Application window open for elk permits

The application period for Arkansas’ public land elk hunting permits is open now through June .

Hunters interested in pursuing elk may apply at https://ar-web.s3licensing.com/ and select the wildlife management area applications button to begin the process.

Twenty-six permits will be drawn to hunt elk in Arkansas this year. Eight will be either-sex tags with the other 18 being for cow elk only. This is a reduction of three either-sex and three cow tags from last year.

“Since the discovery of chronic wasting disease, we have opened up harvest on our elk to reduce their density and expansion. We’ve seen some record harvests in those years,” said Wes Wright, elk program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“The prevalence of the disease appears much lower in our elk herd, and the herd has seen a declining trend, largely due to the increased harvest and targeted testing. We are now shifting to maintaining the population at its current level,” he said.

Wright said private land elk quotas also will be reduced this year to maintain the herd and keep high-quality hunting opportunities available.

Permits typically are drawn live on stage during the annual Buffalo River Elk Festival in late June. Event planners are still in the process of deciding the status of this year’s festival. Game and Fish will help announce those dates when they become available. If the festival is canceled, the permits will still be drawn and permit winners will be notified via phone and email as soon as drawings are verified.

“This will be the 23rd year of elk hunting in Arkansas, and we’re looking forward to it,” Wright said.

Applicants for Arkansas public land elk hunt permits must have a valid resident sportsman hunting license or must be a holder of a lifetime sportsman’s permit. Hunters under 16 must enter their social security number to create an account and apply unless they have not yet been assigned one by the federal government. Applicants must be 6 years old or older as of the beginning of the hunt to participate.

Applications require a $5, nonrefundable processing fee, but no additional fees are required of hunters who successfully draw.