Arkansas Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 1 – February 1, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Upland Bird Hunting Seasons and Dates

  • Quail:
    • Season Dates: November 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026
    • Note: Quail populations have declined, but hunting opportunities exist on managed private lands and select public areas like Stone Prairie, Little Bayou, Jack Mountain Leased Land, and Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMAs, where habitat management has supported population recovery.
  • Pheasant: No specific pheasant season is mentioned for Arkansas, as pheasants are not a primary upland game species in the state.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • General Hunting License:
    • Resident Sportsman License: $25 (covers most hunting activities, including small game like quail)
    • Nonresident Annual All-Game License: $300
    • Nonresident 5-Day All-Game License: $75 (for shorter hunting trips)
    • Lifetime Sportsman’s License: $1,000 (resident); $500 (new lifetime license option)
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration:
    • Required for all migratory bird hunters (including quail, as they are considered migratory game birds in some contexts).
    • Cost: Free (must be completed when purchasing a license at AGFC offices or online)
  • WMA General Use Permit:
    • Required for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
    • Cost: Not specified in sources, but typically included with a hunting license or available for a small additional fee for nonresidents.
  • Additional Notes:
    • Hunters aged 16 or older must possess a valid hunting license unless hunting on a licensed game-bird shooting resort with pen-raised birds.
    • Hunters born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course, though certifications from other states are accepted.
    • Licenses can be purchased over the counter at AGFC offices, sporting goods stores, by phone (800-364-4263, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), or online at www.agfc.com.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 6
    • Possession Limit: 18 (three times the daily bag limit)

Additional Notes

  • Hunting Locations: Quail are most commonly found on managed private lands and select public WMAs with habitat restoration efforts (e.g., Stone Prairie, Little Bayou, Jack Mountain, and Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMAs).
  • Regulations: Hunters must comply with WMA-specific rules, such as restrictions on equipment (e.g., no chainsaws or chemical defoliants on WMAs) and ensuring licenses are carried in a valid format (printed, hard card, or electronic).
  • Conservation: The AGFC emphasizes ethical hunting practices to support population recovery, particularly for quail, through habitat management and permit-based hunting opportunities.
  • Verification: Hunters should confirm exact dates and regulations via the AGFC website (www.agfc.com) or the AGFC mobile app, as seasons and limits may vary slightly by WMA or due to annual updates.

This summary focuses on quail, as it’s the primary upland game bird in Arkansas per the provided sources. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially for any additional upland species or changes to 2025 regulations, consult the AGFC’s official Hunting Guidebook or website.

 

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