Arkansas hunters are preparing for the start of the alternative firearms deer season this Saturday, as cooler temperatures are expected to replace the persistent 90-degree highs. Now in its third year, the season permits the use of straight-wall cartridge firearms in addition to traditional muzzleloaders, a provision that has steadily increased interest since its introduction.
Ralph Meeker, coordinator of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Deer Program, noted a shift in deer harvest patterns due to this expanded season. “Between this season and the early buck archery season, we’ve seen an increase in early harvest, but the overall deer harvest has remained relatively stable,” Meeker said. He attributes this shift to hunters taking advantage of earlier opportunities, moving some activity forward from the modern gun season. With a cold front arriving, Meeker anticipates excitement from hunters eager for more traditional deer hunting weather.
Despite recent high temperatures, early-season harvest totals are already outpacing last year, when approximately 186,000 deer were taken. “It’s too soon to make predictions about the final harvest numbers, but the deer herd is in good shape,” Meeker added.
The AGFC is encouraging hunters to focus on doe harvests to help maintain a balanced deer population. “If your target buck doesn’t show up, take a doe; and if you get that buck, go back out and get a doe anyway,” Meeker advised. He also emphasized the importance of balancing the herd to prevent overharvesting bucks during the rut and suggested donating excess venison to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which supports families in need.
Drought conditions have impacted certain areas of the state, but Meeker stated that the effects have been less severe than anticipated. While scattered reports initially raised concerns of a weak acorn crop, recent findings have revealed variability in acorn availability. Red oaks, which produce acorns over two years, are yielding a crop from last year, while some white oaks and post oaks in areas with dependable water sources are also producing. Meeker encouraged hunters to locate trees with acorns, particularly near water sources, as cooler weather and potential rainfall might hasten their drop and attract deer.
The alternative firearms season permits a range of weapons, including muzzleloading rifles of at least .40 caliber, muzzleloading handguns with specific caliber and weight criteria, large-bore air rifles, and centerfire firearms capable of firing a straight-wall metallic cartridge of .30 caliber or larger. Shotguns remain prohibited during this season. Hunters are encouraged to review the AGFC’s hunting regulations and deer zone maps, available at www.agfc.com/guidebooks and www.agfc.com/wheretohunt, respectively, to ensure compliance with limits and other requirements.