Arkansas Hunting Guidebook

Transcription

1 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook A

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3 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 2 Natural Resources Drive Little Rock, Arkansas (501) (800) Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioners Freddie Black, Chairman, Lake Village Brett Morgan, Vice Chairman, Little Rock Craig Campbell, Little Rock Scott Henderson, Director Communications Nancy Ledbetter, Director Education Lucy Moreland, Chief Enforcement Col. Chris Carpenter, Chief Engineering Dale Gunter, Chief Fiscal Ray Sebren, Chief Financial Officer George Dunklin Jr., DeWitt Ron Pierce, Mountain Home Rick Watkins, Little Rock AGFC Administration Mike Gibson, Deputy Director Guidebook Staff William Merriott: Designer Janet Greenwood: Wildlife Management Division Guidebook Task Force: Wildlife: Doyle Shook, Janet Greenwood Enforcement: Colonel Chris Carpenter, Major Robbie Stout Fiscal: Alice Browning Legal: Robert Jackson Fisheries: Andrea Daniel Communications: Nancy Ledbetter, Keith Stephens, William Merriott Operations: Jack Huckaby Fisheries Mike Armstrong, Chief Geographic Information Systems Tracy Moy, Chief Information Technology Darla Bryant, Chief Human Resources Pamela Hickman, Chief Personnel Officer David Goad, Deputy Director Disclaimer To Be Announced To Be Announced Kim Smith, Ph.D. (ex-officio), University of Arkansas Loren Hitchcock, Deputy Director Legal Jim Goodhart, Chief Counsel Operations Mike Wilson, Chief River Basins Craig Uyeda, Chief Wildlife Doyle Shook, Chief This publication is an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission s hunting regulations and contains those rules which affect most hunters. It is not a legal document. Copies of the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Code of Regulations are available by calling (501) or writing to the Communications Division of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR The regulations in this publication are those passed by the Commission. If any variation occurs at a Commission meeting after this publication goes to press, it will be widely publicized. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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5 Contents Categories match section colors AGFC Contact Information... 4 General Hunting This Year New This Season... 5 Season Dates Summary Regulations Schedule... 8 Licensing and Permits License Costs Lifetime Licenses Reciprocal Licenses Deferred Hunter Education Licenses.16 Leased Lands Permits Game Tags... Pull-out Section in Center Hunting Regulations Violation Points...22 Carcass Importation...24 Legal Hunting Equipment Hunter Orange Requirements...26 Hunting Dogs...26 Nuisance Animals Hunting on Private Property...27 Permission to Hunt Card...27 Hunting Near a Residence...28 Posting Land Requirements...28 USDA Forest Service Regulations and Permit Natural Heritage Commission...30 Wildlife Regulations Checking Game...37 Deer Bear Fall Turkey Other Big Game...47 Quail, Rabbit and Squirrel...48 Migratory Game Birds...48 Crow...48 Furbearer Hunting Furbearer Trapping Flood Prone Regions Wildlife Management Areas WMA Index General WMA Regulations WMA-specific Regulations NWR Regulations Index Cover Photo: Jason Crader Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

6 Contact Information Wildlife Hotline (800) Stop Poaching Hotline (800) *TIP (*847) for Alltel users #TIP (#847) for Cingular users (charges apply) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Boating Education Classes (877) (office hours) Deer, Turkey or Elk Permits (501) (office hours) Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (501) (office hours) Buy a License (800) (toll-free) 24 hours a day, seven days a week Triple Trophy Program (501) (office hours) Replace a Lost License (800) (office hours) Hunter Education Classes or Replace a Lost Hunter Education Card (800) (office hours) Northwest Regional Office 455 Dam Site Rd. Eureka Springs, AR Toll-free: (866) East Central Regional Office 1201 North Highway 49 Brinkley, AR Toll-free: (877) North Central Regional Office 1414 Highway 56 East Calico Rock, AR Toll-free: (877) South Central Regional Office 500 Ben Lane Camden, AR Toll-free: (877) Fort Smith Regional Office 8000 Taylor Ave. Fort Smith, AR Toll-free: (877) AGFC Regional Offices Southwest Regional Office 7004 Highway 67 East Perrytown, AR Toll-free: (877) Hot Springs Regional Office 350 Fish Hatchery Rd. Hot Springs, AR Toll-free: (877) Northeast Regional Office 2920 McClellan Dr., Ste Jonesboro, AR Toll-free: (877) Southeast Regional Office 771 Jordan Dr. Monticello, AR Toll-free: (877) West Central Regional Office 1266 Lock and Dam Rd. Russellville, AR Toll-free: (877) Arkansans with Disabilities The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is committed to providing equal access to programs and facilities. If you would like to suggest how we can better provide more reasonable accommodations for disabled persons at any agency-owned property or facility, please write to: Compliance Officer - Human Resources; Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; 2 Natural Resources Drive; Little Rock, AR Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

7 New This Season General Hunting This Year New This Season Holders of a 65+ Lifetime Hunting License or a 65+ Lifetime Combination License may harvest a deer during the statewide youth hunt when accompanying a hunter 15 years or younger. This deer must comply with standard zone and WMA restrictions and is not considered a bonus deer. There will be no split in modern gun deer season in deer zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, including WMAs in these zones. Zone doe quota permits have been increased in deer zones 3, 6, 7 and 8. A zone deer quota permit is not required to harvest a doe in deer zones 2, 3 and 6 during the Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Season. Youths hunting during the statewide special youth hunt may harvest their seasonal bag limit. The elk harvest quota in elk zone B has been increased to seven antlerless elk. Three bull elk tags in elk zone B will be issued to landowners in that zone by random draw. These tags may be transferred by the landowner. Dagmar WMA has been renamed to Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA. Fall modern gun turkey season has been opened in turkey zone 5B and on the St. Francis National Forest WMA. Fall modern gun turkey season has been closed in turkey zones 1, 2 and 7. This includes WMAs in these zones. Fall turkey modern gun season dates have changed. Shooting across or hunting within 100 feet of any private road controlled by the AGFC through a recreational public hunting lease or conservation easement agreement on any WMA is prohibited (see exceptions on Page 70). See Page 17 for Leased Land WMAs. All concealed handgun permit holders must identify themselves to a wildlife officer when complying with an inspection pertaining to birds, fish, game or other wildlife resources. The Quail Restoration Area on Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA is now open to quail and rabbit hunting. Bear archery season in zone 2 opens Sept. 15. The boundaries for bear zones 2 and 5 have changed. Anyone trapping during the regular season except for those trapping nuisance wildlife on their property must obtain a free resident trapper permit. A week has been added to the end of furbearer trapping season General Hunting Public Meetings will be held around the state Jan. 6, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. Locations will be publicized prior to the meetings. Call (800) , or visit for details. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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9 General Hunting This Year Season Dates Summary Season Dates Summary Deer Page 38 Archery: Statewide: Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, Muzzleloader: Deer zones 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15: Oct and Dec , Deer zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Oct and Dec , Deer zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: closed. Modern gun: Deer zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11: Nov. 8-30, Deer zone 4: Nov. 8-9, Bear Page 44 Archery: Bear zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30, Bear zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30, Bear zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Muzzleloader: Bear zones 1 and 2: Oct , Bear zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Modern Gun: Bear zones 1 and 2: Nov. 3-30, Deer zone 5: Nov. 8-9 and Nov , Deer zones 4B and 5B: Nov. 8-16, Deer zones 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15: Nov. 8-Dec. 7, Deer zones 9 and 12: Nov. 8-Dec. 14, Deer zones 16, 16A and 17: Nov. 8-Dec. 25, Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Hunt: Statewide: Dec , Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt: Statewide: Nov. 1-2, Bear zone 5: Dec. 6-14, 2008 (closes earlier if quota is reached). Bear zone 5A: Nov. 29-Dec. 14, 2008 (closes earlier if quota is reached). Bear zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: closed. Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt: Bear zones 1 and 2: Nov. 1-2, Bear zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Turkey (Fall) Page 46 Archery: Statewide: Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, Firearms: Turkey zones 3, 5B, 6 and 17: Oct , Turkey zones 1, 1A, 2, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 9A and 10: closed. Elk Page 47 Elk zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and A: Sept , 2008 and Dec. 8-12, Elk zone B: Dec. 8-12, Quail Page 48 Nov. 1, 2008-Feb. 8, Rabbit Page 48 Sept. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, Squirrel Page 48 Sept. 6, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009 and May 16-June 14, Crow Page 48 Sept. 6, 2008-Feb. 23, Thursdays-Mondays only. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

10 General Hunting This Year Season Dates Summary Furbearers Page 49 Furbearer trapping (other than coyote, beaver, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 15, 2008-sunset, Feb. 22, Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1, 2008-sunset, March 31, Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 15, 2008-sunset, March 31, Gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1, 2008-sunset, Feb. 28, Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31, Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1, 2008-sunset, March 31, Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1, 2008-sunset Feb. 28, 2009 and from the first day of Spring Turkey Season through June 14. Coyote hunting: sunrise, July 1, 2008-sunset Feb. 28, 2009 and from the first day of Spring Turkey Season through June 14. River otter hunting: sunrise, Nov. 15, 2008-sunset, Feb. 28, Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1, 2008-sunset, March 31, Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: closed. Regulations Schedule Commission meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of each month to consider changes to AGFC regulations. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for meeting times and locations. Information regarding regulation changes is available from the Arkansas Outdoors e-newsletter, newspapers, radio and television or by directly contacting the AGFC. Meeting January February March April May June July August September October November General hunting regulations public input meetings. General hunting regulations proposed. General hunting regulations adopted. Fishing considerations. Fisheries regulations public input meetings. Waterfowl public input meetings. Early migratory bird regulations proposed. Early migratory bird regulations adopted. Late migratory bird regulations proposed. Late migratory bird regulations adopted. Fishing regulations adopted. Spring turkey regulations public input meetings. Spring turkey regulations proposed. Spring turkey regulations adopted. Special fishing regulations adopted. 8 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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14 Licensing and Permits General Information Licensing and Permits What kinds of licenses or permits do I need to hunt in Arkansas? If you are 16 or older, an Arkansas hunting license is required to hunt wildlife unless you are on a licensed game-bird shooting resort that supplies pen-raised birds. The license must be carried with you. You may not possess a license that belongs to someone else or one that has been altered, backdated or counterfeited. If you are a nonresident, you may not possess a resident license. If you guide, aid or assist someone else for pay or other value, you must have a guide license. Where can I find a license dealer? Sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains and AGFC offices listed on Page 4 sell most licenses. How do I buy a license by telephone? Call (501) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area. Or call (800) 364-GAME (4263) 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Please have your credit card and an identification number ready. Your identification number can be a driver s license, Social Security number, hunter education number, state ID number or passport number. Small game and fishing privileges become effective immediately. A valid license obtained by mail from the AGFC must be in your possession before hunting big game (deer, turkey, bear, elk or alligator). Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone or online. How do I buy a license online? Licenses may be purchased online at You will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or MasterCard number. A receipt and confirmation number will be printed on your home printer. A valid license obtained by mail from AGFC must be in your possession before you may hunt big game (deer, turkey, bear, elk or alligator). Small game hunting and fishing privileges are effective at the time of purchase. How do I replace a lost license? You may be able to get a replacement for a lost license at a reduced cost. Call (501) or (800) during office hours for details. Do I qualify as a resident? A resident is any person who physically inhabits a bona fide residence within Arkansas for at least 60 days and declares themselves a full-time resident of Arkansas. Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase annual resident licenses: resident foreign exchange students attending school outside of Arkansas; nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; residents of Arkansas enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities outside of Arkansas; and nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas. Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident. Active-duty military personnel assigned to duty stations in Arkansas are granted annual or trip resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Activeduty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are granted annual or trip resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are stationed. Are there any additional residency requirements for licenses? The Resident Special Guide License has a one-year residency requirement. The Non-expiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportman s permits, 65 Plus Lifetime Hunting License and the 65 Plus Lifetime Combination License have a 60-day residency requirement. What are disability licenses? Resident disabled hunters may purchase a three-year disability hunting license for $25 or a three-year 12 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

