002.01.24 Ark. Code R. 070 - 06.02 Certain Firearms And Ammunition Prohibited During Modern Gun Deer Seasons

A. It is unlawful to hunt deer during statewide modern gun deer seasons with:

1. Prohibited alternative firearms (Code 06.03);

2. Any .410 shotguns using ammunition other than slugs;

3. Any shotguns using shot smaller than No. 4 buckshot;

4. Handguns with either:

i. Barrels shorter than 4 inches,

ii. Conventional straight-walled calibers less than .357, or

iii. Bottleneck-case calibers less than .22;

5. Rifles or handguns using rimfire cartridges in compliance with Code 06.11;

6. Any centerfire rifle smaller than .22 caliber; or

7. Air Rifles, except big bore air rifles that meet all of the following requirements:

i. A minimum of .40 caliber;

ii. Produce a minimum of 400 foot pounds of muzzle energy;

iii. Are charged via an external tank; and

iv. Propels a single, expandable slug.

B. It also is unlawful for any person to hunt deer during modern gun deer seasons in Deer Zones 4 or 5 with any firearms other than the following:

1. Shotguns (.410 or larger) with slugs only;

2. Legal alternative firearms (Code 06.03);

3. Handguns having barrels no less than 4 inches in length and chambered specifically for straight-wall centerfire cartridge cases and hunting with lead and, lead alloy, soft-nose and/or hollow-point bullets no less than .30 caliber; or

4. Big bore air rifles that meet all of the following requirements:

i. A minimum of .40 caliber;

ii. Produce a minimum of 400 foot pounds of muzzle energy;

iii. Are charged via an external tank; and

iv. Propel a single, expandable slug.

5. Rifles chambered specifically for straight-wall centerfire cartridge cases and hunting with lead and lead alloy, soft-nose and/or hollow-point bullets no less than .30 caliber.

C. Archery, muzzleloader, or modern gun may be used during the private land antlerless modern gun deer hunt, hunter orange will still be required, and only 1 weapon of choice is allowed.

EXCEPTION:

During Modern gun season only: Longbows, compound bows or crossbows capable of firing or holding ready-to-fire more than one arrow or bolt simultaneously or in succession without the string being re-cocked between shots.

PENALTY: Class 1

Notes

002.01.24 Ark. Code R. 070

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 49, Number 06, Effective 7/1/2024