Deer Hunting in Arkansas

Arkansas is well known for its deer hunting. The Natural State has some of the best whitetail deer habitat in the country, and as a result, hunters from all over come to Arkansas to pursue their trophy bucks. If you’re new to deer hunting in Arkansas or are considering giving it a try, there are a few things you should know before heading out into the woods. In this blog post, we will cover some of the basics of deer hunting in Arkansas, including seasons, regulations, and more.

Deer Hunting Laws in Arkansas

The deer hunting laws in Arkansas are complex and ever-changing, so it’s important for hunters to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations. In general, deer hunting is allowed on all public lands in Arkansas, including state parks and forests. However, there are some areas where deer hunting is not allowed, such as the Buffalo National River.

There are also different rules for different types of hunting. For example, baited areas are off-limits for deer hunting, but hunters can use dogs to chase deer on public land. Additionally, there are restrictions on the type of weapons that can be used for deer hunting. For instance, it is illegal to use a rifle for deer hunting in certain parts of the state.

The best way to make sure you’re following all of the deer hunting laws in Arkansas is to check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before heading out into the woods. The AGFC website has a wealth of information on hunting regulations, as well as a detailed map showing where deer hunting is allowed throughout the state.

Do you need a license to hunt deer in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, must complete a Hunter Education Course to hunt deer with any weapon. Exceptions to this rule include persons hunting on land they own or lease, persons under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter, and persons participating in the apprentice license program.

The state of Arkansas offers two types of licenses for deer hunting: a resident license and a non-resident license. A resident license costs $27 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. A non-resident license costs $160 and is also valid for one year from the date of purchase. You can purchase a license online, by phone, or in person at any Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office.

When applying for a resident hunting license, you will need to provide proof of residency such as an Arkansas driver’s license or utility bill. If you are under the age of 16, you will need to have your parent or guardian sign your application form. When applying for a non-resident hunting license, you will need to provide proof of identity such as a driver’s license from your home state.

If you plan on hunting deer with a firearm, you will need to complete a Firearm Safety Course before obtaining your hunting license. The course is free and takes about 4 hours to complete. You can find more information about taking the course here: https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/

Deer Hunting Seasons in Arkansas

Arkansas deer hunting seasons are staggered throughout the year to provide hunters with ample opportunity to bag a buck. The state is broken into four deer hunting zones, with each zone having its own season dates.

Zone 1: September 15 – November 30

Zone 2: October 1 – November 15

Zone 3: November 1 – December 15

Zone 4: December 1 – January 31

No matter what zone you hunt in, all deer hunters are required to have a valid Arkansas hunting license. A non-resident license costs $155 and is good for the entire length of the season in which it was purchased. If you plan on hunting in multiple zones, you’ll need to purchase a separate license for each one.

Can you hunt deer at night in Arkansas?

It is illegal to hunt deer at night in Arkansas.

Bag limits for hunting deer in Arkansas

In Arkansas, the bag limit for hunting deer is six deer per person, per season. This includes any combination of antlered and antlerless deer. However, no more than four of these deer may be antlerless deer. Additionally, only one buck may be taken during the course of the season. These limits are subject to change in future years, so it is important to check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for updates.

Legal ways to hunt deer in Arkansas

In Arkansas, deer may be hunted with firearms, bows, and crossbows during the appropriate seasons. The use of artificial lights is prohibited while hunting deer. Bait may be used to attract deer, but only on private land with the landowner’s permission. Hunting dogs may be used to hunt deer, but only during open seasons for dog hunts. Deer may not be hunted from a moving vehicle.

Can you use dogs to hunt deer in Arkansas?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the use of dogs for deer hunting is regulated on a state-by-state basis. In Arkansas, the use of dogs for deer hunting is allowed in some areas and prohibited in others. Before using dogs to hunt deer in Arkansas, be sure to check with the local game warden or wildlife management agency to ensure that it is legal in the specific area where you will be hunting.

Can you hunt deer from a vehicle in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, it is not legal to hunt deer from a vehicle. This includes cars, trucks, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.Hunting from a vehicle is considered a form of baiting, which is illegal in Arkansas. If you are caught hunting deer from a vehicle, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.

Final Thoughts

In Arkansas, deer hunting is a popular pastime. There are many different ways to hunt deer, and each has its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, there’s something for everyone in Arkansas.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when deer hunting in Arkansas:

1. Know the regulations. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sets the rules for deer hunting in the state, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them before heading out.

2. Choose the right weapon. Depending on how you plan to hunt, you’ll need to select the appropriate weapon. If you’re bowhunting, for example, you’ll need a different setup than if you’re rifle hunting.

3. Be prepared for the weather. Hunting can be a challenging sport even under ideal conditions, but in Arkansas, the weather can make it even more difficult. Be sure to dress appropriately and pack supplies that will help you deal with whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

4. Have a game plan. Before heading out into the woods, it’s important to have a good idea of what you want to accomplish during your hunt. Decide where you’re going to set up camp, how long you plan to stay out, and what route you’ll take back home. This will help ensure that your hunt is safe and successful.