Also known as: Black bear
The American black bear is the only bear species found in Arkansas. Historically abundant, bears were nearly extirpated by the mid-20th century. Thanks to successful restoration efforts using bears from Minnesota and Manitoba, Arkansas now has a thriving black bear population of over 5,000 animals, primarily in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains and the Gulf Coastal Plain. Despite their name, black bears in Arkansas can be black, brown, cinnamon, or gray.
Hunting Season
Zone 1: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov 30; Alt Firearms Oct 18โ26; Modern Gun Nov 8โ30 (quota: 50). Zone 2: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov 30; Alt Firearms Oct 18โ26; Modern Gun Nov 8โ30 (no quota). Zones 3/4/5/5A: Modern Gun only Dec 20โ26 (quota-driven, 5-25 bears). Zones 6 & 7: Closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting American Black Bear in Arkansas
Arkansas black bear hunting is managed across 7 zones. Zones 1 and 2 offer archery, alternative firearms, and modern gun seasons from Sept 17 โ Nov 30. Zones 3-5A offer a limited modern gun season Dec 20โ26 with small quotas (5-25 bears). Zone 1 is quota-driven and closes early when limits are reached. Hunters must call the check-in hotline before hunting. Bear tag required. Carcass must be checked online and a premolar submitted for aging.
Are there grizzly bears in Arkansas?
No. The American black bear is the only bear species found in Arkansas. Black bears can be brown, cinnamon, or gray in color.
When is American Black Bear hunting season in Arkansas?
Zone 1: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov 30; Alt Firearms Oct 18โ26; Modern Gun Nov 8โ30 (quota: 50). Zone 2: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov 30; Alt Firearms Oct 18โ26; Modern Gun Nov 8โ30 (no quota). Zones 3/4/5/5A: Modern Gun only Dec 20โ26 (quota-driven, 5-25 bears). Zones 6 & 7: Closed.
What is the bag limit for American Black Bear in Arkansas?
1 bear per season, either sex. Zone 1 closes early if archery or modern gun quota is reached.
What's another name for American Black Bear?
American Black Bear is also known as Black bear in Arkansas.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Zone 1: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov 30; Alt Firearms Oct 18โ26; Modern Gun Nov 8โ30 (quota: 50). Zone 2: Archery Sept 17 โ Nov | Link |
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Arkansas black bear hunting is managed across 7 zones. Zones 1 and 2 offer archery, alternative firearms, and modern gun | Link |
