Because the crisp air of autumn approaches, waterfowl lovers eagerly anticipate the arrival of duck season in Arkansas. The 2024-2025 season guarantees to be one other memorable one, with an abundance of waterfowl and thrilling searching alternatives. The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee has meticulously crafted the season’s framework, guaranteeing ample time for hunters to pursue their quarry whereas sustaining the sustainability of the useful resource.
The upcoming season includes a beneficiant 60-day framework, offering ample alternatives for hunters to expertise the exhilaration of the game. The season kicks off on November 10, 2024, and concludes on January 2, 2025. Throughout this era, hunters can embark on thrilling morning and afternoon hunts, maximizing their probabilities of harvesting quite a lot of duck species, together with mallards, wooden geese, and gadwalls. Moreover, the season features a particular youth waterfowl hunt, permitting younger hunters to take part within the custom and foster a lifelong ardour for the game.
To boost the searching expertise, the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee has designated quite a few waterfowl administration areas all through the state. These areas supply distinctive alternatives for hunters to search out concentrations of waterfowl and luxuriate in a memorable searching expertise. Hunters are inspired to discover these areas, reap the benefits of the accessible assets, and cling to the established laws to make sure a secure and moral hunt. By working collectively, hunters and the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee can proceed to protect the custom of duck searching in Arkansas and guarantee its future for generations to return.
Opening Day and Season Dates
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee has introduced the dates for the 2024-2025 duck season. The season will open on November 12, 2024, and can run till February 15, 2025. There shall be a complete of 60 days of duck searching in the course of the season.
The opening day of duck season is all the time a extremely anticipated occasion for hunters in Arkansas. The state has a number of the finest duck searching within the nation, and hunters from all around the world come to Arkansas to expertise the joy of the hunt.
The season dates for the 2024-2025 duck season are as follows:
| Zone | Opening Day | Closing Day |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | November 12, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| Zone 2 | November 19, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| Zone 3 | November 26, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
Hunters are reminded to examine the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee’s web site for extra details about the duck season, together with bag limits and different laws.
Day by day Bag and Possession Limits
The each day bag restrict for geese, coots, and mergansers in Arkansas in the course of the 2024-2025 season is six (6) birds per day, with a possession restrict of 18 (48 for mergansers). This consists of all species mixed, besides scaup, which have a each day bag restrict of 1 (1) and a possession restrict of three (3). To make sure compliance, hunters should instantly breast all geese, coots, and mergansers taken each day.
| Species | Day by day Bag Restrict | Possession Restrict |
|---|---|---|
| Geese (besides scaup) | 6 | 18 |
| Scaup | 1 | 3 |
| Coots | 6 | 18 |
| Mergansers | 6 | 48 |
For extra detailed and up-to-date data on each day bag and possession limits, hunters are inspired to seek advice from the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee web site or seek the advice of the official Arkansas Looking Guidebook.
Taking pictures Hours and Zones
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) has introduced the duck season dates and taking pictures hours for the 2024-2025 season. The season will run from November 17, 2024, to January 25, 2025. Taking pictures hours shall be from dawn to sundown every day.
Arkansas is split into three duck searching zones: the Japanese Zone, the Western Zone, and the Stuttgart Zone. The Japanese Zone consists of the counties of Clay, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Randolph, and Sharp. The Western Zone consists of the counties of Ashley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Sevier, and Union. The Stuttgart Zone consists of the counties of Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie.
Duck Looking Zones
| Zone | Counties |
|---|---|
| Japanese | Clay, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Randolph, and Sharp |
| Western | Ashley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Sevier, and Union |
| Stuttgart | Arkansas, Lonoke, and Prairie |
Particular Youth and Apprentice Hunts
Arkansas gives particular searching alternatives for younger hunters and apprentices to introduce them to the game of waterfowl searching in a secure and managed surroundings.
Youth Hunt
The Youth Hunt is open to hunters aged 16 and below, accompanied by a licensed grownup mentor. The mentor doesn’t need to be a relative of the youth hunter. The youth hunter should possess a legitimate searching license and a Harvest Info Program (HIP) registration quantity. The grownup mentor should possess a legitimate searching license and a federal duck stamp. The each day bag restrict for the youth hunter is identical because the common season bag restrict.
Apprentice Hunt
The Apprentice Hunt is open to hunters aged 17-24 who haven’t beforehand bought a duck stamp. The apprentice hunter should possess a legitimate searching license and a HIP registration quantity. The apprentice hunter will be mentored by any licensed hunter who has bought a duck stamp. The each day bag restrict for the apprentice hunter is identical because the common season bag restrict.
