For turkey hunting enthusiasts in Arkansas, spring turkey season is an exciting and highly anticipated time of year Arkansas provides ample opportunities for hunters to pursue wild turkeys during the spring season across different regions of the state But when exactly is turkey season in Arkansas?
Overview of Turkey Season Dates in Arkansas
The dates for spring turkey season in Arkansas are:
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Youth Turkey Hunt (ages 6-15): April 8-9, 2023
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Zone 1 Regular Season: April 15-23, 2023
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Zone 2 Regular Season: April 15 – May 7, 2023
Arkansas is divided into two turkey hunting zones with Zone 1 covering northeast and northwest regions of the state and Zone 2 covering the majority of southern and central Arkansas.
The youth turkey hunt takes place on the weekend prior to the opening of the regular spring season. Only young hunters ages 6 to 15 may participate in the youth hunt if they possess a valid hunting license.
During the regular spring season hunters may harvest turkeys within the open season dates designated for the turkey hunting zone they are located in. The season starts and ends a few weeks later in Zone 2 compared to Zone 1.
Turkey Hunting Licenses Required in Arkansas
To hunt turkeys in Arkansas during the spring season, hunters must have a valid set of turkey hunting licenses and permits. Required licenses include:
- Resident Sportsman’s Hunting License – $25
- Non-resident Annual All Game License – $350
- Non-resident 5-Day All Game License – $180
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Turkey Permit – $25
In addition, all hunters must carry a valid form of personal ID while in the field.
Resident hunters need a resident hunting license plus turkey permit. Non-residents need a non-resident all game hunting license plus turkey permit to hunt turkeys in Arkansas.
Various combination licenses are also available, such as a resident combination sportsman’s license covering fishing and hunting privileges.
Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations in Arkansas
When hunting turkeys in Arkansas, be sure to follow all regulations and laws. Key regulations include:
- Turkey hunters must wear hunter orange clothing.
- Legal shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Hunting turkeys with dogs is prohibited.
- Hunting over bait is illegal in Arkansas.
- The statewide bag limit is 2 bearded turkeys for the spring season.
- Hunting turkeys in most wildlife management areas requires a WMA permit.
Specific laws apply for the youth turkey hunt, including a 1 turkey bag limit. There are also special regulations for certain wildlife management areas, so consult the AGFC Hunting Guidebook for WMA rules.
Checking Harvested Turkeys in Arkansas
Arkansas requires all hunters to check any turkeys they harvest, using either the AGFC website or mobile app. Hunters will need to register their harvest using their unique Conservation ID number associated with their license profile.
Reporting harvested turkeys provides important data to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on turkey populations, harvest rates, and hunting trends over time.
Best Areas to Hunt Turkeys in Arkansas
Some top public land areas for spring turkey hunting in Arkansas include:
- Ozark National Forest (Zones 1 and 2)
- Piney Creeks/White Rock/Rolling Prairie WMAs (Zone 1)
- Gulf Mountain and Levi Wilcoxon Demonstration WMAs (Zone 2)
- Trusten Holder, Sylamore, and Longview-Saline WMAs (Zone 2)
The counties of Benton, Franklin, Scott and Crawford also offer excellent hunting on private land in Zone 1.
Popular Zone 2 counties include Clark, Pike, Howard, Little River, and Sevier counties which hold good numbers of Eastern wild turkeys.
Tips for a Successful Turkey Hunt
Here are some tips for having a safe and successful spring turkey hunt in The Natural State:
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Scout ahead – Locate flocks and patterns their movement in your hunting area.
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Use decoys and calls – Set up hen decoys and use turkey calls to draw in gobblers.
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Be patient – Stay still and quiet when set up before dawn and let the turkeys come to you.
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Aim carefully – Wait for a clear broadside shot on the turkey’s head and neck. Pattern your shotgun.
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Check local weather – Hunt on days with light rain and wind to mask sounds.
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Tag turkey properly – Tag your harvested bird immediately and register it.
The Excitement of Spring Turkey Hunting in Arkansas
Pursuing wild turkeys during the spring mating season provides an exciting hunting experience like no other. The thrill of calling in wary old gobblers at dawn, hearing their thundering gobbles echo through the timber, and seeing these majestic game birds strutting in full display is a rush for hunters young and old.
With proper scouting, preparation, and hunting knowledge, you’ll be ready when spring turkey season arrives in Arkansas. Be sure to check the latest season dates, license requirements, and regulations each year for an enjoyable and legal hunt. With vast public hunting land and managed forests, Arkansas offers fantastic turkey hunting opportunities.
The turkey has a rich and storied history in America and Arkansas. Native Americans, including the Quapaw tribe in Arkansas, raised and hunted the bird long before the European settlers arrived.
The wild turkey subspecies native to Arkansas is the eastern wild turkey. It is the state’s largest game bird.
Known for their intelligence, wild turkeys offer a unique challenge to hunters. While the wild turkey was once abundant in the country and Arkansas, the population declined in the early 20th century due to irresponsible hunting and habitat loss.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has made many efforts over the years to increase the wild turkey population. The hunting season happens in the spring and is fairly limited, narrowed down to two zones with brief timelines. While there are many public turkey hunting opportunities in Arkansas, AGFC restricts the number of hunters allowed during turkey season through random drawings to increase the quality of the hunt at some of the more popular wildlife management areas.
Wild Turkey Strategic Management Plan | 2020-2030
The purpose of this plan is to provide strategic, long-term guidance for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Wild Turkey Program.
Opening Day Turkey Season Arkansas – Turkey VLOG #3 S9
FAQ
What date does turkey season open in Arkansas?
Can you shoot a turkey with a rifle in Arkansas?
Which state has no turkey season?
When should I start turkey hunting?
When does Turkey season start in Arkansas?
The season normally begins on April 15, lasts through April 23 in Zone 1, and from April 15 to May 5 in Zone 2. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s most recent rules and changes are always the greatest sources of information since actual dates may change. Can youth hunters participate in the Arkansas turkey season?
What age can you hunt a Turkey in Arkansas?
Only hunters aged 6 to 15 can participate in the Special Youth Hunt, and the bag limit is one. When does the Arkansas turkey season usually start? It opens at a different time, depending on the zone. The season normally begins on April 15, lasts through April 23 in Zone 1, and from April 15 to May 5 in Zone 2.
Can you hunt a Turkey in Arkansas?
Licenses are available for residents and non-residents. 5. Only shotguns, 10-gauge or smaller, and archery equipment are allowed for legal turkey hunting. Traps, snares, nets, dogs, or live decoys are not allowed for hunting. As turkey season approaches for 2021, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has new regulations for turkey hunting.
When is turkey hunting season?
As turkey hunting season approaches on April 19 through May 9, here are five important things to know before you begin your hunt. 1. Crawford, Logan, Franklin, and Sebastian counties are located in Zone 2 of private land turkey zones.