Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, because their natural predators are gone, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support.
Central Arkansas National Wildlife Refuges offer visitors numerous hunting opportunities. Refer to each Refuge’s Public Use Regulations for a complete list specific seasons and regulations as they are updated annually. Bald Knob NWR, Holla Bend NWR, Wapanocca NWR, Cache River NWR, Big Lake NWR.
A Refuge Access Permit is free and is required for all hunting activities on Central Arkansas Refuges and can be found on the front cover of the annual Public Use Brochures. Permits are non-transferable and must be signed by the hunter and carried at all times while on the refuge in possession of hunting gear.
NEW this year for the following Refuges:
Cache River NWR
- Prohibits motorized boats on the Dixie Farm Unit.
- All boating traffic on the refuge must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet (approximately 6-boat lengths) between boats proceeding in the same direction of travel.
Bald Knob NWR
- Waterfowl hunters may not assemble, stage or line up for entry into the refuge prior to 12 am,
during any part of the early or regular waterfowl seasons.
Quota Hunt Information and Procedures:
Quota Hunt Permits and all payments must be processed online. Read and review the following information regarding all procedures.
Permits go on-sale during the month of January for Turkey Hunts and August for Deer Hunts.
Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Quota Hunt permits are $12.50 and Special Youth Hunt Permits are free.
Visit our Permit Sale Websites powered by RecAccess to learn more and purchase permits.
Bald Knob NWR Permit Sale Site
Holla Bend NWR Permit Sale Site
Wapanocca NWR Permit Sale Site
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