15 Licensing and Permits General Information combination license for $35.50 (includes fishing privileges). Proof of 60 day s Arkansas residency and proof of 100 percent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board is required. These licenses expire three years from the date of purchase. These licenses are available through the Little Rock AGFC Office. Other required permits and stamps must be purchased annually. Who needs to register for HIP? Hunters 16 or older are required to carry proof of Arkansas Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration when hunting ducks, geese, doves, coots, woodcocks, snipe, rails, gallinules or moorhens. Available at no charge, HIP registration can be obtained by completing a short survey at license dealers or any Game and Fish Commission office and will be noted on the license form. Which licenses do hunting guides need? A guide is someone who guides hunters for pay or other consideration. An Arkansas resident may guide hunters on land not owned or leased by the AGFC with a Resident Guide License ($25). An Arkansas resident, who provides proof of at least one year s residency, may guide hunters, but not waterfowl hunters, on land owned or leased by the AGFC with the Resident Special Guide License ($150). There is no nonresident equivalent of this license. A nonresident may guide hunters on land not owned or leased by the AGFC with the Nonresident Guide License/Hunting ($150). Hunting guide licenses expire June 30 and do not include hunting privileges. These licenses are available from AGFC offices listed on Page 4. Who needs a hunter education card? A hunter born after 1968 must carry a valid hunter education card, unless HE-VERIFIED is noted on your hunting license. Hunters under 16 do not need to have a card if they are under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid hunting license at least 21 years of age. Arkansas honors the home state hunter education cards of nonresidents. Call (800) or check for a class schedule. Which commercial or wildlife-related activities require a license or permit? Resident Fur Dealer ($50), Nonresident Fur Dealer ($200), Resident Trappers Permit (Free), Wildlife Breeder/Dealer s Permit ($50), Commercial Wildlife Hunting Resort Permit ($500), Special Commercial Quail Permit ($25) and Game-bird Shooting Resort ($150). A complete list is available. Call (800) ext during business hours. These licenses expire June 30. Which other wildlife-related activities require a license or permit? These include falconry, alligator or alligator snapping turtle commerce or farming. Call (800) ext during business hours for information about these licenses or permits. Get the inside scoop on duck populations by signing up for the Arkansas Weekly Waterfowl Report. The report is a seasonal newsletter loaded with weather patterns, duck numbers and habitat conditions on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission s Wildlife Management Areas. Biologists throughout the state submit reports from hunters and locals so you can keep track of the ducks without leaving the house. This free weekly e-newsletter is ed to you each Wednesday during waterfowl season or it can be read online each week. If you would like to sign up for this free newsletter, just go to or send an to arkansasoutdoors@agfc.com. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

16 Licensing and Permits License Costs License Costs Resident Sportsman s License (RS) $25 Resident Wildlife Conservation License (HNT) $10.50 Resident Trapper s Permit (TP) Free Nonresident Annual All Game Hunting License (NBG) $300 Nonresident 5-Day All Game Hunting License (AG5) $150 Nonresident 3-Day All Game Hunting License (AG3) $100 Nonresident Annual Small Game Hunting License (NRH) $80 Nonresident 5-Day Small Game Hunting License (SG5) $55 Nonresident Trapper s Permit (NFT) $125 Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp $7 (DSR) Resident $20 (DSN) Nonresident Entitles the holder to hunt all game species using modern gun, muzzleloader or archery, and to take a total bag limit of deer. Valid through June 30. Four deer tags and four turkey tags are included with this license. Entitles the holder to hunt furbearers, migratory birds, quail, rabbit and squirrel and to take one deer using modern gun. Valid through June 30. One deer tag is included with this license. Entitles a holder of a resident hunting license to trap furbearers. Valid through June 30. May be obtained at or (800) , ext Entitles the holder to hunt all game species using modern gun, muzzleloader or archery. Valid through June 30. Four deer tags and four turkey tags are included with this license. Entitles the holder to hunt all game species for the five-day period specified. Two deer tags and two turkey tags are included with this license. Entitles the holder to hunt all game species for the threeday period specified. One deer tag and one turkey tag are included with this license. Entitles the holder to hunt migratory birds, quail, rabbit and squirrels. Valid through June 30. Entitles the holder to hunt migratory birds, quail, rabbit and squirrel for the five-day period specified. Entitles a holder of a nonresident hunting license to trap furbearers. Valid through June 30. Entitles hunting license holders to hunt waterfowl. Not required of youths under 16 or holders of a nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Sportsman s Permit. Stamp must be signed across the face in ink. Valid through June 30. Federal Duck Stamp and HIP registration are required. Details of the 65 Plus Lifetime Waterfowl Permit are on Page 15. Licenses are nontransferable and nonrefundable. 14 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

17 Licensing and Permits Lifetime Licenses Lifetime Licenses 65 Plus Lifetime Hunting License ($25) entitles Arkansas residents 65 or older to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman s License. A Resident Trapper s Permit is required to trap furbearers. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, a state lifetime waterfowl permit (purchased once after age 65) and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. Proof of applicant s age and 60 days of Arkansas residency are required to apply for this license. See Page Plus Lifetime Combination License ($35.50) entitles Arkansas residents 65 or older to the privileges of the resident Sportsman s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A Resident Trapper s Permit is required to trap furbearers. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, a state lifetime waterfowl permit (purchased once after age 65) and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A lifetime trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Proof of age and proof of residency for the past 60 days must be furnished. The lifetime waterfowl permit and lifetime trout permit are available from the AGFC Little Rock Office and AGFC regional offices (Page 4). If you wish to purchase a license in person, bring proof of your age, such as a driver s license, birth certificate or military record and proof of 60 days of Arkansas residency, in the form of an Arkansas driver s license or state I.D. card. Applications and information are available by calling (800) or (501) in the Little Rock area Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lifetime licenses are not available by phone or online. Nonexpiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman s Permit ($1,000) entitles purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Fees for trout permits, leased lands permits, alligator permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and wildlife management area permit hunts are waived with this license. License holders must apply, however, for WMA hunts, be successfully drawn and return notification of acceptance before being issued a permit. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. This permit is available from the AGFC Little Rock Office. If you wish to apply in person, bring proof of identification and residency, in the form of an Arkansas driver s license or state I.D. card. Applications are available at AGFC regional offices or by calling (800) or (501) in the Little Rock area. Lifetime licenses are not available by phone or online. Proof of 60 days of Arkansas residency is required to apply for this license. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

18 Licensing and Permits Reciprocal, Deferred Hunter Education Licenses Reciprocal Licenses Mississippi and Arkansas recognize the validity of Arkansas resident hunting licenses on Mississippi lands that lie west of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Mississippi resident hunting licenses are valid on Arkansas lands that lie east of the main channel. Resident license holders of either state may hunt migratory waterfowl on flowing waters of the Mississippi River, on waters accessible by boat from the main channel of the Mississippi River or on state line lakes when the season is open in both states. The St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers and their oxbows are excluded from this agreement. Floodwater is not included in this agreement. Hunters must obey the regulations of the state where they re hunting. See Page 37 and the tags insert for tagging requirements. Tennessee and Arkansas recognize the hunting licenses of both states on the flowing waters of the Mississippi River, adjacent waters which are accessible by boat from the river proper and the old river chutes that form a common boundary. Excluded are wildlife management areas established by either state and the Wolf, Loosahatchie, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Obion rivers. Migratory waterfowl may be hunted on these waters by a license holder of either state when the season is open in both states. Hunters may not hunt from, nor attach any device or equipment to, land under the jurisdiction of the state in which they are not licensed. Hunters must obey regulations of the state that issues the license. Holders of nonresident licenses issued by either state have the same privileges as a licensed resident. Deferred Hunter Education Licenses A hunter can apply and use a Deferred Hunter Education License as long as the user: is at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1968 and not hunter education certified. is in the immediate presence of an adult hunter who is at least 21 years of age and possesses valid hunter education certification, or who was born on or before December 31, possesses a valid Arkansas hunting license. A DHE license can be acquired once in a lifetime. The DHE license expires June 30. A person is not eligible if convicted or forfeited bond for prior violation of Hunter Education Certification Requirements or under AGFC sanctioned hunting privilege revocations General Hunting Public Meetings will be held around the state Jan. 6 from 7-9 p.m. Locations will be publicized prior to the meetings. Call (800) , or visit for details. 16 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

19 Leased Lands Permits Licensing and Permits Leased Lands Permits LEASED LANDS 1 Big Timber WMA 2 Casey Jones WMA 3 Cherokee WMA 3A Jim Kress WMA 4 Gum Flats WMA 5 Lafayette County WMA 6 Provo WMA 7 Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA Permits are available for $20 which entitle the holder to hunt, trap and camp on the leased lands listed above. Each leased lands WMA requires a separate permit. Recreational use of all ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles and ORVs is prohibited on Cherokee and Jim Kress WMAs. Hunters in possession of a valid Cherokee or Jim Kress leased lands permit are allowed to use ATVs, motorcycles or bicycles on open, maintained roads during an open hunting season while traveling to or from a camp site or hunting location only. The use of horses and mules must comply with WMA regulations outlined on Page 71. Youths under 16 are not required to have a permit. Permits are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Maps of leased properties are provided when permits are purchased. Hunters must get permission from landowners to travel through neighboring private lands. Shooting across or hunting within 100 feet of any private road controlled by the AGFC through a recreational public hunting lease or conversation easement agreement on any WMA is prohibited (see exceptions on page 70). The Arkansas Outdoors newsletter Get up-to-date season dates, regulations, classes and news of the outdoors delivered free to your computer by every Wednesday afternoon. To subscribe, Arkansasoutdoors@agfc.com Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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24 Hunting Regulations General Regulations Hunting Regulations It is not legal to: refuse an officer s lawful request to inspect your wildlife, tackle, hunting equipment, devices, license or any item that can reasonably contain wildlife. interfere with an officer performing his duties or flee from an officer. aid, accompany or abet someone else in a violation. hunt or fish after license revocation or suspension. transport illegally taken wildlife across state lines. You may ship wildlife from Arkansas if you display on the package your name and address and the species and quantity of wildlife. waste the edible portions of game, fish or waste marketable fur. fail to comply with the terms of a Commission-issued permit. buy or sell wildlife (or their parts) except for pelts or carcasses of furbearers, squirrel tails, deer antlers, deer hides or feathers from nonmigratory game birds. For more information, refer to AGFC Code of Regulations hunt 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, unless legally hunting furbearers. Trappers may carry a.22 caliber rimfire firearm while checking sets at night. Refer to the Arkansas Waterfowl Regulations Guidebook for shooting hours for migratory game birds and waterfowl. shoot across, from or within 100 feet of the centerline of any city, county, state or federally maintained road (see exceptions below). Exception 1: Trappers may use legal firearms to harvest animals caught in legally set foothold and Conibear (body-gripping) traps. Exception 2: Licensed/ permitted falconers may hunt with and trap birds of prey in accordance with state and federal falconry regulations. shine an artificial light from a public road, street, highway or within a wildlife management area, except when hunting bullfrogs or furbearers. hunt or possess a hunting device in state or national parks. Exceptions are Buffalo National River WMA (Page 79) and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (Page 96). possess wildlife taken by someone else, unless accompanied by a signed statement from the taker, stating name, address, species, date taken and license number. This requirement also applies to deer camps, commercial storage/processing facilities, fur buyers and taxidermists. See example on next page. Violation Points Violation points are assigned to hunters convicted of fish and wildlife violations. The accumulation of 18 points for violations within three years may result in the revocation of hunting and fishing privileges for one year. The accumulation of 30 points within five years may result in the loss of licenses and privileges for three years. Access to Commission-owned lands will be prohibited if hunting privileges are revoked as a result of violations. Boating violations are not considered toward revocation. A hunter with 12 points will be ineligible to apply for deer, turkey or elk permits. A conviction for selling wildlife may result in lifetime revocation of hunting and fishing licenses. Double points are assessed: when an adult 21 or older is convicted of committing a violation while accompanying 22 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

