Arkansas has Everything for Your Hunting Adventure

Arkansas has a total area of 53179 sq. miles. Of this area, 804+ sq miles is water. 

The northern half of Arkansas is characterized by having the highest elevations in the south and has some of the most rugged terrains in the country, while southern Arkansas typically consists of flatter land that shows signs of past flooding from the Mississippi River.

Arkansas’s topography and terrain consist of forested hills, meadows, and some prairie. The majority of the state is covered in forest with oak-hickory trees north of Interstate 40 and pine trees in the south.

The Ouachita Mountains dominate central Arkansas, while the Ozarks occupy most of northwest Arkansas, around the Fayetteville area. South of the Ozarks is the younger Salem Plateau, a mixture of flatter land with many small hills and some large mountains. 

Arkansas also contains many caves and hot springs.

Arkansas also has many beautiful physical features and natural habitats. The highest point is Mount Magazine is of the US interior highlands.

The rivers, lakes, and other water sources are an essential part of Arkansas’s hunting opportunities. In addition, hunting in vast open grasslands, forests, hills, and many other places is available to visitors and residents.

The White River also offers good opportunities for hunters across Arkansas. Elk, deer, and more can be found in these areas. In addition, the Buffalo National River provides a hunting area that is both scenic and productive, and many public and commercial lands offer excellent hunting.

The Ouachita National Forest, Ozark National Forest, and many state forests are good locations to find deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and more. Hunting opportunities are available for both big game hunters and more casual sportsmen.

Arkansas hunting also includes some of the nation’s best bird hunting. A wide range of migratory birds is available to hunters in the state – waterfowl, doves, quail, crow, and geese.

Arkansas has about 100 wildlife management areas that offer public hunting opportunities on more than one million acres of land throughout the state. 

The hunting lands are open to the public for big and small games.

Big Game Hunting

The Big Game in Arkansas is Deer, Elk, Alligator, and Bear.

Deers are abundant in Ozark National Forest Wildlife Management Area, the South Unit of Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, and Piney Creeks WMA.

Youth Hunters who are 6 to 15 years old may harvest any buck irrespective of antler size or points.

12-inch inside spread or 15-inch main beam rule

On, Harold E. Alexander Spring River, Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d’Arc, Hope Upland, Mike Freeze Wattensaw and Moro Big Pine Natural Area, Lafayette County, Scott Henderson Gulf Mountain, and Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMAs a buck must have:

• Both antlers below two inches (button buck included); or
• An inside spread of 12-inches or more in width; or
• At least one main beam 15-inches or above in length.

The following conditions must be strictly followed.

• Swimming deer is not to be hunted.
• Deer may not be driven or caught from a boat.
• Deer may not be hunted from on public water or from a watercraft.

Elk- Arkansas’s elk range covers approximately 315,000 acres, of which 85,000 are public land. Public land within the elk range includes a small portion of National Forest land, National Park Service land, and the AGFC’s Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area, surrounding National Park Service property along the Buffalo River.

More Arkansans visit the Buffalo River area every year to see and capture photos of these magnificent creatures, especially in late September and early October when elk are breeding. 

Of course, the herd will never be large compared to those in western states, but these elk offer an exceptional wildlife-viewing and hunting opportunity.

Bear – Legal Hunting Equipment for bear is the same as legal hunting equipment for deer, except shotguns must be 20-gauge or bigger and may use only rifled slugs.

Alligators populate in areas with optimal habitat, containing vast areas of shallow water marsh and swamp habitat.

Alligators may be taken only using hand-held snares or harpoons connected to a hand-held restraining line. Using or possessing any other equipment or firearms for hunting alligators is strictly prohibited.

Only shotgun-caliber bangsticks or shotguns are allowed for dispatching alligators once a restraining line has been affixed. Additionally, only a shot size no larger than the No. 4 standard shot may be used to dispatch a restrained alligator.

You must be a legal resident of Arkansas or entitled to an Arkansas lifetime license to hunt alligators.

Big Game Hunting Weapons

Legal Hunting Equipment in Arkansas:

1. Archery

Hunters must carry only archery equipment during archery deer and bear seasons.

• Long, recurve and compound bows: They must have a minimum of 35-pound pull. String locks, scopes, and mechanical string releases can be used. Big-game hunters must use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide. Arrows and arrowheads cannot have firearm ammunition or poison.

• Crossbow: Crossbows must have a minimum of 125-pound pull and mechanical safety. Scopes can be used. Big-game hunters must use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide (including mechanicals). Arrows and arrowheads having firearm ammunition or poison cannot be used.

