Arkansas 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Arkansas's 2026-27 firearm deer season opens November 14, 2026 in every zone and runs in split segments through December 28, 2026; the dates for each zone are in the table below.
Archery deer season runs Sep 26, 2026-Feb 28, 2027.
Duck season runs Nov 21-29, 2026, plus 2 more segments through Jan 31, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
- firearm deer
- opens Nov 14, 2026; split dates by zone
- archery deer
- Sep 26, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
- duck
- Nov 21-29, 2026, plus 2 more segments through Jan 31, 2027
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Arkansas 2026-27
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Key seasons by species
How to read Arkansas's seasons
Deer zones and WMA rules decide the real season
Arkansas splits the state into deer zones with different modern-gun, muzzleloader, and archery dates, and public wildlife management areas frequently run on their own calendars. Read the rows below by zone, not just by weapon.
Before opening day, confirm zone boundaries, WMA-specific dates, and bag limits with the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in Arkansas
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 3 stations in Arkansas. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
- AR · NWR
Cache River NWR
ArkansasMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: EXPANSIONFISHING: EXPANSION - AR · NWR
Felsenthal NWR
ArkansasMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: EXPANSION - AR · NWR
Holla Bend NWR
ArkansasUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: OPEN + EXPANDFISHING: EXPANSION
Deer
147 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery
No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
Zone: Zone 4A
White-tailed Deer
Archery
No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Baxter, Boone, Independence, Marion, Sharp and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. Youth may harvest one antlerless deer with a firearm during Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt. CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 2
White-tailed Deer
Archery
No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have antlers with at least 15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
Zone: Zone 16
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 4
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25).
Zone: Zone 17
White-tailed Deer
Archery
No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Jackson County, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 9
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
Zone: Zone 15
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Dogs may be used for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 14
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 13
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
Zone: Zone 10
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead County, CWD regulations apply.
Zone: Zone 5
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 5ANo dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 1No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 6Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 11Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Logan, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 12Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley, Bradley, Grant and Union counties, CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 8Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Cleburne, Conway, Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope and Van Buren counties, CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 7Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Zone 16ADogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be a button buck or have at least 15-inch inside spread of 18-inch main beam. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley County, CWD regulations apply. | Open | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 5ANo dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 10Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 4Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 2No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. Youth may harvest one antlerless deer with a firearm during Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 4ANo dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 13Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 7Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 6Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 15Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 12Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley, Bradley, Grant and Union counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 11Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Logan, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 16ADogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be a button buck or have at least 15-inch inside spread of 18-inch main beam. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 5Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 8Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Cleburne, Conway, Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope and Van Buren counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 1Public land youth hunters, check WMA for exceptions. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 9No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Jackson County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 3No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Baxter, Boone, Independence, Marion, Sharp and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 17Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25). | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 14Dogs may be used for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerYouth Modern Gun Hunt · Zone 16No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have antlers with at least 15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 2No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. Youth may harvest one antlerless deer with a firearm during Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 14Dogs may be used for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 5Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 4Alternative Firearms: Closed. No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 11Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Logan, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 8Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Cleburne, Conway, Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope and Van Buren counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 12Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley, Bradley, Grant and Union counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 17Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25). | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 7Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 1No dogs allowed for deer hunting. No antler-point restrictions on harvest. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 15Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 10Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 5ANo dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 6Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6). Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 13Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 3No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Baxter, Boone, Independence, Marion, Sharp and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 16No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have antlers with at least 15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 16ADogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25. Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25). Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be a button buck or have at least 15-inch inside spread of 18-inch main beam. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Ashley County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 4ANo dogs allowed for deer hunting. Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerModern Gun · Zone 9No dogs allowed for deer hunting. Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack. Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions. Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck. In Jackson County, CWD regulations apply. | Upcoming |
Showing 60 of 147 listed deer rows, open and upcoming seasons first. See all 147 Arkansas deer seasons →
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Regular
From 2026-2027 Hunting Guidebook. No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day.
Zone: Zone 3
Wild Turkey
Youth
Only hunters 6 to 15 years old may hunt turkeys during the youth turkey hunt. Youths who have completed hunter education may hunt alone. Youths who have not completed hunter education must be under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 or older. Resident youth product code YGT; nonresident youth product code YTTN.
