Hunting in Arkansas: 5 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

Hunting in Arkansas is a popular pastime. Game large and small, including bear, alligator, dove, and fox, offer hunters a wide variety of hunts to choose from, but among the many animals available for the taking are a few that are not.

They are off-limits or highly regulated for hunters and trappers and sometimes come with a penalty for killing them.

While Arkansas doesn’t have an endangered species act, the state does maintain a list of species of special concern and protection is offered through the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

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Here are five animals designated non-game, endangered, threatened and protected species:

1. American Alligator
Listed as endangered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, they are still available for hunting in Arkansas, but there are a limited number of permits available. Hunters must have a valid hunting license to apply for the permits and are only allowed one take per person. Penalties are enforced for violators.

2. Ozark Hellbender
This salamander is classified as endangered both in Arkansas and throughout the U.S. The species is high-risk and numbers are decreasing. It is found only in northeastern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Hunters should be careful when hunting in or near streams in the Ozark Plateau where they are known to live.

3. Red Cockaded and Ivory Billed Woodpecker
The country and the state agree that these birds are endangered. The Ivory Billed Woodpecker is identified for its striking plumage, yellow eyes, and pointed crest, and is only known to live in Arkansas. The Red Cockaded Woodpecker is small, black, and white, and they make their home in pine forests in several states.

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4. Interior Least Tern
Endangered not only in the state but across the country, these birds are the smallest members of the gull and tern family. They will often dive into streams, lakes, or rivers to catch their dinner, and can be almost always be found near water.

5. Ozark Big-Eared, Grey, Northern Long-Eared, and Indiana Bat
These furry mammals are endangered in Arkansas with the exception of the northern long-eared bat, which is threatened. They are nocturnal so hunters should be wary when hunting at night.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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