Little Rock, Arkansas – People who enjoy spending time outdoors on Arkansas Game and Fish Commission-owned lands are now being asked to take an additional step before exploring some of the state’s most popular natural areas.
A new conservation permit requirement went into effect July 1, requiring visitors ages 16 and older to purchase a permit when using AGFC-owned wildlife management areas and lakes for recreational activities. The permit applies to activities including hiking, kayaking, paddling, birdwatching, camping and other non-hunting outdoor experiences.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the new permit is intended to support conservation efforts and create a stronger connection between the agency and the growing number of people using public outdoor spaces across the state.
Visitors who already have a valid Arkansas hunting or fishing license do not need to purchase the additional permit. The requirement is specifically for people using AGFC-owned properties for recreation who do not already contribute through existing hunting or fishing license programs.
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For many years, hunting and fishing license purchases, along with federal conservation funding connected to those activities, have been major sources of financial support for protecting Arkansas’ natural resources. However, AGFC officials said outdoor recreation has expanded significantly, bringing more hikers, paddlers and other visitors to public lands.
“For decades, hunters, anglers and recreational shooters have largely funded conservation in Arkansas and across the country through federal funding and license purchases,” said Trey Reid, assistant chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Reid explained that the growing popularity of outdoor recreation has created a need for a new way to include those visitors in conservation efforts.
“It’s a growing segment of the population that’s using these areas,” Reid said. “There’s not really been a way to engage as closely with that audience and help them directly contribute to conservation in Arkansas.”
The permit requirement does not apply to all public outdoor areas in Arkansas. It only covers properties owned and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Visitors using national forests, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties or other public lands will not need the AGFC permit.
The timing of the change comes as Arkansas continues to see increased interest from visitors looking for outdoor experiences. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the state recorded a record number of visitors in 2025, a trend that has contributed to heavier use of parks, lakes and other natural areas.
With more people enjoying Arkansas’ landscapes, some outdoor advocates say protecting those resources is becoming even more important.
“We want to preserve the sanctity of what we have here,” said Eric Watts of Natural State Fishing. “It’s such a beautiful, natural place. You don’t want to destroy it. You want to make sure we preserve it to the best of our abilities.”
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Although some people have questioned how much money the new permit will bring in, AGFC officials said generating revenue is not the main purpose of the program. Instead, they said the permit will help the agency better understand who is using these areas and what improvements could make their experiences better.
“Right now, we don’t have a huge expectation that this is going to produce a financial windfall,” Reid said. “But it will allow us to engage with these customers a little bit better. What do they want? What amenities would make their experience better?”
The commission hopes the new system will provide valuable information about recreational habits, including which areas are most popular and what types of facilities or services visitors would like to see in the future.
Because the permit is a new requirement, AGFC officials said enforcement will focus on education during the early stages rather than immediate punishment. Reid said many people may simply be unaware that the rule has changed.
“We’re hearing loud and clear that some recreational users maybe didn’t realize this was coming,” Reid said. “There will be a lot of grace given by our game wardens. They’re not looking to trip people up who didn’t know they were supposed to have this permit.”
The Wildlife Management Area and Lake Conservation Permit costs $10.50 and remains valid for one year from the date it is purchased.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has published a full list of wildlife management areas and lakes where the permit is required. Officials encourage visitors to check the list before planning outdoor activities to make sure they have the proper permit before entering AGFC-managed recreational areas.
