Arkansas Turkey Season / Tags / Cost

[acolobowhunter]

I would like to get any information I can about Arkansas Turkey season.  I have a elder friend from Arkansas that said I could go out and hunt turkeys there.  Now I need more information.  I don't know what unit he is located in, but will find out.  Could someone give me a run down on regulations?  Is there an archery only season?  Can I use my pop up blind and decoys?  Looks like it is a very short season compared to Colo and Neb.  And lastly what is the cost for a NON Resident tag - do you also need a habitat stamp?  Are these over the counter tags or draw tags.  Planning on going some time in April of 2020.

Thanks all!

[JR Belk]

It's just an over the counter tag. You can use your blind and decoys. All the prices are listed on the Arkansas Game & Fish website. Honestly Arkansas turkey season is really short and starts late. The gobblers are already henned up and most hens are on a nest. You have to work them and hope they come back after she goes to the nest. Get in early and stay through midday. There's no archery only season since season here is really only a couple of weeks.

[Gdpolk]

It's all over the counter here.  No archery specific season.  Non-resident licenses are pretty affordable compared to many states.  Regulations can be found here: https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/turkey/

To be honest, I'd plan on the trip being a visit for your friend first and an opportunity to possibly hunt as a secondary thing to do while here.  Arkansas turkey is not only a very short season, but it hits late for their prime time for movement every year and it is always pretty spotty at best.  All of the serious turkey hunters that I know from around here plan multiple out of state hunts and just do Arkansas' season in between as an auxiliary hunt to be honest.  I hunt them every year but only because it's in a season that isn't competing with other game animals.  Arkansas has much better hunting opportunities for ducks, deer, feral pigs, black bear, and small game (squirrel, rabbits, etc).  Alligator, turkey, elk, and upland birds diversify the field but really aren't destination hunting opportunities for this area in my opinion.

[R. Graddy]

If your friend has some private land to hunt that doesn't get any hunting pressure and holds turkeys, it could be productive. 

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[acolobowhunter]

Thanks to everyone, maybe I better stick to the home state of Colorado and neighboring state of Neb.  I know I can get shots of birds here and have taken several.