It is an exhilarating experience going out on a deer hunt, bringing friends and families together in the heart of nature, and connecting you to the flora and fauna.
Before going on a deer hunt, however, you must get a deer tag in Arkansas.
It gives the legal right to the hunter to kill one deer in a certain location for a limited period.
Deer tags will also restrict the type of hunting allowed.
Every state has their own procedure for providing deer tags like raffles and OTC purchases in some.
Can you tag a deer online in Arkansas?
It is one option to check via internet, phone or mobile app immediately after harvesting and before moving the deer.
The other option, and the usual way of tagging a deer is:
1. Right after hunting a deer but before moving it, fill an appropriate deer tag form in your guidebook or license with complete information except for the check number.
Now, fasten this tag to an antler or the ear; this original tag must remain intact with the deer until it has reached the final storage point.
You can use the deer zone map and WMA deer zone map available on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website for zone numbers in case of deer harvested on private and public lands, respectively.
2. Visit www.agfc.com, call 877-731-5627 or use the mobile app of AGFC to check in your deer within the first 12 hours of its harvest.
3. Once the checking game is completed, record the check number present on your tag.
You may remove entrails but the evidence of an animal’s gender should remain until it is checked.
You can quarter down the deer in the field, but its head shall remain within an arm’s reach of all its four remaining quarters until the deer has been checked.
Some other considerations to be mindful of are:
· You must not transport any deer or elk out of the CWD management zone without following the proper procedures mentioned on the AGMC website.
· It may not be permitted to transport any enormous animal across the lines of state before it is checked, unless there is a requirement for the normal travel routes to cross a certain state line for checking an animal.
· A game transfer form shall be used in case you want to give away a portion of your game post its checking.
Can I hunt deer on my land without a license in Arkansas?
You need an Arkansas hunting license for hunting wildlife in the state if you are 16 years or older.
It is a requirement unless you are on a licensed game-bird shooting resort supplying pen-raised birds.
One can not own another’s license, or one that has been backdated, altered, or counterfeited.
For non-residents, it is not a requirement to possess a resident license when hunting.
In case you are guiding, assisting or aiding someone else for pay or any other value in return, it is essential for you to have an Arkansas guide license.
As per the new license system, there are four options to purchase a license:
· Authorized Dealer: Many local businesses in Arkansas may sell the AGFC hunting and fishing license. You can easily get one from them.
· Online: You can also use the AGFC website to purchase a license; users must use a credit card to pay for license purchases, online merchandise or permit applications.
· AGFC Nature Center, Regional Office or Little Rock Headquarter: You can get the licenses, permit applications, etc. at these locations easily during normal business hours on regular days.
· Phone: You may simply call to get a license.
How many deer can you tag in Arkansas?
Deer tagging limit varies for each license type in Arkansas.
· Combination Sportsman’s License: Six deer tags and two turkey tags are allowed with this license.
· Resident Sportsman’s License: Six deer tags and two turkey tags are allowed with this license.
· Resident Wildlife Conservation License: Only one deer tag is allowed with this license.
· Non-resident Annual All Game Hunting License: Six deer tags and two turkey tags are allowed with this license.
That being said, the maximum number of deer that can be tagged are six.
What is a legal buck in Arkansas?
A legal buck in Arkansas is the deer that is legal to be hunted.
A legal buck must have three or more points on one side of its rack, or have both its antlers shorter than two inches.
There is a three-point rule that applies everywhere in the state, unless mentioned.
·12-inch inside spread or 15-inch main beam rule: According to this, both antlers shall be shorter than two inches, inside spread should be 12 inches in width or more, or at least one of the main beams should be 15 inches or more in length.
·15-inch inside spread or 18-inch main beam rule: According to this, both antlers shall be shorter than two inches, inside spread should be 15 inches in width or more, or at least one of the main beams should be 18 inches or more in length.