Do you like to Hunt Duck?. Are you interested to know about Duck Hunting in Arkansas?
Then this article is something you can read and get benefitted.
Duck Hunting in Arkansas
Arkansas duck hunting remains one of the most popular hunting seasons in Arkansas every year, and it’s easy to see why.
Arkansas provides some of the best duck hunting opportunities on the continent, with over 100 unique species of ducks and geese that can be found in its natural lakes, marshes, rivers, and ponds throughout all four seasons of the year.
In this article, we will explore in-depth duck hunting in Arkansas
Where is the best Duck Hunting in Arkansas?
The best duck hunting in Arkansas is on private lands.
We’re not saying state or federal waters are bad places to go, but without a private land lease you have to obey very specific limits on how many ducks you can kill.
Any time you go into a game management area, it’s going to be hard to get enough birds in one day because of these limits.
With a private land lease though, those limits disappear, and then you can really put your bird dog through its paces!
Is Arkansas good for Duck Hunting?
The answer to that question really depends on what you’re looking for and what your expectations are.
If you want to sit in a blind, wait for hours without seeing much and then come home with nothing, then you should probably go somewhere else.
But if you’d rather shoot moving targets as they fly across wide-open landscapes at all distances, hunting duck in Arkansas may be right up your alley.
While duck hunting season doesn’t typically begin until November here in central/southwest AR, that’s only because of our milder weather.
The birds have already migrated into our area and are hungry after flying thousands of miles from their northern breeding grounds.
How much does it cost to duck hunt in Arkansas?
The costs of duck hunting in Arkansas vary by location and price. Prices may differ between resident and non-resident people.
You can hunt ducks in ponds and marshes or you can go on a guided duck hunting trip through a preserve.
The average cost to hunt ducks per hunter per season is around $450, but that includes your license, a duck stamp (if needed), shotgun shells and food (which won’t be much if you’re successful).
Then there are other costs like gas, truck rental or gas money for anyone who offers to drive you, hotel lodging if your out-of-town and any equipment you need to buy.
Check out websites that offer inexpensive decoys or rent them before deciding whether to invest in them because they will have an effect on how many birds you bag.
What are the dates for duck hunting in Arkansas?
The general duck season in Arkansas runs from September 1st to January 20th.
However, there are three different duck hunting seasons set during different parts of that range:
The Regular Season takes place on five consecutive Saturdays between September 19th and October 17th.
The Extended Regular Season runs from October 31st to November 7th.
The Late Season occurs on two days (December 20 & 27) during which hunters may shoot only two ducks apiece.
If a hunter is successful on both December 20 & 27, he/she will have shot ten total ducks for that year’s duck-hunting season.
Why is Arkansas so good for duck hunting?
Although there are many places in America that are good for duck hunting, Arkansas stands out as a must-visit state.
The reason is simple: they have more hunting than any other state in America.
Plus, it’s been called a duck hunter’s paradise by many publications.
This year was a record year for hunts here—especially mallards. However, there are more reasons why hunters come to these parts of our nation…
How many duck hunters are in Arkansas?
Every year, thousands of duck hunters make their way to Arkansas to participate in a truly American tradition.
It’s been said that hunting season is a time when you can sense America’s true colors—red, white and blue.
From duck blinds on public land to private ranches, duck hunters come from all over with guns blazing to kill ducks.
According to the recent data almost 75000 duck hunters came last year in Arkansas for hunting ducks.
Is Arkansas the duck capital of the world?
Maybe not, but I’m willing to bet that a more avid group of duck hunters doesn’t exist than those you’ll find in The Natural State.
No other place on earth combines a huge number of ducks with such excellent hunting opportunities as does Arkansas, and for serious waterfowlers visiting The Natural State isn’t just about catching some birds; it’s an unforgettable experience.
For what it’s worth, however, your best chance at seeing large numbers of ducks is probably from November through February during peak migration seasons when these birds are passing through on their way to or from their wintering grounds.
How much do you tip a duck guide?
Arkansas duck hunting season opens on Sept. 1 and ends on Feb. 20th.
A resident may take up to three times as many ducks as can be taken by nonresidents during that period.
Only hunters ages 15 and older need a license in Arkansas, which cost $23 for residents and $120 for nonresidents for residents of other states or countries. Nonresident licenses cost $205 plus federal migratory bird stamp fees (PDF).
