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Jessieville Ranger District Hunting Guide
Ranger district in Garland County and 3 more counties, 139,486 acres, Deer Zones 11 and 13.
Hunting gearPhoto: Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Jessieville Ranger District
Parking, trailheads and gates near Jessieville Ranger District
- AR-298 AccessParking · 3.5 mi from the centreDirections
- TrailheadTrailhead · 3.5 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
Jessieville Ranger District basics for 2026-27
The Jessieville Ranger District is one ranger district of a national forest, listed here for the 2026-27 season. Expect about 139,486 acres by the USFS land statistics, inside Garland County and 3 other counties. Questions about local conditions go to AGFC Region 5 (Fort Smith).
Rolling forested Ouachita Mountain ridges seen through trees in the Ouachita National ForestPhoto: Deborah Lee Soltesz (CC0 1.0)
From lands.json records (Agency page · Source 2 · Source 3 · Source 4); acres: USDA Forest Service EDW Lands Area Statistics, NFS acres in Arkansas. Checked November 9, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Jessieville Ranger District
Forest Service rules on the Jessieville Ranger District
The Jessieville Ranger District follows statewide and zone seasons; WMAs inside it follow their own entries. Beyond seasons, the guidebook has a page of national forest regulations that applies here.
Hunting is permitted anywhere on the Ouachita National Forest except within developed recreation sites or otherwise posted areas. All state hunting regulations, fees, and seasons apply on national forest land.
Forest Service page; guidebook national forest page. Checked November 9, 2026.
Jessieville Ranger District deer, bear and turkey zones
For deer, the Jessieville Ranger District counts as Deer Zones 11 and 13 ground. More than one zone touches this ground, split along roads and streams. Dog hunting by nonresidents takes a $100 permit and fits only the last nine days of modern gun.
| Deer zone | Gun dates | Alternative firearms | Dog hunting | Antlers | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 11 | Nov 14–Dec 6 Dec 26–28 | Oct 17–25 Dec 12–14 | Nov 14–Dec 6 | 3 points one side CWD zone: any buck | 4 (2 antlered) |
| Zone 13 | Nov 14–Dec 20 Dec 26–28 | Oct 17–25 | Nov 14–Dec 20 | 3 points one side CWD zone: any buck | 4 (2 antlered) |
- The Jessieville Ranger District is CWD Management Zone land, tier by county: Yell Tier 2.
- Bear Zone 2 applies to bear hunters on the Jessieville Ranger District.
- Turkey zones for the Jessieville Ranger District: Turkey Zone 1, read from AGFC's zone map.
- For alligator, the county falls in Alligator Management Zone 2.
Zones from the guidebook deer zone pages, the AGFC zone layers and the CWD zone list; turkey zones from AGFC’s zone map. Checked November 9, 2026.
County harvest for the Jessieville Ranger District
The 2025-26 deer report credits Garland County with 2,999 deer, 12 percent fewer than 2024-25. These are county totals from AGFC Game Check, so they include private land as well as public ground.
| County | 2025-26 | 2024-25 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garland | 2,999 | 3,392 | 26 |
| Montgomery | 1,723 | 1,993 | 55 |
| Perry | 1,930 | 2,484 | 52 |
| Yell | 3,066 | 4,055 | 23 |
deer report 2025-26 (checked deer by county (AGFC deer reports, Table 6)). Checked November 9, 2026.
Seasons in force on the Jessieville Ranger District
Each line links the guidebook page it came from, so a date that looks odd for Garland County can be checked in one tap.
