Early Velvet Archery Deer Hunt 2026

Big Game

Arkansas’s big game species include white-tailed deer, black bear, elk, and alligator, as well as wild turkey. Deer hunting is popular and licenses come with multiple deer tags (residents receive up to six deer tags with their Sportsman’s License).

Most deer hunting is over-the-counter for residents, but non-residents are subject to quotas and must purchase a Nonresident Deer Permit. Arkansas does not require a lottery for general deer tags, though certain public land hunts (WMAs) and controlled hunts are allocated by draw to reduce crowding.

Black bear seasons are available in designated zones; residents hunting bear must obtain a free Bear Permit (one bear limit), while non-residents must purchase a Nonresident Bear Permit ($300) in addition to a non-resident hunting license.

Elk hunting in Arkansas is very limited – a small number of permits are issued via lottery to residents (primarily in the Buffalo River area). Non-residents are generally only allowed to hunt elk on private lands and must buy a Nonresident Elk Permit ($300) (with landowner permission).

Alligator hunting is available by lottery: Arkansas holds a public draw each year in June for a limited number of alligator tags. Non-residents cannot obtain public land alligator permits (they may only hunt alligator on private land with a landowner’s tags and a Nonresident Alligator Permit $300).

Wild turkey in Arkansas requires a turkey tag or permit as well – residents get two turkey tags with their license, and non-residents must purchase a Nonresident Turkey Permit (~$100) in addition to a non-resident license. Turkey seasons (spring) have bag limits and may require applying if hunting certain public areas, but there is no state-wide lottery for general turkey tags.

Small Game

A basic hunting license allows hunting of all small game and upland birds. Migratory bird hunting (doves, waterfowl, woodcock, etc.) requires completion of a free HIP registration. Waterfowl hunters must have an Arkansas State Waterfowl Stamp ($7 for residents, $50 for non-residents) in addition to the Federal Duck Stamp. Arkansas is renowned for duck hunting and places some limits on non-resident waterfowl hunting on certain WMAs.

Other small game like bobwhite quail, pheasant (stocked), rabbits, and furbearers can be hunted with a standard license (a Furbearer Harvest Permit is needed to trap or sell pelts).

Hog hunting on public lands is possible under the general hunting license with the exception of some WMA that require special permits. Hog hunting on private lands is possible without a license with landowner’s permission all year round.

Documents Required

• A valid Arkansas Hunting License
• Species-specific Permits/Tags for certain big game: e.g. Bear Permit, Elk Permit, Alligator Permit, or Turkey Tag.
• Federal Duck Stamp and Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp (for waterfowl hunting), and HIP registration for migratory birds.
• Hunter Education Card (proof of completion) – required to buy a license for ages 16+, unless hunting under supervision
• If hunting on certain public lands or participating in drawn hunts: any required WMA permits or hunt-specific tags

Minimum Hunter Age

Arkansas has no minimum age for hunting under adult supervision. Hunters under age 16 may hunt without hunter education as long as they are under the direct supervision of a licensed adult age 21 or older. At age 16, a person is eligible to purchase a license and must have a Hunter Education certificate

More information

• agfc.com - Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website