The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has proposed shifting the 2027 turkey hunting season a week earlier for most hunters in the state. The proposal was presented during the Commission's latest meeting, held at the second annual Generation Conservation Summit at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena.

The proposed dates, which vary by zone, were shaped by the AGFC’s Regulations and Resource Management Committee after extensive discussions and a presentation by former commissioners Jim Hinkle and Ken Reeves. According to the AGFC, the change reflects the views of some turkey hunters who favor an earlier start to the season in order to better encounter gobbling turkeys in the field.

“The thrill of turkey hunting is getting to call at a gobbling turkey,” Reeves explained during his presentation. “There’s nothing like it. When you hit that call and one gobbles right on top of it, that’s what we live for.”

Hinkle echoed those sentiments, highlighting the many adaptations hunters have seen over the years. “I think this is a minimal change that we are asking for,” Hinkle said. He also expressed openness to revisiting the decision if needed, adding, “If you came to us a year from now and said, ‘This didn’t work; it hurt our population,’ Ken and I are going to be going back. We’re for the birds.”

Under the proposal, the 2027 turkey season dates would be as follows:

- Zone 1: April 12-May 2, 2027 - Zone 1A: April 12-20, 2027 - Zones 2 and 3: April 5-25, 2027 - Zone 2A: April 5-13, 2027 - Youth Turkey Hunt (Zones 1, 1A, 2, 2A, and 3): April 3-4, 2027

The AGFC emphasized in its discussions that no other regulation changes related to turkey hunting are part of this proposal.

As part of the rulemaking process, the AGFC is soliciting public input. Hunters and other stakeholders can participate in a survey to share their thoughts on the proposed dates. The Commission will review the feedback during a 30-day comment period and is expected to take action on the proposal afterward.

For more information on the proposed changes or to access the survey, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s website.