The Arkansas elk application period is now open. The application period opened on May 1st and will run until June 1st. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has set the public land permit quota at 20 permits. Likewise, the Commission has set the private land permits at 35 total permits. 3 additional public land permits will be drawn during the Buffalo River Elk Festival. The Festival is scheduled for September 3rd and 4th.
“With Elk Fest being later than usual this year, we needed to conduct the majority of the draws online so we can notify the winners and schedule the mandatory orientation before the hunt. We still want to promote the festival, so the three on-site permits will be drawn there. If the festival has to be canceled this year, we will use a backup computerized draw for those three permits as well.” – Wes Wright, AGFC Elk Program Coordinator
Elk Hunting in Arkansas
Hunters interested in applying must have a valid Resident Hunting License or must be a holder of a Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit. Hunters must also be at least 6 years of age to apply. Likewise, applicants must be a resident of Arkansas. Nonresidents are not allowed to apply for elk permits. The application process will cost potential hunters $5 upon application entry. However, unlike most western states, there is no permit fee once an applicant is drawn. Last year the Commission saw a large increase in elk hunting applicants. This is a trend that the Commission hopes continues. The 35 private land permits will be split into 10 either sex and 25 antlerless-only permits.
“Last year we saw 5,275 applicants, up from 3,812 in 2019. Considering the challenges we all faced with the pandemic, that was great news. Hunters getting private land permits should wait until purchasing their license for the next season. Licenses for next year can be purchased beginning May 15.” – Wes Wright, AGFC Elk Program Coordinator
