Arkansas Hunting License: How to Get One, Costs & What's Required (2026)
An Arkansas hunting license is required for any hunter age 16 and older. Arkansas residents can buy a Wildlife Conservation License for $10.50, while a combination sportsman’s license for hunting and fishing is $35.50.
First-time hunters in Arkansas must complete an AGFC-approved hunter education course before purchasing a license if they were born on or after January 1, 1969. You can buy a hunting license online through the AGFC, by phone, or through major outdoor retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Walmart, bait stores, and sporting goods stores.
Arkansas is a beautiful state that offers some of the more affordable resident hunting licenses in the country, which makes it easy for in-state hunters. Non-resident hunters pay higher fees, so visiting hunters should compare annual and short-term options before choosing an Arkansas hunting license.
How Much Does an Arkansas Hunting License Cost?
The cost of an Arkansas hunting license depends on your residency, how long you plan to hunt, and whether you need big game privileges.
Arkansas Hunting License Fees 2026 | ||
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Wildlife Conservation License (small game, furbearers, 1 deer tag) | $10.50 | n/a |
| Sportsman's License (all game: deer, turkey, bear) | $25 | n/a |
| Combination Sportsman's License (hunt + fish) | $35.50 | n/a |
| Annual All Game License (deer, small game, furbearers) | n/a | $410 |
| Annual Small Game License (no deer) | n/a | $110 |
| 3-Day All Game License | n/a | $225 |
| 1-Day All Game License | $100 | |
| Youth Tags (ages 6–15, attaches to license) | Free | Free |
For residents, deer, turkey, and bear tags are bundled with the combo hunting and fishing license options instead of being sold as separate add-ons. Non-resident annual pricing is among the highest nationwide, however.
If you're visiting Arkansas for a short hunt, compare the one-day, three-day, small game, and annual options before purchasing.
What Game Is Covered Under a Base Arkansas Hunting License?
A base Arkansas license covers a lot here, but it doesn't cover every species or hunting opportunity. Before the season starts, check which license type matches the game you plan to hunt. The base license covers:
- Small game, including squirrel, rabbit, quail, and similar species
- Furbearers
- One deer tag with the Wildlife Conservation License ($10.50)
- Deer, turkey, and bear tags under the Sportsman's License ($25)
- Waterfowl with an additional state waterfowl stamp and Federal Duck Stamp
- Elk and alligator with separate permits, regardless of license type
Confirming exact coverage before opening day helps you avoid an unexpected problem or the need to repurchase a license. Using the app is the easiest way to check and tag big game in Arkansas.
What Are the Requirements to Get an Arkansas Hunting License?
Arkansas requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, before buying a hunting license.
This requirement applies to first-time hunters and is designed to make sure new hunters understand firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and state regulations.
Hunters under 16 can hunt without a license or hunter education if a licensed adult at least 21 years old supervises them. That supervision requirement gives young hunters a way to learn from a mentor.
Arkansas also recognizes hunter education certifications from other states and Canada. If you completed hunter education elsewhere, you typically aren't going to need to retake the course before buying an Arkansas license.
There is also a free Deferred Hunter Education option in place for hunters 16 and older who haven't completed the actual course yet. This can help someone try hunting under Arkansas rules, but it's temporary. The Deferred Hunter Education program isn't a replacement for those who need hunter education.
How to Get Your Arkansas Hunting License
Follow these steps if you're a first-time hunter wondering how to get a hunting license. By following the right step-by-step process, you'll avoid missing an education, license, or tag requirement.
- Complete Arkansas hunter education if you were born on or after January 1, 1969, and this is your first license.
- Buy a license online through the AGFC or via phone at 833-345-0325.
- Choose the right license type, such as the Resident Wildlife Conservation License ($10.50), Combination Sportsman’s License ($35.50), Resident Sportsman's License ($25), or Non-Resident Annual All Game License ($410).
- Check whether your license includes the tags you need, since deer, turkey, and bear tags are bundled with many resident licenses.
- Carry your license while you’re hunting. Digital copies are allowed.
The final step after you get a hunting license is your self-check. You are always responsible for reviewing current Arkansas regulations for season dates, bag limits, zone rules, and any species-specific permit requirements.
Where to Buy an Arkansas Hunting License Statewide
Arkansas gives hunters several convenient ways to buy a license. You can purchase online, by phone, or in person.
Your choice depends on what works best for your schedule, but can include:
- Online through AGFC
- By phone at 833-345-0325
- At AGFC regional offices and nature centers
- Through licensed sporting goods and outdoor retailers
- At local bait shops and other AGFC licensed agents
Whether you buy online or in person, keep a digital or printed copy with you while hunting. Carrying proof of your Arkansas hunting license is mandatory and the first thing agents will ask for while you're hunting.
Get Certified, Get Licensed, and Get Ready for the Arkansas Hunting Season
Anyone looking to start hunting legally in Arkansas must start with hunter education. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, must finish the full course. Completing an approved course gives you the safety knowledge and certification you need before buying your first standard license.
Arkansas resident license costs are affordable compared with many states, and several options include important tags for deer, turkey, or bear. Non-resident hunters should compare short-term and annual licenses carefully, especially if they’re only visiting for a brief hunt. In that case, consider buying a visitor's license.
Before the season opens, complete the required hunter education through the state-approved Hunter-Ed course, then choose the right license, confirm your tag and permit coverage, and carry proof of your license in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much is an Arkansas hunting license?
A: For Arkansas residents, a Wildlife Conservation License costs $10.50. A Resident Sportsman’s License is $25, while the Combination Sportsman’s License, which includes hunting and fishing privileges, costs $35.50. Non-resident licenses have different fees depending on the type and duration of the hunt.
Q: Do I need hunter education in Arkansas?
A: If you were born on or after January 1, 1969, Arkansas requires hunter education before purchasing a hunting license as a first-time hunter. Arkansas also accepts qualifying hunter education certifications from other states and Canada. Hunters under 16 can hunt without completing hunter education when properly supervised by a licensed adult age 21 or older.
Q: Where can I buy an Arkansas hunting license?
A: You can purchase an Arkansas hunting license online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, by phone at 833-345-0325, or in person at AGFC offices, nature centers, sporting goods stores, bait shops, and other licensed retailers.
Q: Does Arkansas have a hunting license for seniors?
A: Yes. Arkansas offers a reduced-cost annual Sportsman’s Hunting License for residents age 65 and older. There is also a 65+ Lifetime Combination License for eligible Arkansas residents.
Q: What is included with the Arkansas Sportsman's License?
A: The Resident Sportsman’s License allows you to hunt all game species during open seasons and includes the applicable bag limits for deer, turkey, and bear. Waterfowl hunting requires additional state and federal waterfowl stamps, while elk and alligator require separate permits.
Q: Do youth hunters need a license in Arkansas?
A: Hunters under 16 can hunt without a hunting license or hunter education, provided they are supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 21. Specific youth hunts and species can have additional requirements, so check the current AGFC regulations before hunting.
Q: Can I use a digital hunting license in Arkansas?
A: Yes. Arkansas accepts an electronic copy of a valid hunting license as proof of license purchase. You can save the PDF to your phone or use the AGFC mobile app. It’s a good idea to save the license to your device before heading into the field in case cellular service is unavailable.
