Arkansas Duck Hunting: Embrace the Tradition in the Natural State

A Duck Hunter’s Dream

Arkansas is arguably the crown jewel of duck hunting in the United States, earning the title of “Duck Capital of the World.” Located in the Mississippi Flyway, this state provides critical wintering grounds for millions of waterfowl. Each year, over 100,000 hunters take advantage of Arkansas’ world-renowned duck hunting opportunities. Whether it’s in the iconic flooded timber or in the vast rice fields, Arkansas offers unparalleled public and private hunting opportunities.

Stuttgart, AR, is at the heart of this tradition, hosting both the annual Wings Over the Prairie Festival and the World Duck Calling Championship. With over 50,000 acres of greentree reservoirs (GTRs) and a vast network of privately-owned rice farms turned wetland habitats, Arkansas is unmatched in its ability to draw and hold waterfowl, particularly mallards.

Popular Duck Species in Arkansas

Hunters in Arkansas can expect to encounter a variety of waterfowl species. The most common ducks include:

  • Mallards: Arkansas is famous for its mallard hunting, particularly in flooded timber, where hunters love the sight of greenheads coming through the trees.
  • Northern Pintails: Distinguished by their long tails, pintails are elegant and fast-flying, making them a prized target.
  • Wood Ducks: Known for their vibrant colors, wood ducks are most often found in Arkansas’s timberlands and wooded swamps.
  • Teal (Blue-winged and Green-winged): Teal arrive early in the season, providing fast-paced action in Arkansas’s shallow wetlands.
  • Gadwalls: Another late-season staple, gadwalls can be found in wetlands and are reliable targets for hunters as the season progresses.

Additionally, species such as mergansers, canvasbacks, redheads, and wigeons are regularly encountered in the state’s vast waterfowl habitats, contributing to a diverse hunting experience.

Best Duck Hunting Locations in Arkansas

From public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to private land, Arkansas offers premier hunting spots for all levels of hunters. Some of the most popular locations include:

  • Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area: Spanning 33,000 acres in the Arkansas Delta, Bayou Meto—fondly referred to as “The Scatters”—is one of the most famous flooded timber hunting spots in the world, renowned for its dense populations of mallards.
  • Stuttgart: Known as the “Duck Capital of the World,” Stuttgart is the epicenter of Arkansas duck hunting, with countless public and private lands nearby offering guided hunts.
  • Dave Donaldson Black River WMA: Located in northeastern Arkansas, this area offers an ideal habitat for mallards.
  • White River National Wildlife Refuge: With over 160,000 acres, including 154,000 acres of forestland, the White River Refuge is a haven for waterfowl hunters, offering the largest concentration of wintering mallards in the Mississippi Flyway, as well as impressive amounts of Canada and snow geese.
  • Frog Bayou WMA: Though not a massive WMA at 2,180 acres, this area provides excellent hunting for ducks, particularly in its moist-soil habitats and newly restored wetlands.

Whether you prefer flooded timber, expansive rice fields, or winding river systems, Arkansas has a spot for every type of hunter.

Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

For a successful and compliant hunt in Arkansas, it’s important to be aware of the current regulations. Here’s a breakdown:

    • Duck, Coot, and Merganser Season:
      • Dates: November 23 – December 2, 2024; December 10 – 23, 2024; December 27, 2024 – January 31, 2025​​.
      • Duck Daily Bag Limits: Six ducks per day, which may include no more than:
        • 4 mallards (no more than 2 hens),
        • 3 wood ducks,
        • 1 pintail,
        • 2 redheads,
        • 2 black ducks,
        • 1 mottled duck,
        • 2 canvasbacks, and
        • 1 scaup​.
      • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit.
  • Coot Daily Bag Limit:
        • 15 birds
  • Merganser Daily Bag Limits:
        • 5 birds (no more than 2 hooded)
  • Possession Limit for Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots:
      • 3x the daily bag limits
  • Teal-Only Season: September 15-30, 2024, with a daily bag limit of 6 teal (blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal combined)​​.
  • Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt: February 8-9, 2025, for hunters aged 15 and younger​.
  • Veteran and Active Duty Military Waterfowl Hunt: February 9, 2025​​.

Hunters on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are required to adhere to specific shooting hours (typically 30 minutes before sunrise to noon) and regulations. For example, most WMAs close to hunting by noon, with all hunters required to leave by 1 p.m. However, on the final day of the regular duck season, waterfowl hunting on WMAs is allowed until sunset​.