Zone: Zones 1, 1A, 2 and 2A
Wild Turkey
Regular
Hunters who harvest a turkey in this zone must travel to an NWR, WMA or Zone 1, 1A, 2 or 3 to harvest a second bird. No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day.
Zone: Zone 2A
Wild Turkey
Regular
From 2026-2027 Hunting Guidebook. No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day.
Zone: Zone 2
Wild Turkey
Regular
From 2026-2027 Hunting Guidebook. No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day.
Zone: Zone 1
Wild Turkey
Regular
Hunters who harvest a turkey in this zone must travel to an NWR, WMA or Zone 1, 2, 2A or 3 to harvest a second bird. No more than one legal turkey may be taken during the first seven days of the regular season. No more than one legal turkey may be taken per day.
Zone: Zone 1A
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
Black Bear
Archery
Zone 1 closes earlier if quota is reached. Archery quota: 450 bears. Call 833-345-0398 the evening before hunting for bears checked.
Zone: Zone 1
Black Bear
Youth Modern Gun
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt.
Zone: Zone 1
Black Bear
Youth Modern Gun
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt. Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 1 closes earlier if quota is reached. Modern gun quota: 50 bears. Call 833-345-0398 the evening before hunting for bears checked.
Zone: Zone 1
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 3 closes earlier if quota is reached. Modern gun quota: 5 bears. Archery, Alternative Firearms, and Youth Modern Gun are closed in Zone 3.
Zone: Zone 3
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 5 closes earlier if quota is reached. Modern gun quota: 10 bears. Archery, Alternative Firearms, and Youth Modern Gun are closed in Zone 5.
Zone: Zone 5
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 4 closes earlier if quota is reached. Modern gun quota: 25 bears. Archery, Alternative Firearms, and Youth Modern Gun are closed in Zone 4.
Zone: Zone 4
Black Bear
Modern Gun
Zone 5A closes earlier if quota is reached. Modern gun quota: 5 bears. Archery, Alternative Firearms, and Youth Modern Gun are closed in Zone 5A.
Zone: Zone 5A
Black Bear
Alternative Firearms
Zone 1 closes earlier if quota is reached. Alternative firearms quota: 50 bears. Call 833-345-0398 the evening before hunting for bears checked.
Zone: Zone 1
Black Bear
Alternative Firearms
Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
Elk
Elk
Statewide (Concurrent with Deer Season)
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Elk found outside of the Core Elk Management Zone may be taken without a permit during deer season with weapon legal for that season. Hunters who harvest an elk must immediately call 833-356-0824 to receive checking and tagging information and check online at agfc.com within 12 hours. CWD sample required.
Zone: Statewide Elk Management Zone (outside Core Elk Management Zone)
Elk
Youth (Private Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By Private Land Elk Permit. Private land elk permits available for purchase after May 15 annually, no deadline. Must contact AGFC at 833-356-0824 immediately upon harvest and check online at agfc.com within 12 hours.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Private Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Youth (Public Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By drawn permit only. Application period May 1-June 1, permits selected by random draw in late June. Nonresidents ineligible for public land permit through draw process.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Public Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Regular (Public Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By drawn permit only. Application period May 1-June 1, permits selected by random draw in late June. Nonresidents ineligible for public land permit through draw process.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Public Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Regular (Private Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By Private Land Elk Permit. Private land elk permits available for purchase after May 15 annually, no deadline. Must contact AGFC at 833-356-0824 immediately upon harvest and check online at agfc.com within 12 hours.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Private Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Youth (Private Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By Private Land Elk Permit. Private land elk permits available for purchase after May 15 annually, no deadline. Must contact AGFC at 833-356-0824 immediately upon harvest and check online at agfc.com within 12 hours.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Private Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Youth (Public Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By drawn permit only. Application period May 1-June 1, permits selected by random draw in late June. Nonresidents ineligible for public land permit through draw process.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Public Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Regular (Private Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By Private Land Elk Permit. Private land elk permits available for purchase after May 15 annually, no deadline. Must contact AGFC at 833-356-0824 immediately upon harvest and check online at agfc.com within 12 hours.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Private Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Elk
Regular (Public Land, Core Elk Management Zone)
By drawn permit only. Application period May 1-June 1, permits selected by random draw in late June. Nonresidents ineligible for public land permit through draw process.
