The wait is nearly over for Arkansas turkey hunters looking to get back into the woods and enjoy the quest for that first gobbler. However, hunters may notice a few changes in the upcoming turkey hunting season, starting April 17.
Zoning codes and season opening dates are included in new guidelines. These guidelines’ continued aim is to protect the state’s declining eastern turkey population, as originally reported by Jeremy Wood, wild turkey program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in the Arkansas Wildlife Weekly Newsletter from 2020.
Turkey hunting is a popular spring tradition in Arkansas. But when exactly does turkey season open each year? And what are the rules and regulations hunters need to know? This article provides key dates, zone info, bag limits and other tips for the 2023 Arkansas turkey season.
Turkey Season Dates in Arkansas
There are a few different turkey hunting seasons in Arkansas each spring
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Regular Season – Held in April/May in two zones, Dates for 2023
- Zone 1: April 17-25
- Zone 2: April 17 – May 7
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Youth Season – Special weekend for hunters ages 6-15 before the regular season. April 8-9 in 2023.
So the earliest turkey hunting opens in Arkansas is April 8 for youth hunters. The regular season opens April 17.
Turkey Hunting Zones
Arkansas uses a two zone system for turkey season:
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Zone 1 covers the northwest and central counties. It has a shorter 9 day season.
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Zone 2 covers the southeast counties and runs for 20 days total.
Zone boundaries follow county lines. Check regulations for exact zone maps.
Bag Limits
Arkansas turkey hunters can harvest:
- 2 bearded turkeys statewide per season
- 1 bearded turkey per day
- Only 1 bearded turkey in the first 7 days
Other limits:
- No hens can be harvested
- 1 turkey limit on WMAs
Youth can take 1 jake as part of their 2 bird limit.
Apply for Permits
Be sure to get any required licenses, permits and stamps before the season. A turkey license runs around $25 for residents. Non-residents pay higher fees.
Permits for certain public land hunts may be awarded by lottery. Check regulations in early 2023 on permit deadlines.
Scouting Tips
Scout areas in March and early April to locate flocks. Look for scratchings, tracks, feathers and droppings as signs of turkeys.
Listen for gobbles in the early morning to pinpoint tom locations. Use game cameras to pattern their movements.
Turkey Hunting Gear
Important gear includes:
- Shotgun or bow
- Turkey loads/arrows
- Camo clothes including facemask
- Turkey vest with calls
- Decoys
Practice calling and setting up decoys. Check sights on firearms. Organize gear ahead of opening day.
Safety Reminders
Some key turkey hunting safety tips:
- Assume every sound/movement is another hunter
- Avoid wearing red, white or blue
- Never stalk sounds of unseen turkeys
- Sit with back against a tree for visibility
- Clearly identify target before shooting
Stay safe and good luck this turkey season! Check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations for all official details on 2023 turkey hunting.
turkey season: 7
arkansas: 11
hunting: 8
zone: 5
zones: 2
season: 8
limit: 4
limits: 2
hunters: 5
bag: 2
turkeys: 5
bearded: 3
turkey: 6
opens: 1
open: 1
april: 4
may: 2
youth: 3
scouting: 1
tips: 1
gear: 1
safety: 1
reminders: 1
regulations: 2
check: 2
game: 1
fish: 1
commission: 1
What to Expect for the 2023 Turkey Season
In last January’s Outdoor Life, Wood stated that his outlook during the 2022 turkey season was for hunters to see great improvements. Last year continued a growing trend of year-over-year growth that made 2022 the best year for reproduction throughout Arkansas, topping the previous year.
The Gulf Coastal Plain ecoregion was a hot spot last year, and looks to remain one in 2023. This is thanks in part because of the continued improvement in harvest rates, as well as the strongest estimated reproductive rate in the state during the last few seasons.
The 2023 Turkey Hunting Guidebook for wildlife management zones will be available in March.
Regular Turkey Season Dates
- Zone 1: April 17-25
- Zone 2: April 17-May 7
Opening Day Turkey Season Arkansas – Turkey VLOG #3 S9
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Arkansas?
- Zone 1: April 21-29, 2025.
- Zone 2: April 21-May 11, 2025.
- Zones 1 and 2: April 12-13, 2025.
- Zone 1: One legal turkey (not a jake or female) (see Statewide Turkey Bag Limit for exceptions). …
- Zone 2: Two legal turkeys (not jakes or females) (see Statewide Turkey Bag Limit for exceptions).
What day does turkey hunting season start?
California. SEASON DATES: General Season: March 30 – May 5, 2024. Archery Season: March 30 – May 19, 2024.
What states turkey season opens first?
The season opens on March 15 in Mississippi, March 16 in Florida, March 25 in Alabama, Nebraska and Nevada, and March 30 in California.
How many turkeys were killed in Arkansas in 2024?
LITTLE ROCK — According to the latest harvest statistics compiled through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission licensing system, Arkansas hunters harvested 9,335 turkeys during the 2024 annual turkey season, a few hundred birds more than last year. This is the third year in a row of an upward harvest trend.
When does Turkey season start in Arkansas?
The Turkey season in Arkansas normally begins on April 15 in Zone 1 and lasts through April 23. In Zone 2, the season is from April 15 to May 5. Please note that actual dates may change, so the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s most recent rules and changes are the greatest sources of information. Can youth hunters participate in the Arkansas turkey season?
At what age can you hunt Turkeys in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, hunters aged 6 to 15 can participate in the Special Youth Hunt for Turkeys, and the bag limit is one. The regular Turkey season starts at different times for different zones. It begins on April 15 for hunters aged 6 to 15 in Zone 1, and lasts through April 23. For Zone 2, the season runs from April 15 to May 5.
Does Arkansas have separate turkey hunting zones?
Yes, Arkansas has two turkey hunting zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2. Most of Northeastern Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas is in Zone 1, while the majority of the remainder of the state is in Zone 2.
Are there public turkey hunting opportunities in Arkansas?
While there are many public turkey hunting opportunities in Arkansas, AGFC restricts the number of hunters allowed during turkey season through random drawings to increase the quality of the hunt at some of the more popular wildlife management areas. Resources
When is Turkey season 2024?
Zones follow county lines. Regular Turkey Season Dates Zone 1: April 15-23, 2024 Zone 2: April 15-May 5, 2024 Statewide Turkey Bag Limit The statewide bag limit is two legal…
Is it legal to shoot a Turkey in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, it is illegal to hunt or shoot wild turkeys or their eggs and releasing domesticated turkeys into the wild is also prohibited. However, there are specific regulations and licenses for turkey hunting. Please check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for the most up-to-date information.