The bag limit is 15 ducks daily, including three mallards, five wood ducks and eight scaup; eight mallards may be no more than two hen mallards, five wood ducks must include at least one hen wood duck and eight scaup may not include more than two male scaup.
Can I hunt on my own land without a license in Arkansas?
You do not need a license to hunt on your own land.
A hunting license is only required if you plan to hunt on private property that is not owned by you.
The owner of said property can grant permission for others to hunt on their land, as long as they follow certain restrictions set by law.
Hunters must be at least 13 years old and licensed in order to purchase a resident or non-resident hunting license in Arkansas (as of 2010).
A separate non-resident small game and deer combination permit can also be purchased if desired, although it will cost extra (hunting licenses range from $7 – $24).
Non-residents may also apply for free big game permits if they are interested in hunting elk, black bear or wild turkey.
Can you bait ducks in Arkansas?
Bait is illegal to use in Arkansas, so you can’t use corn or any other kind of bait. You have to hunt over decoys, which are life-sized models of ducks that help draw in wild ducks.
Typically they come in three varieties:
The Mallard, a large duck typically found in decoy spreads; bluebill, a smaller duck with a blue bill (otherwise known as a shoveler); and gadwall, another type of small duck.
Even though you can’t use bait when hunting ducks in Arkansas, don’t fret! Decoys can be very effective for drawing out birds and easier than setting out corn for them to find.
Is hunting season over in Arkansas?
Many people don’t realize that duck hunting in Arkansas is a big deal.
If you’re interested in hunting for migratory waterfowl, there are a few things you should know about your favorite hobby.
First of all, when is duck season? duck season runs from Sept 1th to Feb 26th.
What makes hunting in Arkansas different than other states?
Well, weather conditions and seasonal migration patterns change dramatically throughout Arkansas due to its geography.
You need to be prepared to adjust your strategy depending on how many migrating ducks you come across during your hunts. Good luck!
How many ducks are in Arkansas right now?
With a state-wide population of about 85000 ducks and geese, duck hunters in Arkansas have one of America’s best hunting seasons year-round.
Whether you are looking for mallards or pintails, blue-winged teal or shovelers, Arkansas is where you want to be.
With abundant waterfowl populations migrating along both coasts of North America, we can expect fantastic duck hunting opportunities.
Which duck is harvested more in Arkansas than any other state hunters Ed?
Mallard Ducks. However, a close second is Lesser Scaup. Of course, there are more ducks that are hunted and harvested in our state than these two.
The rest of them include Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Redhead, Wigeon, Canvasback and finally…the Wood Duck.
Arkansas duck hunting has increased exponentially over recent years due to changes in license regulations as well as changes in conservation efforts by hunters themselves.
Are ducks hunting a small game?
A duck is a type of wild waterfowl.
The term duck is used to refer to any member of one of three genera in the bird family Anatidae, they are Mersenne’s duck (formerly known as Oxyura leucocephala), teals or dabbling ducks (genus Anas), and diving ducks (subfamily Tadorninae).
They are found worldwide, mostly living in wetlands. Dabbling ducks feed on plant material and small invertebrates; diving ducks are divers that feed on fish.
Ducks provide many benefits for humans and their domesticated breeds contribute billions to consumer markets each year.
Small game refers to to a animal weight not more than 40 pounds.
Ducks do not have a weight not more than 40 points so, yes hunting ducks is a small game.
When can non-residents do Duck hunting in Arkansas?
Non-residents of Arkansas can hunt ducks in any season open to residents, but there are a few special restrictions non-residents must abide by.
For example, there is a special season on Mondays and Wednesdays from October 1st through November 30th that only allows non-resident duck hunters.
Non-resident license and stamp fees are based on reciprocity with your home state; so you should contact your local game & fish department to confirm these fees.
Also, you must purchase an additional $100 non-resident wildlife enhancement stamp; otherwise you’ll be breaking Arkansas law!
How many shells can you have when Duck Hunting?
Duck hunting is one of my favorite things to do.
It’s also one of those activities in that you have to abide by specific rules to get a fair chance at shooting and bagging some ducks.
The number of shells allowed during duck hunting varies from area to area. Some areas allow up to three shots for every duck on your license, while others allow just one shot per duck.
Check with your local game warden before going out so you know what restrictions may be in place.
