The wait is almost over for waterfowl lovers because the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) lately introduced the dates for the 2023-2024 duck searching season. The season will start on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, and run via Sunday, January twenty ninth, 2024. This yr’s season will characteristic a 60-day framework, offering ample alternatives for hunters to pursue their quarry. With an abundance of wetlands and numerous habitats, Arkansas gives a number of the finest duck searching within the nation.
Along with the common duck season, the AGFC additionally introduced the dates for the early teal season. This season will happen from September ninth, 2023, via September twenty fourth, 2023. This season supplies hunters with a chance to focus on early migrating teal earlier than the common duck season begins. Hunters ought to notice that the bag restrict for teal is totally different from the common duck season, so you will need to examine the AGFC web site for particular laws.
The AGFC reminds hunters to acquire a legitimate searching license and duck stamp earlier than heading afield. Moreover, all hunters are required to finish the Arkansas HIP survey, which helps the AGFC handle waterfowl populations. With its huge wetlands, considerable waterfowl populations, and devoted hunters, Arkansas is poised for an additional thrilling duck searching season. Because the season approaches, hunters are inspired to examine the AGFC web site for the most recent updates and laws.
Opening Dates and Zones
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) has introduced the opening dates and zones for the 2024-2025 duck season. The season will open on Saturday, November 9, 2024, and run via Sunday, January 26, 2025.
The state shall be divided into three duck searching zones: the Northern Zone, the Central Zone, and the Southern Zone. The Northern Zone will open on November ninth, the Central Zone on November sixteenth, and the Southern Zone on November twenty third.
The every day bag restrict for geese is six, with a possession restrict of 18. The every day bag restrict for geese is 2, with a possession restrict of 4. Hunters are additionally allowed to take one pintail per day.
The AGFC reminds hunters to examine the laws rigorously earlier than heading out to hunt. Hunters should have a legitimate Arkansas searching license and a federal duck stamp. They have to additionally pay attention to the capturing hours and different laws for the zone they’re searching in.
Zone Dates
| Zone | Opening Date |
|---|---|
| Northern | November 9, 2024 |
| Central | November 16, 2024 |
| Southern | November 23, 2024 |
Day by day Bag and Possession Limits
Duck season in Arkansas for the 2024-2025 season may have the next every day bag and possession limits:
Day by day Bag Restrict
The every day bag restrict for geese is six (6) geese, which can embrace not more than 4 (4) mallards (solely two of which can be feminine), two (2) black geese, two (2) mottled geese, one (1) pintail, one (1) canvasback, and one (1) redhead.
Possession Restrict
The possession restrict for geese is twice the every day bag restrict, or twelve (12) geese, which can embrace not more than eight (8) mallards (solely 4 of which can be feminine), 4 (4) black geese, 4 (4) mottled geese, two (2) pintails, two (2) canvasbacks, and two (2) redheads.
| Species | Day by day Bag Restrict | Possession Restrict |
|---|---|---|
| Mallards | 4 (solely 2 feminine) | 8 (solely 4 feminine) |
| Black Geese | 2 | 4 |
| Mottled Geese | 2 | 4 |
| Pintails | 1 | 2 |
| Canvasbacks | 1 | 2 |
| Redheads | 1 | 2 |
| Different Geese | 6 | 12 |
Taking pictures Hours and Strategies
Zone Designations
Arkansas is split into three duck searching zones: Northeast, Southeast, and Western. Every zone has its personal particular season dates and bag limits.
Taking pictures Hours
Taking pictures hours for all three zones are from half-hour earlier than dawn to sundown.
Strategies of Take
Authorized strategies of take for duck searching in Arkansas embrace:
- Shotgun
- Bow and arrow
- Crossbow
- Falconry
Extra Rules for Waterfowl Searching
Along with the final searching laws, there are a selection of particular laws that apply to waterfowl searching in Arkansas. These laws embrace:
Identification of Species
Hunters are required to have the ability to establish the species of waterfowl they’re searching earlier than capturing. That is to assist forestall the unlawful killing of protected species.
Non-toxic Shot
All waterfowl searching in Arkansas have to be finished with non-toxic shot. That is to assist cut back the quantity of lead ingested by waterfowl, which may trigger well being issues.
Plugging of Shotguns
Shotguns used for waterfowl searching have to be plugged to a capability of three shells. That is to stop hunters from exceeding the authorized every day bag restrict.
Youth and Apprentice Hunts
Arkansas gives particular hunts for younger hunters and people new to the game of waterfowl searching. These hunts are designed to offer a protected and pleasing expertise for aspiring hunters.
Youth Hunts
Youth hunts are open to hunters underneath 16 years of age. These hunts are sometimes held on the opening weekend of the common duck season. Youth hunters have to be accompanied by a licensed grownup hunter who’s a minimum of 18 years of age. The grownup should stay nearby and sound of the youth hunter.