25 Hunting Regulations Violation Points a youth under 16; for violations committed by a Guide License holder; for any violation of trout harvest regulations committed in a trout catch-and-release area; for bass-related violations on lakes Monticello, Lower White Oak, Columbia, SWEPCO, Pickthorne and Austell. Violation points are assigned for convictions of fish and wildlife regulations in the following manner: Hunting or fishing after revocation of license Hunting in closed season Night hunting Importing or release of imported mammals, reptiles or birds Taking of endangered species Taking of bald eagle Taking fish with electrical devices or toxic substances Violating elk season regulations Releasing feral hogs on WMAs Violating feral hog dog restrictions Concealed weapon permit violation Violating legal bull elk requirements Taking prohibited antlerless elk Violating bear season regulations Shooting a denned bear Counterfeiting license Road hunting Illegal taking of alligator Taking of raptor Violating mussel shell taker/seller/ buyer license/reporting requirements Selling game fish Selling bullfrogs Nonresident commercial fishing Commercial fishing for certain fish in lower Ouachita River Hunting turkey over bait Violating special guide license requirements Violating guide restrictions on WMAs (guides) Using dogs during deer season where prohibited Failure to properly tag after taking game Failure to properly check game Illegally hunting bear over bait Violating guide restrictions on WMAs (hunters) Hunting, fishing, trapping, releasing hunting dogs or pursuing wildlife with dogs without landowner/lessee permission All other regulation violations I, Transferring fish or wildlife to another person? Stay legal. Make sure you provide this information with the transfer. give possession to Hunting, Fishing or Driver s License No.* the following wildlife (quantity and type), taken on. Date Today s Date Signature of Giver Address of Giver Check Station Number (required for big game) * A hunter education card number or date of birth may be substituted for hunters under 16. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

26 Hunting Regulations Carcass Importation Restrictions Carcass Importation Restrictions Currently, 36 states and 2 Canadian provinces have adopted regulations affecting the transportation of hunter-harvested cervids. In October 2005, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approved a carcass importation restriction to further increase Arkansas s protection against chronic wasting disease. One theoretical mode of disease transmission is through infected carcasses. Since the suspected infectious agent (prion) is concentrated in the brain, spinal cord and lymph glands, it is important to keep these items from CWD-positive states out of Arkansas. It is unlawful for hunters to import, transport or possess in Arkansas any portion other than boneless meat from a cervid carcass originating or taken from any captive facility or within any enclosure from any area that has a known case of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Deer or elk harvested in commercial wildlife hunting resorts in Arkansas may be transported or possessed providing that a Chronic Wasting Disease sample is collected. Hunters may bring the following items back into Arkansas: Antlers and/or antlers attached to clean skull plates or cleaned skulls (where no meat or tissues are attached to skull) Meat with bones removed Cleaned teeth Finished taxidermy products Hides and tanned products A cervid is any member of the Cervidae family, including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, mule deer and caribou. The following U.S. states and Canadian provinces are CWD positive: Alberta Colorado Kansas Illinois Minnesota* Montana* Nebraska New Mexico *States and provinces where CWD has been found in captive cervids only. New York Oklahoma* Saskatchewan South Dakota Utah West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming This list also includes any other state or province where a positive case of CWD has been detected as confirmed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Legal Hunting Equipment Archery Long, recurve and compound bows: Must have at least a 40-pound pull. Scopes may not be used. String locks and mechanical string releases may be used. Deer, turkey and bear hunters are required to use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide. Poison may not be used on arrows. Mechanical broadheads allowed. Crossbow: Crossbows must have at least a 125-pound pull and a mechanical safety. Deer, turkey and bear hunters are required to use arrowheads at least 7/8-inches wide. Poison may not be used on arrows. Scopes may be used. Mechanical broadheads allowed. Crossbows are not allowed for taking elk. 24 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

27 Hunting Regulations Legal Hunting Equipment Muzzleloader To be used for deer hunting, muzzleloading long guns must have a barrel at least 18 inches long and be at least.40 caliber. Magnifying sights may be used. The use of shot is not legal. Legal muzzleloaders use flintlock, percussion cap or shotgun primers, are loaded through the muzzle and are not capable of firing a cartridge. Electronic pulse ignition muzzleloaders are allowed. Hunters may use muzzleloading handguns as long as the barrels are at least 9 inches long and at least.45 caliber if they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier). If round balls are used, the minimum caliber is.530. A hunter may carry a muzzleloading handgun of any caliber as backup to a muzzleloading long gun. Modern Gun All modern guns may be used for deer hunting during modern gun season with the following exceptions. You may not use: buckshot in a.410 shotgun. shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot in any shotgun. rimfire cartridges, military or full metal jacketed ammunition. any centerfire rifle, pistol or revolver smaller than.22 caliber. handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches. See illustration, right. In zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B, modern guns are restricted to shotguns.410 or larger with slugs. Muzzleloading rifles and revolvers or pistols having barrels that are no less than 4 inches nor longer than 10 inches in length chambered specifically for straight wall centerfire cartridge cases and hunting with lead, lead alloy, soft nose and/or hollow point bullets no less than.30 caliber in diameter also may be used. A B A B The barrel of a handgun must be at least 4 inches measured from A to B Deer or Bear Hunting Equipment Rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders or archery equipment may be used during modern gun hunts. When muzzleloader deer or bear seasons are open and modern gun deer or bear seasons are closed, deer or bear hunters may only carry or use legal muzzleloading firearms or archery equipment, but not modern guns. Modern guns may not be carried when modern gun seasons are closed.* When archery deer or bear seasons are open and muzzleloader or modern gun deer or bear seasons are closed, deer and bear hunters may only carry and use legal archery equipment, but not firearms. Firearms may not be carried during archery seasons.* Concealed Weapon Permit Holders * Concealed weapon permit holders may carry a modern handgun, but are not allowed to use it for any hunting purpose. All concealed handgun permit holders must identify themselves to a wildlife officer when complying with an inspection pertaining to birds, fish, game or other wildlife resources. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

28 Hunting Regulations Hunter Orange, Hunting Dogs, Nuisance Animals Hunter Orange Requirements Hunter orange, chartreuse or blaze camouflage must be worn by all hunters during modern gun or muzzleloader deer, elk and bear seasons. The colored area of the garment must total at least 400 square inches above the waist. In addition, a hunter orange or chartreuse head garment must be worn. If you are hunting in an area closed to firearms deer, elk and bear seasons or if you are hunting migratory birds, these safety colors are not required. Hunting Dogs Each hunting dog must have a collar with its owner s name, phone number and address. Waterfowl retrievers do not need to wear collars while hunting or retrieving so long as the collar bearing the owner s name, address and phone number is carried. Handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition may be used while training bird dogs. Individuals or organizations may hold captive on a temporary basis raccoons, foxes, coyotes or pen-raised quail for the purposes of dog training or sanctioned field trials with the approval of the AGFC chief of wildlife management. Using dogs to chase wildlife for pleasure is prohibited April 1-May 15 with these exceptions: 1) hunting within fox and coyote enclosures, 2) during sanctioned field trials, and 3) chasing for pleasure is allowed from 60 minutes after sunset until 60 minutes before sunrise, from April 1-May 15. Coyotes and foxes may not be chased for pleasure during a firearms deer season where dogs are prohibited. The only killing equipment that may be carried is that which may legally be used in a hunting season open at the time and place of the chase. During the spring youth turkey hunt, the use of dogs to chase wildlife is prohibited from 60 minutes before sunrise until 60 minutes after sunset. Dogs may be used to chase deer for training purposes Oct. 1-Dec. 31, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, only in deer zones where dogs can legally be used for hunting deer during the modern gun deer seasons. Possession of a killing device is prohibited when using dogs to chase wildlife for pleasure or when training/allowing dogs to chase deer unless a modern gun deer season is open when and where dogs are allowed. Nuisance Animals Beaver, coyote, muskrat, nutria, striped skunk and nongame wildlife other than migratory birds and endangered species that are causing damage to property may be taken during daylight hours or trapped the entire year. Live traps: Nuisance animals may also be removed by landowners (or their designees) at any time without a Depredation Permit using live traps. Trapping in towns must be in compliance with municipal ordinances. Wildlife must be released unharmed outside the municipality s boundaries. Live traps must have the trapper s name and address or his vehicle operator s license number or the current vehicle license number registered to the trap user. A Depredation Permit from the AGFC, (501) or available from all AGFC regional offices (found on page 4), is required to trap or shoot nuisance game animals other than beaver, muskrat, nutria, coyote and striped skunk outside of the trapping season. A Depredation Permit is required to shoot any nuisance wildlife at night. Landowners or their designees with Depredation Permits may use any trapping method legal for use 26 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

29 Hunting Regulations Nuisance Animals, Hunting on Private Property in the fur-trapping season. Conibear or comparable body-gripping traps with jaw spreads of up to 10 inches may be used inside buildings. Cage-style live traps may be used. Traps set in the outdoors must be marked with name and address, vehicle operator s license number or current vehicle license number (registered to the trapper). Firearms may be used day or night if specifically approved by the Commission employee issuing the Depredation Permit. Hunting on Private Property Find out who owns the land or water and get verbal or written permission from the landowner or leaseholder before hunting, fishing, trapping or releasing hunting dogs or pursuing wildlife with dogs on private property. If the property is not posted, verbal permission is required. If posted, each person must carry written permission (see below for an example). Written permission is not required if the person hunting is a relative of the landowner or lessee and permission can be verified. Permission to Hunt Card I have given sportman s name permission to on my land hunt, fish, trap, release dogs or pursue wildlife with dogs ( ) for this period of time. location state beginning and ending days, months and years Signed, landowner or lessee signature landowner or lessee name, printed Phone Today s date The AGFC Hunting Guidebook only covers the basics. Be an informed hunter! The official AGFC code of regulations is available at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

30 Hunting Regulations Near a Residence, Posting Land, USDA Forest Service Regs Hunting Near a Residence To hunt within 150 yards of a residence, hunters using firearms must have written permission from the owner or occupant. For archery hunting, hunters must have written permission to hunt within 50 yards of a residence. Written permission is not required of the landowner or members of their family on the landowner s property. Posting Land Requirements Who may post property? The owner or lessee. How should property be posted? By enclosing land with a fence; or forest land: 1 Signs may be placed not more than 100 feet apart and at each road entrance. The signs shall bear the words POSTED and/or NO TRESPASSING in letters at least 4 inches tall. Signs shall be readily visible to a person approaching the property. 2 Vertical paint marks at least 8 inches in length may be placed on trees or posts no more than 100 feet apart and at each road entrance. The paint marks shall not be less than three feet nor more than five feet high, and shall be readily visible to a person approaching the property. Cultivated land, orchards, pasture land, impoundments, other: Same as (1) or (2) but the distance between signs or paint marks may be up to 1,000 feet. Which paint should be used? Posting paint is purple tree-marking paint prescribed by the Arkansas Forestry Commission at (501) Most paint stores can help. USDA Forest Service Regulations Ozark - St. Francis National Forest 605 West Main Street Russellville, AR (479) Ouachita National Forest P.O. Box Reserve Street Hot Springs, AR (501) State and federal game and fish laws are applicable to National Forest lands. Forest Service law enforcement officers enforce these laws. Listed below are additional regulations that apply to these forests. For more information, contact the offices above or the local district ranger. Camping facilities are provided in designated sites. Some campgrounds require a fee. Camping in primitive campsites with no facilities is allowed on a first come/first served basis. Starting the day the camp is set up, campsite use is restricted to 30 days in undeveloped campsites and 14 days in developed campsites. Undeveloped campsites may not be reserved by any method. Camping or operating/ parking motorized vehicles is not allowed in wildlife openings/food plots. 28 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

