Arkansas Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Arkansas including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Arkansas Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Arkansas including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Arkansas
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 13 - May 3, 2026
Opens in 41 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Arkansas hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 27, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Extended archery in zones | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Nov 8 - Dec 7, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Modern gun season | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 18-26, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader-only week | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 13 - May 3, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Sep 27 - Nov 30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Archery and gun combined | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Duck season | |
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Arkansas Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Shotgun
- Wildlife Agency
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for Arkansas
Arkansas is a top destination for whitetail and turkey hunting.
Hunting Method Legend
Arkansas Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Arkansas
What are the hunting season dates for Arkansas?
Arkansas offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Arkansas?
Deer season in Arkansas typically begins with archery season starting Sep 27, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 8, 2025.
Does Arkansas require a draw for hunting?
Arkansas offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Arkansas?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 13, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Arkansas?
Arkansas is a top destination for whitetail and turkey hunting.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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