• Propelled Arrows: Arrows forced from a compressed air system or by the action of an explosive or combustible fuel cannot be used.

2. Muzzleloader 

Muzzleloading rifles must have 18 inches or more extended barrels and be .40 caliber or bigger. 

Magnifying sights may be used. 

Legal muzzleloaders use flint, primer, percussion cap, or electronic pulse must have the bullet loaded through the muzzle and are incapable of firing a cartridge.

Hunters may use muzzleloading handguns with:

• barrels 9 inches or more extended
• .45 caliber or bigger if they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier), or
• .530 caliber or bigger if they shoot round balls.
•  As a backup to a muzzleloading rifle, a hunter can carry a muzzleloading handgun of any caliber

3. Modern Gun 

Modern guns may be used except:

• buckshot in a .410 shotgun.
• Shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot in any shotgun.
• Rimfire cartridges, military or full metal, jacketed ammunition.
• Handguns or centerfire rifles are lesser than .22 caliber.
• Handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches. 

            Modern guns are restricted to the following in Zone 4 and 5.

• shotguns .410 or bigger with slugs,
• handguns with barrels 4 to 10 inches extended chambered specifically for straight-walled certerfire cartridges loaded with lead, lead alloy, soft nose, and hollow-point bullets .30 caliber or bigger,
• muzzleloaders
• large bore air rifles

4. Large-bore Air Rifle 

It must be a minimum .40-caliber, shoot a single, expandable slug. It must produce at least 400 feet/pounds of energy at the muzzle and be charged from an external tank. Large-bore air rifles are illegal for harvesting bears or elk.

Small Game Hunting

Small Game hunting animals in Arkansas are rabbit, squirrel, and quail.

Rabbits can be hunted with a 20- or 12-gauge shotgun. The daily limit is eight, and the possession limit is 16.

Squirrels are plentiful game species in Arkansas and can be found in a wide variety of habitats throughout the state. Arkansas squirrel species include the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. 

Gray squirrels are likely to be found in more densely wooded areas, while the larger fox squirrel is more common along the edges of forests and in more open timber. 

Both species build nests inside the hollow cavities of trees.

Quail prefer a combination of open woods, thickets, native grasses, and weeds at the bottom of the sparse ankle- to waist-high vegetation. This allows food and a protective shield from predators as it ensures quails fly off quickly in case of danger.

Bobwhites rarely range more than a quarter-mile in suitable habitat. As a result, they require little space to survive, and the feeding ranges of groups may overlap. 

According to the quail’s age and season, they eat various insects and seeds. During spring, insects are the bobwhite’s main food source. Berries, seeds, and insects are the bobwhite’s diet throughout summer and fall. By winter, grass seeds and tiny acorns take over the quail’s diet.

Migratory bird hunters in Arkansas of the age 16 or older are required to carry proof of Arkansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration when hunting geese, ducks, doves, coots, woodcock. HIP registration must be completed when purchasing a license at any Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office. 

Furbearer hunters and trappers of the age 16 and older must be entitled to a valid Arkansas hunting license.

Small Game Hunting Weapons

Hunters can use air rifles on small games. The large-bore air rifle must be a minimum .40-caliber, shoot a single, expandable slug, produce at least 400 feet/pounds of the energy at the muzzle, and be charged from an external tank.

• Squirrels and rabbits cannot be hunted with rifles or handguns larger than .22 caliber rimfire or muzzleloaders larger than .40 caliber. This is an exception during the modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season, or coyote season.

• Squirrels and rabbits cannot be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot.

• Up to eight box traps with inside dimensions of 8 inches wide and 10 inches long are allowed.

• Furbearers can be hunted with archery equipment, firearms no bigger than .22 caliber rimfire, or shotguns with shots no bigger than T shot.

• Foxes, Bobcats, and Coyotes can be hunted with rifles and shotguns of any caliber during daylight hours. Bobcats and Coyotes may also be taken during open bear, deer, or spring turkey season with weapons legal for that season.

• Bobcats, opossums, and raccoons can be hunted at night only when treed by dogs and only with firearms no bigger than .22 caliber rimfire and shotguns with shots no larger than T shot.

Hunters and those accompanying hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of chartreuse, hunter orange or blaze camouflage from the waist above ,and a head garment.

Native Species

• One of the best-known native creatures in Arkansas is the American alligator. In Arkansas, alligators live in wetlands like those found at Cache River National Wildlife Refuge near Stuttgart. Also, in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. 

Now there are over 30,000 alligators residing in Arkansas.