31 Hunting Regulations USDA Forest Service Regs The following acts are prohibited and are located within the 36 Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR): Leaving a campfire without extinguishing it. This includes leaving a fire unattended, or allowing a fire to escape. Note: The person or persons responsible for allowing a fire to escape could be liable for suppression and damage costs. Removing any forest product without permit or contract. The gathering of firewood that is dead and down for camp use is allowed. Damaging a natural feature or other property of the U.S. This includes any vegetation, soil, timber or other property. Removing a natural feature or other property of the U.S. Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring or destroying any prehistoric, historic or archaeological resource, structure, site or artifact. (The possession or use of metal detectors within a prehistoric, historic or archaeological site is prohibited.) Constructing roads or structures without authorization. This includes using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) or other vehicles to make new trails or roads. Permanent structures such as permanent tree stands or buildings are prohibited. Portable tree stands are allowed but must be removed by season s end. Note: The Ouachita National Forest requires all tree stands to be moved within 14 days of their original placement. Baiting of game species is prohibited. Discharging a firearm or other implement capable of taking human life on or across a Forest Service road or within 150 yards of a campsite, residence or occupied area. Abandoning personal property. This includes deer stands, campsites or other personal property. Placing a vehicle or other object as an impediment or hazard to others. Failing to properly dispose of all garbage, including any paper, can, bottle or sewage. Sanitary dump stations are at the following recreation areas: Albert Pike, Blanchard Springs, Cedar Lake, Charlton, Lake Sylvia, Lake Wedington, Little Pines, Long Pool and Shady Lake. Leaving the road or trail in a damaged condition. Interfering with the use of a road, trail or gate. This includes placing a campsite, vehicle or other structure in front of a gate or open road. Violation of any state traffic law. This regulation applies to all National Forest roads and any state highways or county roads within the transportation system crossing National Forest lands. Possessing a beverage defined by state law as an alcoholic beverage. This includes possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, or while in the act of hunting. On Ouachita National Forest: Operating any motorized vehicle on a forest development road or any portion thereof that is posted as closed, or closed by an earthen mound, gate or other object is prohibited. This includes all motorized vehicles including ATVs and OHVs. All trails going around the gate, sign or over an earthen mound are not legal trails and are in violation of this regulation. In April 2009, the Ouachita National Forest will have a designated system of roads and trials for public motor vehicle use. Once maps are published, it will be unlawful to travel off designated routes. Check with the Forest Service after March 31, 2009 to obtain these motor vehicle use maps. On Ozark National Forest: Operating any motorized vehicle on a route not designated in the Motor Vehicle Use Map is prohibited. Any road or trail in the Ozark National Forest not classified as a designated route or trail is closed to motorized vehicle use, including ATVs and OHVs. Maps of the designated routes are available at or at any Forest Service office. Forest Service maps can be purchased from the Forest Supervisor s and District Ranger s Offices. Who needs a permit? Any individual, business, outdoor organization, interpretive venture or educational group providing commercial outfitting or guiding services on National Forest lands for profit or nonprofit. This includes businesses whose clients use National Forest lands, such as horse camps adjacent to federal lands. Contact the National Forest or Ranger District office in the area where you propose to conduct your operations. On the Web, see for information about the permitting process. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

32 Hunting Regulations Natural Heritage Commission Natural Heritage Commission The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission s System of Natural Areas represents some of the best, and last, remnants of Arkansas s original natural landscape. Lands within the System of Natural Areas provide vital habitat for imperiled plant and animal species. Inclusion and recognition of some Natural Areas in the Wildlife Management Area system ensures these lands are protected, while providing opportunities for public use. Every effort has been made to provide maximum opportunity, maintain safety, protect healthy wildlife populations and adhere to the conservation values that resulted in the Natural Heritage Commission s inclusion of these properties in the System of Natural Areas. Management activities (prescribed burns, site monitoring, nonnative species removal) may occur during various hunting seasons. Travel within these natural areas is limited to foot traffic to minimize erosion and disturbance to sensitive habitats. Motorized vehicles, horses, camping and construction of permanent hunting stands are prohibited on ANHC natural areas. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission regulates removal of vegetation and nongame animals through collection permits. Some areas have limited access and it is the hunter s responsibility to obtain permission to access adjacent private landowner s property. Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street Little Rock, Arkansas Phone: (501) Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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36 Wildlife Regulations General Regulations Wildlife Regulations You may not hunt wildlife: except during open hunting seasons. from a boat at night. from an aircraft. that is fleeing from floods or fires. using deadfalls, drugs, chemicals, poisons, booby traps or explosives. from a moving motorized land vehicle. from or across the main levee of the Mississippi River and Arkansas River from the Louisiana border to the intersection of state Highway 11 (north of Grady in Lincoln County). using electronic tracking or telemetry equipment to locate wildlife. using computer-assisted hunting equipment. Closed Seasons There are no open seasons for any species not discussed in this or any other Arkansas Game and Fish regulations guidebook. Feeding and Baiting Wildlife Baiting is defined as the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for wildlife to, on or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them. It is legal to feed wildlife, with these exceptions: Bears may not be fed or baited for any reason, including photography or viewing, unless it is 30 days before bear season through the end of bear season on private land in bear zones 1, 2, 5 and 5A. See Page 45. Baiting is not allowed on wildlife management areas. Migratory birds, wild turkeys, waterfowl or crows may not be hunted over bait if the hunter knows, or should reasonably know, the area is baited. For turkeys, an area is considered baited for 10 days following removal of the bait. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited Feb Alligators may not be hunted over bait. Possession of Game Taken Outside Arkansas Carcasses of game animals legally taken in other states (except cervid carcasses) may be possessed in Arkansas with documentation of their origin. However, taking game illegally in another state and then transporting it across state lines is a violation of the federal Lacey Act. For more information concerning carcass importation see Page 24. Feral Hogs Feral hogs are not native to Arkansas. They compete for food with wildlife; damage fields, crops and timber; and can carry diseases that can devastate domestic livestock. Landowners are encouraged to eliminate feral hogs from their property. Feral hogs may be taken on private lands at any time with the landowner s permission. A hog that has escaped its pen is not considered feral for five days. If the owner notifies adjacent landowners, the hog is not considered feral for 10 more days. The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission has strict regulations regarding movement of live feral hogs. See Page 71 for information about shooting feral hogs on WMAs. 34 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

37 Importing Wildlife It is illegal to import native or exotic wildlife into Arkansas without an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife Importation Permit. Permits will not be issued to import the following wildlife: Members of the cervid family, including white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule deer or elk; raccoons; bats; skunks; coyotes that originate or have lived in Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming or Canada; gray and red foxes that originate or have lived in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming or Canada; and rodents captured in the wild from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah or Wyoming. Captive Wildlife and Importation Permits Regulations concerning hunting captive wildlife, breeding of wildlife and importing or permit requirements are available from the Wildlife Management Division at (800) , extension 6359; or any of the offices listed on Page 4. Owners of mountain lions in Arkansas must have obtained a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit by June 30, Owners of lions, tigers and bears must possess a permit from their county sheriff or AGFC unless exempt by state law. No new permits will be issued for ownership of mountain lions, African lions, bears or tigers in Arkansas. Wildlife Pets Wildlife Regulations General Regulations Wildlife Rehabilitators Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook Individuals or organizations who have in their care sick, injured, orphaned or impaired native wildlife (other than migratory birds) must first obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit from the AGFC. Rehabilitators handling migratory birds must obtain a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird permit. Further information about this permit is available from the Wildlife Management Division at (800) , extension 6359 or As a general rule, wildlife species make poor pets. However, up to six individual bobcats, coyotes, deer, gray foxes, red foxes, opossums, quail, rabbits, raccoons or squirrels may be kept per household if taken by hand from the wild in Arkansas. Up to six individuals of a species that is neither hunted nor trapped may be kept per household if taken by hand from the wild so long as they are not birds (such as songbirds, hawks and owls), bats, ornate box turtles, alligator snapping turtles, hellbenders, cave-dwelling creatures or endangered species. Once taken, the animal must remain in the owner s custody, except pets other than white-tailed deer may be turned over to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for release back into the wild. When game animals are kept as pets, individuals of different sexes must be kept in separate pens or the males must be neutered to prevent reproduction. All wildlife kept as pets must be kept in cages that keep them from escaping and keep other wildlife from entering. Adult deer originally caught in the wild must be kept in pens that are at least eight feet in height and meet minimum cage size requirements. These animals may not be sold or transferred to a different owner and may only be taken from the state with the permission of the Chief of Wildlife Management. Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially-obtained native wildlife species, other than deer or elk, from permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealers and keep them as personal pets. Owners must have proof of legal purchase. If the number of animals possessed exceeds six, the owner must obtain a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Those who purchased deer or elk as pets prior to June 30, 2005 may keep them in any number provided they have proof of legal ownership and are registered with the Commission by June 30, Such animals may not be hunted, sold or otherwise distributed. 35

38 Wildlife Regulations General Regulations Release of Animals Into the Wild Wildlife may not be released into the wild without prior approval of the AGFC with these exceptions: A licensed Gamebird Shooting Resort may release captiveraised quail, pheasant, chukar or mallards in accordance with the terms of their permit. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may release native wildlife other than mountain lions. Endangered Species State and federal laws prohibit the importing, transporting, possessing, disturbing or taking of threatened and endangered species or destruction of their habitat. Fines can range up to $100,000. For more information about Arkansas s threatened and endangered species, visit The threatened and endangered species of Arkansas: MAMMALS: gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Ozark big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) BIRDS: ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), least tern (Sterna antillarum), Bachman s warbler (Vermivora bachmanii), red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) REPTILES: American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) FISHES: Ozark cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae), leopard darter (Percina pantherina), pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhyncus albus) Raccoons, foxes, coyotes or pen-raised quail used for AKC, UKC and ACHA-sanctioned field trials may be released with the approval of the Chief of Wildlife Management. Pen-raised quail and pheasants may be taken by holders of a Shoot-to-kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit or a Shootto-kill Bird Dog Field Trial Permit. Landowners and commercial wildlife damage control operators may livetrap nuisance wildlife outside the legal harvest season and release to the wild. Traps must be marked with the user s identification. More information about nuisance wildlife trapping is on pages MOLLUSKS: Curtis pearly mussel (Epioblasma florentina curtisi), fat pocketbook pearly mussel (Potamilus capax), pink mucket mussel (Lampsilis abrupta), turgid blossom mussel (Epioblasma turgidula), speckled pocketbook mussel (Lampsilis streckeri), Arkansas fatmucket mussel (Lampsilis powelli), Ouachita rock pocketbook mussel (Arkansia wheeleri), winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa), scaleshell mussel (Leptodea leptodon) and Magazine Mountain shagreen land snail (Inflectarius magazinensis) ARTHROPODS: cave crayfish (Cambarus zophonastes) and (Cambarus aculabrum), American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) PLANTS: Geocarpon minimum (no common name), pondberry (Lindera melissifolia), Missouri Bladderpod (Lesquerella filiformis), harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum), eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) and running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum). Want to know where the fish are biting? Find all the hot spots in Arkansas by signing up for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission s free weekly fishing report. The weekly fishing report covers most waters in the state. The information is supplied by guides, marina workers and bait shop owners who make their living on the water. Sign up for the weekly report by visiting or sending an to arkansasoutdoors@agfc.com. 36 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

