Alternative Firearms Deer Season Underway in Arkansas

Arkansas’ alternative firearms deer season is underway, giving hunters across Southwest Arkansas an early opportunity to harvest deer ahead of the traditional modern gun season.

The season opened Oct. 17 and continues through Oct. 25 in most deer hunting zones across the state. Now in its third year, the season allows hunters to use approved muzzleloaders, certain large-bore air rifles and qualifying rifles chambered for straight-wall cartridges.

According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Deer Program Coordinator Ralph Meeker, the expanded hunting opportunities have grown in popularity since regulations changed in 2024. The additional opportunities have helped shift some deer harvests from November’s modern gun season into October.

Arkansas hunters harvested approximately 186,000 deer last year. Although this year’s harvest is running ahead of last year’s pace, it is still too early to predict the final numbers.

The AGFC is also encouraging hunters to harvest more does to help maintain a healthy balance in the state’s deer population. Hunters who do not need additional venison can donate harvested deer through Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

Dry conditions could also influence deer movement and feeding patterns this fall. While drought has affected acorn production in some areas, oak trees near creeks, ponds and other sources of permanent water may still provide food for deer.

Arkansas’ statewide modern gun deer season is scheduled to open Nov. 14. Special youth hunts are set for Nov. 7-8 and Jan. 2-3.

Hunters can find complete deer hunting regulations at www.agfc.com/guidebooks and public hunting area maps at www.agfc.com/wheretohunt.