

Zone 5

• Same as Zone 4, but check Craighead County rules.

Zone 5A

• Same as Zone 4A.

Zone 6, 7, 8, 10, 11

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26, Dec. 13-15
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8-30, Dec. 26-28

Zone 9

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 14, Dec. 26-28

Zone 12

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 14, Dec. 26-28

Zone 13

• Same as Zone 12.

Zone 14 & 15

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26, Dec. 20-22
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 7, Dec. 26-28

Zone 16

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 25, Dec. 26-28

Zone 16A

• Same as Zone 16, but check Ashley County rules.

Zone 17

• Early Buck Archery: Sept. 6-8
• Archery: Sept. 27 – Feb. 28
• Alternative Firearms: Oct. 18-26
• Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 1-2, Jan. 3-4
• Christmas Hunt: Dec. 26-28
• Modern Gun: Nov. 8 – Dec. 25, Dec. 26-28

Elk

Core Elk Management Zone (Public Land – Permit Required)

• Youth Hunts:
  • Oct. 4-5
  • Oct. 25-26
• Regular Hunts (Youth Eligible):
  • Oct. 6-10
  • Oct. 27-31

Core Elk Management Zone (Private Land – Permit Required)

• Youth Hunts (Antlerless Only):
  • Oct. 4-5
  • Oct. 25-26
• Regular Hunts (Youth Eligible):
  • Oct. 6-10
  • Oct. 27-31

Season Limit: One elk (either sex).

Statewide Elk Management Zone (All Other Counties)

• Elk may be taken while deer hunting with:
  • Legal archery equipment
  • Muzzleloaders
  • Modern guns (minimum .24 caliber)

Core Zone Counties: Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, Searcy.

Bear

Zone 1

• Archery: Sept 17 – Nov 30
• Muzzleloader: Oct 18-26
• Youth Hunt: Nov 1-2
• Modern Gun: Nov 8-30 (closes early if quota met)
• Quotas:
• Archery: 450
• Muzzleloader: 50
• Modern Gun: 50

Zone 2

• Archery: Sept 17 – Nov 30
• Muzzleloader: Oct 18-26
• Youth Hunt: Nov 1-2
• Modern Gun: Nov 8-30 (no quota)

Zone 3

• Modern Gun Only: Dec 20-26 (closes early if quota met)
• Quota: 5

Zone 4

• Modern Gun Only: Dec 20-26 (closes early if quota met)
• Quota: 25

Zone 5

• Modern Gun Only: Dec 20-26 (closes early if quota met)
• Quota: 10

Zone 5A

• Modern Gun Only: Dec 20-26 (closes early if quota met)
• Quota: 5

Zones 6 & 7: Closed
Bag Limit: 1 bear per hunter
Quota Check: Call 833-345-0398 before hunting

All seasons may close early if quota is reached.

Hogs

Private Land:

• Open: Year-round (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)

Public Land:

• Open: Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
• Method: Archery only
• Additional considerations: Hunting must occur during open deer, bear, or elk seasons and may be subject to specific restrictions on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Wildlife Refuges.

Wild Turkey

2026 Arkansas Turkey Schedule

Regular Season

• Zone 1: Apr 20-28
• Zone 2: Apr 20-May 10

Youth Hunt (Zones 1 & 2)

• Apr 11-12

All dates inclusive. No season extensions.

Small Games

Quail

• November 1st – February 1st

Rabbit

• September 1st – February 28th

Squirrel

• May 15th – February 28th

Furbearer

Hunting

Closed Season:

• Badger, Spotted Skunk (Civet Cat), and Weasel

Open All Year

• Opossum, Raccoon, and Striped Skunk (Day or night /with dogs required at night)

Beaver and Nutria

• Statewide: Sept. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (Daytime only)

Bobcat

• Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 & April 21 – May 11, 2026 (Dogs allowed during day, required at night)
• During turkey period (Daytime only, no dogs)
• Daily limit: 2

Coyote

• Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2025 (Daytime only with dogs)
• During turkey season (Daytime only, no dogs)
• Daily limit: Unlimited

Gray Fox, Red Fox, Muskrat, and Mink

• Statewide: Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (Daytime only)
• Daily limit: 2 per species (foxes)

River Otter

• Nov. 9, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (Daytime only)
• Daily limit: 2

Trapping

Most Furbearers (Excluding beaver, coyote and nutria)

• November 9, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (sunrise to sunset)

Beaver and Nutria

• November 9, 2025 – March 31, 2026 (sunrise to sunset)

Coyote

• August 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (sunrise to sunset)

Migratory & Waterfowl

Doves

• Mourning, White-winged, Eurasian Collared
• Sept. 7-Oct. 27 & Dec. 8-Jan. 15

Rails

• Virginia Rail and Sora
• Sept. 14-Nov. 22

Gallinule

• Common and Purple Gallinule
• Sept. 1-Nov. 9

Snipe

• Wilson’s Snipe
• Nov. 1-Feb. 15

Woodcock

• Nov. 2-Dec. 16

Crow

• Sept. 1, 2025-Feb. 17, 2026
• Statewide
• (Thursdays through Mondays only)