39 Wildlife Regulations Checking Game Checking Game Deer or Turkey Tagging and Checking Requirements Step 1. Immediately upon taking a deer or turkey, and before moving game, the hunter must remove the appropriate deer or turkey tag from his license and fill out the required information legibly in ink. The tag must be securely fastened to the ear or antler of a deer or to the leg of a turkey. The tag must remain on the deer or turkey until final processing and storage. Disability and 65 Plus Lifetime License holders, hunters under 16 years of age and Mississippi license holders under the Reciprocal Hunting License Agreement must immediately, upon taking a deer or turkey, remove and fill out the game tag provided in this guidebook (see insert) legibly in ink. You may substitute a piece of paper for this tag if it includes the hunter s name, the date, time and zone number, written legibly in ink, from which the deer or turkey was taken. If a deer was harvested, refer to the deer zone map on Page 38 and fill in the appropriate number in the zone column. If a turkey was harvested, refer to the turkey zone map on Page 46 and fill in the appropriate number in the zone column. Checking a Deer or Turkey on the Internet If a deer or turkey was harvested on a WMA, use the WMA zone number (pages 64-68). Step 2. Within 24 hours of taking a deer or turkey, check (your own) game at a designated wildlife check station, at a designated deer camp, with an AGFC employee or at Members of deer camps in the Check Sheet Program must check deer on camp check sheets immediately upon return to camp, and in no case more than 4 hours after harvest. Entrails may be removed but evidence of the animal s gender must remain. Deer may be quartered in the field, but the head must be retained with the remainder of the carcass. No big-game animal may be transported across state lines prior to being properly checked, unless normal travel routes require said hunter to cross a state line in direct route to an official wildlife check station. The check station number will be recorded on the game tag. If you choose to give away all or a portion of your game to another person after it has been properly checked, you will need to use a game transfer form (See example on Page 23). This option is not available for wildlife management area permit hunts that require checking game at locations stated on the permit. After completing Step 1 (above), proceed to Step 2. Step 2. Within 24 hours of taking a deer or turkey, log on to and follow the instructions from the Web site. Entrails may be removed but evidence of the animal s gender must remain. Deer may be quartered in the field, but the head must be retained with the remainder of the carcass. Step 3. The Web site will provide information to you. Tagging and Checking a Bear Step 1. After harvesting a bear and before moving it, immediately fill out the game tag provided in this guidebook (see insert) in ink. You may substitute a piece of paper for this tag if it includes the hunter s name, the date and the appropriate zone number, written legibly in ink, from which the bear was taken. A bear may be quartered in the field. Step 2. Within 24 hours of harvesting a bear, call (800) to check it. Hunters will provide bear check information over the phone to an AGFC employee who will explain how to extract and mail a premolar tooth for age determination. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

40 Wildlife Regulations Deer Deer If you are hunting on public land in Arkansas refer to pages for season and bag limit information. Regulations on public lands vary from statewide regulations. Deer Zone Map Seasonal Statewide Bag Limit The season bag limit is four deer, provided at least one deer is taken in one of the zones or areas noted in the list on the next page. No more than two may be legal bucks. Hunters may not take more than two does using firearms. Additional restrictions may apply within certain zones, wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges (pages ). A hunter harvesting a legal buck in a one-buck WMA must go to another deer zone or a two-buck WMA to harvest the second buck. A second buck may be harvested on a WMA requiring a modern gun, muzzleloader or youth permit as long as the hunter was drawn for that permit. Hunters, including archery hunters, are reminded that a zone doe quota permit is required to take a doe during firearms season in certain deer zones. Permit applications are available during June. Special youth hunt bag limit restrictions, see page Deer zones 1 and 10: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to two does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A doe may only be taken with firearms October or November 8-9. Deer zones 2 and 6: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to two doe may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A zone doe quota permit is required to harvest a doe during the muzzleloader and modern gun deer season. 38 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

41 Wildlife Regulations Deer Zones and Areas that May Contribute to Four Deer Bag Limit Deer Zones 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 DeGray Lake WMA Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois Little Bayou WMA Little River WMA Seven Devils WMA Spring Bank WMA Beryl Anthony Lower D Arc WMA Ouachita WMA Nacatoch Ravines Sulphur River WMA Falcon Bottoms Natural Natural Area WMA Big Timber WMA Area WMA Terre Noire Natural Overflow NWR Area WMA Blevins WMA Casey Jones WMA Choctaw Island WMA Felsenthal NWR Gum Flats WMA Hope Upland WMA Ozan WMA Poison Springs WMA Pond Creek NWR Trusten Holder WMA Two Bayou Creek WMA Warren Prairie Natural Crossett Experimental Howard County WMA Area WMA Forest WMA Provo WMA Lafayette County WMA White Cliffs Natural Cut-Off Creek WMA Sandhills Natural Area Area WMA Lake Greeson WMA WMA Deer zone 3: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to three doe may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A zone doe quota permit is required to harvest a doe during the muzzleloader and modern gun deer season. Deer zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to three does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. Deer zones 4A, 5A, 9, 16, and 16A: Seasonal bag limit of three deer. No more than two legal bucks or up to three does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Deer zones 7 and 8: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to two does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A zone doe quota permit is required to harvest a doe during the muzzleloader, modern gun or Christmas Holiday firearms deer season. Deer zone 11: Seasonal bag limit of three deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to three does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A zone doe quota permit is required to harvest a doe during the muzzleloader, modern gun or Christmas Holiday firearms deer season. Deer zones 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17: Seasonal bag limit of four deer, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to four does may be taken with archery tackle. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Statewide Deer Season Zone Regulations For specific Wildlife Management Area regulations, see Page 69. Archery Season Zones 1 and 10: Oct. 1-Feb. 28. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to two does may be taken with archery tackle. Dogs may not be used. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited from Feb Zones 2, 6, 7 and 8: Oct. 1-Feb. 28. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to two does may be taken with archery tackle. A zone doe quota permit is not required to take a doe unless hunting when a firearms deer season is open. Dogs may not be Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

42 Wildlife Regulations Deer used. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited from Feb Zones 3 and 11: Oct. 1-Feb. 28. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to three does may be taken with archery tackle. A zone doe quota permit is not required to take a doe unless hunting when a firearms deer season is open. Dogs may not be used. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited from Feb Zones 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 5B, 9, 16, and 16A: Oct. 1-Feb. 28. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to three does may be taken with archery tackle. Dogs may not be used. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited from Feb Zones 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17: Oct 1-Feb. 28. Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks or up to four does may be taken with archery tackle. Dogs may not be used. Hunting deer over bait is prohibited from Feb Muzzleloader Season Zones 1 and 10: Oct and Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with muzzleloaders. A doe may only be taken October Dogs may not be used. Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 11: Oct and Dec Limit two legal bucks. One doe may be taken by each holder of a zone quota doe permit. Dogs may not be used. Zones 4A and 5A: Oct and Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with muzzleloaders. Dogs may not be used. Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: closed Zones 9, 16 and 16A: Oct and Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with muzzleloaders. Dogs may not be used. Zones 12 and 17: Oct and Dec Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with muzzleloaders. Dogs may not be used. Zones 13, 14 and 15: Oct and Dec Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with muzzleloaders. Dogs may not be used. All concealed handgun permit holders must identify themselves to a Wildlife Officer when complying with an inspection pertaining to birds, fish, game or other wildlife resources. Modern Gun Season Zone 1: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A doe may only be taken November 8-9. Dogs may not be used. Zones 2 and 3: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. One doe may be taken by each holder of a zone quota doe permit. Dogs may not be used. Zone 4: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with modern gun. Modern guns are restricted to shotguns with slugs and certain revolvers and pistols (see Page 25). Archery equipment and muzzleloading rifles may also be used. Dogs may not be used. Zone 5: Nov. 8-9 and Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with modern gun. Modern guns are restricted to shotguns with slugs and certain revolvers and pistols (see Page 25). Archery equipment and muzzleloading rifles may also be used. Dogs may not be used. Zone 4A and 5A: Nov. 8-Dec. 7. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. 40 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

43 Wildlife Regulations Deer Zone 4B and 5B: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Modern guns are restricted to shotguns with slugs and certain revolvers and pistols (see Page 25). Archery equipment and muzzleloading rifles may also be used. Dogs may not be used. Zones 6, 7, 8 and 11: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. One doe may be taken by each holder of a zone quota doe permit. Dogs allowed. Note: Zone quota doe permits cannot be used on WMA s that are within Zones 6, 7, 8 and 11. Zone 9: Nov. 8-Dec. 14. Limit three, no more than two legal Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Hunt Zones 1 and 10: Dec Limit two, no more than two legal bucks. No does. Dogs may not be used. Zones 7, 8 and 11: Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. One doe may be taken by each holder of a zone doe quota permit. Dogs may not be used. Zones 2, 3 and 6: Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Zone 10: Nov Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. A doe may only be taken November 8-9. Dogs allowed. Zone 12: Nov. 8-Dec. 14. Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs allowed. Zones 13, 14 and 15: Nov. 8-Dec. 7. Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two legal bucks and no more than one doe may be taken with firearms. Modern guns are restricted to shotguns with slugs and certain revolvers and pistols (see Page 25). Archery equipment and muzzleloading rifles may also be used. Dogs may not be used. Zones 4A, 5A, 9, 16 and 16A: Dec Limit three, no more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Zones 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17: Dec Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt BOWHUNTERS! Don t forget to wear hunter orange during the Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt, Nov Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook does may be taken with firearms. Dogs allowed. Zone 16: Nov. 8-Dec. 25. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs may not be used. Zone 16A: Nov. 8-Dec. 25. Limit three, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs allowed. Zone 17: Nov. 8-Dec. 25. Limit four, no more than two legal bucks. No more than two legal bucks and no more than two does may be taken with firearms. Dogs allowed. All zones: Nov Youths 15 years old or younger are allowed to harvest deer during the special youth modern gun deer hunt. Youths who have completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. Youths who have not completed a hunter education course must be under the direct supervision of an adult at least 21 years old. Deer Zone and WMA Zone bag limits apply to this hunt, but the youth s first buck during this hunt does not have to meet any antler restrictions. Their second buck of the youth hunt must meet antler requirements for the Deer Zone or WMA Zone where harvested. continued on Page 42 41

44 Wildlife Regulations Deer A youth may harvest a doe during the hunt without a Deer Zone or WMA Zone doe quota permit. All deer harvested during the youth hunt will count toward the youth s seasonal bag limit. Exceptions: Holders of the 65 Plus Lifetime Hunting License and 65 Plus Lifetime Combination License accompanying a youth 15 years old or younger during this special hunt also may harvest deer. These deer must meet antler restrictions and doe quota permit restrictions for the Deer Zone or WMA Zone where harvested. Archery tackle may be used by legal hunters during the youth hunt, but all hunters must wear hunter orange and follow modern gun season regulations for the Deer Zone or WMA Zone hunted. WMAs with permit-based deer hunts (check pages ) are closed to the Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt. What is a Legal Buck? Legal Buck: This buck has four points on both sides. It is legal under the three-point rule, the four-point rule and the 4x4 slot. Illustration by Bruce Cook. When counting the number of points, the end of the main beam constitutes one point. Points must be at least one inch long to count. Antler restrictions increase average buck age by reducing the harvest pressure on yearling bucks. On some WMAs and all NWRs, antler restrictions are not the same as the statewide three-point rule. These restrictions allow biologists to try different management techniques and collect additional data from deer harvested. Three-point rule: A legal buck must have both antlers shorter than two inches or have three or more points on one side of his rack. The threepoint rule applies statewide unless mentioned below. Button bucks may be taken. Four-point rule: Lafayette County, Rick Evans Grandview Prairie and St. Francis National Forest WMAs require bucks to have both antlers shorter than two inches or have four or more points on one side of his rack before being taken. Button bucks may be taken. 4x4 Slot: Cut-off Creek, Bayou Meto, Sheffield Nelson Dagmar, Henry Gray Hurricane Lake, Little Bayou, Moro Big Pine Natural Area, Rex Hancock Black Swamp, Trusten Holder, Seven Devils, Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMAs and UA Pine Tree Experimental Station WDA require that a legal buck must have: four or more points on one side of his rack, or four or fewer total points on both sides of his rack (button bucks included). On Choctaw Island WMA, a legal buck is either: a Type A buck with five or more points on one side of his rack or an inside spread 15 inches or more (measured at widest point at a right angle to the centerline of the skull); button bucks included. a Type B buck with five or fewer total points. On Greers Ferry Lake WMA any buck may be legally harvested during the deer muzzleloader mobility impaired hunt. Youth Hunts During Special Modern Gun Youth Deer Hunt, hunters aged 15 years and younger are not under any antler restrictions for the first buck. The second buck must comply with antler restrictions for the area. 42 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

