Hunters have until 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15 to apply for a chance to participate in managed permit-only turkey hunts offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on select wildlife management areas across the state this spring.
Applications can be submitted online at agfc.com by clicking the “Get a License” link in the top right corner of the page. WMA hunt applications are listed under the Special Hunt Permits section of the licensing system.
While turkey hunting is open to the public on many Arkansas WMAs during the regular season, several locations are managed through randomly drawn permits to improve hunt quality. According to AGFC, some draws are used to reduce pressure in heavily hunted areas, while others help limit crowding in smaller locations where hunters could be placed too close together.
WMA turkey hunt permits will be drawn Feb. 17, with successful applicants notified by Feb. 18. Any remaining permits will be made available through the AGFC licensing system beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 23. Hunters who are selected must also claim their free permit after receiving notification of their draw status.
In addition to a WMA turkey hunting permit, all turkey hunters must carry a valid Arkansas hunting license that allows the harvest of big game. Hunters must also possess one of the following: a Nonresident Turkey Permit ($100), Resident Turkey Tag (free), Nonresident Youth Turkey Tag (free), or Resident Youth Turkey Tag (free).
Each permit holder may bring one hunting mentor who did not draw a permit for that hunt. Mentors must have a valid hunting license but are not allowed to harvest a bird or hunt any other in-season game animals. They may, however, assist by calling and helping guide the permitted hunter.
Applications require a $5 nonrefundable processing fee. Hunters who draw a permit are not required to pay additional fees beyond the purchase of their hunting license.
A list of available permits and drawing odds based on last year’s applications is available at agfc.com/en/hunting/turkey/turkeypermits.