Zone: Core Elk Management Zone - Public Land (Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties)
Waterfowl
20 listed rowsSnow, Blue and Ross's Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Duck, Coot and Merganser
Regular Season
Duck bag may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks, 1 mottled duck
Zone: Statewide
Snow, Blue and Ross's Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Duck, Coot and Merganser
Regular Season
Duck bag may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks, 1 mottled duck
Zone: Statewide
Snow, Blue and Ross's Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Duck, Coot and Merganser
Regular Season
Duck bag may include no more than 4 mallards (2 hens), 1 scaup, 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks, 1 mottled duck
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Canada GooseEarly Season · Statewide | Closed | |
| Duck, Coot and MerganserSpecial Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt · StatewideActive duty military and military veterans may harvest ducks, geese, coots and mergansers | Upcoming | |
| Duck, Coot and MerganserSpecial Youth Waterfowl Hunt · StatewideYouths 15 and younger may harvest ducks, geese, coots and mergansers | Upcoming | |
| Snow, Blue and Ross's GooseRegular Season · Statewide | Upcoming | |
| Snow, Blue and Ross's GooseLight Goose Conservation Order · Statewide | Upcoming | |
| Snow, Blue and Ross's GooseLight Goose Conservation Order · Statewide | Upcoming | |
| Teal (Blue-winged, Green-winged, Cinnamon)Special Early Teal Season · StatewideShooting hours begin at sunrise | Closed | |
| White-fronted GooseRegular Season · Statewide | Upcoming |
Dove
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Regular Season - Split 2
Eurasian Collared Doves must remain fully feathered in the field and while being transported from the field.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove
Regular Season - Split 2
Zone: Statewide
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Regular Season - Split 1
Eurasian Collared Doves must remain fully feathered in the field and while being transported from the field.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-Winged Dove
Regular Season - Split 1
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Northern Bobwhite
General
Statewide season dates apply to private land. WMAs may have different regulations. While training bird dogs, handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition may be used. Pen-raised quail may be taken with a Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit.
Zone: Statewide (private land)
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Rabbits may not be hunted with rifles or handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire or with alternative firearms larger than .40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Rabbits may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. Up to eight box traps (with interior dimensions up to 8 inches wide and 10 inches tall) may be used. Due to ongoing outbreaks of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV-2) in other states, hunters can help protect Arkansas's wildlife resources by voluntarily cleaning rabbits harvested outside of the state and properly disposing of all unwanted parts before returning to Arkansas.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrel
General
Dogs allowed
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
General
Dogs allowed
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Common and Purple Gallinule
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Virginia Rail and Sora
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Wilson's Snipe
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Other
Alligator
Regular
Quota hunt, permit required. Season ends the night the zone quota is reached if that comes first. Only zones in AGFC's alligator quota table are open; all other zones are closed.
Zone: Private Land
Alligator
Regular
By drawn permit only. Only zones in AGFC's alligator quota table are open; all other zones are closed.
Zone: Public Land
Alligator
Regular
Quota hunt, permit required. Season ends 30 minutes before sunrise Sept. 28, or the night the quota is reached, whichever comes first. Only zones in AGFC's alligator quota table are open; all other zones are closed.
Zone: Private Land
Alligator
Regular
By drawn permit only. Season ends 30 minutes before sunrise Sept. 28, or the night the quota is reached, whichever comes first. Only zones in AGFC's alligator quota table are open; all other zones are closed.
Zone: Public Land
Feral Hog
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Open during bear, deer, or elk open firearms or archery seasons
Zone: Public Land
Feral Hog
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Open year-round on private land
Zone: Private Land
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Arkansas Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Arkansas?
Archery deer season runs Sep 26, 2026-Feb 28, 2027. Firearm deer season opens November 14, 2026 in every zone and runs in split segments through December 28, 2026; the dates for each zone are in the table below. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
When is Arkansas's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season opens November 14, 2026 in every zone and runs in split segments through December 28, 2026; the dates for each zone are in the table below. Check zone and permit details with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Arkansas?
Spring turkey season opens between April 5, 2027 and April 19, 2027 depending on zone; the last zone closes May 9, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in Arkansas?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Arkansas hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
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