Open season is just a few weeks away for most of the United States. It's an exciting time of year for veteran hunters and beginners alike. But before heading out on your first hunt, make sure you're familiar with Arkansas hunting laws.
Arkansas Hunting Laws and Regulations
– This post was originally published on OutdoorWarrior.com and has been shared with permission –
Hunting laws evolve on an almost yearly basis, mainly to address public safety for the benefit of the hunter and the hunted.
It's a must to stay up-to-date on Arkansas hunting laws before heading out on your first hunt.
Studying your state's hunting laws might be a bit time-consuming, and we know you're impatient to get out there and start shooting. But breaking the law and having to pay a fine can put a serious damper on hunting season.
Keep reading to learn about Arkansas hunting laws, including dates, which animals you’re allowed to hunt, which weapon you're allowed to use, how to get a hunting license, and much more.
Deer Hunting in Arkansas
Zone 1:
- Archery: September 24 – February 28
- Muzzleloader: October 15 – 23 and December 10 – 12
- Modern Gun: November 12 – December 4 and December 26 – 28
- Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt: November 5- 6 and January 7 -8
- Private Land Antlerless Only Modern Gun Deer Hunt: October 29 – November 2
For other zone season dates, bag limits, and special regulations, click here.
Legal Hunting Equipment
Archery:
- Long, curve and compound bows – must have at least 35-pound pull.
- Crossbow – must have at least 125-pound pull and mechanical safety.
Muzzleloader:
- Muzzleloading rifles must have a barrel at least 18 inches long and be at least .40 caliber.
- Muzzleloading handguns must have a barrel at least 9 inches long and be at leat .45 caliber of they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier).
Modern Gun:
All modern guns may be used during modern gun deer season. You may use the following for deer:
- Buckshot in a .410 shotgun
- Shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot in any shotgun
- Rimfire cartridges, military or full-metal jacketed ammunition
For more details on illegal hunting equipment, antler-point restrictions, baiting deer, and more.
Hunting License and Permits
Acquiring a hunting license prior to going to a hunt is a must for every hunter.
For more details on hunting licenses, fishing licenses, special licenses,, and more, click here.
Bear Hunting in Arkansas
Zone 1:
- Archery: September 24 – November 30
- Muzzleloader: October 15- 23
- Modern Gun: November 1 – 4 and November 7 – 30
- Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt: November 5 – 6
For details on other zone season dates, bag limits, and more, click here.
Legal Hunting Equipment and Methods
The legal hunting equipment is the same as that for deer, except shotguns must be 20-gauge or larger and may use only rifled slugs.
Archery:
- Long, curve and compound bows – must have at least 35-pound pull.
- Crossbow – must have at least 125-pound pull and mechanical safety.
- Muzzleloading rifles must have a barrel at least 18 inches long and be at least .40 caliber.
- Muzzleloading handguns must have a barrel at least 9 inches long and be at leat .45 caliber of they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier).
Modern Gun:
All modern guns may be used during modern gun deer season. You may use the following for deer:
- Buckshot in a .410 shotgun
- Shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot in any shotgun
- Rimfire cartridges, military or full-metal jacketed ammunition
For more details on legal hunting equipment, baiting bears, and more.
Hunting License and Permits
Acquiring a hunting license prior to going to a hunt is a must for every hunter.
For more details on hunting licenses, fishing licenses, special licenses, and more.
Duck & Waterfowl Hunting in Arkansas
The season dates and bag limits are subject to change at any time based on harvest results.
Duck, Coot and Merganser Season:
November 19 – 27, 2016
December 8 – 23, 2016
December 26, 2016 – January 29, 2017
Duck, Coot and Merganser Youth Hunt:
December 3 and February 4, 2017
2016 Early Teal Season:
September 10 – 25, 2016
For other details such as bag limits and shooting hours, click here.
Legal Hunting Equipment
May be taken only with:
- Shotguns 10-gauge and smaller that are rendered incapable of holding more than three shells,
- Archery equipment
- Muzzleloading shotguns.
For specific details on legal shots, motorized vehicles, baiting laws, and electronic calls, click here.
Hunting License and Permits
Acquiring a hunting license prior to going to a hunt is a must for every hunter.
For more details on hunting licenses, fishing licenses, special licenses, and more, click here.
Where to Hunt in Arkansas
An interactive map of hunting zones and regulations in Arkansas.
- image via
As long as you are knowledgeable about Arkansas hunting laws and abide by them to the letter, you and your hunting buddies will surely enjoy every minute of hunting. Hunt safely and hunt proudly!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 24, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