45 Wildlife Regulations Deer Hunters under 16 may take any buck as their first buck of the season, except on Choctaw Island WMA where they must comply with area restrictions. Their second buck must comply with legal buck criteria. Youth hunters may harvest any buck during the permit youth hunts on DeGray Lake WMA, Hobbs State Park Conservation Area, Hope Upland WMA, Howard County WMA, St. Francis National Forest WMA, Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA, U of A Pine Tree Experimental Station WDA, Holla Bend NWR, Lake Greeson WMA Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA, Prairie Bayou WMA and Provo WMA and Cook s Lake Area within the White River NWR. Special Deer Regulations Swimming deer may not be hunted. Deer may not be driven or captured from a boat. Deer may not be hunted from watercraft on public waters. Deer may not be hunted over bait from Feb if the hunter knows, or should reasonably know, the area is baited. An area is considered baited for 10 days following complete removal of the bait. Baiting is discussed on Page Deer Season Opening Dates Archery: Monday, October 1, 2009 Muzzleloader: Saturday, October 17, 2009 Modern Gun: Saturday, November 14, 2009 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

46 Wildlife Regulations Bear Bear Bear Zone Map Statewide Bear Season Zone Regulations For specific Wildlife Management Area regulations, see Page 69. Archery Season Zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30. Zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30. Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Muzzleloader Zones 1 and 2: Oct Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt Zones 1 and 2: Nov Excludes WMAs that require a deer permit to harvest a bear. Only youths, 15 years of age or younger, may harvest a bear. Youths who have completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by an adult mentor who is 18 years of age or older. Youths who have not completed a hunter education course must be under the direct supervision of an adult mentor who is 21 years of age or older. Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: closed. Modern Gun Zones 1 and 2: Nov Zone 5: Dec Closes earlier if quota is reached. Zone 5A: Nov. 29-Dec. 14. Closes earlier if quota is reached. Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7 and Arkansas lands lying east of the Mississippi River are closed. 44 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

47 Wildlife Regulations Bear Baiting Bait, foodstuffs or the use of any kind of lure to attract bears is not allowed except on private lands in zone 1 from Sept. 1 until Nov. 30, in zone 2 from Aug. 15 until Nov. 30, in zone 5 from Nov. 6 until Dec. 14 and zone 5A from Oct. 30 until Dec. 14. Bears may be hunted over bait where baiting is legal. Baiting ends when either the quota is reached in zones 5 and 5A or the season ends. Please don t shoot bears with cubs. Seasonal Bag Limit Season bag limit is one by any method. Harvest Quota 35 bears may be taken in zone 5, and 15 bears may be taken in zone 5A. Bear hunters hunting in zones 5 and 5A must call (800) the evening before hunting the next day to inquire whether the quota has been reached. Checking Requirements See Page 37. Special Bear Regulations It is unlawful to take a denned bear or one that is being pursued by dogs. Hunting equipment legal for taking bear is the same as that legal for taking deer (Page 25) except that shotguns must be 20-gauge or larger and use rifled slugs. Check Sheet Checkup If you re a member of a deer or turkey camp that owns or leases 200 or more acres and has six or more hunting members who don t have any violations, the AGFC Check Sheet Program can help you spend more time in the woods. Camp members may be eligible to check their harvests. Enroll in the program between May 1-Aug. 31. Call (501) to find out if your camp qualifies. Need Help With the Herd? The Deer Management Assistance Program offers technical assistance for landowners and hunting clubs. Tap into a wealth of information from AGFC biologists who can answer questions and offer solutions. Contact your nearest AGFC office to find out more about DMAP. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

48 Wildlife Regulations Fall Turkey Fall Turkey Turkey Zone Map Statewide Fall Turkey Season Zone Regulations For specific Wildlife Management Area regulations, see Page 69. Archery Statewide: Oct. 1-Feb. 28. Limit one turkey of either sex. Firearms Zones 1, 1A, 2, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 9A and 10: closed. Zones 3, 5B, 6 and 17: Oct Limit one turkey of either sex. Seasonal Bag Limit Fall turkey statewide bag limit: Two turkeys of either sex by a combination of harvest methods. Baiting Wild turkeys may not be hunted over bait. An area is considered baited for 10 days following removal of the bait. Hunting Equipment Shotguns (10 gauge or smaller) or archery equipment may be used during firearms turkey season. The use of modern rifles or pistols; muzzleloading rifles or pistols, shotguns larger than 10 gauge; or shot larger than No. 2 common shot including duplex loads, is prohibited. 46 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

49 Checking Requirements See Page 37. Special Turkey Regulations Other Big Game Wildlife Regulations Turkey, Other Big Game Turkeys may not be hunted with the use of traps, snares, nets, hooks, explosives, dogs, live decoys, mechanical or electrical callers or from a boat. Releasing domestically reared turkeys into the wild is illegal. Capturing wild turkeys or collecting their eggs is illegal. Turkeys may not be taken from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. During youth turkey hunts, coyote and bobcat hunting is open only to youth hunters. It is illegal to take or attempt to take turkey while in possession of mechanical or electrical callers. Elk A permit is required. Non-residents are ineligible to take or attempt to take elk using a public land permit obtained through the permit draw process. The application period for public land is May 1-June 1 with permits selected by random draw on June 27, The application period for private land permits is May 1-July 16. All WMAs are closed to elk hunting except for Gene Rush and Buffalo National River WMAs. Information and applications can be found at or by calling any AGFC regional office. Alligator A permit is required The application period begins July 18 and ends at midnight, Aug. 15. All WMAs are closed except Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d Arc WMA and Trusten Holder WMA. Information and applications can be found at or by calling any AGFC regional office. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

50 Wildlife Regulations Quail, Rabbit, Squirrel, Crow and Migratory Game Birds Quail, Rabbit and Squirrel Quail Statewide: Nov.1-Feb. 8. Daily limit - 6, possession limit While training bird dogs, you may use handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition. Pen-raised quail may be taken with a Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit. This permit is available from your local wildlife officer. Rabbit Statewide: Sept. 1-Feb. 28. Rabbits may not be hunted with rifles or pistols larger than.22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than.40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Rabbits may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. Up to eight box traps (with interior dimensions up to 8 inches wide and 10 inches tall) may be used. Squirrel Statewide: Sept. 6-Feb. 28. Dogs allowed. Statewide Spring Season: May 16-June 14. Dogs allowed. Squirrels may not be hunted with rifles or pistols larger than.22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than.40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Squirrels may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs or shot larger than T shot. Migratory Game Birds Coots, crows, doves, ducks, gallinules, moorhens, geese, rails, snipe and woodcocks are regulated as migratory game birds. Migratory game birds are regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (501) Waterfowl season dates for Arkansas are set according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines provided in August. Dove and other migratory game bird seasons are usually available a month earlier. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides complete statewide and wildlife management area season dates and regulations in a separate waterfowl publication in October. Crow Statewide: Sept. 6-Feb. 23. Open Thursdays through Mondays. No limit. Crows may not be hunted with rifles or pistols larger than.22 caliber rimfire or with muzzleloaders larger than.40 caliber unless a modern gun or muzzleloading deer season, bear season or coyote season is open. Crows may not be hunted with shotguns using rifled slugs, or shot larger than T shot. Crows may not be hunted over bait. 48 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

51 Furbearer Hunting Wildlife Regulations Furbearer Hunting Badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, river otter, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weasel are regulated as furbearers. Gray Fox, Red Fox, Mink and Striped Skunk Statewide: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb. 28. Day hunting only. Bag limit is two per day. No bag limit for striped skunk. Foxes may be taken during daylight hours with a method legal for that season and zone during the fox hunting season. Foxes may also be taken during daylight hours with firearms no larger than.30 caliber. Opossum Statewide: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb. 28. Day or night hunting; dogs are required for hunting at night. Bag limit is two per day. Bobcat Statewide: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28. Dogs allowed to hunt bobcats during the day. Dogs required to hunt bobcats at night. Statewide: first day of spring turkey season through the last day of spring squirrel season. Day hunting only No dogs allowed. Bag limit is two per day. Dogs are not allowed in deer zones where a firearms deer season is in progress that prohibits the use of dogs. During youth turkey hunts, only youths may take bobcats. Bobcat may be taken during daylight hours with archery equipment, firearms no larger than.30 caliber or shotguns with shot no larger than T shot. Refer to Page 70 for hunting equipment legal on WMAs. Bobcats may also be taken during daylight hours of any open deer, bear, spring turkey or spring squirrel season with hunting equipment legal for that season. Coyote Statewide: sunrise, July. 1-sunset, Feb. 28. Dogs allowed to hunt coyote during the day. Coyote may not be hunted at night. Statewide: first day of spring turkey season through the last day of spring squirrel season. Day hunting only No dogs allowed. No bag limit on coyote. Dogs are not allowed in deer zones where a firearms deer season is in progress that prohibits the use of dogs. During youth turkey hunts, only youths may take coyotes. Coyote may also be taken during daylight hours with archery equipment, firearms no larger than.30 caliber or shotguns with shot no larger than T shot. Refer to Page 70 for hunting equipment legal on WMAs. Coyotes may be taken during daylight hours of any open deer, bear, spring turkey or spring squirrel season with hunting equipment legal for that season. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

52 Wildlife Regulations Furbearer Hunting and Trapping River Otter Statewide: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 28. Day hunting only. Bag limit is two per day. Raccoon Statewide: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31. Night hunting only. Dogs required, limit one. Statewide: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31. Day or night hunting. Dogs are required for hunting at night. Bag limit is two per day from Sept. 1-Nov. 14 and no limit from Nov. 15-March 31. Muskrat, Nutria and Beaver Statewide: sunrise Sept. 1-sunset Mar. 31. Day hunting only. No bag limit. Badger, Spotted Skunk and Weasel Statewide hunting: closed. Furbearer Hunting Methods Unless otherwise specified, furbearers may be taken with archery equipment, firearms no larger than.22 caliber rimfire or shotguns with shot no larger than T shot. Bobcats, opossums and raccoons may be taken at night when treed by dogs. Furbearer Trapping Badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, river otter, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weasel are regulated as furbearers. It shall be unlawful for any resident 16 years of age or older to trap or attempt to trap any furbearing animals without first obtaining a current Resident Trapper Permit in addition to a hunting license. Permits are valid during open seasons for the year period July 1-June 30 and may be ordered from or by calling (800) 364-GAME, ext Furbearer Trapping Statewide: sunrise, Nov.15-sunset, Feb. 22. Excludes coyote, beaver, muskrat, and nutria (see 51). No bag limit. Coyote Statewide: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31. No bag limit. Beaver, Muskrat and Nutria Statewide: sunrise Nov. 15-sunset March 31. No bag limit. Checking Requirements Nondrowning sets with foothold traps, snares and box traps must be checked daily. Kill traps set in water must be checked at least every 72 hours. 50 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