| Animal | Season name | Covers | Ticket | Begins | Ends | Segments | Open? | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Early buck archery | Statewide | License | Aug 29, 2026 | Aug 31, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 14 | |
| Deer | Archery | Statewide | License | Sep 26, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 3 | |
| Deer | Alternative Firearms | Zone 11 | License | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 14, 2026 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 19 | |
| Deer | Alternative Firearms | Zone 13 | License | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 19 | |
| Deer | Deer permits, WMAs | 1 hunt | Permit | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 86 | |
| Deer | Youth gun hunt | Statewide | License | Nov 7, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 22 | |
| Deer | Modern Gun | Zone 11 | License | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 19 | |
| Deer | Modern Gun | Zone 13 | License | Nov 14, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 19 | |
| Deer | Christmas gun hunt | Statewide | License | Dec 26, 2026 | Dec 28, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 3 | |
| Elk | Outside core counties | Outside core | License | Aug 29, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 25 | |
| Black bear | Archery | Bear Zone 2 | License | Sep 9, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 29 | |
| Black bear | Alternative Firearms | Bear Zone 2 | License | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 29 | |
| Black bear | Youth gun hunt | Bear Zone 2 | License | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 29 | |
| Black bear | Modern Gun | Bear Zone 2 | License | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 29 | |
| Turkey | Youth spring 2027 | Turkey Zone 1 | License | Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 31 | |
| Turkey | Turkey permits, WMAs | 2 hunts | Permit | Apr 10, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | 5 parts | Guidebook p. 86 | |
| Turkey | Spring 2027 | Turkey Zone 1 | License | Apr 19, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 31 | |
| Alligator | Permit hunt | AMZ 2 | Permit | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | 2 parts | Guidebook p. 28 | |
| Alligator | All seasons closed | AMZ 5 | Closed | – | – | – | Closed | Guidebook p. 28 |
| Feral hog | Private land | Statewide | License | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 40 | |
| Squirrel | Squirrel | Statewide | License | May 15, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 36 | |
| Rabbit | Rabbit | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 36 | |
| Quail | Quail | Statewide | License | Nov 1, 2026 | Feb 7, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 36 | |
| Crow | Crow | Statewide | License | Sep 3, 2026 | Feb 21, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 36 | |
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog | Statewide | License | Jun 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | One | Date sheet | |
| Ducks | Regular duck season | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 3 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Coot | Coot | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 3 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Mergansers | Merganser | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 3 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Teal | Special Early Teal | Statewide | License | Sep 19, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | One | Date sheet | |
| Canada Goose | Early Canada goose | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Canada Goose | Regular Canada goose | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 3 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| White-fronted Goose | White-fronted goose | Statewide | License | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 4 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Light geese | Light geese (regular) | Statewide | License | Oct 31, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 4 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Light geese | Conservation order | Statewide | License | Feb 1, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | 2 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Ducks and geese | Youth waterfowl | Statewide | License | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 7, 2027 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Ducks and geese | Veteran and military | Statewide | License | Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 7, 2027 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 3 | |
| Doves | Dove | Statewide | License | Sep 5, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | 2 parts | Waterfowl guide p. 4 | |
| Snipe | Snipe | Statewide | License | Nov 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 4 | |
| Gallinules | Gallinule | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 4 | |
| Rails | Rails | Statewide | License | Sep 12, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 4 | |
| Woodcock | Woodcock | Statewide | License | Nov 7, 2026 | Dec 21, 2026 | One | Waterfowl guide p. 4 | |
| Raccoon, opossum, skunk | Hunting | Statewide | License | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Bobcat | During turkey season | Statewide | License | Apr 5, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Coyote | Hunting | Statewide | License | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Coyote | Trapping | Statewide | License | Aug 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 38 | |
| Fox, muskrat, mink | Hunting | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| River Otter | Hunting | Statewide | License | Nov 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Beaver, nutria | Hunting | Statewide | License | Sep 1, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 37 | |
| Beaver, nutria | Trapping | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Mar 31, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 38 | |
| Badger, weasel | Hunting | Statewide | Closed | – | – | – | Closed | Guidebook p. 37 |
| Furbearers | Trapping | Statewide | License | Nov 21, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | One | Guidebook p. 38 |
Dates from the 2026-27 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook, the 2026-27 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook and the AGFC season date sheet (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission); zone county lists from AGFC zone layers and maps; checked November 9, 2026.
Where hunting stops near the Jessieville Ranger District
Lake Ouachita is 11 miles away and closed to hunting; do not cross into it from the Jessieville Ranger District. Code 05.11 closes Arkansas parks to hunting, with the two WMA exceptions.
| Name | Closed by | Away | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ouachita | State park (Code 05.11) | 11 miles | Garland |
| Hot Springs NP | Park Service unit | 21 miles | Garland |
| Electric Island WMA | WMA closed to hunting | 25 miles | Garland |
AGFC Code 05.11; closed places from lands.json (PAD-US 4.1, NPS, FWS). Straight-line miles. Checked November 9, 2026.
Land that overlaps the Jessieville Ranger District
The parent record for the Jessieville Ranger District is the Ouachita National Forest.
How the Jessieville Ranger District lines up with nearby WMAs and refuges
Lake Ouachita (Corps), 9 miles south, is the next pin over. By type, the nearest six are 2 lake projects, 2 ranger districts and 2 wildlife management areas.
| Nearby | Type | Acres | County | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ouachita (Corps) | Corps lake | – | Garland | 9 miles | south |
| Fourche RD | Ranger district | 144,695 | Yell | 11 miles | north |
| Womble RD | Ranger district | 159,621 | Montgomery | 14 miles | southwest |
| Nimrod Lake (Corps) | Corps lake | 25,538 | Yell | 15 miles | north |
| Nimrod Lloyd Millwood | WMA | 25,000 | Perry | 15 miles | north |
| Winona WMA | WMA | 145,276 | Garland | 22 miles | east |
Point: USDA Forest Service EDW Ranger Districts layer clipped to NFS land (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Arkansas public land map.
