Hunting is permitted in designated areas on Dale Bumpers White River NWR, in accordance with all federal, state, and refuge specific regulations. Seasons and species that can be hunted are restricted on the refuge. Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy and traditional outdoor past time that is deeply rooted in America's heritage. Hunting programs can promote understanding and appreciation of natural resources and their management on lands and waters in the refuge system.
All users are permitted on the refuge in accordance with state and federal regulations as supplemented by the annual Public Use Brochure.
An Annual Public Use Permit is required to hunt, fish, launch boats and utilize campgrounds on Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. The permit cost is $20.00 for those 16 years of age and over and is free to those 15 years of age and younger. Holders of other permits, passes and/or Duck Stamps are not exempt from the Annual Public Use Permit requirement.
Annual Public Use Permits and YOUTH Annual Public Use Permits are valid for one year from date of purchase.
Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge has two quota deer hunts per unit, which are the Modern Gun Deer Hunt and the Muzzleloader Deer Hunt.
Annual Public Use Permits, Quota Deer Hunt Applications and Permits must be processed online. Deer Quota Hunt applications are accepted during the entire month of August.
Visit our Permit Sale Website powered by RecAccess to learn more, apply for and purchase permits.https://whiteriver.recaccess.com/
The refuge also co-hosts a Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt and a Mobility Impaired Deer Hunt that takes place on the Cook's Lake Unit in cooperation with Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