• The deer in Arkansas is called White-tailed deer. In Arkansas, they are the only cervid, a hoofed animal with antlers found north of 36 degrees north latitude. This means they are the only cervids that live in Zone 6 of The Hardiness Zones of America. Male white-tailed deer are called bucks, and females are called does. 

The white in their name comes from these deer having a patch of fur on their butts, called a white patch or a white flag, which is used to attract mates during the rutting season.

• Elk in Arkansas are only found in the Ozark National Forest. 

They are also known as Wapiti, which comes from a Native American word meaning “light-colored.” Elk were first introduced to Arkansas in the 1940s and thriving ever since.

• Bear is abundant in the White River hills of Arkansas than anywhere else in the state.

• Rabbit habitat in Arkansas is found in every county. There are six different species of rabbits in Arkansas, but cottontail rabbits are the most common.

• Quail habitat in Arkansas is in the wooded, brushy areas of the state. There are six species of quail found in Arkansas.

• Squirrels 

• Crow

• Jake Turkey

• Duck– Duck species are scaup, wood ducks, pintail, redheads, canvasbacks, black ducks, mottled duck. 

• Goose -Three species found are Snow, Blue, and Ross’s

• Doves – The three species found are Mourning, White-Winged, and Eurasian Collared.

Public Lands

A wildlife management area (WMA) is an area designated by Arkansas, either within the boundaries of a state park or along public waterways, to protect and conserve native flora and fauna. 

Wildlife management areas are open to visitors for hiking, fishing, hunting during hunting seasons, boating, skiing/paddle-boating, and other outdoor recreational activities.

Camping is allowed only in designated spots.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission oversees Arkansas’s WMAs. All types of WMAs are designated for protecting native species, with hunting being allowed in these areas during hunting seasons to provide additional funds for management practices.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides some excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. 

The agency has acquired and purchased land to provide outdoor enthusiasts with places to hunt, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors. 

The Commission sets these designated areas and is distinguished by specific markers. Each WMA is considered a separate zone for wildlife regulations. 

With over 100 WMA spanning thousands of acres, the AGFC provides every Arkansan ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

• Bayou Des Arc WMA is a 953-acre wildlife management area receiving its name from Des Arc, a historic river town on the White River in Prairie County. It is 5 miles north of the city of Des Arc on Highway 11. A free annual General Use Permit is required to hunt or trap this WMA. 

The frequently hunted species are Swamp rabbits, deer, ducks, and squirrels. It provides a fantastic opportunity to observe many wetland birds and Neotropical migrants for bird enthusiasts and photographers and allows primitive camping.

• Caney Creek WMA is in the Ouachita Mountains, about 12 miles southeast of Mena, consisting of 85,000 acres of rough mountain terrain and narrow valleys. In addition to the Little Missouri and Cossatot rivers, several smaller streams like Sugar Creek, Mine Creek, Crooked Creek, Blaylock Creek, and East Saline Creek. Shady Lake, an artificial lake, is located on the south side of the management area. 

The area has endless free camping opportunities. Many big and small game hunting exist on the WMA, including deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, furbearers, rabbits, bobwhite, raccoon, mourning dove, coyote, snipe, and ducks. The area is famous for its high-quality deer potential. 

Squirrel hunting can be outstanding following a year of good hard mast production. Caney Creek Wilderness Area has 14,433 acres and a couple of trails to hike and offers Whitewater kayaking on the Cossatot River.

• Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois D’Arc WMA consisting primarily of bottomland hardwood   habitats is a 660-acre Greentree waterfowl area and 16 miles south of Hope. Established as a WMA in the 1950s, it allows primitive campsites around the lake. 

The main objective of this management area is to offer high-quality wildlife habitat and public hunting opportunities like waterfowl, deer, squirrel, quail, and rabbits. Along with hunting, it provides the best fishing and bird-watching opportunities.

• Earl Buss Bayou DeView WMA comprises 4,501 acres located in western Poinsett County. 

The WMA lies along the Bayou DeView River, comprising three tracts of land, namely, the Thompson, Oliver, and Martin tracts. It is noted for Fall squirrel hunting. In addition, the area supports an abundant deer population. 

Hunting has been limited to archery lately due to the small size of the area. Every hunting season, trophy-class bucks are taken on and around the Bayou DeView area.

• Gum Flatts WMA is located in Little River County between Ashdown and Foreman with the purpose of quality wildlife habitat and public hunting opportunities. 

This WMA, primarily consisting of intensively managed pine timberlands and mixed pine/hardwood tracts allow for camping at designated campsites. 

