Duck Decoys That Are Illegal in Arkansas

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulates duck hunting for the state, but federal regulations also apply. Check the regulations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before hunting for any type of waterfowl. You can apply for a permit to hunt ducks in Arkansas online at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. Duck season dates are announced on an annual basis. The daily bag limit is six ducks. It is legal to hunt ducks from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

  1. Mechanical Duck Decoys

    • As of the 2010-11 season, it is legal to use mechanical decoys in Arkansas. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recommends about one dozen decoys. Under certain circumstances, decoys can be left overnight before duck hunting season opens. The Commission reviews these regulations prior to each hunting season, so it is important to get a current Arkansas Waterfowl Hunting Guidebook before hunting.

    Live Birds as Decoys

    • It is illegal to use live birds as decoys. This includes, but is not limited to, mallard ducks raised in captivity. It is also illegal to release mallards that were raised in captivity unless it is a Commissioned-licensed shooting event or with a permit for a shoot-to-kill retrieving dog training permit.

    Recorded or Electronically Amplified Bird Calls

    • It is illegal to use recorded bird calls or electronically amplified bird calls for duck hunting in Arkansas. Some electric duck calls are legal in Arkansas as of the 2010 season, and a full listing of approved calls is available each season from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Most duck calls sold in Arkansas sporting goods stores are legal for use.

    Baiting

    • It is illegal to bait ducks or to hunt in an area that has been baited by someone else. If it is reasonable to assume you had reason to know the area is baited, you may be prosecuted. Baiting is the use of salt, grain or other feed that has been placed or exposed for the purpose of attracting ducks. An area is considered to be baited until the area has been cleaned of bait for 10 days. Penalties for baiting are a fine of up to $200,000 and one year in prison. Hunting over an area you know is baited results in a fine of up to $15,000.