Picture from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; James Wray of Jonesboro
Arkansas hunters harvested 20 elk during the 2024 hunting season, including several impressive bulls, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The hunts, held in October, showcased the success of the state’s elk management program.
Of the 20 elk taken, 14 were harvested on private land and six on public land. The tally included nine bulls and 11 antlerless elk. Notably, all nine bulls sported racks of 5×5 or greater, with standout measurements including a 7×7 and a 6×7.
The elk hunting season occurred in two segments, Oct. 7-11 and Oct. 28-Nov. 1, with youth hunts held on Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 26-27. All public-land hunts were conducted within the core elk management zone, which spans Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Searcy counties. Hunters were assigned to specific zones within areas such as the Buffalo National River, Bearcat Hollow Wildlife Management Area, and Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area.
One of the season’s highlights was James Wray’s successful hunt in the Richland Valley Elk Conservation Area. The 32-year-old farmer from Jonesboro harvested a 6×6 bull on Oct. 28. After helping another hunter process a bull earlier in the day, Wray capitalized on an unexpected opportunity later that evening.
Wray says, We heard a bugle, then another, and it sounded closer.” Moments later, a bull appeared, and Wray successfully brought it down at 78 yards.
The application period for Arkansas elk hunting permits runs from May 1 to June 1. Permits are limited to Arkansas residents, with the annual draw held during the Buffalo River Elk Festival in Jasper, set for June 27-28. This year, over 7,200 hunters applied for permits, reflecting strong interest in the program.
For more information on Arkansass elk hunting program, visit www.agfc.com.
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