53 Wildlife Regulations Furbearer Trapping Foothold Traps Foothold traps must be smooth jawed. Foothold traps on land must have a jaw spread no greater than 6 inches. Foothold traps with a jaw spread greater than 5 inches must have offset jaws. For water sets, traps may have a jaw spread up to 8½ inches. Traps are measured from the inside edge at the dog. Conibear-type Traps For land sets, the maximum jaw spread for Conibear-type traps is 6 inches. For water sets, the maximum jaw spread is 10 inches. Box Traps Box traps no larger than 8 inches wide and 10 inches high may be used for trapping rabbits. Individuals may use no more than eight rabbit traps. Wood or wire traps may not be used to take game birds. Licensed fur takers may use box traps of any size during furbearer season. Snares Leg snares are prohibited. Snares are allowed in water sets. Snares are allowed on land, but land snares set farther than 20 feet from a permanent body of water must have a functional deer lock that prevents them closing smaller than 2½ inches. Land snares must have a single-piece lock and must be braided cable with a loop no larger than 12 inches in diameter (from side-to-side) and the bottom of the loop no higher than 10 inches from the ground. No snare may be set or maintained in a public road right-of-way or touch any fence when fully extended. Bait Animal matter may not be used as bait within 20 feet of a trap set unless it is covered. Bait must be covered in such a way as to withstand wave action, wind action or other normal environmental conditions that could cause it to become visible. Identification Traps, including snares, must have the trapper s name and address, his vehicle operator s license number or his vehicle license number. Pelts: Untanned pelts must belong to species of furbearers that have an open season in Arkansas. Shipments of untanned green pelts originating in Arkansas must display the name, address and license number of shipper, date of shipment and the words Fur Pelts. Bobcat and river otter pelts must be tagged by an AGFC employee before being shipped out of state. Possession of untagged river otter pelts from April 1 to the beginning of the river otter hunting season is not allowed except for those taken with a depredation permit. Fur Dealers Anyone purchasing furbearer pelts or carcasses is required to have a fur dealer permit and to fill out the AGFC Fur Dealer Report daily. This report must be made available for inspection by AGFC employees and be submitted to the AGFC by May 5. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

54 Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Foundation Board Members John Bale, Jr., Little Rock John Bell, Searcy Mark Blackwood, Fayetteville Rogers Cockrill, Little Rock Jackson Currie, Wilmot Tommy Deweese, Fayetteville Bob East, Little Rock Greg Feltus, Little Rock Robert Feltus, Little Rock Karroll Fowlkes, Salem Mike Freeze, England Gary Dan Futrell, Nashville Miles Goggans, Little Rock David R. Griffin, Wabash Tom Hasty, Almyra Foundation Sponsors Heritage Trust ($10,000 and over) Ray Hobbs Randy Milligan Randy and Judy Wilbourn Ranger Boats Dr. John Lytle Don W. Reynolds Foundation Ross Foundation Champion Sponsors ($1,000 and over) Bunny Adcock Kay Kelley Arnold Dr. Doyle W. Baldridge John Bale, Jr. Roger and Shelby Bates Fred Berry Mark Blackwood Leo Brady Bob Burns Benson Cashion Rogers Cockrill Kramer Darragh Fred Denton Kirk Dupps Greg Feltus Dr. Karrol Fowlkes Gary Dan Futrell Woody Futrell Tom Gibbons John Gill, ED.D LT. COL. USAF Ret Scott Henderson, Greers Ferry Rich Hillman, Carlisle Ray Hobbs, Rogers Edward L. Holt, Crossett Randy Hopper, Flippin Tom Jones, Little Rock Judy Loving, Yellville Bobby Martin, Rogers Tim Mariani, Little Rock Jim McCall, Little Rock Marion McCollum, Stuttgart Andy Miller, Little Rock Lance Miller, Little Rock Dr. Jim Moore, Pine Bluff Ford Overton, Little Rock Full David Griffin Page Richard B. Griffin, II Ad Larry Grisham Dane Griswold Joe T. Hayes Jim Hinkle Eddie Holt Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Horton Bill Hubbard Jon Jacoby John Landers Bobby Lord Judy Loving John Lytle, M.D. Bobby Martin Marion McCollum Gary Middleton Julia Peck Mobley Dr. Jim Moore Sheffield Nelson Tad Phillips Robert Raney Jr. Rob Richardson, DDS John Selig J.D. Simpson, III Mike Smith David Snowden, Jr. Steven Son Witt Stephens, Jr. Frank Taylor Rick Watkins Tri Watkins Randy Wilbourn Forrest Wood Affiliated Foods Southwest ALCOA Carrol Penick, Little Rock Dr. Rob Porter, Little Rock Rob Richardson, DDS, Little Rock John Selig, Little Rock Witt Stephens, Jr., Little Rock Frank Taylor, Yellville Olin Wage, Little Rock Chuck Wallace, Star City Doug Wasson, Little Rock Rick Watkins, Little Rock Tri Watkins, Lepanto John Ed Welch, Batesville Haynes Whitney, Little Rock Steve N. Wilson, Norfork Neal Pendergraft, Fayetteville Alltel Archer s Advantage Arkansas Best Arkansas Broadcasters Association Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation Arvest Bank of Yellville BK Moulding B&R Marine and Cycle Bale Chevrolet Bank of America Bass Cat Boats Big John Tree Transplanter Cashion Company Craig Burns Memorial Craft Propane Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods CDI Contractors Daisy Outdoors Darragh Company Delta Trust Democrat Printing and Lithographing Distribution Solutions East Harding Construction Entergy Evergreen Packaging First National Bank of Crossett First National Bank of Wynne 501 Tire & Wheel Forrest Wood Farms Fort Thompson Georgia Pacific/Crossett Paper Operations Golden Eagle of Arkansas Grisham s Art Heartland Community Bank Hillman Ag Development

55 Foundation Sponsors Hogg s Meat Market Hughes, Welch, and Milligan Ideal Construction International Paper Jefferson Regional Medical Center Jones and Son Fine Jewelry Keo Fish Farms Kinco Constructors, LLC. King Ready Mix Lile Real Estate Little River Bank Louisiana Hunters, Inc. Mack s Sport Shop Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard Moore Stephens Frost National Wild Turkey Federation Natgear NiteLite Otter Creek Land Company Outdoor Properties Plum Creek Portis Mercantile Company Potlatch Corporation Producer s Tractor Pulaski Bank Qualchoice/QCA Rabbit Ridge Gin and Warehouse Regions Bank Riceland Foods Richards Honda Richie s Auto Robert East Company The Ross Foundation SeaArk Boats Sissy s Log Cabin The Smith Holloway Patton Foundation South Arkansas Orthopedic Southshore Foundation Southwestern Electric Power Company Southwestern Energy Company Stephens, Inc. Stephens Group Steve Bolin Logging Sturgis Foundation Summit Bank Tarco Thomas and Thomas Trotter Ford Twin Lakes Financial Services US Fish and Wildlife Foundation War Eagle Manufacturing Watkins Company Wholesale Beer Distributorship of Arkansas Winrock Farms Wood Manufacturing Company,Inc. XPress Boats Pioneer Sponsors Rodney Abston Delbert Allen, Jr. Mark Badgwell Bill Barnes F.K. Barton, Jr. Doug Beard F.M. Bellingrath Ted Boswell Ralph Brasher Bobby Brown, Jr. Wendie Brown Larry Burrow Jack Butt Richard L. Calleton, M.D. Paul and June Carter Leon Catlett, II John Ed Chambers Bill Clark Rogers Cockrill John A. Cooper, Jr. J.R. Cromwell, III Dr. Neil E. Crow, Jr. Tom Curtner George Davis Larry Davis Full Page Nick Ad Rose Frred Denton D.H. Dixon Boris Dover Robert Dunn Hunter East David Egleston Greg Feltus Robert Feltus Dr. Clark Fincher Alan and Kathy Flury David Ford Gary Dan Futrell Woody Futrell Carl Garner Cole Goodman Stacy Gunderman John Sonny Hall, Jr. Charles Hammans Stuart Hankins James Hardin Tom and Bonnie Hasty Mark Hedrick Robert Henry Gary D. Hines Scott Hines Jim Hinkle Dennis Hogland Paul Holifield Edward L. Holt Edward L. House Kelly and Robert Jackson Randy Johnson Jeryl Jones Mark Karnes Kevin Kemp Johnny Kinder Benny Koontz Bernard Landerman Paul D. Langston T.L. Laureman Harry Leggett Frankie Lisko Judy Loving Paul Mahan Emon A. Mahony, Jr. Emon O. Mahony Kay Mahony Mahlon O. Maris Steve May Bob McBride Jim McCall Mack McCall Zach McClendon Russell Meeks Pat Miller Michael Moccio William Murphy, III Gerald Nutt Pat Peacock David Perdue Jack Pesses A. Dan Phillips Robert L. Pond Dr. Rob Porter Larry Reddmann Robert C. Rhodes Dr. Porter Rodgers Jim Rogers Harry L. Ryburn, D.D.S Scott Schoen, DDS Mack Shotts, M.D. Elvin Shuffield, Jr. Robert Shults William Sigler Leonard Sitzer Dr. Lester M. Sitzes, III Don Smith J. Michael Smith Kevin South Phyllis and Sam Speer R.M. Stainton, Jr. Kirk Stone Joseph Strode Charles Sullivan W.H. Sutton Dr. David T. Sward John Talley, Sr. Gene Thompson Joe M. Tullis, M.D. Mark Urban W.R. Walker Tri Watkins Pattie and David Weed Jeff Williams Randy and Karen Wilson Steve N. Wilson Barry Wood Donald E. Wray Glenn Yaffe All Electric Supply, Inc. Anthony Timberlands Arkansas Eastman Division Arkansas Poultry Federation BancorpSouth Boswell Law Firm CAM Realty, LLC Central Arkansas Buckmasters Chambers Bancshares, Inc. The Citizens Bank Cooper Communities Crow Burlingame Company Curtner Lumber Company Decatur State Bank Farmers & Merchants Bank Financial Centre Corporation First Community Bank First National Bank of Hope The 1st National Bank of Stuttgart Futrell Marine and Aircraft Heritage Bank Hyneman & Associates Great Lakes Chemical Company Greene County Wildlife Club Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina Jonesboro Roofing Koontz Electric Koppers Industries, Inc. Mountain Harbor Resort North Arkansas Electric Cooperative One Banc and Trust Outdoor Cap Company Pine Bluff National Bank Pulaski Bank RGB Mechanical Contractors Razorback Concrete Company Riggs Benevolent Fund Self Creek Lodge and Marina Simmons First Smith and Company Stone Ward Take A Hike Twin City Bank Wood Ford Sales, Inc. Our Mission Contact the Foundation, Steve Smith, President Jeryl Jones, External Relations Manager,

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57 REMEMBRANCE Who taught you how to fish and hunt? Whether walking through the spring turkey woods in pursuit of that elusive longbeard or casting a line out to a lurking largemouth bass or tying on a special fly to attract a rising trout, take a moment to think of the first time you hunted and fished and who was there beside you. There s no better way to remember a loved one or companion who loved the outdoors, than to have memorials made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation instead of flowers. Your donation In Honor or In Memory of that special companion, will help ensure that the outdoor heritage we enjoy in Arkansas will continue through future generations. The Foundation will send a special card to the individual or to their family to share the thoughtful gift you ve made to say thank you for the hunting and fishing memories that they made possible. Call Steve Smith at Or mail a donation to this address: Memorials, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR Donations are tax deductible.