Apprentice Hunts
Apprentice hunts are open to hunters who’re 16 years of age or older who haven’t beforehand held a searching license. These hunts are sometimes held on the second weekend of the common duck season. Apprentice hunters have to be accompanied by a licensed mentor hunter who’s a minimum of 21 years of age and has been looking for a minimum of three years.
Searching Rules
| Bag Restrict: | 6 geese per day, not more than 4 mallards |
| Taking pictures Hours: | half-hour earlier than dawn to sundown |
| Shot Dimension: | No bigger than #2 metal shot |
| Possession Restrict: | 18 geese |
Particular Hunts for Wounded Warriors and Disabled Hunters
Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) gives particular hunts for wounded warriors and disabled hunters to offer them with alternatives to benefit from the searching expertise. These hunts are designed to accommodate the particular wants of those hunters and guarantee a protected and profitable searching expertise.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a particular hunt, wounded warriors should have a Purple Coronary heart or a documented service-connected incapacity. Disabled hunters should have a incapacity that stops them from accessing or searching in conventional searching areas.
Software Course of
Functions for particular hunts can be found on-line or at AGFC places of work. The deadline for purposes is often within the spring. Hunters should submit a accomplished utility together with a incapacity certification or documentation of a Purple Coronary heart.
Hunt Particulars
Particular hunts are sometimes held on AGFC-managed wildlife administration areas or non-public land. The hunts are structured to offer a wide range of searching alternatives, together with duck, deer, turkey, and small sport. Hunters are sometimes assigned to a information who assists them with searching and different elements of the expertise.
Lodging
Particular hunts are designed to accommodate the particular wants of wounded warriors and disabled hunters. Lodging might embrace accessible blinds, transportation to and from searching areas, and help with searching gear. AGFC employees work carefully with hunters to make sure that their wants are met.
Extra Info
| Hunt | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Duck | November 15-21, 2024 | Cache River NWR |
| Deer | October 1-7, 2024 | White Rock WMA |
| Turkey | April 15-21, 2025 | Ozark Nationwide Forest |
License and Allow Necessities
Searching License
All hunters aged 16 and older should possess a legitimate Arkansas searching license. Residents can buy a license for $25, whereas non-residents pay $150. Licenses may be bought on-line, at license distributors, or at Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee places of work.
Duck Stamp
Along with a searching license, all hunters should even have a legitimate Arkansas Duck Stamp. The stamp prices $7.50 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Stamps may be bought on the similar areas as searching licenses.
Federal Duck Stamp
Federal legislation requires all waterfowl hunters to own a legitimate Federal Duck Stamp. The stamp prices $25 and may be bought at publish places of work, sporting items shops, or on-line. It’s not included within the Arkansas Duck Stamp.
HIP Certification
The Harvest Info Program (HIP) is a nationwide program that collects information on waterfowl harvest. All waterfowl hunters are required to be HIP licensed earlier than searching. Certification is free and may be obtained on-line or on the similar areas as searching licenses.
Arkansas Waterfowl Zone Stamp
Waterfowl hunters who want to hunt in sure areas of the state should additionally buy an Arkansas Waterfowl Zone Stamp. The stamp prices $10 and may be bought at license distributors or Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee places of work.
Public Searching Lands and Entry Factors
Arkansas gives an enormous array of public searching lands and entry factors for duck hunters, offering ample alternatives to expertise the joys of the hunt. The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) manages over 1,000,000 acres of public searching lands, together with wildlife administration areas (WMAs), wildlife refuges, and pure areas.
Wildlife Administration Areas (WMAs)
WMAs are the biggest class of public searching lands in Arkansas, totaling over 900,000 acres. These areas are managed primarily for wildlife habitat and public searching alternatives. WMAs sometimes characteristic a wide range of habitats, together with wetlands, forests, and grasslands, offering numerous searching alternatives for geese.
Wildlife Refuges
Wildlife refuges are areas designated for the safety and administration of particular wildlife species. Whereas searching is usually not permitted on refuges, some refuges might supply restricted searching alternatives for geese throughout particular seasons. Contact the AGFC for info on searching alternatives at wildlife refuges.
Pure Areas
Pure areas are areas designated for the safety and preservation of pure assets. Searching is usually not permitted in pure areas, as their major objective is conservation.
Entry Factors
Along with public searching lands, the AGFC supplies entry factors to non-public lands via the Public Entry Program. This system permits hunters to entry over 200,000 acres of personal lands for duck searching. Hunters should receive a allow from the AGFC to take part in this system.
Boat Ramps
Arkansas has quite a few boat ramps situated alongside rivers and lakes, offering easy accessibility for duck hunters. Boat ramps are sometimes paved and have parking areas, making it handy for hunters to launch their boats and entry searching areas.
Public Searching Blinds
The AGFC supplies a restricted variety of public searching blinds on WMAs. These blinds can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation and are designed to offer hunters with a protected and cozy place to hunt geese. Hunters ought to examine with the AGFC for info on the supply of public searching blinds.
| Public Searching Lands | Acres |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Administration Areas (WMAs) | 900,000+ |
| Wildlife Refuges | Varies |
| Pure Areas | Varies |
Climate and Habitat Circumstances
The climate and habitat circumstances throughout duck season in Arkansas can range extensively from yr to yr. Nevertheless, there are some common developments that may be anticipated.