Mentored Looking
Mentored searching is an effective way for skilled hunters to cross on their information and fervour for waterfowl searching to youthful generations. The mentor should be no less than 18 years of age and possess a legitimate searching license and a federal duck stamp. The mentor could also be a dad or mum, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or every other accountable grownup. The mentored hunter should possess a legitimate searching license and a HIP registration quantity. The each day bag restrict for the mentored hunter is identical because the common season bag restrict.
| Hunt Kind | Age Requirement | Mentor Requirement | Day by day Bag Restrict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Hunt | 16 and below | Licensed grownup | Similar as common season |
| Apprentice Hunt | 17-24 (no prior duck stamp buy) | Licensed hunter with duck stamp | Similar as common season |
| Mentored Looking | Any age | 18+ with searching license and duck stamp | Similar as common season |
Season for Pintails and Scaup
Pintail and scaup duck seasons in Arkansas will run from November 23 to December 22, 2024, with the next exceptions:
- The season for scaup closes on January 21, 2025.
- Youth waterfowl searching day for hunters ages 6-15 is December 21, 2024.
Inexperienced-winged Teal
Inexperienced-winged teal season runs from September 16 to October 1, 2024.
Gadwall
Gadwall season runs from September 16 to October 1, 2024.
American Wigeon
American wigeon season runs from September 16 to October 1, 2024.
Shoveler
Shoveler season runs from September 16 to October 1, 2024.
Digital Calls and Decoys
Digital calls and decoys are extensively utilized in duck searching in Arkansas. These gadgets might help entice geese into taking pictures vary, they usually can even assist to create a extra reasonable searching surroundings. Nevertheless, it is very important use these gadgets responsibly and inside the laws set by the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee.
Digital Calls
Digital calls are gadgets that emit sounds that mimic the calls of geese. These calls can be utilized to draw geese into taking pictures vary, or they can be utilized to maintain geese in an space for an extended time period. When utilizing digital calls, it is very important pay attention to the next laws:
- Digital calls might solely be used in the course of the established waterfowl searching seasons.
- Digital calls is probably not used inside 100 yards of one other hunter.
- Digital calls is probably not used to draw geese right into a baited space.
Decoys
Decoys are synthetic representations of geese which might be used to draw actual geese into taking pictures vary. Decoys will be product of quite a lot of supplies, together with plastic, wooden, and foam. When utilizing decoys, it is very important pay attention to the next laws:
- Decoys might solely be used in the course of the established waterfowl searching seasons.
- Decoys is probably not positioned in areas the place they may intervene with different hunters.
- Decoys is probably not used to draw geese right into a baited space.
Varieties of Decoys
There are a selection of several types of decoys accessible, every with its personal benefits and downsides. A number of the commonest sorts of decoys embrace:
| Kind of Decoy | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Floating Decoys | Life like motion, can be utilized in water | May be troublesome to move, will be broken by wind |
| Standing Decoys | Straightforward to move, can be utilized in quite a lot of habitats | Not as reasonable as floating decoys, will be troublesome to see in tall grass |
| Movement Decoys | Very reasonable, can entice geese from lengthy distances | Costly, will be troublesome to arrange and use |
Non-toxic Shot Necessities
Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) requires hunters to make use of non-toxic shotshells when searching geese and geese within the state. This regulation helps to cut back the danger of lead poisoning in waterfowl and different wildlife.
Shot Varieties
Authorised non-toxic shot supplies embrace:
* Metal
* Bismuth
* Tungsten-iron
* Tungsten-matrix
* Copper-plated metal
Shot Sizes
The utmost shot dimension allowed for duck searching is #4. For geese, the utmost shot dimension is #2.
Shot Plugs
Shotguns used for duck and goose searching should be outfitted with a shot plug that limits the gun’s capability to a few shells.
Older Shotguns
Hunters utilizing shotguns manufactured earlier than 1985 should use bismuth or tungsten-iron shot.
Exemptions
The non-toxic shot requirement doesn’t apply to:
* Hunters utilizing a muzzleloader
* Hunters searching on non-public land owned or leased by the hunter or a member of their speedy household
* Disabled hunters who’re unable to make use of non-toxic shot resulting from a bodily incapacity
Enforcement
AGFC wildlife officers shall be imposing the non-toxic shot requirement. Violators might face fines and different penalties.
Looking License and Permits
To hunt geese in Arkansas, you have to a legitimate searching license and a Duck Stamp. You should purchase these licenses and stamps on-line or at any license vendor within the state. The next are the charges for searching licenses and Duck Stamps in Arkansas:
| License Kind | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident Looking License | $25 |
| Non-Resident Looking License | $150 |
| Duck Stamp | $15 |
Youth Looking License
Resident and non-resident youth below the age of 16 are eligible for a free youth searching license. To acquire a youth searching license, you could full the Arkansas Hunter Schooling Course.
Lifetime Looking License
Resident and non-resident hunters should purchase a lifetime searching license. The price of a lifetime searching license is $500 for residents and $1,000 for non-residents. Lifetime searching licenses are legitimate for the lifetime of the holder.
Particular Permits
Along with a searching license and Duck Stamp, you might also must buy a particular allow to hunt geese in sure areas of Arkansas. Particular permits are required for searching within the following areas:
- Massive Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
- Cache River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
- Dagmar Wildlife Administration Space
- White River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
You should purchase particular permits on-line or at any license vendor within the state. The price of particular permits varies relying on the world the place you’ll be searching.