58 Half Moon Meat Processing DeWitt (870) V & P Grocery Crossett (870) Twin Lakes Packing & Processing Gassville (870) Lasiter s Slaughter House Warren (870) Razorback Packing Company Waldo (870) T&M Processing Arkadelphia (870) Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry Help out by donating venison: Take your legally tagged, fielddressed deer to a participating meat processor. You can donate all or part of the meat. AHFH can pay for processing donated meat or you can contribute all or part to the cost. Your charitable donations are taxdeductible. (501) Ronnie.Ritter1@ ipaper.com CenterPoint Schools Amity (870) Lonnie s Meat Market Heber Springs (501) Watson Custom Slaughter House Rison (870) Home Ice Company Jonesboro (870) Cocrum s Custom Meat Processors Rudy (479) Garner s AMP Van Buren (479) Mayflower Taxidermy Mayflower (501) Lonnie s Meat Market Conway (501) Arkansas Joe s Custom Meat Processing Ozark (479) Griffith Custom Butchering Hot Springs (501) HMS Custom Processing Sheridan (870) Ridge Road Processing, Inc. Lafe (870) B & G Packing Nashville (870) The Country Butcher Whitehall (870) The Butcher Block Foreman (870) Fox Slaughter and Processing Scranton (479) Cabot Meat Market Cabot (501) Lonnie s Meat Market Cabot (501) Tims Custom Meat Prescott (870) Ferguson s Slaughter House Atkins (479) Vern s Custom Meat Processing Cove (870) The Bucks Stops Here Sherwood (501) Hoggs Meat Market and Catering North Little Rock (501) Kruse Meat Market Alexander (501) Larry Little s Butcher Shop Cave City (870) The Choppin Block El Dorado (870) Clinton Meat Processor Clinton (501) Meat & Wildgame Processing Springdale (479) Brogan Farms Romance (501) Strong Meat Processing Strong (870) Lasiter Custom Meat Waldron (479) Sparks Meat Shed Palestine (870) Wynne Meat Processing Wynne (870) C and C Packing Company Stamps (870) We are constantly updating the list of participating processors. Please visit for updates.

59 Flood Prone Regions Flood Prone Regions Current gauge readings and flood prone region closures are available by calling AGFC toll-free, (800) , or by checking Readings are updated by 3:00 p.m. daily. Black River Flood Prone Region closes to deer hunting when the Black River gauge at Corning exceeds 11 feet and reopens when it falls below 9.5 feet. St. Francis River Flood Prone Region closes to deer hunting when the St. Francis River gauge at Oak Donnick reaches 216 msl and reopens when it falls below 215 msl. Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Flood Prone Region closes to deer hunting when the gauge at Black Rock on the Black River reaches 23 feet and reopens when the gauge falls below 19 feet. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

60 Flood Prone Regions Flood Prone Region A closes to deer hunting when the Cache River gauge at Patterson reaches 12 feet. This restriction is lifted when the Cache River gauge at Patterson falls to or below 11 feet. Flood Prone Region B closes to deer hunting when the White River gauge at Augusta reaches 31 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge at Augusta falls below 30 feet and the White River gauge at Georgetown falls to or below 19 feet. Flood Prone Region C closes to deer hunting when the Cache River gauge at Patterson reaches 11 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 9.5 feet. Flood Prone Region D closes to deer hunting when the White River gauge at Clarendon reaches 28 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 27 feet. Flood Prone Region E closes to deer hunting when the White River gauge at St. Charles reaches 26 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 23.5 feet. Flood Prone Region F closes to deer hunting when the White River gauge at St. Charles reaches 23.5 feet and the gauge at Lock and Dam No. 1 (Norrell) on the Arkansas River reaches 145 feet msl. This restriction is lifted when the White River gauge at St. Charles falls to or below 21.5 feet and the gauge at Lock and Dam No. 1 on the Arkansas River falls to or below 143 feet msl. Call (501) for a reading at Lock and Dam No Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

61 Flood Prone Regions Flood Prone Region G closes to deer hunting when the Mississippi River gauge at Helena reaches 44 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 42 feet. Flood Prone Region H closes to deer hunting when the Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City reaches 37 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 35 feet. Flood Prone Region I closes to deer hunting when the Mississippi River gauge at Greenville reaches 48 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge falls to or below 46 feet. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

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66 WMAs WMA Region Map, Region Contact Numbers Wildlife Management Areas Wildlife Managment Regions and Refuges Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Natural Area WMA National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Contact Numbers: Region McClellan Drive, Ste. 1280, Jonesboro, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region N. Highway 49, Brinkley, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region Jordan Drive, Monticello, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region Ben Lane, Camden, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region Highway 67 East, Perrytown, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region Fish Hatchery Road, Hot Springs, AR (501) Toll-free: (877) Region Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith, AR (479) Toll-free: (877) Region Lock and Dam Road, Russellville, AR (479) Toll-free: (877) Region Highway 56 East, Calico Rock, AR (870) Toll-free: (877) Region Dam Site Road Eureka Springs, AR (479) Toll-free: (866) Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

67 WMAs WMA Zone Index WMA Zone Name County 002 Bald Knob NWR White Bayou Des Arc WMA Prairie Bayou Meto WMA Arkansas, Jefferson 3 WMA Region 020 Beaver Lake WMA Benton, Carroll, Madison Bell Slough WMA Faulkner Benson Creek Natural Area WMA Monroe Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA Ashley, Union Big Creek WMA Lee Big Lake NWR Mississippi Big Lake WMA Mississippi Big Timber WMA Clark Blevins WMA Hempstead Blue Mountain WMA Logan Brewer Lake/Cypress Creek WMA Conway Brushy Creek WMA Cross Buffalo National River WMA Baxter, Marion, Newton, Searcy Cache River NWR Jackson, Monroe, Prairie and Woodruff Camp Robinson SUA Faulkner Camp Robinson WMA Faulkner, Pulaski Caney Creek WMA Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk Casey Jones WMA Ashley, Drew Cattail Marsh WMA Greene Cedar Creek WMA Scott Cherokee WMA Cleburne, Conway, Independence, Logan, Pope, Scott, Stone, Van Buren 130 Cherokee Prairie Natural Area WMA Franklin Choctaw Island WMA Desha Cove Creek Natural Area WMA Faulkner Crossett Experimental Forest WMA Ashley Cut-Off Creek WMA Drew Cypress Bayou WMA Lonoke, White Dardanelle WMA Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Yell 170 Dave Donaldson Black River WMA Clay, Greene, Randolph DeGray Lake WMA Clark, Hot Spring Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

68 WMAs WMA Zone Index WMA Zone Name County 175 Departee Creek WMA White Devil s Knob Natural Area WMA Izard Dr. Lester Sitzes, III Bois D Arc WMA Hempstead Earl Buss Bayou Deview WMA Poinsett Ed Gordon Point Remove WMA Conway, Pope Electric Island WMA Garland Ethel WMA Arkansas Falcon Bottoms Natural Area WMA Columbia, Lafayette, Nevada Felsenthal NWR Ashley, Bradley, Union Fort Chaffee WMA Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian Frog Bayou WMA Crawford Galla Creek WMA Pope 8 WMA Region 245 Garrett Hollow Natural Area WMA Washington Gene Rush WMA Newton, Searcy Greers Ferry Lake WMA Cleburne, Van Buren Gulf Mountain WMA Van Buren Gum Flats WMA Little River H.E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area WMA Franklin Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMA Sharp Harris Brake WMA Perry Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA White Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Benton, Carroll, Madison Holla Bend NWR Pope Holland Bottoms WMA Lonoke Hope Upland WMA Hempstead Howard County WMA Howard Howard Hensley Searcy County WMA Searcy Iron Mountain Natural Area WMA Polk J. Perry Mikles Blue Mountain SUA Logan Jamestown Independence County WMA Independence Jim Kress WMA Cleburne Jones Point WMA Marion Lafayette County WMA Lafayette Lake Greeson WMA Howard, Pike 5 66 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

69 WMAs WMA Zone Index WMA Zone Name County 412 Lee County WMA Lee Little Bayou WMA Ashley Little River WMA Hempstead Loafer s Glory WMA Searcy 8 WMA Region 430 McIlroy Madison County WMA Madison Mike Freeze Wattensaw WMA Prairie Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA Calhoun Mount Magazine WMA Logan, Yell Muddy Creek WMA Montgomery, Scott, Yell Nacatoch Ravines Natural Area WMA Hempstead Nimrod/Lloyd Millwood WMA Yell Norfork Lake WMA Baxter Overflow NWR Ashley Ozan WMA Hempstead Ozark Lake WMA Crawford, Franklin Ozark National Forest WMA Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Madison, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Van Buren, Washington 7, 8, 9 and Petit Jean River WMA Yell Pine City Natural Area WMA Monroe Piney Creeks WMA Johnson, Newton, Pope Poison Springs WMA Ouachita, Nevada Pond Creek NWR Sevier Prairie Bayou WMA Lonoke Provo WMA Sevier Railroad Prairie Natural Area WMA Prairie Rainey WMA Pope Rex Hancock Black Swamp WMA Woodruff Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA Hempstead Ring Slough WMA Clay River Bend WMA Perry Robert L. Hankins Mud Creek WMA Randolph Roth Prairie Natural Area WMA Arkansas St. Francis National Forest WMA Lee, Phillips St. Francis Sunken Lands WMA Craighead, Greene, Poinsett 1 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

70 WMAs WMA Zone Index WMA Zone Name County 562 Sandhills Natural Area WMA Miller Seven Devils WMA Drew Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA Monroe Shirey Bay Rainey Brake WMA Lawrence Slippery Hollow Natural Area Marion Smoke Hole Natural Area WMA Lonoke, Prairie Spring Bank WMA Lafayette Stateline Sandponds Natural Area WMA Clay Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA White Sulphur River WMA Miller 5 WMA Region 615 Sweden Creek Natural Area WMA Madison Sylamore WMA Baxter, Marion, Searcy, Stone Terre Noire Natural Area WMA Clark Trusten Holder WMA Arkansas, Desha Two Bayou Creek WMA Ouachita U of A Pine Tree Experimental Station WDA St. Francis W. E. Brewer Scatter Creek WMA Greene Wapanocca NWR Crittenden Warren Prairie Natural Area WMA Bradley, Drew Wedington WMA Benton, Washington White Cliffs Natural Area WMA Little River Whitehall WMA Poinsett White River South NWR Arkansas, Desha, Monroe, Phillips White River North NWR Arkansas, Monroe 2 and White Rock WMA Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Madison, Washington Winona WMA Garland, Perry, Saline Wittsburg Natural Area WMA Cross 2 68 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Hunting Guidebook

71 Game Tags Hunting licenses expire June 30 each year. The annual big game license has eight tags attached to it. Four tags are for the deer season, two for fall 2008 turkey season and two for spring 2009 turkey season. Other hunting licenses have an appropriate number of tags depending on harvest limits connected specifically to the license. Hunters who hold the 65 Plus Lifetime License or the Disabled License, hunters under 16 and Mississippi license holders hunting under the Reciprocal Hunting License Agreement must either use the example tags provided below (photocopies are OK), or substitute a piece of paper displaying information about each harvested deer or turkey. A supply of tags will be mailed to holders of the $1,000 Lifetime Sportsman s License. Tags must be securely fastened and remain on deer or turkeys until final processing and storage. For complete instructions on properly tagging game, see Page????. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Game tag expires 6/30/09 Valid only for holders of the following hunting licences: 65 Plus Lifetime License; Three-Year Disability Hunting License or Resident and Nonresident Hunters under 16 years old. This tag is not valid for holders of any other license, unless tagging a bear. Name: License # (Not applicable for hunters younger than 16) Time: Date: WMA/Zone: Type of game: Method: Check station # Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Game tag expires 6/30/09 Valid only for holders of the following hunting licences: 65 Plus Lifetime License; Three-Year Disability Hunting License or Resident and Nonresident Hunters under 16 years old. This tag is not valid for holders of any other license, unless tagging a bear. Name: License # (Not applicable for hunters younger than 16) Time: Date: WMA/Zone: Type of game: Arkansas Method: Game and Fish Commission Check Hunting station Guidebook # I