Arkansas elk Hunting Full guide With Best Outfitters To Use 2024

Arkansas elk Hunting.

Arkansas, known for its various landscapes and abundant wildlife, provides a one-of-a-kind chance for those looking for the ultimate hunting thrill of elk hunting. In recent years, Arkansas has grown as a premier elk hunting and bear hunting location, attracting hunters from all over the country. This article will take you on a journey through the exhilarating world of elk hunting in Arkansas, showcasing the challenges, rewards, and unforgettable experiences that await those who venture into this magnificent landscape, from the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains to the pristine wilderness of the Buffalo National River area. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newbie seeking to go on your first big-game hunt, Arkansas guarantees an unforgettable journey.

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Table of Contents

Arkansas Elk Hunting Seasons

To manage its rising elk population, Arkansas instituted an elk shooting season. Please keep in mind that hunting seasons and rules are subject to change, so check with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on Arkansas elk hunting seasons. Here’s a rundown of the Arkansas elk hunting seasons:

Archery Season:

Beginning in early to mid-September.
During this season, archery hunters can use bows and crossbows to chase elk.
Specific dates and rules might change from year to year, so check the most recent hunting regulations.

Firearms Season:

The season usually begins in late October or early November.
This season permits hunters to shoot elk using firearms such as rifles or shotguns.
The length of the hunting season, as well as specific hunting zones, may vary from year to year.

Youth Elk Hunt:

Arkansas frequently conducts a juvenile elk season, which allows young hunters to experience elk hunting under strict conditions.
Dates and details for youth elk hunts are usually provided once a year.

Private Land Elk Hunting:

Private landowners may be allowed to conduct elk hunts on their grounds in specific instances. Private land hunting regulations vary and are primarily decided by landowners and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Special Permit Hunts:

As part of its elk management programme, Arkansas may also grant special permission hunts. These hunts sometimes feature hunts with limited entrance.

It is critical to emphasise that elk shooting in Arkansas is strictly restricted in order to guarantee the survival of the elk population. Hunters must get the proper licences and observe all Arkansas Game and Fish Commission laws and regulations.

Furthermore, eligibility conditions, quotas, and application procedures are subject to change, so be sure to remain up to date through official sources before arranging your Arkansas elk hunting trip.

Where To Hunt Elk In Arkansas

Elk hunting in Arkansas takes place largely inside defined elk management zones, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) regulates where you can shoot elk. Here are some of the best areas to hunt elk in Arkansas.

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Buffalo National River Area:

This region in northern Arkansas is noted for its rough and scenic topography.
Elk have been reintroduced in this region by the AGFC, making it an ideal spot for elk hunting.
The Buffalo National River area’s Boxley Valley and neighbouring regions are popular tourist destinations.

The Ozark Mountains

The Ozark Mountains in northeastern Arkansas provide varied and difficult hunting terrain.
Some areas of the Ozarks have been classified as elk hunting zones, which provide chances for hunters in the area.

County of Newton:

Newton County has been a focus site for elk reintroduction and management within the Buffalo National River basin.
It is well-known for its scenic splendour and is one of the most important elk hunting regions in Arkansas.

County of Searcy:

Searcy County, located in the Ozarks, has also been a focus of elk management initiatives.
It has a combination of rocky terrain and woodland regions that are ideal for elk hunting.

County of Madison:

Madison County, located in the Ozarks, also offers elk hunting.
Elk are drawn to the region because of the hilly topography and wooded surroundings.

Private Property:

Private land elk hunts may be offered by some landowners in elk-rich areas. These hunts are normally performed in accordance with particular restrictions and with the authorization of the landowner.

Please keep in mind that entry to elk hunting sites in Arkansas may be limited or require a special permit. Furthermore, hunting restrictions and zones might vary from year to year, so it’s critical to verify the most recent hunting regulations and secure the proper licences from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They will have the most recent information on hunting places, season dates, and regulations.

Information about Elk Hunting on Public Lands Permits

For Arkansas’s 2023 elk hunting season, 18 licences will be offered for public draw via online applications. The Buffalo River Elk Festival in Jasper, set for June 23-24, 2023, will attract all elk permits.

Once the draw is completed, winners will be informed by email and phone. At the festival, three extra on-site permits will be chosen. Only those in attendance at the festival will be eligible for the on-site permit drawing.

Application Requirements for Public Land Elk Permits

Only Arkansas citizens having a Resident Sportsman Hunting Licence or a Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit are eligible to apply.
To apply, a $5 nonrefundable application fee is required.
To participate, applicants must be 6 years old or older as of the start of the hunt (October 2).
Applicants with 18 or more violation points will be disqualified.

