Black Bear Hunting in Arkansas: Seasons, Locations, & Southern Recipes

Arkansas, once dubbed the "Bear State" for its teeming black bear populations in the 1800s, has staged one of North America's most triumphant wildlife comebacks. From near-extinction in the 1930s (just 25 bears left) to over 5,000 today, the Natural State's black bears symbolize resilience and smart conservation. With Black Bear hunting archery opener in September, this guide unlocks everything from quota zones and trophy records to Ozark-inspired recipes, a shocking recent attack, and budget-friendly hunt costs. Whether you're stalking acorn flats in the Ouachitas or glassing ridges in the Ozarks, Arkansas bear hunting blends adrenaline, heritage, and harvest.

Arkansas's Premier Predator: The American Black Bear

Only one species roams the Razorback State: the American black bear (Ursus americanus), a versatile omnivore thriving in forested hills. No grizzlies or polars here—these bruins, reintroduced from Minnesota and Canada (1958–1968), number ~5,000 statewide, concentrated in Zones 1 (Ozarks) and 2 (Ouachitas). The restoration? A global success story, boosting economies via $10M+ in annual hunting revenue while curbing nuisance issues.

Record-Breaking Black Bears: Arkansas Giants

Arkansas bears average 200–300 pounds for boars, but trophies pack punch. The state's Boone & Crockett skull record? A tie at 21 9/16 inches—two monsters from the Ouachitas (Polk/Scott counties, 1990s), estimated 500–600 pounds after fall mast feasts. More recently, a 580-pound behemoth fell to longbow in 2008 near Little Rock (Pulaski County), shattering state archery marks with a 21 7/16-inch skull—world-class, ranking top-10 Pope & Young. These heavyweights, fueled by acorns and berries, underscore why Zone 1 yields 80% of harvests (458 in 2020).

Arkansas Black Bear Seasons: Quotas, Tags & Tactics

• Regulated for sustainability (one bear/season, either sex), 2025 hunts span archery (Sept. 17–Nov. 30, Zone 1 quota: 450), youth modern gun (Nov. 1–2), and modern gun (Nov. 8–30, quota closes zones). • Call 833-345-0398 nightly for quotas—Zones 1/2 hit limits fast (765 harvested in 2023, record). • Tags: Free resident (RBT), $300 non-resident (NRB) + $410 all-game license. • Methods: Bait (private land only), hounds, spot-stalk; no bait public. • Prime: Ozark National Forest (Zone 1) for archery ambushes; Ouachitas for gun hunts. • Check harvests via AGFC app—80% archery.

Black Bear Life in the Arkansas Wilds: Habitats to Hibernation

Preferred Habitats

• Bruins claim 5–30 square miles in oak-hickory forests, river bottoms, and canebrakes of the Ozarks (Zone 1: Newton/Searcy counties) and Ouachitas (Zone 2: Polk/Scott). • They shun flats, favoring elevations 1,000–2,500 feet with dense understory—think Syllamo Wilderness or Rich Mountain. • What They Eat: Ozark Omnivore Menu85% plant-based: Spring greens/insects; summer berries (blackberries), persimmons; fall acorns (mast crop king); winter roots/carrion. • Opportunists snag fawns, beehives, or crops—leading to ~100 annual nuisance calls, mostly trash raids.

Sleep Sites and Hibernation Lowdown

Dens: Rock crevices (Ozarks), hollow trees, root wads—reused yearly. Arkansas's mild winters mean torpor (Nov–March, 3–5 months), not deep hibernation—heart rate drops 50%, but they stir for thaws. Sows den earliest; males last.

Mating Rituals and Cub Care

Polygynous: Peak June–July every 2 years (females mature at 3); delayed implantation births 1–4 cubs (avg. 2–3) Jan–Feb in dens. Cubs nurse on fat-rich milk, emerge April (~5 lbs), stay 16–18 months foraging with mom before dispersing (males roam 100+ miles).

Black Bears: Foes to Livestock, Frights to Folks?