Regulations for seasons and permit requirements are revised every year for deer, quail, rabbits, squirrel, and turkey. Other recreational activities include good fishing at Millwood Lake.

• Poison Springs WMA is entirely located in the West Gulf Coastal Plain Region. 

The tracts are mostly of an Upland habitat type that makeup Poison Springs WMA, is located in Nevada, and Ouachita Counties are widely scattered. 

These tracts are characterized by rolling hills, pine and upland oaks, sandy soils, and tiny streams. 

Turkey and deer hunting are good to excellent throughout the area. Quail, squirrel, and rabbit hunting are fair to good in old fields, clear-cuts, and wildlife openings. 

Other than hunting in this WMA, recreational activities are excellent fishing opportunities at White Oak Lake. The lake is noted for its bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish. In addition, eagles and many other interesting migratory bird species can be spotted around the lake in the fall and winter. 

• Sylamore WMA lies in four north-central Arkansas counties; Searcy, Stone, Marion, and Baxter. It is approximately 12 miles south of Mountain Home and 6 miles north of Mountain View. 

Camping is allowed anywhere on the WMA. Other camping areas are found in the surrounding communities, the Ozark Folk Center, and sites along the lakes and rivers. 

Most of the area is oak-hickory stands with some intermingled pure pine stands. The WMA topography is a section of the Ozark Mountains, Springfield plateau. The elevation ranges from 1,250-1,700 feet, with the rock cliffs mainly made of limestone. 

There are many streams for fishing and camping with three small lakes; 

Mirror Lake (at Blanchard Springs), Gunner Pool Lake, and Hayden Pond. Sylamore entails a wide range of hunting opportunities for upland game, from excellent hunting for quality turkey and deer scattered throughout to limited hunting of bear and quail, which are very challenging to find. 

For many years, Sylamore WMA has been known as one of the best grey squirrel areas in the state. Dove is found sparsely in pasture field systems and food plots. 

Rabbits are found numerously in improved or semi-maintained fields. Furbearers like raccoons, bobcats, foxes, etc., are found in large quantities.

• Trusten Holder WMA is a shared ownership land between AGFC (4,406 acres), USFWS (1,490 acres), and US Army Corps of Engineers (4,372 acres). 

There are five basic camping sites located in Arkansas County. The area is a typical hardwood area with many different types of trees, including overcup oak, Nuttall oak, sugarberry, ash, and persimmon. 

An oxbow lake also provides suitable wetland habitat for the area’s native wildlife and migrating waterfowl. 

Trusten Holder WMA requires a permit is for Muzzleloading hunts. Deer hunting opportunities are excellent but allowed with only primitive hunting weapons. There is also moderate to good hunting opportunity for turkey, squirrel, rabbit, furbearers, quail, dove, waterfowl, and woodcock. 

During the winter, you can enjoy the sights of Bald and Golden eagles along the Arkansas White ship canal.

• Wedington WMA is located 13 miles west of Fayetteville, owned by the USDA Forest Service Cabins are available for an overnight stay, but there are no campgrounds. 

The beautiful Lake Wedington is a popular fishing spot in Northwest Arkansas. The entire property consists of beautiful hardwood timber forests with wildlife openings that encourage game travel. 

Wedington WMA allows for modern gun permit hunts for youth and non-youth hunters. 

This area is known to have a healthy population of deer, and many bucks are harvested each year, but deer hunting is only limited to bow. 

You will also have the chance to hunt squirrels and rabbits on this WMA.

Regulatory Agency

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission was created in 1915. However, it was not until 1944 that the Commission gained the power to make lasting wildlife regulations with the passage of Amendment 35 in Arkansas’s General Election.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s objective is to help conserve and improve the state’s fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also work to promote responsible use of these resources, educate the public about them, and get public support.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been working for over 100 years overseeing the protection, conservation, and preservation of fish and wildlife in Arkansas. They work to ensure that the state remains true to its official nickname, ” The Natural State.”

People are an essential part of ensuring that wildlife populations stay healthy. Therefore, the agency provides programs that educate people about taking care of the environment and following the rules so that collectively all can help make sure that wildlife is taken care of. 

This includes learning more through educational programs, understanding hunting, and fishing regulations, and being more environmentally conscious and aware.

The AGFC is responsible for inspecting hunters and anglers to ensure they are not breaking the law. If someone is caught poaching or violating any game laws, they can be arrested or given a citation.

The agency is responsible for:

• Issuing hunting and fishing permits and licenses.
• Governing and monitoring the WMA’s wildlife and habitat.
• Setting up rules and regulations for hunters and anglers.

