Hey Arkansas hunters! Get ready to mark your calendars for the 2025-2026 hunting season. With a variety of game to pursue, this season promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, our comprehensive guide to the hunting dates will help you plan your outings. 
Before you head on a hunt, swing by your local Farmers Coop store for hunting supplies.
Deer Hunting Dates
Early Buck Archery Hunt
- Sept. 6-8, 2025
Archery Deer
- Sept. 27, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
Alternative Firearms (formerly muzzleloader season)
- Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11
- Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 13-15
- Zones 4A, 5A, 14, and 15
- Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 20-22
- Zones 9, 12, 13, 16, 16A, and 17
- Oct. 18-26
Modern Gun
- Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11
- Nov. 8-30 and Dec. 26-28
- Zones 4A, 5A, 14, and 15
- Nov. 8-Dec. 7 and Dec. 26-28
- Zones 4 and 5
- Nov. 8-16 and Dec. 26-28
- Zones 9, 12, and 13
- Nov. 8-Dec. 14 and Dec. 26-28
- Zones 16, 16A, and 17
- Nov. 8-Dec. 28
Youth Modern Gun Deer
- Nov. 2-3 and Jan. 4-5
Bear Hunting Dates
Archery (Zones 1 and 2 only)
- Sept. 17-Nov. 30 (Zone 1 closes earlier is quota is reached)
Alternative Firearms (formerly muzzleloader season) (Zones 1 and 2 only)
- Oct. 18-26
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt (Zones 1 and 2 only)
- Nov. 1-2, 2025 and Jan. 3-4, 2026
Modern Gun
- Bear Zones 1 and 2
- Nov. 8-30
- Bear Zone 3, 4, 5, and 5A
- Dec. 20-26
Waterfowl Hunting Dates
Special Early Teal Season
- Sept. 20-28
Duck, Coot, and Merganser
- Nov. 22-Dec. 1, Dec. 10-23, and Dec. 27, 2024-Jan. 31, 2026
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt
- Feb. 7-8, 2025
Special Active Duty Military and Veteran Hunt
- Feb. 7-8, 2025
White-fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Goose
- Oct. 25-Nov. 2, Nov. 22-Dec. 1, Dec. 10-23, and Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Canada Goose
- Sept. 1-Oct. 15, Nov. 22-Dec. 1, Dec. 10-23, and Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
Light Goose Conservation Order (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Goose)
- Feb. 1-6, Feb. 9 – April 25, 2026
Early Migratory Birds Hunting Dates
Dove (Mourning, White-winged, and Eurasian collared-dove)
- Sept. 6-Oct. 26 and Dec. 8-Jan. 15
Virginia Rail and Sora
- Sept. 13-Nov. 21
Common and Purple Gallinule
- Sept. 1-Nov. 9
Wilson’s Snipe
- Nov. 1-Feb. 15
Woodcock
- Nov. 1-Dec. 15
Small Game Hunting Dates
Quail
- Nov. 1-Feb. 1
Rabbit
- Sept. 1-Feb. 28
Squirrel
- May 15-Feb. 28
Plan Your Hunting Season
With so many dates and options available, planning ahead is crucial. Be sure to check specific regulations for each game and zone to ensure a safe and legal hunting experience. Happy hunting, and may your season be filled with adventure and success!
Ready to gear up? Visit us for all your hunting essentials.
