Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Deer season’s ‘velvet hunt’ fast approaching
Arkansas hunters prepare for ‘velvet hunt’ as early deer season approaches.
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Arkansas
As Arkansas hunters prepare for the early deer season, anticipation is building for the 'velvet hunt,' which will kick off from September 6 to 8. This unique season offers hunters the opportunity to harvest a buck before it sheds its velvet antlers, making it a special experience for bow hunters. While some bucks will have already shed their velvet, many will still be sporting it when the season opens, providing a rare chance to bag a 'velvet buck.' Ralph Meeker, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Deer Program Coordinator, explains that the 'velvet hunt' allows hunters to take a single antlered buck using archery equipment. While its not necessary for the buck to be in velvet, it must meet the antler point or size requirements for the hunting zone in which the hunter is operating. This early season, however, is a limited opportunity as many deer have already started the process of shedding their velvet. The anticipation surrounding the velvet hunt stems from the fact that this time of year presents one of the best opportunities to harvest bucks that have yet to shed their velvet. Unlike the regular deer hunting season, this early hunt caters specifically to bow hunters looking to take a shot at a buck with its velvet antlers still intact. Last year, Arkansas bow hunters participated in this special early season, and despite the competition with the opening weekend of dove season, they checked in roughly 1,200 bucks during the headstart to bow season. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding hunters to be sure that their hunting licenses are up-to-date and to review all regulations ahead of the opening. Its crucial for hunters to ensure that they have the right equipment and that they follow the legal requirements regarding the hunt, including the use of archery gear and adherence to the size and point restrictions for antlered bucks. As the early season approaches, hunters are advised to be cautious of the heat and insects, which often come with early-season hunts. Although many hunters are eager to get out in the field and make the most of the velvet hunt, safety is a priority. Hunters should be prepared to cope with the intense Arkansas summer heat and biting insects, which can pose both physical and safety challenges. Preparation for the velvet hunt includes making sure your bow and equipment are in top condition, especially for hunters who have spent the summer months away from the range. Meeker emphasizes that readiness is key. "Make sure your gear is up to the task. It can be a tough hunt with hot weather and bugs, but its worth it for the chance to take a velvet buck," Meeker advises. Hunters are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the areas where they plan to hunt. The special early buck season is open on private land and on commission-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that are listed in the Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for the 2025-26 season. However, certain lands are off-limits during the hunt, such as federal wildlife refuges and public lands owned by the U.S. Forest Service or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The velvet hunt also brings a unique aspect to deer hunting, as it marks the start of the hunting season and adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. With high expectations for the upcoming season and the growing deer populations in Arkansas, hunters are hopeful for a productive and safe hunt.