Updated as of 8/18/2026 - "Muzzleloading rifles must have a barrel of at least 18 inches long and be at least .40 caliber. Magnifying sights may be used. Buckshot size 4 or larger may be used to hunt deer with a muzzleloader. Muzzle Loading handguns must have a barrel at least 9 inches long and be at least a .45 caliber if they shoot conical bullets (200 grains or heavier). If round balls are used the minimum caliber is .530."
ARKANSAS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Alternative Firearms Bear Season (Formely Muzzleloader Deer Season)
| Deer Zone | Season Dates | Weapon | State Bag Limit |
| 1 | Oct 17th - Oct 25th | Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 1 | Dec 12th - Dec 14th | Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 2 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 2 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 3 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 3 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 4 | Closed | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| 4A | Oct 17th - Oct 25th | Muzzleloader | 3 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 4A | Dec 19th - Dec 21st | Muzzleloader | 3 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 5 | Closed | Muzzleloader | Closed |
| 5A |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 3 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 5A |
Dec 19th - Dec 21st |
Muzzleloader | 3 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 6 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 6 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 7 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 7 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 8 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 8 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 9 | Oct 17th - Oct 25th | Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 10 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 10 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 11 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 11 |
Dec 12th - Dec 14th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 12 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 13 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 5 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 14 | Oct 17th - Oct 25th | Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 14 | Dec 19th - Dec 21nd | Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 15 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 15 |
Dec 19th - Dec 21nd |
Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 16 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 4 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 16A |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 6 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
| 17 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | 6 deer of which no more than 2 may be bucks (See Regs For More Details & Restrictions) |
Alternative Firearms Bear Season (Formely Muzzleloader Bear Season)
| Bear Zone | Season Dates | Weapon | State Bag Limit |
| 1 | Oct 17th - Oct 25th | Muzzleloader | One Bear Either Sex (See Regs for Zone Quota) |
| 2 |
Oct 17th - Oct 25th |
Muzzleloader | One Bear Either Sex |
| 3-7 | Closed | Muzzleloader |
Closed |
ARKANSAS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Scopes are legal
- Pelletized powder is legal
- Inline muzzleloaders are legal
- Muzzleloading rifles must have a barrel at least 18 inches long
- Muzzleloading pistols must have a barrel at least 9 inches long
- Muzzleloading rifles must be .40 caliber or larger
- Muzzleloading Buckshot size 4 or larger may be used to hunt deer
- Muzzleloading pistols must be .45 caliber or larger
- Muzzleloaders must load through the muzzle
- Muzzleloading pistol bullets must be 200-grains or heavier
- Round balls must be at least .530 diameter
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Arkansas Hunting Regulations
HAVE ARKANSAS MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Arkansas Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
