The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) approved new regulations Thursday to adjust turkey hunting season dates and zones for the 2026 season. The decision was made during the Commission’s meeting at Golden Glo Studio in Camden.
The new regulations establish five turkey hunting zones across the state, each with slightly different opening dates. The 2026 Turkey Hunting Season will run as follows:
-Zone 1: April 20-May 10, 2026
-Zone 1A: April 20-28, 2026
-Zone 2: April 13-May 3, 2026
-Zone 2A: April 13-21, 2026
-Zone 3: April 6-26, 2026
Additionally, the Special Youth Turkey Hunt will take place April 11-12, 2026, in Zones 1, 1A, 2, and 2A. Zone 3 will not hold a Special Youth Turkey Hunt.
Former Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley explained that the changes are intended to improve hunting opportunities in regions where gobbling peaks earlier while still allowing turkeys to begin their nesting cycle without the disruption of hunting pressure. During Neeley’s seven-year tenure, Arkansas’ turkey harvest has steadily increased, a trend attributed to effective habitat management, conservative hunting seasons, and favorable weather. This year, turkey harvests reached a 10-year high, prompting commissioners to explore the possibility of an earlier start for some regions.
In another action, the Commission approved a regulation allowing bass tournament directors to apply for a waiver from the AGFC’s Fisheries Division. This waiver would permit anglers in tournaments held on lakes Poinsett, Barnett, and Brewer to temporarily keep more than one fish over 16 inches per day, provided they follow strict catch-and-release guidelines and report their results after the tournament.
The Commission also passed new rules for hunting and boating conduct on wildlife management areas. The regulation now classifies obstruction or harassment of hunting, fishing, or trapping activities, as well as public disorder, as a Class 4 violation, punishable by a fine of up to $7,500 and up to 180 days in jail for physical confrontations. Non-physical violations will be classified as Class 3, with fines of up to $5,000 and a potential 90-day jail sentence. Anyone convicted of these violations who has their license or WMA access revoked will not be able to have that penalty reduced by later court decisions.
In leadership changes, the Commission unanimously elected Commissioner Anne Marie Doramus of Little Rock as chair for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioner Rob Finley of Mountain Home was chosen as vice chair.
“I can’t say enough about the support of all the commissioners as well as the staff during this last year,” Neeley said in his final address as chairman. “It’s not just the current Commission, but we all build on the work of former commissioners and learn from each other. We all work together to make this a better place, a better state. I’m going off the Commission, but I’m not going anywhere. You’ll always have my support, and I plan to be busy working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.”
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