Also known as: Eastern wild turkey, gobbler
The Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is the only turkey subspecies native to Arkansas. Once nearly eliminated from the state, restoration efforts have brought wild turkeys back to every county. Arkansas offers a spring-only turkey season with hunting restricted to bearded males (gobblers). Wild turkeys are large, ground-nesting birds that prefer mature hardwood forests with open understories.
Hunting Season
Spring 2026: Zone 1 โ Apr 20 โ May 10; Zone 1A โ Apr 20โ28; Zone 2 โ Apr 13 โ May 3; Zone 2A โ Apr 13โ21; Zone 3 โ Apr 6โ26. Youth Hunt: Apr 11โ12, 2026 (Zones 1, 1A, 2, 2A). No fall turkey season in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting Wild Turkey in Arkansas
Arkansas spring turkey season is divided into 5 zones with staggered opening dates (Apr 6โ20). Bag limit is 2 bearded turkeys per season, max 1 per day. No more than 1 turkey in the first 7 days of each zone's season. Shotguns 10-gauge and smaller, or archery equipment only. Shot size no larger than No. 2. Electronic calls prohibited. Baiting is illegal. A turkey tag and annual hunting license are required. Nonresidents limited to 1 turkey.
Can you shoot a hen turkey in Arkansas?
No. It is illegal to harvest a hen (including bearded hens) in Arkansas. Only male turkeys (gobblers) with visible beards may be taken.
Is there a fall turkey season in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas only has a spring turkey season. There is no fall turkey hunting season.
When is Wild Turkey hunting season in Arkansas?
Spring 2026: Zone 1 โ Apr 20 โ May 10; Zone 1A โ Apr 20โ28; Zone 2 โ Apr 13 โ May 3; Zone 2A โ Apr 13โ21; Zone 3 โ Apr 6โ26. Youth Hunt: Apr 11โ12, 2026 (Zones 1, 1A, 2, 2A). No fall turkey season in Arkansas.
What is the bag limit for Wild Turkey in Arkansas?
2 legal turkeys per season statewide. No jakes, no hens. Max 1 per day. Nonresidents limited to 1 turkey per season.
What's another name for Wild Turkey?
Wild Turkey is also known as Eastern wild turkey, gobbler in Arkansas.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Spring 2026: Zone 1 โ Apr 20 โ May 10; Zone 1A โ Apr 20โ28; Zone 2 โ Apr 13 โ May 3; Zone 2A โ Apr 13โ21; Zone 3 โ Apr 6 | Link |
| Arkansas | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Arkansas spring turkey season is divided into 5 zones with staggered opening dates (Apr 6โ20). Bag limit is 2 bearded tu | Link |