Looking Areas and Laws
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) has introduced the duck season dates and laws for the 2024-2025 season. The season will run from November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. The each day bag restrict is six geese, with not more than three mallards (one in all which can be a hen), two scaup, one redhead, and one canvasback.
Looking Areas
Duck searching is permitted in designated areas all through Arkansas. The AGFC manages a number of wildlife administration areas (WMAs) which might be open to waterfowl searching. These WMAs embrace:
- Massive Lake WMA
- Cache River WMA
- Dardanelle WMA
- Grand Prairie WMA
- Hoover Ridge WMA
- St. Francis River WMA
- White River WMA
Along with WMAs, duck searching can also be permitted on non-public land with the landowner’s permission.
Laws
The AGFC has established a number of laws to make sure the security and conservation of waterfowl assets. These laws embrace:
Looking Hours
Duck searching is permitted from one-half hour earlier than dawn to sundown in the course of the designated season.
Shotguns and Ammunition
Hunters might use shotguns no bigger than 10 gauge, and solely non-toxic shot is permitted.
Licensing
All hunters should possess a legitimate Arkansas searching license and a waterfowl stamp.
Baiting and Looking Over Bait
Baiting and searching over bait is prohibited.
Blind Development and Use
Blinds should be comprised of pure supplies, they usually should be positioned in a way that doesn’t intervene with different hunters.
Security Precautions and Enforcement
Concentrate on your environment.
You will need to pay attention to your environment whereas duck searching. This consists of being conscious of different hunters, the situation of your boat, and any obstacles within the water. You also needs to pay attention to the climate circumstances and be sure you are dressed appropriately.
Put on a life jacket.
Carrying a life jacket is among the most necessary security precautions you may take whereas duck searching. A life jacket will enable you keep afloat in the event you fall overboard, and it might additionally assist defend you from hypothermia.
Use decoys and blinds.
Utilizing decoys and blinds might help you entice geese and enhance your probabilities of success. Nevertheless, it is very important use decoys and blinds safely. Be certain your decoys are usually not positioned in a method that would create a hazard for different boats. And ensure your blind is well-concealed in order that you don’t startle the geese.
Observe the principles and laws.
You will need to comply with the principles and laws for duck searching. These guidelines are in place to assist defend the geese and make sure the security of hunters. You could find the principles and laws for duck searching in your state’s searching laws.
Be respectful of different hunters.
You will need to be respectful of different hunters whereas duck searching. This consists of respecting their house, not taking pictures at geese which might be near their boats, and never making noise that would disturb them.
Enforcement of Duck Looking Laws
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) is chargeable for imposing the principles and laws for duck searching in Arkansas. AGFC officers shall be patrolling the waterways throughout duck season to make sure that hunters are following the principles. If you’re caught violating the principles, you might be fined or have your searching license revoked.
Penalties for Violating Duck Looking Laws
The penalties for violating duck searching laws differ relying on the severity of the violation. For instance, you might be fined $100 for searching and not using a license, or you might be fined $1,000 for taking pictures a duck out of season. You could find the penalties for violating duck searching laws within the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee’s searching laws.
Report a Duck Looking Violation
In case you see somebody violating the duck searching laws, you may report it to the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee by calling 1-800-364-4263. You too can report a violation on-line on the AGFC’s web site.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Looking and not using a license | $100 superb |
| Taking pictures a duck out of season | $1,000 superb |
| Utilizing unlawful bait | $500 superb |
| Taking pictures from a transferring boat | $250 superb |
| Looking in a closed space | $100 superb |
Duck Season Arkansas 2024 2025 Schedule
The Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee has introduced the dates for the 2024-2025 duck season. The season will open on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and shut on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The each day bag restrict shall be six geese, together with not more than 4 mallards (solely two of which can be feminine), two redheads, two canvasbacks, and two scaup. The possession restrict shall be 18 geese.
The late season for geese will open on Saturday, January 25, 2025, and shut on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The each day bag restrict shall be three geese, together with not more than two mallards (solely one in all which can be feminine), one redhead, one canvasback, and one scaup. The possession restrict shall be 9 geese.
The youth waterfowl season shall be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and Sunday, October 13, 2024. The each day bag restrict shall be six geese, together with not more than 4 mallards (solely two of which can be feminine), two redheads, two canvasbacks, and two scaup. The possession restrict shall be 18 geese.
For extra data on the 2024-2025 duck season in Arkansas, please go to the Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee web site.
Folks Additionally Ask About Duck Season Arkansas 2024 2025 Schedule
What are the dates for the 2024-2025 duck season in Arkansas?
The 2024-2025 duck season in Arkansas will open on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and shut on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
What’s the each day bag restrict for geese in Arkansas?
The each day bag restrict for geese in Arkansas is six geese, together with not more than 4 mallards (solely two of which can be feminine), two redheads, two canvasbacks, and two scaup.
What’s the possession restrict for geese in Arkansas?
The possession restrict for geese in Arkansas is eighteen geese.
When is the youth waterfowl season in Arkansas?
The youth waterfowl season in Arkansas shall be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and Sunday, October 13, 2024.
