The wait is sort of over for waterfowl fans because the Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee (AGFC) just 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 12 months’s season will characteristic a 60-day framework, offering ample alternatives for hunters to pursue their quarry. With an abundance of wetlands and various habitats, Arkansas presents a number of the greatest 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 possibility to focus on early migrating teal earlier than the common duck season begins. Hunters ought to observe that the bag restrict for teal is completely different from the common duck season, so it is very important verify the AGFC web site for particular laws.
The AGFC reminds hunters to acquire a sound 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 one more thrilling duck searching season. Because the season approaches, hunters are inspired to verify the AGFC web site for the most recent updates and laws.
Opening Dates and Zones
The Arkansas Recreation 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 can 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 each day bag restrict for geese is six, with a possession restrict of 18. The each 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 verify the laws fastidiously earlier than heading out to hunt. Hunters will need to have a sound Arkansas searching license and a federal duck stamp. They need 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 |
Each day Bag and Possession Limits
Duck season in Arkansas for the 2024-2025 season can have the next each day bag and possession limits:
Each day Bag Restrict
The each day bag restrict for geese is six (6) geese, which can embody 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 each day bag restrict, or twelve (12) geese, which can embody 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 | Each 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 |
Capturing 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.
Capturing Hours
Capturing 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 embody:
- Shotgun
- Bow and arrow
- Crossbow
- Falconry
Extra Laws for Waterfowl Looking
Along with the overall searching laws, there are a variety of particular laws that apply to waterfowl searching in Arkansas. These laws embody:
Identification of Species
Hunters are required to have the ability to determine the species of waterfowl they’re searching earlier than capturing. That is to assist stop the unlawful killing of protected species.
Non-toxic Shot
All waterfowl searching in Arkansas should be performed 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 should be plugged to a capability of three shells. That is to stop hunters from exceeding the authorized each day bag restrict.
Youth and Apprentice Hunts
Arkansas presents particular hunts for younger hunters and people new to the game of waterfowl searching. These hunts are designed to supply a protected and pleasurable expertise for aspiring hunters.
Youth Hunts
Youth hunts are open to hunters below 16 years of age. These hunts are usually held on the opening weekend of the common duck season. Youth hunters should be accompanied by a licensed grownup hunter who’s no less than 18 years of age. The grownup should stay close by 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 usually held on the second weekend of the common duck season. Apprentice hunters should be accompanied by a licensed mentor hunter who’s no less than 21 years of age and has been trying to find no less than three years.
Looking Laws
| Bag Restrict: | 6 geese per day, not more than 4 mallards |
| Capturing Hours: | half-hour earlier than dawn to sundown |
| Shot Measurement: | No bigger than #2 metal shot |
| Possession Restrict: | 18 geese |
Particular Hunts for Wounded Warriors and Disabled Hunters
Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee (AGFC) presents particular hunts for wounded warriors and disabled hunters to supply 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 will need to have a Purple Coronary heart or a documented service-connected incapacity. Disabled hunters will need to have a incapacity that stops them from accessing or searching in conventional searching areas.
Utility Course of
Purposes for particular hunts can be found on-line or at AGFC workplaces. The deadline for functions 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 usually held on AGFC-managed wildlife administration areas or non-public land. The hunts are structured to supply quite a lot of searching alternatives, together with duck, deer, turkey, and small sport. Hunters are usually assigned to a information who assists them with searching and different facets of the expertise.
Lodging
Particular hunts are designed to accommodate the particular wants of wounded warriors and disabled hunters. Lodging could embody 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
Looking License
All hunters aged 16 and older should possess a sound Arkansas searching license. Residents should purchase a license for $25, whereas non-residents pay $150. Licenses could be bought on-line, at license distributors, or at Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee workplaces.
Duck Stamp
Along with a searching license, all hunters should even have a sound Arkansas Duck Stamp. The stamp prices $7.50 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Stamps could be bought on the similar areas as searching licenses.
Federal Duck Stamp
Federal regulation requires all waterfowl hunters to own a sound Federal Duck Stamp. The stamp prices $25 and could be bought at submit workplaces, 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 could 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 could be bought at license distributors or Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee workplaces.
