Arkansas Bear Season 2026
Arkansas bear season dates start with Sep 9-Nov 30, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Arkansas's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 9-Nov 30, 2026.
Archery Black Bear opens Sep 9, 2026 and closes Nov 30, 2026.
Alternative Firearms Black Bear opens Oct 17, 2026 and closes Oct 25, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
Bear
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
Archery
Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
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
Black Bear
Youth Modern Gun
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt. Zone 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
Black Bear
Youth Modern Gun
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt.
Zone: Zone 1
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 2 does not have a quota.
Zone: Zone 2
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
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 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 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
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Nearby bear seasons
Arkansas Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Arkansas?
September 9, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Arkansas — archery black bear runs Sep 9-Nov 30, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists 12 bear season windows: Archery Black Bear (Sep 9-Nov 30, 2026); Archery Black Bear (Sep 9-Nov 30, 2026); Alternative Firearms Black Bear (Oct 17-25, 2026); Alternative Firearms Black Bear (Oct 17-25, 2026); Youth Modern Gun Black Bear (Nov 7-8, 2026); Youth Modern Gun Black Bear (Nov 7-8, 2026); Modern Gun Black Bear (Nov 14-30, 2026); Modern Gun Black Bear (Nov 14-30, 2026); and more. Always verify against Arkansas Game & Fish Commission before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Arkansas?
Yes — Arkansas lists separate bear seasons for Archery Black Bear, Alternative Firearms Black Bear, Youth Modern Gun Black Bear, Modern Gun Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.