Why It Matters: With the arrival of fall, hunters across the Natural State are excited about the official arrival of deer hunting seasons. This year, Arkansans have new opportunities to pursue white-tailed deer, including a recent early, buck-only archery season for the first time. With fall officially here, there is much to be excited about!
Highlights:
- In early September, Arkansas hunters had their first opportunity to pursue white-tailed deer during the state’s first early, buck-only archery hunting season.
- Following that three-day hunt, most sportsmen and women are anxiously awaiting the opening of the full archery season on September 27th.
- Later this fall, hunters will also have the opportunity to participate in the state’s new Alternative Firearms season which replaced Muzzleloader season while legalizing the use of straight-walled cartridges.
The wait is finally over! With the changing of the seasons comes the official start of fall deer hunting seasons across the country. In the Natural State, hunters have already had one opportunity to chase white-tailed deer during the state’s first early, buck-only archery hunting season. This season provided hunters a unique opportunity to pursue antlered deer while still in velvet. At this time, participation and harvest rates are still being calculated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, but it will be interesting to see how many sportsmen and women took advantage of this novel opportunity.
Now, Arkansas hunters are eagerly waiting for the 27th, when the state’s full archery season opens. As one of the most popular activities among sportsmen and women, archery hunting is a time honored and cherished tradition while also offering the longest season for many hunters throughout the nation.
In early October, Arkansas deer hunters will see another new opportunity in the form of the state’s new Alternative Firearms hunting season. This new season replaces the muzzleloader season while legalizing the use of straight-walled cartridges. While initially controversial for some traditionalists, this new season provides a unique opportunity to those who do not hunt with a muzzleloader to get afield before the state’s regular firearms hunting season.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation remains committed to enhancing opportunities for sportsmen and women while ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our outdoor traditions. For more information on deer hunting opportunities in your state, visit your state fish and wildlife agency’s website for dates and license information.
