Arkansas's modern gun deer hunting season begins Nov. 8

LITTLE ROCK An estimated 290,000 people, enough to fill Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville more than four times, will be headed to the woods this year in search of deer, with the opening of Arkansass modern gun deer hunting season on Saturday, November 8. This long-awaited event marks a significant moment for both seasoned hunters and first-time participants excited for the first deer hunt of the year. The states deer season is structured into several segments, and early reports indicate that hunters have already harvested and checked over 47,700 deer during the archery season, alternative firearms season, and last weekends youth deer hunt. As the modern gun season approaches, expectations soar. Historically, deer hunters have reported checking more than 30,000 deer during the two-day weekend opener, making it one of the most significant periods in the Arkansas hunting calendar. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) anticipates that many hunting camps will extend their celebrations, particularly with Veterans Day falling shortly after the opening weekend, providing an opportunity for extended outings in the woods. For those gearing up for the hunt, its crucial to double-check several essential items before heading into the field on Saturday morning. Ensuring that your hunting license is up-to-date is the first step. Hunters can easily download their free deer tags through AGFCs website or mobile app. If you purchased your license this year, its likely that your tags will automatically appear, but youth hunters and lifetime license holders might still need to download theirs separately. Detailed instructions on acquiring the necessary tags can be found on the AGFCs licensing support page. Its also essential to ensure that your firearm is legal for the zone or WMA (Wildlife Management Area) where you plan to hunt. In Deer Zones 4 and 5, along with several WMAs, hunters are restricted to using shotguns of .410 gauge or larger that fire slugs, muzzleloaders, rifles firing straight-walled cartridges .30-caliber or larger, and legal air rifles. A complete list of legal hunting equipment is available on Page 48 of the 2025-26 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Another critical aspect to consider is chronic wasting disease (CWD). Hunters must check the AGFCs CWD zones and the locations for testing animals. According to AGFC, only deboned meat, cleaned skulls, antlers, and finished taxidermy can legally leave CWD zones. Testing your deer is free and voluntary, and there are numerous drop-off locations and taxidermists included in the AGFCs network. Additional information can be found on their dedicated CWD page. Safety is paramount in the field, which is why every hunter is reminded to have their Hunter Education card or ensure theyre HE-Verified in their license account through AGFCs website or app. Hunter Education is mandated for hunters aged 16 and older who were born after 1968. Hunters under 16, alongside those with a Deferred Education Code, can still hunt but must stay within arms reach of a licensed adult hunter. Additionally, all hunters must comply with safety requirements regarding attire, specifically blaze orange or safety chartreuse, which must include at least 400 square inches above the waist and a blaze orange hat visible outside their clothing. Lastly, hunters are urged to inspect all gear meticulously. This includes ensuring that tree stands are in optimal condition, especially those that have remained in place throughout the year, as they can deteriorate. Furthermore, its advisable for hunters to familiarize themselves with their safety harnesses in advance to avoid struggles before heading out. The importance of communication also cannot be overstated; ensure responsible individuals know your whereabouts and the expected time of return. Furthermore, storing the AGFCs radio room number (833-356-0824) in mobile phones can provide swift access to game wardens, who often deal with forest emergencies. Once a deer is harvested, remember it needs to be checked within 12 hours. If mobile service is available, immediate checking via phone, website, or app is possible, negating the need for a physical tag if the deer remains in immediate possession. Otherwise, a makeshift tag must be fashioned with essential information until the deer can be checked. The Arkansas modern gun deer hunting season opens a rich opportunity for engagement with nature, camaraderie among hunters, and enjoyment of one of Americas long-standing traditions.