Arkansas is well known for its many hunting opportunities. From deer to ducks, there’s something for everyone. But one of the most popular animals to hunt in the state is the squirrel. Squirrel hunting can be a fun and challenging experience, and it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. If you’re thinking about giving it a try, here are a few things you should know.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the hunting of squirrels is regulated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The commission sets the season dates, bag limits, and other rules and regulations regarding squirrel hunting in the state.
Squirrel hunting season in Arkansas generally runs from mid-October through early February. However, there are some exceptions to this general season. For instance, in some counties, the season may run from October 1st through March 31st. Check with your local game warden or wildlife biologist to be sure of the specific dates for your county.
The daily bag limit for squirrels in Arkansas is 8, with a possession limit of 24. There is no size limit on squirrels in Arkansas. All hunters must have a valid hunting license to hunt squirrels in the state. In addition, anyone born after January 1st, 1969 must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course before they can purchase a hunting license in Arkansas.
Related: Raccoon Hunting in Arkansas: An Ultimate Guide
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you do not need a license to hunt squirrels. You can use any type of firearm, including air rifles and pellet guns, as long as the caliber is .22 or smaller. You can also use bows and arrows, slingshots, and other handheld weapons. There is no minimum age for hunting squirrels in Arkansas, but all hunters must have completed a Hunter Education Course before they can purchase a hunting license.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in Arkansas
The squirrel hunting season in Arkansas runs from mid-April to early February, with a brief closure during the fall deer season. The majority of the state is open to squirrel hunting, although there are some areas with special regulations.
Squirrels can be hunted with any caliber of firearm, as well as bows and crossbows. Hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset. The bag limit is eight squirrels per day, with a possession limit of 24. There is no minimum age for hunting squirrels in Arkansas, but all hunters must have a valid hunting license.
Can you hunt squirrels at night in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, it is legal to hunt squirrels at night with a valid hunting license. There are no specific regulations regarding hunting squirrels at night, so hunters should use common sense and be sure to follow all general hunting regulations. When hunting squirrels at night, be sure to wear blaze orange and use a flashlight or headlamp to avoid being mistaken for prey by other hunters.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the bag limit for squirrel hunting is six per day. This limit applies to all species of squirrels combined. There is no limit on the number of squirrels that may be taken during a hunting season.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrels in Arkansas
In Arkansas, there are a few ways you can legally hunt squirrels. You can either buy a hunting license and/or permit, or join a hunting club that has access to private land. The most popular way to hunt squirrels is with a .22 caliber rifle.
If you’re going to buy a license, you can get either a resident or non-resident license. A resident license costs $20 for ages 16-64, while a non-resident license costs $155 for the same age group. If you’re 65 or older, a resident license is only $10. You can also get a 3-day non-resident hunting license for $45.
To get a permit, you have to apply for it through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. The permits cost $10 for residents and $50 for non-residents. With a permit, you’re allowed to hunt on public land that’s managed by the commission.
You can also join a hunting club that has access to private land. This is often the best way to guarantee to get squirrels, as private land usually has more game than public land. The cost of joining a club varies depending on the club and the location of the land they have access.
Whatever route you decide to go, make sure you follow all the rules and regulations set forth by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission so that you can enjoy your hunt while staying
Can you use dogs to hunt squirrels in Arkansas?
While there are no specific regulations in Arkansas that prohibit the use of dogs to hunt squirrels, hunters should be aware of the potential for conflict with other users of the state’s wildlife resources. Hunting with dogs is a traditional method used by some hunters to increase their success, but it can also lead to complaints from others who may feel that their hunting experience is being disrupted.
If you choose to use dogs to hunt squirrels in Arkansas, be sure to do so in a way that minimizes your impact on other hunters and non-hunters alike. Be mindful of areas where deer or turkey hunting is taking place, as well as areas where hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are likely to be found. And always clean up after your dogs, especially if they happen to chase a squirrel up a tree onto someone’s property. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that everyone can enjoy Arkansas’s great outdoors.
Can you hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, it is legal to hunt squirrels from a vehicle as long as the vehicle is not moving. This means that you can park your car or truck in a good spot for hunting and then get out and start hunting. However, you cannot drive around and shoot at squirrels from your car. If you are caught doing this, you could be fined or even arrested.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to squirrel hunting, Arkansas is a great state to be in. The state is home to a variety of different species of squirrel, which provides hunters with plenty of options when it comes to choosing their prey. Additionally, the state’s forests provide ample opportunity for squirrel hunting, making it easy to find a good spot to set up shop.
That said, there are a few things that potential hunters should keep in mind before heading out into the woods. First and foremost, always check the regulations in place for squirrel hunting in Arkansas, as they can vary from year to year. Secondly, be sure to scout out an area before setting up camp, as this will help you increase your chances of success. Finally, remember to have patience – sometimes the best hunts are the ones where you simply wait for your quarry to come to you.
