Arkansas Turkey Hunters Required to Add Turkey Tag to Hunting Gear This Season

Arkansas turkey hunters will need to add a new item to their hunting vest this season: an Arkansas Turkey Hunting Tag. The tag, along with a valid hunting license, is required by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) to help track the number of hunters in the field.

Resident hunters can obtain the turkey tags for free through the AGFC’s licensing system before heading out, including those with lifetime or disability licenses. These free permits allow residents to legally harvest up to two gobblers.

Nonresident hunters face additional requirements. Youth hunters under 16 can still obtain a free Nonresident Youth Turkey Tag. However, adult nonresidents must purchase either a Nonresident Turkey Tag for $100 or a new Nonresident Annual Turkey Hunting License (NRTL) for $325, which includes the tag.

The turkey season in Arkansas opens statewide on April 21, with the special Youth Turkey Hunt scheduled for April 12-13. Hunters must check any harvested turkeys within 12 hours via the AGFC website, mobile app, or by phone. New this year is an “express check” option for faster reporting. For more information, visit the AGFC website at www.agfc.com/licenses.