Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 23, 2024 – Hunters across the state are preparing for duck season, which begins this Saturday.
The 2024-2025 duck season will follow the same general framework as the last few seasons, with sixty days of hunting. The season dates are Nov. 23 – Dec. 2, Dec. 10 – 23, and the last segment beginning Dec. 27, and running until Jan. 31, 2025. The dates for the youth waterfowl hunt will be Feb. 8 and 9, and veterans and active-duty military can also hunt on Feb. 9.
There have been a few changes in the regulations for this year’s hunt, with one of the most notable being the allowance of the use of spinning-wing and other mechanically operated decoys on wildlife management areas (WMA). These decoys, however, will not be allowed on national wildlife refuges. Many WMAs also now have a shell limit of 25 per hunter while hunting waterfowl.
A change this year that will impact all hunters has been made to the Federal Duck Stamp. The electronic version is now valid for the entire year. The cost of this stamp is $30 and is required to hunt waterfowl.
Changes to limits were minimal, with the major change being the reduction of the specklebelly (white-fronted) goose limit to two birds.
There are several changes in regard to access and activity on wildlife management areas. Review those changes and the regulations for the season with the 2024-2025 Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook.
Along with the regulations here are a few things to remember to make this waterfowl season more enjoyable. Over 85% of the land in Arkansas is privately owned, so permission to access someone’s land is required. Once permission is granted, respect the property by keeping ruts to a minimum, picking up trash and retrieving all gear from the field.
There will be many other hunters out chasing waterfowl, so show respect.
Begin with respect at the boat ramp. Prepare for launch well away from the ramp. Place gear in the boat, get dressed for the hunt and pack all necessities before time to launch. Check the boat’s plug, tie-down straps and check for safety gear on the pad above the ramp. When it’s time to launch, do it quickly and efficiently and then move out of the way for the next person.
Courtesy also goes a long way to an enjoyable hunt in the field as well. If another person is hunting the area, show respect and move along. Not only is it a courtesy issue, but crowding other hunters can cause safety issues. Also, be courteous to hunters while traveling to and from the hunting area and avoiding issues that might cause a safety hazard to others like lack of attention while driving a boat or UTV.
Firearms safety is paramount for the safety of the hunter and others. Always keep a firearm pointed in a safe direction. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Keep the safety on till time to fire. The safety is a mechanical device and does not take the place of safe firearm handling skills. Identify the target.
Duck hunting is one of the greatest hunting sports, rich in tradition and a very important part of the hunting culture in Northeast Arkansas. Enjoy the season and be safe out there.