Essential Permits and Licensing for Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting

Before heading into the field, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary licenses and permits for hunting in Arkansas. The state has specific requirements depending on your residency, the species you’re hunting, and the areas you plan to access. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the permits and licenses you’ll need:

1. Arkansas Hunting License

  • Who Needs It: All hunters 16 years or older.
  • Where to Get It: Applications are available online or at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) offices.
  • Validity: Licenses expire every year on June 30th, unless you purchase a lifetime license.

2. Arkansas Waterfowl Stamp – Nonresident (DSN)

  • What It Covers: Entitles nonresident hunters to hunt waterfowl in Arkansas.
  • Who Is Exempt: Youths under 16 and holders of a nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Sportsman’s Permit do not need this stamp.
  • Validity: Through June 30 of each year.
  • Additional Information: While a physical stamp will be mailed for collectible purposes, the code on your license is required as proof of purchase.
  • Other Requirements: A Federal Duck Stamp and HIP registration are also required for waterfowl hunting​.

3. Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration

  • Who Needs It: All hunters targeting migratory birds such as ducks, geese, coots, doves, snipe, rails, gallinules, moorhens, or woodcocks.
  • Where to Get It: Available online or at AGFC regional offices.
  • Additional Information: Proof of HIP registration must be carried while hunting​.

4. Federal Duck Stamp

  • Who Needs It: Mandatory for all hunters aged 16 or older when hunting migratory waterfowl.
  • Where to Get It: Available at AGFC offices and online.

5. Non-resident WMA Waterfowl Permit

  • What It Covers: Non-resident hunters must obtain this permit to hunt on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Arkansas.
  • Cost: $40 for a 5-day permit.
  • Where to Get It: Available online or at AGFC offices​.

6. General WMA Hunter Use Permit (WMP)

  • Who Needs It: All hunters who plan to hunt or trap on WMAs during open seasons.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Where to Get It: The permit can be obtained online through the AGFC website or in-person at regional offices.
  • Validity: Through June 30 of each year.

Decoy Adoption and WRICE Program

Arkansas is deeply committed to preserving its waterfowl habitats through various conservation efforts. The Decoy Adoption Program is a unique initiative where hunters can donate old decoys to the AGFC. These decoys are refurbished and redistributed to new hunters or used in educational programs​.

In addition, the WRICE Program (Wetlands Reserve and Incentive Conservation Efforts) allows the AGFC to lease private lands for waterfowl habitat restoration. This not only helps preserve crucial wetlands but also increases hunting opportunities​.

Motorized Decoy Regulations in Arkansas

As of the 2024-2025 hunting season, motorized decoys that create motion or simulate wing movement are now permitted on Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)-owned WMAs. This change was made to create consistency between public and private land hunting practices, where motorized decoys have been allowed.

Key Regulations to Know:

  • Motorized Decoys: Hunters are now permitted to use decoys that simulate wing movement or motion through mechanical or electrical means on AGFC-owned WMAs. This includes popular spinning-wing decoys.
  • Consistency Across Lands: This change aligns regulations for both public (WMAs) and private lands, allowing hunters on all types of property to use motorized decoys.
  • 25-Shell Limit: The AGFC has also standardized a 25-shell limit for waterfowl hunters across all waterfowl-focused WMAs. This regulation is aimed at reducing excessive shooting and the number of unrecovered birds.

Essential Gear for Duck Hunting in Arkansas

Hunting in Arkansas requires gear that can withstand the state’s often wet and rugged environments. Whether you’re navigating flooded timber or setting up in a rice field, having the right equipment is key. Here are some top gear recommendations:

  • Cupped Floating Blind Bag: Perfect for Arkansas’s marshy landscapes, this waterproof bag will keep your gear dry while you hunt​.
  • Cupped Camo Floating Gun Case: Protect your shotgun from moisture and sinking into the water with this durable, floating gun case​.
  • Cupped Decoys: Our high-quality decoys are designed to mimic the appearance of local species, including mallards, pintails, and teal, providing you with an important part of your spread​.

Experience Duck Hunting Like Never Before

Arkansas duck hunting offers a deeply rooted tradition with unrivaled opportunities. Whether you’re hunting mallards through the flooded timber or working rice fields for a diverse array of ducks, the experience is nothing short of magical. To ensure you’re fully prepared, equip yourself with premium gear from Cupped Waterfowl. Explore our floating blind bags, decoys, and other essential accessories to make your next Arkansas duck hunting trip a success.