How to Get an Arkansas Youth Hunting License
If you’d like to know how to get an Arkansas youth hunting license, the first step is to understand that Arkansas does not require residents or non-residents under 16 to purchase a traditional hunting license. However, all youth hunters must obtain a free Customer ID (CID). Young hunters will also need to get free species-specific tags if they are hunting big game or participating in Arkansas’ special youth hunts.
Arkansas strives to keep entry barriers low for new hunters by streamlining the age-based requirements for a hunting license. The state's CID system ensures legal compliance, raises safety standards, and helps state officials monitor harvests to better manage game populations and habitats.
Let’s take a closer look at the Arkansas CID system and how to prepare your young hunter for success.
| Arkansas Youth Hunting License — Quick Facts | ||
| Where to Purchase No license required for hunters younger than 16 years old (however, free tags are required) | Who Qualifies for a Youth License Hunters younger than 16 years old qualify as "youth." At age 16, hunters must purchase an adult hunting license. | Hunter Education Required for hunters born on or after January 1, 1969 |
| Rules Hunters 6–16 years old without hunter education must hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult 21 years or older | ||
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Arkansas Youth Hunting License
How to get an Arkansas youth hunting license can be summarized in three basic steps: create a Customer ID, claim your free tags, and follow the state’s supervision and hunter education requirements.
1. Obtain a Customer ID (CID)
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) requires that every youth hunter age 6 or older have a Customer ID (CID). This CID is used to apply for permits and special youth hunts, as well as to track big-game harvests.
To create a youth CID, use the online AGFC Licensing System or the AGFC mobile app.
As straightforward as this first step is, don’t wait until the last minute to set up the account. The youth hunter must have their own separate profile using the child’s birthday. If you accidentally use the adult’s birthdate, the youth-specific licensing and tag options will not be displayed.
2. Get Your Free Youth Tags
Even though AGFC doesn’t require a traditional hunting license for those under the age of 16, youth hunters still need to obtain species-specific tags if they are hunting deer or turkey. These tags are not automatically included with the CID.
Available tags currently include:
- Resident Youth Deer Tags (#YDT): Free
- Non-Resident Youth Deer Tags (#YDTN): Free
- Resident Youth Turkey Tags (#YTT): Free
These tags must still be “purchased” for $0 through the AGFC system.
3. Hunter Education and Supervision Rules
Like many other states, Arkansas requires hunter education for youth hunters.
However, hunters under 16 who do not have a hunter education certificate must hunt under the direct supervision of an adult mentor. That mentor must be at least 21 years old, have a current valid Arkansas hunting license, and always remain within arm’s reach of the youth hunter during the hunt.
Youth hunters who have completed a hunter education program and hold a certificate can hunt independently at their parents' or guardians' discretion.
Although Arkansas does not have a minimum age requirement to participate in a hunter education course, note that the course is currently designed for a 6th-grade reading level. If you plan on taking your young hunter outside of Arkansas, you’ll need a better understanding of when hunter education is required before purchasing a license in that state.
What Is an Arkansas Youth Hunting License?
Now that you know how to get an Arkansas youth hunting license, you'll see that the CID alone doesn't grant hunting privileges. Think of the CID more like a membership account number. That number connects the youth hunter to the state’s tags, permits, and harvest reporting system.
This approach eliminates the annual license cost for young hunters while still helping AGFC biologists and officials accurately track harvests to better manage wildlife populations and ensure compliance with state laws.
The process also teaches young hunters how the state’s licensing and tagging system works before they transition to adult hunting licenses and tags at age 16.
Who Needs a Youth Hunting License (or Equivalent)?
Arkansas exempts youth hunters under 16 (both residents and non-residents) from the requirement to hold a traditional hunting license. To comply with state laws, the youth hunter must still have a valid CID.
If the youth wants to hunt turkey or deer, or participate in permit drawings or special youth hunts, they must “purchase” the free species-specific tags.
Where some families get tripped up is assuming that, since no traditional hunting license is required for a hunter under 16, no paperwork is needed at all. That’s why you need to make sure the young hunter has a CID and follows the mandatory tagging requirements for deer and turkey.
Who Qualifies as a Youth Hunter in Arkansas?
Anyone under the age of 16, whether they are a resident or non-resident, qualifies as a youth hunter in the state of Arkansas. However, once the hunter is 16 or older, a Resident Sportsman’s License is required to hunt unless you are on a licensed game-bird shooting property that uses pen-raised birds.
Arkansas also offers a discounted Resident Natural State Lifetime Combination License for resident youth aged 10 and under. For only $500, this hunting license includes trout permits, leased lands permits, alligator permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps, and wildlife management area permit hunts, all at no extra charge.
How to Use the Youth License and Tags
Once the youth has been assigned a CID and received any necessary deer or turkey tags, there are just a few things to keep in mind to be compliant with AGFC hunting regulations.
- Always carry the CID information and all applicable species-specific tags when hunting.
- Report all animal harvests through the CID system to enable the AGFC to monitor harvest data and manage wildlife populations responsibly.
- Use the CID to apply for permit drawings, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) opportunities, and special youth hunts
Even though the CID is technically not a hunting license, youth hunters are still required to follow all Arkansas season dates, legal shooting hours, weapon-related requirements, and bag and possession limits.
What Are the Costs for Youth Hunters (2026 Season)?
