Hunting in Arkansas: Four Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

Although Arkansas is famous as a "Red State," with all that implies, especially in regard to private property, much of the "Natural State" is natural because it is held as public land by the state itself or by the federal government.

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This is quite a boon to the Arkansas economy as tourism of various sorts contributes mightily to both private and public coffers statewide. Backpacking, hiking, caving, bicycling, and playing around in all-terrain vehicles are all part of the backcountry experience, but also very popular is hunting.

As the state of Arkansas website notes, the state "is well populated by a wide variety of Arkansas wildlife found on several million acres of public lands."

However, hunting in Arkansas also can take place on private property, on farms and ranches throughout the state, and even within city limits, with limits. Here's what aspiring hunters need to keep in mind when considering a hunting expedition on private land.

Permission from Landowner is Necessary
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sternly notes that "Feral hogs may be killed or trapped year-round, by a landowner or anyone with the landowner’s permission (except anyone who has had his or her hunting license revoked)."

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A Hunting License is Still a Necessity
As implied above, you need a current Arkansas hunting license.

You May Need a "Leased Lands Permit"
The state leases hunting rights on private property in some parts of the state. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission informs prospective hunters that it "leases hunting rights for the public on large blocks of private land in areas where they cannot purchase the land or a hunting easement outright," and the $40 permit (as of 2015) helps offset the cost of the landowner's compensation. The fee applies to each Wildlife Management Area private tract where leases are in effect, but is good for the entire year.
http://www.agfc.com/licenses/Pages/PermitsLeasedLands.aspx

You Can Use Bait for Deer
Baiting for deer, considered unsportsmanlike by many, is allowed on private land only in Arkansas. It is forbidden on public land wildlife management areas.
http://www.agfc.com/hunting/pages/huntingregulationsdeer.aspx#Baiting%20Deer

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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