An estimated 290,000 Arkansans, enough to fill Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville more than four times, are expected to head to the woods this weekend for the opening of Arkansas’s modern gun deer season.The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says hunters have already harvested more than 47,700 deer during the state’s archery, alternative firearms, and youth deer hunts. The modern gun season, which opens Saturday, typically accounts for the bulk of the harvest, with more than 30,000 deer checked during opening weekend in recent years.
Officials expect many hunting camps to stay active beyond the weekend, as the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday gives hunters extra time in the field.
The AGFC is reminding hunters to make sure their licenses and deer tags are current, their firearms meet zone requirements, and that they wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange or safety chartreuse above the waist along with a matching hat. Hunters are also urged to inspect tree stands, use safety harnesses, and let someone know their location and expected return time.
Game and Fish also encourages hunters to review chronic wasting disease (CWD) zone regulations before transporting game and to check their harvested deer within 12 hours, either through the AGFC app, website, or by phone.
More information on hunting regulations, safety requirements, and deer checking procedures can be found in the 202526 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook or online at www.agfc.com/deer.
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