Deer season less than a month away in Arkansas

The start of season is now less than a month away with the opening of archery season set for Sept. 24. Muzzleloader season starts just a couple of weeks later on Oct. 15 and modern gun on Nov. 12.

This season’s special youth modern gun hunts are set for Nov. 5-6 and Jan. 7-8.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding hunters of several changes this year to upcoming hunting seasons.

-The Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone was expanded to include Ashley, Bradley, Randolph and Union counties after detection of CWD-positive deer within 10-miles of these counties.

-Modern Gun Bear Hunting is now allowed in Bear Zones 3 and 4 through a limited quota hunt. Zone 2 encompasses northern Sevier and Howard Counties as well as all of Polk. Southern Sevier and all of Little River are in Zone 3, which historically has prohibited the hunting of bears. That, however, changed following new AGFC regulations passed this spring. See www.agfc.com/en/hunting/big-game/bear/bearzones for details.

-In addition, bear archery season in Bear Zones 1 and 2 open seven days earlier than deer archery season.

-Other changes include one that now requires a valid hunting or fishing license, or an AGFC camping permit, to camp on AGFC-owned wildlife management areas.

-Trail cameras on WMAs must have the owner’s contact information visibly affixed.

-Any deer, turkey or bear killed by vehicle collision must be reported to the AGFC Radio Room (800-482-9262) before it may be taken into possession.

-Guiding while under the influence is now illegal.

Check out agfc.com for a full list of regulations or stop by wherever you get your hunting and fishing gear for a physical copy of the 2022 guidebook.