2026 Season Dates

Season Type Opens Closes Notes
Archery Sep 26, 2026 Feb 28, 2027 Statewide
Rifle / Firearm Nov 7, 2026 Nov 29, 2026 Antlered deer
Muzzleloader Oct 17, 2026 Oct 25, 2026 Check regulations

Always verify dates with your state DNR before purchasing a license or hunting.

2026 Rut Timeline

Pre-Rut Oct 25 – Nov 10
Peak Rut Nov 11 – Dec 15
Post-Rut Nov 21 – Dec 5
Second Rut Dec 6 – Feb 28

Best Days to Hunt in Arkansas 2026

These windows combine open season, peak rut phase, and favorable conditions. Exact scoring matches the main RutPlanner best-days logic.

1
Nov 11, 2026
Peak Rut Rifle Preferred
96/100
2
Nov 20, 2026
Peak Rut
96/100
3
Nov 29, 2026
Pre/Peak Rut
96/100

Arkansas Deer Hunting FAQ