Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Early buck-only hunt offers head start to deer hunting season
Arkansas’s Early Buck-Only Hunt Kicks Off September 6-8, Providing Hunters a Head Start to the Deer Season
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Arkansas
As the summer heat starts to wane, many hunters in Arkansas are eagerly preparing for the early start to the state's deer hunting season. The first significant opportunity comes in the form of the Early Buck-Only Hunt, scheduled for September 6-8. This event is unique because it offers hunters a head start on the regular season and a chance to harvest a buck before the rut begins. The Early Buck-Only Hunt is often referred to as the 'velvet hunt' because it occurs when bucks still have the velvet on their antlers, a rare opportunity for hunters looking to harvest a trophy buck with full antlers. The velvet is a soft tissue that covers a buck's antlers while they are still growing, and it gradually sheds as the antlers mature. For hunters, the velvet hunt presents an exciting chance to capture a buck that hasn't yet lost its velvet, making it an ideal time for those seeking a unique hunting experience. Ralph Meeker, the AGFC Deer Program coordinator, notes that not all bucks will retain their velvet when the hunt begins, but many will still be holding onto their soft antler coverings. While hunters are not required to harvest a buck with velvet, the hunt does provide the best chance to take a buck in this stage. The hunt's rules stipulate that the buck must meet antler size or point requirements based on the specific zone being hunted. Last year, despite the intense summer heat, approximately 1,200 bucks were harvested during the early hunt, proving that Arkansas bowhunters are willing to brave the elements for a chance at a velvet buck. This years hunt overlaps with the opening weekend of dove season, but hunters will have a designated opportunity to pursue deer early, which is especially appreciated by those looking to get a jumpstart on the season. To participate in the early buck hunt, hunters must have the appropriate deer tag, and any valid hunting license that includes a deer tag will suffice. As part of Arkansas's digital transition, hunters are encouraged to use the state's online system and smartphone app to manage their licenses and harvest data. The app allows hunters to check their harvest digitally, and if cellular service is unavailable, the app can store the data until hunters return to a location with service. It is essential for hunters to ensure that their licenses and tags are in order before heading out. The AGFC offers digital tags, and hunters should verify that their devices are updated, as some users may need to refresh their app before their tags are available. Though the early buck-only hunt is an exciting opportunity, it is not without its challenges. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers are notorious in Arkansass early hunting seasons, and hunters are advised to prepare for these pests. While some bowhunters avoid using bug sprays due to scent concerns, the AGFC suggests alternative solutions, such as Thermacell devices, which create a bug-free zone, or wearing a full-body mesh suit to prevent insect bites. The early hunt is only open on private lands, AGFC-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), and designated Leased Lands WMAs as listed in the 2025-2026 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Public lands outside of these specific areas remain off-limits for this special event. Hunters are encouraged to check local WMAs for their specific regulations before venturing out. Some areas may have additional rules or restrictions, and its important to stay informed on what land is open for the early hunt. As September 6 draws closer, the excitement around this early hunting opportunity builds. For Arkansas hunters, this event is a much-anticipated chance to experience the thrill of the hunt while avoiding the colder temperatures and the rut that will later dominate the hunting season.