Arkansas Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Arkansas hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to apply through AGFC.
Arkansas Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $10.50 — Non-Resident: from $410.00
- Managed by: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military, landowner
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.agfc.com/en/licensing/
Arkansas Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Arkansas is a top-tier hunting state in the mid-South, managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The state is best known for world-class duck hunting in the flooded timber and rice fields of the Mississippi Flyway, but also offers excellent opportunities for white-tailed deer, turkey, elk (limited draw), and small game. Hunting licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Arkansas uses an affordable tiered system — the Wildlife Conservation License ($10.50) is the basic entry point, while the Sportsman's Permit ($25) covers all game species including six deer tags. Bear and turkey tags are free with the appropriate license. Non-residents should note the significant price difference, with annual all-game licenses at $410. Hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1969.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Wildlife Conservation (HNT) | $10.50 | — | 1 year | Small game, furbearers, 1 deer tag |
| Resident Sportsman's Permit | $25.00 | — | 1 year | All game + 6 deer tags + bear/turkey tags |
| Resident Combination Sportsman's | $35.50 | — | 1 year | Hunting + fishing + 6 deer tags |
| NR Annual Hunting (all game) | — | $410.00 | 1 year | Includes 6 deer tags |
| NR 5-Day Hunting | — | $225.00 | 5 days | 2 deer tags included |
| NR 3-Day Deer Hunting | — | $175.00 | 3 days | |
| NR Turkey Tag | — | $100.00 | Season | |
| NR Bear Permit | — | $300.00 | Season | |
| NR Annual Small Game | — | $110.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Annual Turkey | — | $325.00 | 1 year | 1 turkey tag |
| NR Bear Tag | — | $300.00 | Season | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 | $30.00 | 1 year |
Prices from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Arkansas license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born after January 1, 1969. Deferred hunter education available for one-year exemption.
How to Buy a Arkansas Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Arkansas.
Need help? Call Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 501-223-6300
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Arkansas Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 26 | February 28 | 2026-27 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Modern Gun | November 14 | December 13 | 2026 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | October 17 | October 25 | 2026 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | April 19 | May 11 | 2027 dates |
| Turkey | Fall | October 1 | February 28 | 2026-27 dates |
| Duck | General | November 21 | January 31 | 2026-27 dates |
| Elk | Draw Only | September 14 | January 31 | 2026-27 dates; Limited draw permits only |
| Bear | General | October 1 | November 30 | 2026 dates |
View full Arkansas season regulations on AGFC
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Reduced ($5) | Youth hunters aged 17 and under |
| Senior | Available ($25) | 65+ annual hunting license at $25 |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled residents may qualify for reduced 3-year licenses ($25) |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Arkansas |
| Landowner | Exempt on own land | Resident landowners hunting on their own property |
Arkansas Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Arkansas official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- A minimum of 400 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange required above the waist during modern gun deer and bear seasons.
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone regulations apply in specific counties.
- Bear and turkey tags are free for residents with appropriate license.
- All harvested game must be reported through the AGFC harvest reporting system.
Read full Arkansas regulations on AGFC
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Arkansas Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Arkansas Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Arkansas?
The most affordable option is the Resident Wildlife Conservation License at $10.50 for small game and one deer. The Resident Sportsman's Permit costs $25 and covers all game with 6 deer tags. Non-residents pay $410 annually.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Arkansas?
Yes, hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1969. A deferred hunter education option allows one year of hunting while completing the course.
Can non-residents hunt in Arkansas?
Yes. Non-residents need an Annual Hunting License ($410) for all game, or can purchase shorter-term options: 5-day ($225) or 3-day deer ($175). Additional permits needed for turkey ($325) and bear ($300).
What is the deer season in Arkansas?
Archery runs late September through February. Modern gun season is typically November through early December. Muzzleloader season is in October.
Are there free hunting licenses in Arkansas?
Bear and turkey tags are free for residents with an appropriate hunting license. Youth licenses are reduced to $5. There are no completely free hunting licenses.
Can I buy an Arkansas hunting license online?
Yes, through the AGFC website or at authorized retailers throughout the state. You can also call 501-223-6300.