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 appreciation 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 and fishing 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 individual and carried at all times while on the refuge in possession of hunting and fishing gear.
*** Bald Knob NWR, Cache River NWR, and Holla Bend NWR are proposing regulation changes that could provide more hunting/fishing opportunities during the current season. Please check back online, at the refuge office, or at the brochure boxes in October/November 2026 for an updated brochure or permit at that time. When new regulations are enacted; printed publications will be issued and on-line publications will be updated.***
NEW Regulation Summary:
Central Arkansas National Wildlife Refuges will be open for the early buck-only archery hunt, August 29-31, 2026.
Button bucks will still be tagged and checked as button bucks; however, they will count toward a hunter's antlerless deer bag limit. Deer harvested on the refuge are NOT bonus deer.
Bald Knob NWR-
- Refuge-wide deer limit is three (3), no more than two (2) antlered deer.
- Early buck-only archery hunt will be August 29-31, 2026.
- Modern Gun Deer Hunt will be Nov 14-15. Waterfowl sanctuary will remain open to permit holders.
- Specific areas have been designated as “waterfowl draw hunt areas” These areas are closed to all other entry during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and all opening days during the regular waterfowl season. Visit the permit sale website for NEW information on how to participate.
Big Lake NWR-
- Early buck-only archery hunt will be August 29-31, 2026.
- Youth Deer Quota Gun Hunts will be Nov 7-8 and Jan 2- 3.
- Deer Quota Gun Hunt will be Nov 14 -16.
Cache River NWR-
- Refuge-wide deer limit is three (3), no more than two (2) antlered deer.
- Early buck-only archery hunt will be August 29-31, 2026.
- Specific areas have been designated as “waterfowl draw hunt areas” These areas are closed to all other entry during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and all opening days during the regular waterfowl season. Visit the permit sale website for NEW information on how to participate.
- Be advised, all hunting, including waterfowl hunting, is closed for safety purposes during the quota gun hunt Nov 14-22.
Holla Bend NWR-
- Early buck-only archery hunt will be August 29-31, 2026.
- Archery Deer Season will be Sept 26- Jan 31.
- Youth Deer Quota Gun Hunts will be Nov 7-8 and Jan 2- 3.
- Refuge-wide deer limit is three (3), no more than two (2) antlered deer.
Wapanocca NWR-
- Early buck-only archery hunt will be August 29-31, 2026.
- Youth Quota Gun Hunts will be Nov 7-8 and Jan 2- 3.
Deer Quota Gun Hunt will be Nov 14 -16.
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.
NEW! Waterfowl Draw Hunt permit applications begin each Monday of the hunt week at noon CST and will close Tuesday at noon CST during regular duck season.
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