Public Looking Lands and Entry Factors
Arkansas presents an unlimited array of public searching lands and entry factors for duck hunters, offering ample alternatives to expertise the joys of the hunt. The Arkansas Recreation 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 usually characteristic quite a lot of habitats, together with wetlands, forests, and grasslands, offering various 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 could supply restricted searching alternatives for geese throughout particular seasons. Contact the AGFC for data on searching alternatives at wildlife refuges.
Pure Areas
Pure areas are areas designated for the safety and preservation of pure assets. Looking is usually not permitted in pure areas, as their major function 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 acquire a allow from the AGFC to take part in this system.
Boat Ramps
Arkansas has quite a few boat ramps positioned alongside rivers and lakes, offering easy accessibility for duck hunters. Boat ramps are usually paved and have parking areas, making it handy for hunters to launch their boats and entry searching areas.
Public Looking 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 supply hunters with a protected and comfy place to hunt geese. Hunters ought to verify with the AGFC for data on the provision of public searching blinds.
| Public Looking 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 differ broadly from 12 months to 12 months. Nonetheless, there are some basic traits that may be anticipated.
Fall Climate
The autumn climate in Arkansas is often gentle, with common temperatures within the 60s and 70s. Nonetheless, there could be intervals of chilly climate, particularly within the northern a part of the state. These chilly spells could cause geese emigrate south extra shortly than ordinary.
Water Ranges
The water ranges in Arkansas’s wetlands may also differ from 12 months to 12 months. In years with heavy rainfall, the wetlands could also be flooded, which may make it tough for geese to seek out meals. In years with much less rainfall, the wetlands could also be dry, which may make it tough for geese to seek out water.
Habitat Circumstances
The habitat circumstances in Arkansas’s wetlands may also differ from 12 months to 12 months. In years with good habitat circumstances, there can be loads of meals and canopy for geese. In years with poor habitat circumstances, there can be much less meals and canopy, which may make it tough for geese to outlive.
Duck Migration
The timing of the duck migration may also differ from 12 months to 12 months. In years with gentle climate, the geese could migrate later than ordinary. In years with chilly climate, the geese could migrate sooner than ordinary.
Arkansas Duck Season Dates
The Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee units the duck season dates every year. 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 |
Looking Laws and Enforcement
Zone and Season Dates
The Arkansas Recreation and Fish Fee (AGFC) has established particular zones and season dates for duck searching within the state. These zones differ 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 each 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 chargeable for being accustomed to the each day bag limits and adhering to them.
Capturing Hours
Duck searching is permitted solely throughout authorized capturing hours, that are usually from dawn to sundown. Hunters should stop searching after sundown and should not start searching earlier than dawn.
Non-toxic Shot Requirement
Arkansas requires using non-toxic shot for all waterfowl searching. Non-toxic shot is much less dangerous to waterfowl and the atmosphere than lead shot, which has been banned for waterfowl searching in the USA since 1991.
Enforcement
AGFC conservation officers are chargeable for imposing searching laws and making certain hunter compliance. They patrol searching areas, verify 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 obligatory precautions to adjust to them.
Hunter Schooling
The AGFC presents hunter schooling programs to show new and skilled hunters about protected, accountable, and moral searching practices. These programs cowl matters reminiscent of firearm security, wildlife identification, hunter ethics, and searching laws. Hunters are inspired to finish a hunter schooling course earlier than collaborating in searching actions.
Hunter Harassment
Harassment of hunters is prohibited and won’t be tolerated. Hunters ought to report any incidents of harassment to conservation officers or native regulation 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 Recreation 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 each day bag restrict can be six geese, with a possession restrict of 18. The season can be divided into three zones, with completely 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 will even be a youth waterfowl searching weekend on September 28-29, 2024. This weekend is open to youth hunters aged 16 and below, and they are going to be allowed to hunt geese, geese, and coots. The each day bag restrict for youth hunters can be three geese, three geese, and three coots.
Hunters are reminded to buy a sound Arkansas searching license and duck stamp earlier than searching. They need to additionally comply with all state and federal searching laws.
Individuals 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 each day bag restrict for geese in Arkansas?
The each 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.
