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Overview
Hunting

Deer Seasons and Limits by Zone

2026-27 Deer Zone Map

A map of Arkansas displaying the deer zones for the 2026-27 year.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027 (public land youth hunters, check WMA for exceptions)
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • No antler-point restrictions on harvest.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms:
Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Two antlerless deer with archery,
  • One antlerless deer during alternative firearms season or the first two days of modern gun season.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • No antler-point restrictions on harvest.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • Youth may harvest one antlerless deer with a firearm during Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt.
  • CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms:
Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Baxter, Boone, Independence, Marion, Sharp and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms:
Closed
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-22 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • One antlerless deer with modern gun.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi and Randolph counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 19-21, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Closed
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-22 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • One antlerless deer with modern gun.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Craighead County, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 19-21, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6).
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Cleburne, Conway, Independence, Jackson, Johnson, Pope and Van Buren counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 20 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Two antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Jackson County, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6).
  • Legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 12-14, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 6 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 6.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Nov. 28-Dec. 6).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Logan, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 20 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Ashley, Bradley, Grant and Union counties, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 20 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 20.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 12-20).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 19-21, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Two antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs may be used for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 13.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be button bucks or have at least three points on one side of their rack.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Sevier County, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25 and Dec. 19-21, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Two antlerless with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 12.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 5-13).
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Two antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • No dogs allowed for deer hunting.
  • Legal bucks must be button bucks or have antlers with at least 15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery,
  • Three antlerless deer with alternative firearms and modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 8-Dec. 25.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25).
  • Outside the CWD Management Zone, legal bucks must be a button buck or have at least 15-inch inside spread of 18-inch main beam.
  • Inside the CWD Management Zone, there are no antler restrictions.
  • Button bucks count as antlerless deer, but must be checked as a button buck.
  • In Ashley County, CWD regulations apply.

2026-27 Deer Season Dates

Early Buck-only Archery: Aug. 29-31, 2026
Archery: Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 17-25, 2026
Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 7-8, 2026 and Jan. 2-3, 2027
Modern Gun: Nov. 14-Dec. 28, 2026

Zone Bag Limit
Four deer, no more than two antlered bucks, which may include:

  • Two antlered bucks with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun,
  • Four antlerless deer with archery, alternative firearms or modern gun combined.

Zone Notes

  • Dogs allowed for deer hunting Nov. 14-Dec. 25.
  • Nonresidents may use dogs for deer hunting only during the last nine days of the regular modern gun season (Dec. 17-25).