Get an extra shot to score an elk hunting permit at the Buffalo River Elk Festival 

JASPER – If you didn’t get a chance to apply for one of Arkansas’s public land elk permits in May, you still have a chance to get one of the on-site permits that will be drawn with the others at this year’s Buffalo River Elk Festival in Jasper on June 27-28.

Elk permit draws have been the foundation of the festival since its origin in 1998. Originally, all elk permits were drawn at the festival from registrations collected during the official application period in May. Winners of the online application process are announced at the festival to keep with tradition, but they are selected through the AGFC’s online permit system. Three special permits are reserved for those in attendance and still rely on the traditional “squirrel cage” drawing.

Registration for the on-site Elk Permit drawing will be open at the Jasper Visitor Center from 1-4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Applicants must have a valid Arkansas Resident Sportsman’s License to register. Only Arkansas residents may apply, and anyone with 18 or more violation points is ineligible. The drawing for these permits will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, and winners must be present to claim their tag.

The on-site draw is a separate drawing from the online applicants. Hunters who have already applied online may also apply for these tags to increase their chance of drawing.

The elk-hunting permits are the capstone of the festival, but plenty of other activities and events will keep families entertained throughout the two-day celebration of the elk’s return to Arkansas. Other features of the Elk Festival are a variety of bluegrass, country and folk music, an elk calling contest, kids fishing derby, a talent show, free hourly raffles and the annual “Running with the Elk” 5K.

Visit www.buffaloriverelkfestival.com for more information on the Buffalo River Elk Festival.

Arkansas’s 2025 elk hunting season dates and information are available at www.agfc.com/elk

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