Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Arkansas’s modern gun deer hunting season begins Nov. 8
Arkansas’s modern gun deer hunting season begins Nov. 8
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Little Rock, Arkansas
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 a deer, and many of them will be celebrating their first hunt of the year this weekend with the opening of Arkansas's modern gun deer hunting season. Arkansas's deer season is split into several segments, with hunters having already harvested and checked more than 47,700 deer so far during archery season, alternative firearms season, and last weekend's youth deer hunt. Those early seasons are only appetizers compared to modern gun season, which opens Saturday, Nov. 8. Historically, deer hunters have checked more than 30,000 deer in the two-day weekend opener. Staff at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission expect many hunting camps will extend their opening weekend even further with the Veterans' Day holiday falling on the Tuesday after opening weekend. This has led to a sense of anticipation among hunting enthusiasts eager to experience the thrill of the hunt. Here are a few things hunters should double-check before hitting the woods Saturday morning: First, ensure your hunting license is up-to-date and that you've downloaded your free deer tags through the AGFC's website or mobile app. If you've purchased your license this year, your tags should automatically show up, but youth hunters and lifetime license holders may still need to download theirs. The AGFC website has dedicated guidance to assist you through this process at It is crucial to confirm that your firearm complies with the regulations for the zone or wildlife management area you intend to hunt in. For instance, hunters in Deer Zones 4 and 5 and several wildlife management areas can only use shotguns .410 and larger with slugs, muzzleloaders, rifles firing straight-walled cartridges .30 caliber or larger, and legal air rifles. The complete list of legal hunting equipment is detailed on Page 48 of the 2025-26 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Also, always check the AGFC's chronic wasting disease zones and testing locations. To protect wildlife, only deboned meat, cleaned skulls, antlers, and finished taxidermy may legally leave CWD zones. Testing your deer is free and voluntary through the AGFC's network of drop-off locations. Further details can be found at Hunters should carry their Hunter Education card or verify that they have "HE-Verified" status in their license account via the AGFC's website or app. Requirement mandates that every hunter aged 16 and older born after 1968 must complete Hunter Education. While hunters younger than 16 may still hunt with a licensed adult, they must stay in close proximity to that adult. As safety remains paramount, it's essential to wear blaze orange or safety chartreuse. Legally, all hunters and mentors must wear at least 400 square inches of this color above the waist and a corresponding hat that remains visible at all times, ensuring maximum visibility even in a blind. Before heading out, check all straps, welds, and bolts on your tree stands to ensure they're in good working order. Stands left up all year may have deteriorated due to weather, and wildlife could damage straps over time. Its advisable to inspect and replace any equipment that could jeopardize safety. Equally important is reacquainting yourself with your safety harness. Familiarizing yourself with your gear beforehand, rather than during the excitement of opening day, can prevent accidents and mishaps in the field. Always ensure someone responsible is aware of your hunting location and your expected return time. If you're in the midst of hunting and shoot a deer, remember to check it within 12 hours of harvest. If you have a cell signal, checking the deer via phone, website, or app is possible before moving it; otherwise, prepare to mark a tag with necessary details before proceeding. This ensures compliance with hunting regulations. The excitement surrounding the start of modern gun season reflects a treasured tradition among Arkansas hunters. With many eager to hit the woods, early reports suggest a significant turnout, possibly leading to a very active season ahead.