Compared to other states that offer discounted youth hunting licenses, Arkansas goes a step further by making them free. The state has a long history of supporting hunters and continues to actively encourage youth participation in the sport by keeping entry costs low.
| Arkansas Youth Hunting License Costs | ||
Item | Resident Youth (Under 16) | Non-Resident Youth (Under 16) |
Annual Hunting Privilege | Free | Free |
Deer/Turkey Tags | Free | Free |
State Waterfowl Stamp | Not Required | Not Required |
WMA Permit Application | $5.00 | $5.00 |
What Happens When a Youth Turns 16?
Once an Arkansas youth hunter turns 16, they are no longer eligible to receive the free annual hunting privilege.
At this point, the former youth hunter must purchase a standard hunting license to continue hunting legally in the state. Their youth CIP will be automatically transferred to the new license.
Options for Arkansas residents include:
- Combination Sportsman’s License (hunting and fishing): $35.50
- Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting only): $25.00
- Resident Wildlife Conservation License (small game species and furbearers, and take one deer): $10.50
Tips for Parents and Mentors
Even though Arkansas has readily available youth hunting licenses, there are still some ways to make the most of the program. Here are a few tips to help avoid some common mistakes and help your young hunter have an enjoyable and safe first season in the field.
- Set up the CID account early. Don’t wait until the week before opening day to create the youth’s CID account. Give yourself time to address any verification or troubleshooting issues that may arise.
- Double-check tags before heading out. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than realizing you’ve left your license or tags at home. Use a checklist to make sure you have all of the gear and paperwork packed and put in the vehicle. Triple-check once you’re at the hunt location that your license and tags are with you before stepping out in the field.
- Consider hunter education for independence. Even though Arkansas allows youth to hunt without a hunter education certificate (as long as the youth is supervised by an adult (age 21+) with a valid hunting license) consider enrolling the young hunter in a state-approved hunter education course. The course will accelerate field skills and knowledge, enhance safety, and provide a solid foundation for transitioning to independent hunting.
- Review regulations each season. Wildlife management decisions can alter hunting regulations each season, so make sure to check the current laws for bag limits, season dates, and weapons restrictions.
Taking these basic proactive steps can prevent small issues from turning into big ones on the hunt and will also help create positive first experiences and build lifelong skills in the outdoors.
Take a Hunter Education Course to Hunt Safely in Arkansas
There may be no better state than Arkansas for making youth hunting accessible and affordable. Once you know the basic process (create a youth CID, claim any necessary free tags, and follow the adult supervision requirements), navigating the licensing system is straightforward.
However, there is more to being a successful hunter than meeting the state’s legal requirements. Since hunting is a lifelong journey with each season building on lessons learned from previous hunts, starting a formal hunter education course is critical to long-term progress.
Complete the ilearntohunt hunter education course for Arkansas to build that strong foundation. Students will learn vital skills in firearms safety, basic first aid, conservation, fieldcraft fundamentals, and ethical hunting practices.
After all, preserving Arkansas’ hunting tradition starts by helping the next generation become safe and responsible hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arkansas Youth Hunting License (FAQs)
We’ve got answers to common questions about youth hunting licenses in Arkansas.
Q: Does a 10 year old need a hunting license in Arkansas?
A: No, children under 16 do not need a hunting license in Arkansas. However, a 10-year-old does need a free AGFC customer account to hunt and check harvested game. A youth hunter who has not completed hunter education must also be under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old.
Q: How old do you have to be to take a youth hunter hunting in Arkansas?
A: In Arkansas, a mentor taking a youth hunting must be at least 21 years old if the youth has not completed hunter education. That adult mentor must also hold a valid hunting license and have either completed hunter education or been born on or before December 31, 1968. Mentors may help call game and assist with recovery, but they may not aim or fire a firearm or hunt other species during the youth hunt.
Q: How does a youth hunter tag a deer in Arkansas?
A: Youth hunters in Arkansas check their deer the same way adults do (through the AGFC mobile app, online at agfc.com, or by phone at 833-289-2469) and must do so within 12 hours of harvest. If the deer stays within the youth hunter's immediate vicinity all the way to their home, a physical tag is not required. If the deer cannot be checked immediately, the hunter must attach a temporary paper tag with their name, customer ID number, date, time, zone or WMA of harvest, and method of take.
Q: What does my 6 year old need to go deer hunting in Arkansas?
A: A 6-year-old can legally hunt deer in Arkansas as long as they are between 6 and 15 years old and have free youth deer tags loaded to their AGFC account. Since they have not completed hunter education, they must be under the direct supervision, meaning within arm's reach, of a licensed mentor who is at least 21 years old. The mentor may not hunt other game species during the outing and may assist with recovery but cannot aim or fire the firearm.
Q: How do I get a CID number for my youth hunter in Arkansas?
A: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has updated its youth licensing system, and youth hunters no longer use a separate YCID number for deer hunting. Instead, a parent or guardian creates a free youth customer account at agfc.com and then adds the free Youth Deer Tags (product code YDT for residents) to the youth's account. Once those free tags are attached to the account, the youth hunter is set up to hunt and check deer in Arkansas.
Q: Do youth hunters in Arkansas need to wear hunter orange?
A: Yes, Arkansas requires youth deer hunters to wear hunter orange or chartreuse during modern gun deer hunts. The requirement applies to both the youth hunter and their mentor while afield. This rule is in place to keep hunters visible and safe during firearm seasons.
Q: Can a youth hunter in Arkansas hunt deer during regular season, not just the youth season?
A: Yes, youth hunters ages 6 to 15 can participate in both the special youth modern gun deer hunts and the regular deer seasons in Arkansas. During archery and crossbow seasons, youth hunters in this age range may harvest deer using archery tackle under standard season rules. The same supervision and free deer tag requirements apply regardless of which season the youth is hunting.
