Also known as: Whitetail, Virginia deer
White-tailed deer are the most popular big game species in Arkansas, with an estimated population of nearly 1 million animals. Arkansas became the first state in the Southeast to allow deer hunting again in the 1930s after near-extirpation, and the population has since recovered dramatically. White-tailed deer are found throughout all 75 counties of Arkansas, inhabiting forests, agricultural lands, and suburban areas.
Hunting Season
Archery: Sept 27, 2025 โ Feb 28, 2026. Alternative Firearms: Oct 18โ26 & Dec 13โ15, 2025 (varies by zone). Modern Gun: varies by zone, typically Nov 8โ30 & Dec 26โ28, 2025. Youth Modern Gun: Nov 1โ2, 2025 & Jan 3โ4, 2026. See zone-specific dates at agfc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting White-tailed Deer in Arkansas
White-tailed deer hunting in Arkansas is managed across 17 zones with varying season dates and bag limits. Archery season runs Sept 27 โ Feb 28 statewide. Modern gun season typically runs Nov 8โ30 with a Dec 26โ28 segment. The statewide bag limit is up to 5 deer (max 2 bucks), varying by zone. A 3-point antler restriction applies in most zones. Hunters must check harvest online or via the AGFC app before moving the deer. Hunter orange (400+ sq in) required during modern gun and alternative firearms seasons.
How many deer can you kill in Arkansas?
Up to 5 deer per season depending on zone, with a maximum of 2 bucks. Antlerless deer limits vary by zone and weapon season.
What is the 3-point rule in Arkansas?
The 3-point rule requires a legal buck to have at least 3 points on one side of its antlers, or be a button buck (both antlers under 2 inches).
When is White-tailed Deer hunting season in Arkansas?
Archery: Sept 27, 2025 โ Feb 28, 2026. Alternative Firearms: Oct 18โ26 & Dec 13โ15, 2025 (varies by zone). Modern Gun: varies by zone, typically Nov 8โ30 & Dec 26โ28, 2025. Youth Modern Gun: Nov 1โ2, 2025 & Jan 3โ4, 2026. See zone-specific dates at agfc.com.
What is the bag limit for White-tailed Deer in Arkansas?
Up to 5 deer per season (varies by zone), max 2 bucks. Antlerless limits vary by zone.
What's another name for White-tailed Deer?
White-tailed Deer is also known as Whitetail, Virginia deer in Arkansas.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Archery: Sept 27, 2025 โ Feb 28, 2026. Alternative Firearms: Oct 18โ26 & Dec 13โ15, 2025 (varies by zone). Modern Gun: v | Link |
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | White-tailed deer hunting in Arkansas is managed across 17 zones with varying season dates and bag limits. Archery seaso | Link |
