LITTLE ROCK — Hunters have until 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15 to apply for a chance at one of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s managed permit-only turkey hunts on select wildlife management areas throughout the state this spring. Visit www.agfc.com and click the “Get a License” link in the top right corner of the page to get started. WMA hunt applications are listed under the Special Hunt Permits Section of the licensing system.
Turkey hunting is open on many Arkansas WMAs to anyone during the season, but a handful of locations are managed through randomly drawn permits to increase hunt quality. Some draws are designed to reduce pressure on birds in popular hunting areas, while others are used in smaller areas where hunters may get too close to each other to have enjoyable hunts.
WMA Turkey Hunt Permits will be drawn Feb. 17, and successful applicants will be notified by Feb. 18. Any leftover permits will be made available through the AGFC licensing site beginning at 8 a.m. February 23. Hunters who successfully draw a permit for a special WMA turkey hunt will also need to claim their free permit upon notification of their draw status.
In addition to WMA Turkey Hunting Permits, all turkey hunters must carry a valid Arkansas hunting license that allows the harvest of big game as well as a Nonresident Turkey Permit ($100), Resident Turkey Tag (free), Nonresident Youth Turkey Tag (free), or a Resident Youth Turkey Tag (free).
Each permit holder is allowed to bring one hunting mentor who did not draw a permit on their hunt. Hunting mentors must have a valid hunting license, and they are not eligible to harvest a bird or hunt any other in-season game animals, but they can call for the permitted hunter and help them learn the ropes.
Applications require a $5 nonrefundable processing fee. Winning applicants are not required to pay any additional fees beyond the purchase of their hunting license.
Visit www.agfc.com/en/hunting/