More details

How To Hunt Elk In Arkansas Full Guide

Hunting elk in Arkansas may be a wonderful and gratifying experience, but it’s critical to follow ethical hunting practises and observe all Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) laws. Here’s a step-by-step guide to elk hunting in Arkansas, including how to dress (field dress) your harvested elk:

1- Obtain All Required Permits and Licences:

For exact hunting season dates, permission requirements, and quotas for elk hunting in Arkansas, see the AGFC website or contact them.

Make sure you have the necessary hunting licences and permits for elk hunting.

Get Permits and Licence

2- Gear and Equipment:

Equip yourself with the proper hunting equipment, such as a suitable rifle or bow, ammo, binoculars, a good-quality hunting knife, camouflage apparel, and sturdy boots.
Prepare your hunting equipment and practise your shooting abilities well in advance of the hunting season.

3- Scouting

Conduct extensive pre-season reconnaissance to find elk in specified hunting zones. Tracks, droppings, and sleeping sites are all clues to look for.
If feasible, use trail cameras to monitor elk activities.

4-Choose a Hunting Location:

Choose a hunting area among Arkansas’s defined elk hunting zones. The Buffalo National River Area and the Ozark Mountains are popular destinations.

5- Regulations must be followed:

Examine and comprehend all AGFC hunting laws, including bag limits, authorised hunting hours, and any particular requirements for the region you want to hunt.

6-Ethical Hunting:

Ethical hunting requires a clean and humane shot. Take only shots that are within your skill level and equipment’s effective range.
To avoid unintended injury, practise safe hunting techniques such as recognising your objective and what is beyond it.

7-Elk Harvesting and Dressing:

Once you’ve successfully harvested an elk, you must field dress it as soon as possible to preserve the meat and prepare it for transport. Here’s how to go about it:

a. Field Dressing:

Place the elk on its back and fasten it.
Cut a line from the sternum (breastbone) to the pelvic bone, taking care not to puncture the intestines.
To liberate the rectum, cut around the anus.
Remove the organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines, with care so that the meat is not contaminated.
If the bladder hasn’t previously been drained, remove it.

b. Cooling the Meat:

Allow the meat to cool as rapidly as possible. This can be accomplished by propping open the body cavity to enable air circulation.
If feasible, insert ice bags within the body cavity to assist the flesh cool quickly.

8-Transporting Your Harvest:

After the elk has been field dressed and chilled, it should be sent to a processing plant or a cooler to age the meat and prepare it for eating.

9-Comply with Reporting Requirements:

The AGFC requires you to report your harvested elk. This data is critical for maintaining the elk population in Arkansas.

10-Learn and Improve:

Learn and enhance your hunting abilities and information on a regular basis. To get insights and suggestions, attend hunter education seminars and network with expert hunters.

Remember that elk hunting is a difficult sport that takes planning, skill, and a profound respect for wildlife and the environment. To guarantee a good and sustainable hunting experience in Arkansas, always prioritise safety and follow hunting principles and rules.

FAQs About Arkansas Elk hunting

Do I need a special a permit in Arkansas to hunt elk?

To hunt elk in Arkansas, you will normally need a special elk hunting permit in addition to your regular hunting licence. These licences are restricted in quantity and are awarded using a lottery method.

When is the Arkansas elk hunting season?

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) determines the elk hunting seasons in Arkansas, which might change from year to year. Before organising your hunt, be sure to verify the current season dates and rules.

Can Non-residents hunt elk in Arkansas?

Non-residents can hunt elk in Arkansas, but there are special rules and regulations in place for non-resident elk hunters. These laws may include a restricted number of non-resident elk hunting licences, which are normally awarded through a lottery or drawing procedure. Furthermore, non-residents may be subject to different permission costs than locals.

Where can I hunt elk in Arkansas?

Elk hunting in Arkansas is mainly restricted to elk hunting zones. The Buffalo National River Area and the Ozark Mountains are popular destinations. Because hunting places might vary from year to year, it’s critical to stay up to date on the current hunting restrictions.

What types of weapons are allowed for elk hunting in Arkansas?

Weapons permitted for elk hunting vary, but commonly include rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment. To learn whether weapons are permissible, check the current restrictions for the season you want to hunt.

Are there any limits on the usage of elk bait or calls in Arkansas?

Elk hunting regulations involving baiting and the use of calls may differ from year to year. To guarantee compliance, always check the most recent hunting restrictions.

Is it legal to hunt elk on private land in Arkansas?

Private land elk hunts may be offered by some landowners in elk-rich areas. These hunts are normally performed in accordance with particular restrictions and with the authorization of the landowner. Make careful to get all appropriate permits and follow the AGFC’s requirements.

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