On June 26, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved regulations to modify turkey season dates and zones for the 2026 turkey hunting season. The regulation creates five turkey zones, offering slightly different opening days in various regions of the state.
The 2026 Turkey Hunting Season will be as follows:
- Zone 1: April 20-May 10, 2026
- Zone 1A: April 20-28, 2026
- Zone 2: April 13-May 3, 2026
- Zone 2A: April 13-21, 2026
- Zone 3: April 6-26, 2026
The Special Youth Turkey Hunt will be available April 11-12 in zones 1, 1A, 2 and 2A. No Special Youth Turkey Hunt will be available in Zone 3.
Exiting Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley noted that the change is an effort to offer a slightly better experience for hunters in portions of the state where gobbling may peak earlier while remaining conservative and maintaining a season that allows turkeys to begin their nesting cycle before disturbance from hunting pressure.
During Neeley’s 7-year term as a Commissioner, the Arkansas turkey harvest has shown steady growth, thanks to habitat management, conservative hunting seasons and a little help from Mother Nature. Earlier this year, the harvest hit a 10-year high, encouraging commissioners to look into a slightly earlier opening day for some areas of the state.
Commissioners also passed regulations concerning hunting and boating conduct on wildlife management areas. Obstruction or Harassment of Hunting, Fishing or Trapping Activities and Public Disorder are now a Class 4 violation with a possible fine up to $7,500 and a jail sentence up to 180 days if physical confrontations occur. If no physical confrontation occurs, the penalty is a Class 3 violation with up to $5,000 in fines and up to 90 days’ jail sentence.
Additionally, anyone convicted of these violations who has their license and WMA access revoked would not be allowed to have that period reduced through later court decisions.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the U.S. Postal Service, Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops will officially unveil the 2025-2026 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp at 10 a.m. June 27 at Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart.
The event is open to the public and will be the first opportunity to purchase this year’s stamp, commonly known as the “Federal Duck Stamp.” The winning artist will also be on hand to personally sign any duck stamps or art purchased at the event.
The artwork for the Federal Duck Stamp is chosen annually through a nationwide competition, the only such competition sponsored by the federal government.
Sales of duck stamps since 1934 have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges around the nation. The stamp is required for all migratory bird hunting except dove hunting.
The Junior Federal Duck Stamp and artist will also be revealed at the event, celebrating the best submission from an artist 18 or younger. Just like the Federal Duck Stamp, the Junior Duck Stamp will be available to purchase, and the artist will be available to sign their work.
This story has been updated to emphasize the 2025-’26 turkey season dates. An update to the Federal Duck Stamp unveiling preview can be read here.
