Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
AR
Deer Hunting in Arkansas: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Arkansas starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $25 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $410 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 27 – Feb 28 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Arkansas Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Arkansas deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Modern Gun.
For Arkansas deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer tags are bundled with qualifying licenses; short-term nonresident deer licenses have lower tag counts. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Arkansas, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Arkansas
Arkansas deer privileges are bundled with qualifying licenses rather than sold as a standalone statewide deer tag. The resident Sportsman's Hunting license is $25 and includes the standard deer tag package, while the nonresident annual hunting license is $410 and includes the annual nonresident deer tag package. Short-term nonresident deer licenses are cheaper but carry fewer deer tags. CWD and antler rules are zone-specific: many areas use a three-point rule, while AGFC CWD management rules can change antler and carcass movement requirements in listed counties. Hunters should plan by deer zone, license type, tag count, and current CWD county status.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Arkansas Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Arkansas offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Arkansas Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$25
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$410
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer tags are bundled with qualifying licenses; short-term nonresident deer licenses have lower tag counts
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Arkansas deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Arkansas license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Arkansas
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Tier 1 and Tier 2 CWD Management Zone Counties (northern/western AR)
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Tier 1 and Tier 2 CWD Management Zone Counties (northern/western AR)
CWD carcass movement rules depend on current AGFC zone and county status; low-risk parts such as deboned meat and cleaned skull plates are treated differently.
Bag Limit
Daily: 2 · Season: 6
6 total with Sportsman's; max 3 bucks (minimum 3 points on one side)
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Arkansas Game & Fish Commission . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Arkansas — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Arkansas?
Testing and transport rules depend on the current AGFC CWD zone and county rules. Whole-carcass movement can be restricted, while low-risk parts such as deboned meat, cleaned skull plates, and finished taxidermy may be treated differently.
What are the antler restrictions?
They are zone-specific. Many Arkansas deer zones use a three-point rule, but CWD management and local deer-zone rules can remove or modify that requirement.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.
What deer species can I hunt in Arkansas?
Arkansas is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Arkansas?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Arkansas. The annual nonresident hunting license is $410 and includes the annual deer tag package; short-term nonresident deer licenses are available with fewer tags.