Fall Climate
The autumn climate in Arkansas is often gentle, with common temperatures within the 60s and 70s. Nevertheless, there may be durations of chilly climate, particularly within the northern a part of the state. These chilly spells may cause geese emigrate south extra rapidly than regular.
Water Ranges
The water ranges in Arkansas’s wetlands also can range from yr to yr. In years with heavy rainfall, the wetlands could also be flooded, which may make it troublesome for geese to seek out meals. In years with much less rainfall, the wetlands could also be dry, which may make it troublesome for geese to seek out water.
Habitat Circumstances
The habitat circumstances in Arkansas’s wetlands also can range from yr to yr. In years with good habitat circumstances, there shall be loads of meals and canopy for geese. In years with poor habitat circumstances, there shall be much less meals and canopy, which may make it troublesome for geese to outlive.
Duck Migration
The timing of the duck migration also can range from yr to yr. In years with gentle climate, the geese might migrate later than regular. In years with chilly climate, the geese might migrate sooner than regular.
Arkansas Duck Season Dates
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee units the duck season dates annually. The dates for the 2024-2025 season are:
| Zone | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | November 16, 2024 | January 25, 2025 |
| Central | November 23, 2024 | January 18, 2025 |
| Southwest | November 30, 2024 | January 25, 2025 |
Searching Rules and Enforcement
Zone and Season Dates
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) has established particular zones and season dates for duck searching within the state. These zones range of their opening and shutting dates, bag limits, and different laws. Hunters should pay attention to the zone they are going to be searching in and cling to the corresponding laws.
Bag Limits
The AGFC units every day bag limits for geese, geese, and mergansers throughout every season. These limits are designed to make sure sustainable searching practices and defend waterfowl populations. Hunters are answerable for being conversant in the every day bag limits and adhering to them.
Taking pictures Hours
Duck searching is permitted solely throughout authorized capturing hours, that are sometimes from dawn to sundown. Hunters should stop searching after sundown and should not start searching earlier than dawn.
Non-toxic Shot Requirement
Arkansas requires the usage of non-toxic shot for all waterfowl searching. Non-toxic shot is much less dangerous to waterfowl and the setting than lead shot, which has been banned for waterfowl searching in the USA since 1991.
Enforcement
AGFC conservation officers are answerable for imposing searching laws and making certain hunter compliance. They patrol searching areas, examine licenses and permits, and examine violations. Hunters ought to cooperate with conservation officers and report any noticed violations to assist defend the integrity of searching.
Penalties for Violations
Violations of searching laws can lead to penalties, together with fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. Hunters ought to pay attention to the potential penalties of violating searching legal guidelines and take all mandatory precautions to adjust to them.
Hunter Training
The AGFC gives hunter training programs to show new and skilled hunters about protected, accountable, and moral searching practices. These programs cowl matters similar to firearm security, wildlife identification, hunter ethics, and searching laws. Hunters are inspired to finish a hunter training course earlier than collaborating in searching actions.
Hunter Harassment
Harassment of hunters is against the law and won’t be tolerated. Hunters ought to report any incidents of harassment to conservation officers or native legislation enforcement officers.
Extra Assets
Hunters can discover extra details about duck searching laws and enforcement in Arkansas on the AGFC web site at https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/regulations/.
Duck Season Arkansas 2024-2025 Schedule
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee has introduced the duck season dates for the 2024-2025 season. The season will open on Saturday, November 9, 2024, and shut on Sunday, January 25, 2025. The every day bag restrict shall be six geese, with a possession restrict of 18. The season shall be divided into three zones, with totally different opening and shutting dates for every zone. The North Zone will open on November 9 and shut on January 11, the Central Zone will open on November 16 and shut on January 18, and the South Zone will open on November 23 and shut on January 25.
Along with the common duck season, there can even be a youth waterfowl searching weekend on September 28-29, 2024. This weekend is open to youth hunters aged 16 and underneath, and they are going to be allowed to hunt geese, geese, and coots. The every day bag restrict for youth hunters shall be three geese, three geese, and three coots.
Hunters are reminded to buy a legitimate Arkansas searching license and duck stamp earlier than searching. They have to additionally observe all state and federal searching laws.
Folks Additionally Ask About Duck Season Arkansas 2024-2025 Schedule
When does duck season begin in Arkansas in 2024?
Duck season in Arkansas begins on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
When does duck season finish in Arkansas in 2025?
Duck season in Arkansas ends on Sunday, January 25, 2025.
What’s the every day bag restrict for geese in Arkansas?
The every day bag restrict for geese in Arkansas is six, with a possession restrict of 18.
Is there a youth waterfowl searching weekend in Arkansas?
Sure, there’s a youth waterfowl searching weekend in Arkansas on September 28-29, 2024.
