Rogers, Arkansas

Hunter’s Guide

Seasons, Licensing and Hobbs State Park Hunting

Filled with beautiful lakes, state parks and an abundant wildlife population, Arkansas lives up to its nickname ‘The Natural State,’ and Rogers is no exception. With diverse habitats supporting a variety of game, the region offers prime opportunities for hunters of all experience levels.

Whether you’re well-practiced or new to the sport, here are a few things to consider before trekking out.

Arkansas Hunting

Is There Good Hunting in Arkansas?

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Arkansas offers some of the country’s most diverse and rewarding hunting and fishing opportunities. With vast forests, winding rivers and expansive wetlands, the state is a haven for hunters seeking everything from white-tailed deer to waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway.

What is the Most Hunted Animal in Arkansas?

With a population nearing one million, white-tailed deer are Arkansas’s most sought-after game. The terrain is rugged and diverse, ranging from dense hardwood forests and fertile river bottoms to steep, mountainous highlands and rolling agricultural edges. Hunters find success through careful pre-season scouting, an understanding of how whitetails use natural terrain features as travel corridors and strategic placement of box stands and ground blinds that account for prevailing winds and seasonal food sources.

What Wildlife can be Hunted in Rogers, Arkansas?

For hunters in Rogers, Arkansas, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area offers one of the most accessible hunting experiences in the region. As the largest state park in Arkansas—and the only one to allow regulated hunting—Hobbs spans over 12,000 acres, with designated seasons for deer, bear, turkey, squirrel and rabbit.

hobbs state park visitor center building entrance

In addition to its vast hunting grounds, the Hobbs State Park shooting range allows hunters to sharpen their skills before heading into the field. This five-lane range accommodates handgun and rifle practice with target stands from 25 to 100 yards. For those seeking a lower-stakes experience, The J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center is also a great option, offering twelve 3D archery ranges and various shooting opportunities, including trap, skeet, sports clays and target practice.

A large bear statue with realistic features is placed in front of a stone wall with a sign for the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation's Marksman Center.

A wooden sign reads "Archery Course" in a grassy area with a path and distant archery targets.

Field with small trees and a sign numbered "1" in the foreground. Three deer graze in the distance against a backdrop of leafless trees.

Hunting Seasons

When is Arkansas Hunting Season?

Arkansas hunting seasons vary by species, but generally, deer season runs from September through February, with archery season starting first, followed by muzzleloader and modern gun seasons. Waterfowl season typically opens in late November and lasts through January, while black bear and elk seasons have specific, limited hunting periods set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Licensing, Permits and Safety Regulations

Hobbs State Park hunting requires a valid Arkansas hunting license issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Additional permits may be needed depending on the species and time of year, such as deer, bear, and turkey tags, a federal duck stamp for waterfowl hunting, and a hunter education certificate for those born after 1968 unless accompanied by a licensed adult.

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