Arkansas Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Did you know you could hunt alligators in The Natural State? Arkansas’ hunting seasons offer the opportunity, along with bear, elk, turkey and deer seasons.
Arkansas hunting licenses and permits can be purchased online, and different rates are available based on season, hunting method, residency and other special designations.
The state Game and Fish Commission provides hunting access on several private land areas throughout Arkansas. Six areas in mid and southern Arkansas are available, but a permit is required to access these areas.
Arkansas Alligator Seasons
| General Season | Sept. 15-18 Sept. 22-25 |
Alligator hunting is only permitted by a hunting permit drawing. Only one alligator may be bagged per season, and hunting is only permitted at night. Selected hunters are required to attend a hunter orientation course.
Arkansas Bear Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 13-Nov. 30 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 21-29 |
| Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 30** |
| Youth Modern Gun | Nov. 4-5 |
Dates and bag limits vary by zone. Some zones are closed to bear hunting. Baiting bears is not permitted on public lands, though it is allowed on private property in designated bear zones. Bear hunting seasons may close early if a harvest quota is reached.
Arkansas Deer Seasons, Opening Dates*
| Archery | Sept. 23-Feb. 29 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. Oct. 21-29 Dec. 9-11** |
| Modern Gun | Nov. 11-Dec. 25** |
| Special Youth Hunt | Nov. 4-5 and Jan. 6-7 |
| Christmas Holiday Hunt | Dec. 26-28 |
| Private Land Antlerless Only | Dec. 29-31 |
**Season end dates vary by zone. Statewide limit of 6 deer per season with no more than 2 bucks. Some take method seasons may be closed in some areas.
Arkansas Elk Seasons
| Public Land | Oct. 2-6 Oct. 30-Nov. 3 |
| Youth Hunt | Oct. 7-8 Oct. 31-Nov. 4 |
Permits are required to hunt elk on private and public lands. Youth Hunt is the first two days of each season. Bag limits vary by zone. Elk found outside Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties may be taken during deer season with the correct weapon.
Arkansas Turkey Seasons
| Spring 2023 Turkey Season | Zone 1: Apr. 15-23 Zone 2: Apr. 15-May 5 |
| Youth Hunt | Apr. 6-7 |
Arkansas Small Game Seasons
| Quail | Nov. 1-Feb. 5 |
| Rabbit | Sept. 1-Feb. 29 |
| Squirrel | May 15-Feb. 29 |
| Beaver, Nutria | Sept. 1-March 31 |
| Bobcat | Sept. 1-Feb. 29 April 150May 5 (day hunting only) |
| Coyote | Open season |
| Opossum | Open season |
| Raccoon | Open season |
| Striped Skunk | Open season |
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Arkansas hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. In many seasons, hunting with dogs is not permitted. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.