Shy forest dwellers, Arkansas blacks rarely threaten humans—attacks? Near-mythical. But to livestock: Opportunistic raiders of beehives, chickens, and calves (~50 incidents/year), costing farmers $10K+ in damages; electric fencing deters 90%. Notable Human Incidents: Shockingly rare—zero fatalities ever. But Sept. 2025's Mulberry Mountain mauling: 72-year-old Vernon Patton, gravel-spreading on his Ozark tractor, savaged unprovoked by a 70-lb yearling male (face/arms torn). Son hurled rocks to intervene; Patton airlifted (stable post-surgery at UAMS). First documented attack in 25+ years—bear euthanized, rabies-free. AGFC: "Unheard of"—blamed on food-conditioning or anomaly. Globally, black bears cause <70 U.S. deaths since 1784 vs. 1M+ dog bites yearly.

Tastes Like Home: Bear Meat Profile & Arkansas Recipes

Arkansas bear meat? Lean, dark, venison-like with porky richness—mild spring (greens-fed) vs. nutty fall (acorn-tinged). Fat renders into legendary "bear grease" for biscuits. Cook to 160°F (trichinosis zap). Soak in milk overnight for extra tenderness.

Southern Staples - Arkansas Bear Meat Recipes

Ozark Loaded Bear Stew (Serves 6): Brown 3 lbs cubed shoulder in oil with onions/celery; add carrots, mushrooms, okra, tomatoes, vinegar, beef stock, bay leaves. Simmer 2–3 hrs till fork-tender. Southern gumbo vibe—okra thickens, perfect with cornbread. "Bear better than beef!" Ouachita Bear Pulled BBQ: Crock 4 lbs roast with garlic, onion, Coke, chipotles (8 hrs low). Shred, sauce with Sweet Baby Ray's + bear grease. Sliders on buns—tailgate gold, mimics pulled pork sans smoke. Delta Bear Chili Verde: Sauté 2 lbs ground bear with green chiles, tomatillos, cumin; simmer 2 hrs with hominy. Top with cornbread crumbles—zesty, green twist on chili, nods Delta roots. Razorback Bear Sausage Gravy: Grind 2 lbs lean bear + pork fat (20%); season sage/onion. Brown, make gravy over biscuits. Breakfast legend—greasy, hearty, freezer-friendly. Pro Tip: Render fat for frying catfish—flakier than lard!

Safety First: Hunting & Hiking in Bear Country

Encounters? 99% flee; prevention rules.

Hiking Bear Safety Hacks

• Noise & Groups: Hike 4+; yell/clap—bears bolt from surprises. Leash dogs (provocateurs). • Food Fortress: Hang 10 ft high/4 ft out; bear-proof bins. No cooking in tents; clean grills. • Carry Kit: Spray (30-ft blast, 90% effective); .30-06 if armed.

Hunting Protocols

• Bait Smart: Private only; 100 yd from trails. Cache gut piles uphill, flagged—bears claim kills. • Post-Shot: Wait 30 mins; approach cautiously. Partner up; radios in ridges. • Encounter Drill: Back slow, arms up, yell. Charge? Fight (nose punches)—don't run/climb. • Report to AGFC.

Hunt Costs: DIY vs. Guided in the Natural State

• All black bears; OTC tags keep it accessible. Add $7 small game license. • Unguided (DIY) - $300–$800 (tag, gas, gear; WMAs like Ozark NF) • Guided (5–7 Days) - $3,000–$6,000 (bait/hounds; includes lodge/meals; premiums $5K+ for Zone 1 trophies) • DIY shines public (free baits? Nah); guided (e.g., Ozark Outfitters) ups odds 70% in quotas. • Non-res: Double tags.

Why Arkansas Bear Hunting's a Southern Sensation

• From 50K pre-1800s hordes to 2023's 765-harvest record, regulated hunts fund $1M+ habitat work, curbing livestock losses (fencing grants available). • Thrill? Bait-site waits or acorn-stalk epics—plus, meat that feeds families. As populations grow (WGCP: 1 bear/5 sq mi), ethical hunts ensure balance. Call to Action: Snag your hunting guidebook at agfc.com; report sightings via app. Crock that stew, stay spray-ready—tag your harvest on social media! For cams/tips, follow AGFC. Safe hunts, full pots!

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About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.