This will give you an idea of how many shots you can have in reserve when hunting ducks.
If you are trying to shoot a limit (the maximum number allowed), keep track of how many times each person shoots and make sure that total doesn’t exceed your limit!
How much is it to do Duck hunting in Arkansas?
If you’re new to duck hunting, it’s important to do a little research. Different states have different regulations and requirements.
For example, some states require hunters to obtain licenses before they can go out in search of ducks.
And depending on your state’s laws, these licenses could cost you anywhere from $25-$150 per year.
If you’re going to be hunting in more than one state during your duck-hunting career, it might be worth your while to purchase a lifetime license for an additional $50-$100 per year.
How many duck hunting limits are in Arkansas?
The season limit for ducks in Arkansas is 12 per day with a possession limit of 24. For all species, there is no possession limit if you’re possessing a valid Federal Duck Stamp and your hunting license.
(A daily limit of three applies to teal, wood ducks and mergansers.) As far as geese go, it’s two per day with a possession limit of four.
These limits may seem low at first glance; however, dove hunters will quickly attest that in many areas it takes two days to harvest two doves, according to Ducks Unlimited.
So let’s just say one-day limits are well within reach—and they’re completely legal!
Is it illegal to shoot a duck on the water in Arkansas?
Yes, with a few exceptions. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rules, it is illegal to shoot a duck on or over water in most cases.
However, people are allowed to shoot a duck out of season if it lands on the water during legal shooting hours.
People can also shoot within 300 yards of a permanent blind from October 15 through December 31 only if there are no other legal hunting opportunities (such as deer or turkey).
Hunters cannot shoot out of moving motor vehicles in any circumstances. Violations of these rules can result in an arrest and a hefty fine.
Can you duck hunting in the Arkansas River?
Duck hunting on a river is vastly different than hunting in a more open area, like a large lake.
For starters, duck hunting on the water can be quite challenging.
Unlike lakes, rivers and streams move fast—sometimes even faster than you’re able to paddle your boat.
The faster flow of water creates an invisible current that can blow your decoys around and make it harder for you to get within shooting range of ducks.
A steady hand is required for success when duck hunting on rivers or streams.
Still, if you love spending time on land and in boats on fast-moving water, duck hunting Arkansas River-style might be just what you’re looking for!
Can I shoot a duck in the water?
To determine if it’s legal to shoot a duck in water, we need to first look at federal law.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) was established by an act of Congress in 1918.
One provision of that law states that it shall be unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture [or] kill . . . any migratory bird…except under permit.
It is true that there are exceptions for landowners and hunters on their own property—they may take . . . migratory game birds on or over their own lands (16 USC 704)—but these exceptions do not extend beyond land owned by the hunter or land rented by him.
What happens if you shoot a duck out of season?
If you want to hunt ducks, you should always follow local hunting regulations. For example, in many areas of Illinois and Iowa, duck hunting season runs from September 1 to December 16. There is an exception for later hunts for certain types of waterfowl in some areas.
Find out what these exceptions are and make sure your state allows hunting during that time frame before heading out with your shotgun.
Outside of regulated hunting seasons, it’s also illegal to shoot any migratory bird (and most states do not allow resident game birds to be hunted at all). It’s a serious offense if you shoot an out-of-season duck or other waterfowl illegally.
Can a non-hunter accompany a hunter in Arkansas?
Yes, non-hunters are permitted to accompany hunters on waterfowl hunts in Arkansas.
There is no additional fee or license required for you to hunt alongside a licensed hunter.
The only additional requirement that you have is to sign a form that allows for lethal force protection by Arkansas Wildlife Officers if necessary (in case of an animal attack, you may be defended and saved with lethal force).
To do so, simply provide your signature and date on page 1 of Ark. Code Ann., Sec. 9-27-338 (g)(1)(B) and present it with your hunting license when purchasing your license at a vendor.
Also Read : Dove Hunting in Argentina
Conclusion about Duck Hunting in Arkansas
Duck hunting has been a popular sport in our country for many years.
Not only do you get to enjoy nature, but it is also a great way to bring families together and teach children about respect for our natural world.
There are also financial benefits as hunting licenses often go back into conservation efforts for your area.
Duck hunting is definitely a sport that you will want to continue year after year.
If you’re interested in learning more about duck hunting or want to try it yourself, feel free to check out some of our recommended resources in the article.