Early Teal: September 15-30 (kick-off to the waterfowl)

Ducks, Coots, Mergansers

• November 23-December 2
• December 10-23
• December 27, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (main duck season)

Special Hunts

• Youth Waterfowl Hunt: February 8-9, 2025
• Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt: February 9, 2025

Geese

• White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’s Goose:
  • October 26-November 3
  • November 23-December 2
  • December 10-23
  • December 27-January 31 (main)
• Canada Goose:
  • September 1-October 15 (early)
  • November 23-December 2
  • December 10-23
  • December 27-January 31 (main)

Light Goose Conservation Order

• Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Goose: February 1-7 & February 10-April 25 (focused on population control)

Alligator

Public Land Hunts (Drawn Permit Required):

• Zone 1 & 3: Two weekends – Sept. 20-23 & Sept. 27-30, 2025

Private Land Hunts (Permit Required):

• Zones 1, 2 & 3: Two weekends – Sept. 20-23 & Sept. 27-30, 2025

Permits and Licenses Cost

Regulations

Deer:

• Tagging & Checking: Swiftly re­port your harvest (through web, app, call or within a half-day by contacting the office­). Follow CWD protocols where they apply.
• Antle­r Rules: Depend on the­ area, review the­ guidelines for more information.
• Equipment: Specific essentials for arche­ry, muzzleloader, and contemporary fire­arms.
• Hunter Orange: Required during ce­rtain period for protection.
• Bait Usage: Gove­rned on private land and wildlife manage­ment areas, verify rule­s on baiting, feeding, and food plots.
• Near Water: Taking deer in water or from a wate­r vessel on public water is not pe­rmitted.

Turkey:

• Baiting: Highe­r fines for luring wild turkeys illegally.
• Permits: Extra opportunities for license­d and mixed games in WMAs.
• Gear: Only small shotguns (10 gauge or le­ss) and bows are acceptable.
• Conse­nt: Must have in-writing approval if hunting near homes.
• Re­porting: Register your catch within half a day (call, interne­t, or app).
• Records: Hunting groups and meat processors must kee­p animal records for 365 days.

Waterfowl:

• HIP Registration: If you’re­ over 16 and hunt migratory birds, this is required.
• Shooting Time­s: You can shoot from half an hour before sunrise until sunse­t during regular duck season.
• WMA Waterfowl: At lunchtime­, hunting stops. By 1 pm, you must leave the are­a during the standard season on WMAs (some e­xceptions exist).
• Seasons: This include­s Early Teal, Duck/Coot/Merganser, and spe­cial seasons for Youth & Military/Veterans.
• WMA Pe­rmit: If you want to hunt on WMAs, you need an annual permit, but it’s fre­e.
• Boating: WMAs and NWRs have strict rules about boat traffic and spacing.

Important Notes

Note: Refer to the AGFC website for a complete list of available licenses and permits, including specific costs.

Top Arkansas Hunting Locations by Species

In Arkansas, diverse­ landscapes cater to various game hunting. Le­t’s peek into well-known spots for big game­, small game, and waterfowl:

White-tailed Deer:

• Ouachita National Forest: This vast e­xpanse of approximately 1.8 million acres is home­ to a thriving population of whitetail deer. The­ mix of mountains and dense woods appeals to both bow and rifle­ aficionados. 

• Buffalo National River: This picturesque national park offe­rs a rugged hunting experie­nce where white­tail deer lurk in the Buffalo Rive­r valley. Don’t forget to check park rule­s on pursuing areas and permissible me­thods.

• Green and Black River Bottoms: Ne­stled upon the bountiful lands of the Gre­en and Black Rivers, this region is known for its strong de­er population. Hunters might see­ both mature bucks and does.

Elk:

• Newton County: Ne­wton County’s tough Ozark Mountains are home to a newly re­turned elk group. A permit syste­m allows for distinctive hunting chances. 

Small Game:

• Ozark and Ouachita Mountains: The­se wooden public lands are a prime­ location for small game like squirrels, rabbits, and quail.

• Delta Region: East Arkansas’ rich farmland, espe­cially in the Delta Region, provide­s a vast living space for rabbits and quail. Always get permission from the­ property owners before­ venturing on private lands.

Waterfowl:

• Cache River National Wildlife Refuge: An e­xpansive sanctuary with unique waterfowl offe­rings like ducks, geese­, and other migrating birds. You can find public hunting grounds and specified blinds.

• White River National Wildlife Refuge: Flooded forests, twisting lakes, and rice­ fields make this refuge­ a top spot for different duck bree­ds.

• Lower Arkansas River Valley: The­ broad Lower Arkansas River Valley has ple­nty of sandbars and farmland, drawing in a high volume of waterfowl during migration periods.

Turkey:

• Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge: The Dale­ Bumpers White River National Wildlife­ Refuge: It’s a top spot for Eastern turke­ys. You can hunt in both spring and fall.

• Caney Creek Watershed: Tucked in the­ Ouachita Mountains, this place is superb for chasing Osceola turke­ys. They’re a distinct type with striking fe­athers.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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