Jim Kress WMA

Zone: 387

Counties: Cleburne, White

2023-24 Closed Seasons

Alligator

2023-24 Crow: Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 19, 2024. Open Thursdays through Mondays only. No limit.

2023-24 Deer

Deer Archery: Sept. 23, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024
Deer Muzzleloader: Oct. 21-29, 2023 and Dec. 9-11, 2023
Deer Modern Gun: Nov. 11-Dec. 3, 2023 and Dec. 26-28, 2023
Deer Modern Gun Special Youth Hunt: Nov. 4-5, 2023 and Jan. 6-7, 2024

WMA Deer Bag Limit: Four deer, no more than two bucks, which may include:

Two bucks with archery, muzzleloader or modern gun,
Four does with archery,
One doe with muzzleloader or modern gun.
During youth hunt, youths may take two deer, one buck (no antler restrictions) and one doe.

Deer Notes:

Three point rule.
No dogs.

2023-24 Quail

Nov. 1, 2023-Feb. 5, 2024. Daily limit - 6, possession limit -12.

While training bird dogs, you may use handguns or shotguns with blank ammunition. Pen-raised quail may be taken with a Shoot-To-Kill Bird Dog Field Training Permit. This permit is available from your local wildlife officer.

2023-24 Rabbit: Sept. 1, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024. Daily limit - 8, possession limit - 16.

2023-24 Squirrel: May 15, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024. Dogs allowed. Daily limit - 12, possession limit - 48.

2023 Bear

Bear Archery: Sept. 13-Nov. 30, 2023
Bear Muzzleloader: Oct. 21-29, 2023
Bear Modern Gun: Nov. 11-30, 2023
Bear Modern Gun Youth Hunt: Nov. 4-5, 2023

Bear Notes:

Statewide bag limit.
No dogs.
Bear seasons close earlier if bear zone quota is reached. Click here for details.

2024 Turkey

Youth Hunt: April 6-7, 2024. One legal turkey.
Firearms Hunt: April 15-May 5, 2024. One legal turkey.

Area Notes

A free annual General Use Permit (WMP) is required to hunt or trap on WMAs. Permits are available online by clicking "Buy Licenses" at agfc.com or by calling 833-345-0325 or any regional office.
A Jim Kress WMA leased lands permit is also required to hunt or trap wildlife on the area.
Hunters in possession of a valid Jim Kress WMA leased lands permit are allowed to use ATVs, motorcycles or bicycles on open, maintained roads during an open hunting season while traveling to or from a campsite or hunting location.
A Jim Kress WMA leased lands permit is not required to operate a vehicle on state highways or county roads.
All ATVs are prohibited on Big Creek Natural Area.
Campsites are undeveloped and available on a first come first serve basis.
Camping is limited to no more than 14 consecutive days.
Camps may not remain unoccupied for more than 48 hours.
Creating a disturbance after 10 p.m. is not allowed.
It is unlawful to camp or use any campsite for more than 30 days total during one calendar year.
Nonhunters camping with a permit holder do not need to have a permit while camping.

Description: Seasonal closure gates are closed early January through early October. Gates open in October for muzzleloader season and remain open until early January.

Ownership: Green Bay Packaging and Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission

Phone: 833-356-0879

Detailed Interactive Map Public Use Maps