Legal light, worked out for the Jessieville Ranger District
Deer, bear, elk, turkey and small game follow the general window; the migratory bird column applies to ducks, geese, doves, woodcock and snipe near the Jessieville Ranger District.
| Day | Why it matters | Sun up | Sun down | Deer and turkey | Ducks and doves | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29, 2026 | Early buck archery | 6:43 a.m. | 7:46 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 8:16 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. to 7:46 p.m. | NOAA formula |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Archery deer opens | 7:03 a.m. | 7:06 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 7:36 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. to 7:06 p.m. | NOAA formula |
| Oct 17, 2026 | Zone 11 alt-firearms | 7:22 a.m. | 6:37 p.m. | 6:52 a.m. to 7:07 p.m. | 6:52 a.m. to 6:37 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Youth gun weekend | 6:41 a.m. | 5:15 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Zone 11 gun opener | 6:48 a.m. | 5:10 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. | 6:18 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Duck season opens | 6:55 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 5:36 p.m. | 6:25 a.m. to 5:06 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Zone 11 gun closes | 7:08 a.m. | 5:03 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. to 5:33 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. to 5:03 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Shortest day | 7:18 a.m. | 5:08 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 5:38 p.m. | 6:48 a.m. to 5:08 p.m. | AGFC table |
| Apr 19, 2027 | Turkey Zone 1 opens | 6:38 a.m. | 7:50 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 8:20 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. to 7:50 p.m. | AGFC table |
Hours rules from the 2026-27 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook; sunrise and sunset from the AGFC Little Rock table with AGFC’s nine-mile correction, or the NOAA solar formula on Central Time where the table has no entry; checked November 9, 2026. Legal hours across Arkansas.
Restocking runs from the Jessieville Ranger District
For gas and groceries, Crystal Springs is 15 miles off. The Census 2024 estimate puts Ola at 927, the largest nearby. Hot Springs has the closest AGFC office or center, 26 miles out. Confirm that a business is open by phone before you go.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Springs | Garland | – | 15 miles | south |
| Rover | Yell | – | 16 miles | north |
| Plainview | Yell | 461 | 18 miles | north |
| Hot Springs Village | Saline | – | 20 miles | east |
| Ola | Yell | 927 | 21 miles | north |
Towns from places.json (Census 2024 estimates); AGFC buildings from the AGFC offices page and AGFC layers; businesses from services.json directory listings; straight-line miles. Checked November 9, 2026.
Jessieville Ranger District, Ouachita National Forest: ranges within a drive
The range map puts Reed Mountain Shooting Range 6 miles from Jessieville Ranger District, Ouachita National Forest.
From the AGFC Shooting and Archery Ranges page, the AGFC range layer, club sites and directory listings, checked November 9, 2026.
Clear blue lake with pine-covered shores in the Ouachita National ForestPhoto: Oemar (CC BY 2.0)
Lake Sylvia reflecting pines and rock bluffs under a blue sky, Ouachita National ForestPhoto: ChattOconeeNF (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Jessieville Ranger District hunting questions
Is Jessieville Ranger District turkey ground in spring 2027?
It sits in Turkey Zone 1 (from AGFC's zone map).
Can a black bear be taken legally on Jessieville Ranger District this fall?
Bear season applies through Bear Zone 2.
Which Arkansas town works as a base camp for Jessieville Ranger District?
Crystal Springs is closest, roughly 15 miles. An AGFC office or nature center sits in Hot Springs, 26 miles away.
How many acres does Jessieville Ranger District cover, by which source?
139,486 acres (USFS land statistics), in Garland County and 3 other counties.
What are the opening-day shooting hours on Jessieville Ranger District?
Opening day of modern gun, November 14, 2026, gives legal light here from 6:18 a.m. until 5:40 p.m.
Is blaze pink legal on Jessieville Ranger District in Arkansas?
Yes, whenever firearm deer, bear or elk seasons are open: 400 square inches above the waist and a hat in orange, chartreuse or blaze camo.
What sources back this Jessieville Ranger District page?
AGFC and federal agency sources, read for the 2026-27 season and checked November 9, 2026.
Which AGFC district looks after Jessieville Ranger District?
USDA Forest Service, out of AGFC Region 5 (Fort Smith).
How does zoning work on Jessieville Ranger District?
The AGFC layer places it in Deer Zones 11 and 13.
What license do I need on Jessieville Ranger District?
Your Arkansas hunting license, plus a drawn permit for any permit-required hunt.
Which CWD tier applies to deer from Jessieville Ranger District?
Yes. Any buck is legal, feeding wildlife is unlawful except listed exceptions, and carcasses move by tier (Yell Tier 2).
When can I hunt deer with a rifle on Jessieville Ranger District?
Nov 14–Dec 6 and Dec 26–28; dates come from Deer Zone 11.
Before the alarm goes off for the Jessieville Ranger District
Rules, closures and permit dates for the Jessieville Ranger District can change during the season; posted signs and the managing agency outrank this page.
Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4; seasons from the 2026-27 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook and the 2026-27 Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook. Checked November 9, 2026.
Other photos on this page: Deborah Lee Soltesz (CC0 1.0).