Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission held its annual drawing for public land elk hunting permits during the Buffalo River Elk Festival. Eighteen Arkansans were selected from a pool of more than 6,600 online applicants and 620 on-site registrants.
Over 6,600 Applicants Vying for Permits
This year, the competition for elk hunting permits was intense, with over 6,600 applications submitted online in May. From these, 15 permits were drawn. Additionally, the festival drew a large crowd, with 620 people applying on-site for three extra permits, reserved exclusively for attendees. The names were drawn from a squirrel cage on stage, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
Hunting Zones and Weapon Choices
Hunters selected for the public land permits can choose their weapons from a range of options, including archery (crossbows included), muzzleloaders, modern rifles, modern shotguns, and handguns. The public land hunts will take place in the Buffalo National River area, Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area, and Bearcat Hollow Wildlife Management Area. Each hunter is assigned a specific zone within these areas. Permit holders are encouraged to attend an orientation session before the hunt, details of which will be communicated to them directly.
Private Land Hunts and Quota System
In addition to public land hunts, Arkansas also offers private land elk hunts, managed through a quota system. These hunts require hunters to have landowner permission within Arkansas’s Core Elk Management Zone. More information on private land hunts can be found at www.agfc.com/elk.
List of 2024 Elk Hunt Permit Winners
Oct. 7-11 Hunt
- Zone 2 Antlerless: Jessica Ward, Jerusalem
- Zone 2 Antlerless: Bobby Flow, Magnolia
- Zone 2 Antlerless: Clayton Yazza, Austin
- Zone 3 Antlerless: Ronald Leming, Malvern
- Zone 3 Antlerless: Gary Melson, Clarksville
- Zone 3 Antlerless: Jonathan Stein, Garfield
- Zone 4 Antlerless: Matthew Kingston, Paragould
- Zone 4 Antlerless: Kayla Williams, Russellville
- Zone 4 Antlerless: Mark Glover, Greenbrier
Oct. 28-Nov. 1 Hunt
- Zone 2 Either Sex: Keith Hennarichs, Fayetteville
- Zone 2 Either Sex: James Moorhouse, London
- Zone 2 Antlerless: Justin Mitchell, Mena
- Zone 3 Either Sex: Paige Hamilton, Tumbling Shoals
- Zone 3 Either Sex: James Wray, Jonesboro
- Zone 3 Antlerless: Michael Smoke, Bismarck
- Zone 4 Either Sex: Thomas Bridges, Harrison
- Zone 4 Either Sex: James Butler, Alpena
- Zone 4 Antlerless: William Jones, Prairie Grove
