Registration is now open for the 2025-26 Urban Archery Deer Hunts in Arkansas, a program aimed at controlling deer populations in city areas while supporting food assistance efforts. The hunts begin Sept. 1, but hunters must register and qualify in advance.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced that urban archery hunts will be held in nine municipalities across the state. The hunts are designed to reduce deer-human conflicts in populated areas and provide venison to families in need through the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry program.
Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator for the AGFC, said urban deer populations have increased beyond socially acceptable levels in some communities.
Hunters must meet several requirements to participate, including completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program course, attendance at a mandatory orientation, and passing a proficiency test using the bow they plan to hunt with.
All participants are required to donate their first harvested adult deer to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Additional donations are encouraged. Deer taken during these hunts do not count toward the statewide seasonal limit, and there is no bag limit or antler restriction for the urban hunts. All deer must be checked to the appropriate urban deer zone.
Communities participating in the 2025-26 urban hunt season include:
-Cherokee Village
-Fairfield Bay
-Heber Springs
-Helena-West Helena
-Horseshoe Bend
-Russellville
Hunters can register for hunts in those cities through the Arkansas Bowhunters Association at www.agfc.com/urbanhunt.
For the Bull Shoals and Lakeview hunts, contact Joseph Gentry at 870-733-4343 or Joey.Gentry34@yahoo.com.
For Hot Springs Village, contact David Harper at 501-356-5880 or dharper@hsvpoa.org.
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