Turkey hunting in Arkansas offers a thrilling outdoor experience for both novice and seasoned hunters. The state’s diverse landscapes and abundant wild turkey population make it an ideal destination for those seeking to bag a prized gobbler. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission carefully manages the turkey hunting season, which typically occurs in the spring and is divided into two zones with specific dates.

Arkansas has implemented various conservation efforts to maintain a healthy wild turkey population. These measures include habitat restoration, regulated hunting seasons, and ongoing research to monitor turkey populations. The state provides numerous public hunting opportunities on wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges, though some locations may have restrictions on the number of hunters allowed.

Hunters should familiarize themselves with the current regulations, including bag limits and legal hunting methods. The statewide bag limit is typically two legal turkeys, with special considerations for youth hunters. Proper planning, scouting, and adherence to safety guidelines are essential for a successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience in Arkansas.

Arkansas Turkey Hunting Regulations

Arkansas has specific regulations for turkey hunting to manage populations and ensure fair chase. These rules cover legal turkey identification and harvest limits across different zones.

Legal Turkey Identification

In Arkansas, hunters must be able to distinguish between legal and non-legal turkeys. Adult gobblers are the primary legal target. They have beards typically 6 inches or longer and spurs at least half an inch long.

Jakes, which are immature male turkeys, are generally not legal to harvest. The exception is for youth hunters aged 6-15, who may take one jake as part of their season limit.

Hens (female turkeys) are protected and cannot be legally harvested during the spring season.

Statewide and Zone Harvest Limits

Arkansas imposes strict bag limits to maintain healthy turkey populations. The statewide turkey bag limit is two legal turkeys per hunter per season.

Zone-specific limits also apply. Arkansas is divided into two hunting zones with different season dates:

• Zone 1: April 15-23, 2024
• Zone 2: April 15-May 5, 2024

Hunters may not take more than one legal turkey per day, regardless of zone. The two-bird season limit includes turkeys taken during special youth hunts.

Public land hunters should check additional restrictions, as some wildlife management areas have more conservative bag limits or require special permits.

Turkey Season Dates

Arkansas offers specific dates for turkey hunting across different zones. The season includes a regular period and a special youth hunt, with designated timeframes for each.

Regular Season Dates

Turkey hunting in Arkansas is divided into two zones. Zone 1 has a shorter season, running from April 15 to April 23, 2024. Zone 2 offers a longer hunting period, extending from April 15 to May 5, 2024.

Hunters must be aware of the zone boundaries and corresponding dates. Wildlife Management Areas may have additional restrictions or specific regulations.

Special Youth Turkey Hunt Dates

Arkansas provides a dedicated youth turkey hunt before the regular season begins. In 2024, the Special Youth Turkey Hunt is scheduled for April 12-13.

This hunt applies to both Zone 1 and Zone 2. Young hunters aged 6 to 15 can participate. They must obtain a free Customer Identification Number (CID) to hunt and check turkeys.

Youth hunters who haven’t completed hunter education must be supervised by an adult 21 years or older.

Hunting in Wildlife Management Areas

Arkansas offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for turkey hunting, each with its own regulations and permit requirements. These areas provide diverse habitats and opportunities for hunters to pursue wild turkeys in natural settings.

Notable WMAs for Turkey Hunting

Petit Jean River WMA is known for its excellent turkey hunting opportunities. The area’s mix of hardwood forests and open fields creates ideal turkey habitat.

Cypress Bayou WMA offers challenging hunts in bottomland hardwood forests. Hunters can find turkeys along the edges of wetlands and in upland areas.

Devil’s Eyebrow Natural Area WMA provides rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems, attracting turkeys to its oak-hickory forests and limestone glades.

Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita WMA features extensive bottomland hardwoods, offering prime turkey habitat along the Ouachita River.

McIlroy Madison County WMA and Ozark National Forest WMA both provide vast areas of public land for turkey hunting in the Ozark Mountains.

WMA Regulations and Permits

All hunters must possess a valid Arkansas hunting license and turkey permit to hunt on WMAs. Some areas require additional WMA-specific permits.

Turkey hunting seasons on WMAs typically align with statewide seasons but may have shorter durations or specific hunt dates.

Many WMAs limit the number of hunters through quota hunts or draw systems to manage pressure on turkey populations.

Hunters must comply with weapon restrictions, which often allow only shotguns or archery equipment for turkey hunting on WMAs.

Baiting and the use of electronic calls are prohibited on all WMAs. Hunters should check area-specific regulations for additional rules.

Requirements for Turkey Hunters in Arkansas

Turkey hunters in Arkansas must meet specific criteria to legally participate in the hunt. These requirements ensure safety and proper wildlife management.

Hunter Education Certification

All hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, must complete a state-approved hunter education course. This certification is crucial for understanding safety protocols and ethical hunting practices. The course covers firearm handling, wildlife conservation, and hunting regulations.

Hunters can take the course online or in person. Upon completion, they receive a hunter education card, which must be carried while hunting. Youth hunters under 16 can hunt without certification if supervised by a licensed adult who is 21 or older.

Customer Identification Number (CID)

Every hunter in Arkansas needs a Customer Identification Number (CID). This unique identifier is used for licensing and harvest reporting purposes. Hunters can obtain a CID online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website or at licensed vendors.

The CID is required for purchasing hunting licenses and permits. It’s also necessary when checking in harvested turkeys. Youth hunters must have a free CID to hunt and check turkeys, even if they’re not required to purchase a license.

For turkey hunting, the CID is linked to the hunter’s turkey tags. These tags must be carried while hunting and immediately attached to harvested birds.

Youth Hunting Opportunities

Arkansas offers special opportunities for young hunters to experience turkey hunting. These programs aim to introduce youth to the sport and teach important skills and safety practices.

Special Youth Turkey Hunt

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hosts a Special Youth Turkey Hunt each spring. This hunt takes place statewide on April 10-11, allowing hunters aged 6 to 15 to participate. The bag limit is one legal turkey during this special event.

Youth hunters have exclusive access to turkey hunting areas during these dates. This provides a less competitive environment for young hunters to practice their skills and potentially harvest their first turkey.

Parents or guardians must accompany youth hunters who haven’t completed hunter education. Adults aged 21 or older can provide direct supervision, ensuring safety and guidance throughout the hunt.

Youth Hunt Education and Safety

Safety is paramount during youth turkey hunts. Hunter education courses are strongly recommended for all young participants. These courses cover essential topics such as firearm safety, hunting ethics, and wildlife conservation.

The AGFC emphasizes the importance of proper guidance during youth hunts. Adults should focus on teaching hunting techniques, wildlife identification, and ethical hunting practices.

Mentors are encouraged to create positive experiences for youth hunters. This includes pointing out various aspects of nature and celebrating the entire hunting process, regardless of whether a turkey is harvested.

By prioritizing education and safety, these youth hunting opportunities aim to foster a new generation of responsible, knowledgeable hunters in Arkansas.