With 3 million public acres of land and Spring in full swing, hunters across Arkansas are gearing up for the turkey season.
The 2024 turkey season in Arkansas is set to be a beauty. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has implemented some changes to regulations, opening up some additional permit hunt locations, meaning there are some exciting opportunities to explore new hunting locations.
Keep reading to discover the open season dates, some turkey hunting tips, and must-know regulation changes for turkey season, AR hunters!
Turkey Hunting in Arkansas
Turkey hunting in Arkansas means you'll target the eastern wild turkey, the largest game bird in the state and native to the Arkansas region.
They're a highly adaptable, intelligent species noted for their keen eyesight and cautious nature.
These birds often roost in high-up branches where they're protected, only making their way to more open areas to feed. They're omnivorous, social, and highly vocal, and tagging out will require a keen understanding of their habits and movement patterns.
3 Key Habitat Considerations
To assist you on your hunt during turkey season in Arkansas, here are three critical tips to consider.
1. Look For Hardwood Trees
Trees provide nesting, resting, and food sources for Eastern wild turkeys. Setting up an early blind near hardwood tree sights open to grasses or broad plains may be tremendously successful as turkeys transition from nesting to feeding in the early morning.
2. Scout Grassy Areas
Grassy zones provide food for adult turkeys as they forage for insects and vegetation throughout the day. These open grassy areas are also hotspots for males showing off to hens during mating season.
3. Use Water to Your Advantage
Water is critical to turkey survival, especially during the reproduction stage.
Turkeys may travel a mile or two to reach a water source, and as hunters, making the extra effort to traverse some water sources is likely to result in a less-hunted area.
When Does the Turkey Season Open in Arkansas?
The turkey season in Arkansas opens in the Spring and is still reasonably limited due to conservation efforts.
Regular Turkey Season Dates
| For non-youth hunters, the season dates are location-dependent. |
| Zone 1: April 15-23, 2024 |
| Zone 2: April 15-May 5, 2024 |
Particular Youth Turkey Hunt April 6-7, 2024
| The Special Youth Turkey Hunt season is open to participants aged 6 to 15 and permits youth hunters to hunt in zones 1 and 2. |
Young hunters or guardians should visit the AFGC website (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) to learn how to qualify for the youth hunt and set up a youth customer information number.
Bag Limits, Legality, and Licensing
Some new updates were introduced for the 2024 season. These updates impact the following areas for Arkansas turkey season.
Bag Limits
The bag limit across the state is two legal turkeys (no jakes or females). However, youth hunters are permitted to harvest one jake as part of the two-bird limit during the season, including during the youth hunt.
Additionally, up to one turkey may be taken during the first seven days of hunting, and up to one turkey may be taken daily.
Legalities
Baiting wild turkeys has increased to a class 3 offense, and targeting bearded hens is illegal.
Additionally, permit hunt opportunities have been added to locations including Devil'sDevil's Eyebrow Natural Area, Beryl Anthony Lower Ouachita, and more.
Licensing
If you are sixteen or older, you must have a hunting license in Arkansas to target wildlife. There are public hunting opportunities, and the AGFC implements restrictions on the number of hunters during the season through random drawings.
Tips to Give Yourself The Best Chance of Bringing Home a Tom
Preparation and strategy are the keys to a successful turkey season, AR hunters. Consider the following strategies including:
Using Decoys and Calls
In a short season with limited permits, it is essential to give yourself the best chance of success when hunting during the Arkansas turkey season.
Quality turkey calls and decoys will help you lure turkeys into your quarry and bring them into range.
Set Up a Blind
Whether in the Ozark mountains or deep in a valley, a blind provides the right level of cover and support to prepare you for a full day of hunting.
Set up your blind early to minimize being spotted, and opt for a durable construction that is easy to set up.
Use the Right Tool for Preseason and Active Season Location Scouting
Turkey hunting public land during a busy season can be challenging. The number of other hunters and competition for hot zones can be fierce. Finding a spot worth setting up for the day can be difficult once you mix in the novices and hunters unfamiliar with the land.
Online scouting with the HuntWise app for aerial and topographical insights can help you identify strong hunting zones away from popular areas. Consider scouting hard-to-reach areas away from parking zones, main roads, and across bodies of water.
Use HuntWise to Unlock Success This Turkey Season, AR Hunters!
With much land to cover and exciting hunting zones for this year's season, preparation can be the difference between tagging out or waiting another year in a draw to chase those big birds.
In a busy season with limited spots, finding the right location will give you an edge over other hunters. It will unlock undisturbed bird territory and provide an opportunity to chase those more weary and larger birds.
So, before you head out for your turkey hunt in Arkansas, download the HuntWise app and try it for free! Mark roosting and feeding locations and spots where you see turkey activity, like scat and feathers. Then, let HuntWise guide you to successfully bringing home a bird this season.