Benefits of coming to Hunt in Arkansas

Have you ever considered hunting in Arkansas?

Arkansas has so many great benefits for hunters of all kinds, including some of the best places and activities. 

This state has everything from plentiful wildlife to beautiful landscapes, making it fun for all skill levels. There are many different places that will provide you with the optimal hunting experience.

With its diverse landscape and abundance of game, Arkansas offers something for hunters of all kinds. Arkansas has you covered whether you are looking for an action-packed hunt or a more leisurely experience. 

If you are looking for somewhere new to go on your next hunting trip, consider Arkansas!

Let’s have a look at some of the fantastic benefits of coming to hunt in Arkansas

• Great climate: The climate of this state is perfect for most types of hunting. For those who like to hunt in the colder months, there is a good chance you will find some open areas and parks for this kind of activity.

• Great wildlife: There are many different types of wildlife found throughout the state. The average hunter has a large variety to choose from when they come up with their hunting plan.

• Plenty of lands: There are plenty of different types of land that you can use to your advantage for this activity. One great example is the Buffalo National River, where you can take advantage of plenty of lands while also enjoying some interesting historical sites.

• Affordable: Arkansas is very affordable when it comes to this activity. The average cost of things like licenses, hotels, and restaurants is very much reasonable.

• Unique landscapes: Some of the most exciting features that this state has to offer are seen through its landscapes. Whether your preference is mountains, valleys, plains, or waterways, this area has plenty of it.

• Low population: The state of Arkansas also has a lower population meaning that people are less likely to have issues with overcrowding when they try this activity. This makes it easier for everyone who wants to try it to have a chance.

• Recreational activities: There are so many great locations and activities that you can enjoy while hunting in Arkansas, there is a good chance you will never get bored. Whether your preference is fishing, boating, or just enjoying the scenery, there will always be something for you to do.

• Good for all skill levels: Hunting is not limited to those who are experienced. Anyone can go out and try it, even if you have never done it before. There are many locations that will be more than happy to teach you how to do this activity.

• Best amenities: There are over 100,000 acres of trophy-caliber hunting land with all the amenities you would expect, including guided hunts and exclusive access.

• Hunting opportunity: The Natural State is one of the best states for taking trophy bucks with bowhunting gear.

Bottom Line

Arkansas is a great place to hunt. With hundreds of thousands of acres available for hunting, not many places can beat Arkansas when it comes to an area where you can consistently go out and put meat on the table. 

Arkansas’s largest conservation project ever was completed by Ducks Unlimited in 2014. Thanks to this project, more than 120,000 acres of waterfowl habitat are available for hunters. Not only are the ducks returning to these areas, so are deer and other types of wildlife.

The Game and Fish Commission is also working hard with its partners to ensure that Arkansas continues to offer some amazing opportunities for hunters. 

With over 30 different game species and numerous opportunities to fish, there is no shortage of opportunity in The Natural State. If you choose to hunt, there are over 100 Wildlife Management Areas by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plus national wildlife refuges, national forests, and a variety of other programs. During September through December is the general deer gun season, and there is also special archery, muzzleloader, and crossbow season.

It is said that luck in hunting comes when preparation meets opportunity. In Arkansas, you will find an abundance of opportunities to hunt different types of wildlife on public land. 

The state has plenty of deer, plus black bear and elk. There are liberal regulations in place for hunting these animals during different seasons using archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and modern guns.

In addition to the animals, you can hunt, Arkansas is a migratory flyway for many types of birds. If you are a bird hunter, there are plenty of opportunities to shoot some quail. 

Hunters can find these birds while hunting in open fields or while walking through thick brush along creeks and rivers where they have been eating. Arkansas is also home to some great places for fishing. 

The White River is well known for its excellent trout fishing, and it’s easily accessible from Little Rock. 

If you are an avid hunter or just starting, come to the Ozarks. There is something for everyone! Arkansas has different species of deer, turkey, dove, duck, and more! In addition, there are thousands of acres worth of land for you to explore. 

Many hunters come to the Ozarks for the abundant deer and turkey population. Not only can you hunt, but many parks have fishing lakes, swim beaches, and even camping sites. 

There is no place else than Arkansas where you can enjoy hunting as a family tradition.

This is just a sampling of what Arkansas has to offer for hunters, but it should get you excited about the state and what it offers. So now grab your gear and a hunting buddy, put a big turkey or buck in your sights, and come on down to Arkansas.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next hunting trip to the Natural State today!