In Arkansas, outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, providing them with the freedom to enjoy their favorite activities for the rest of their lives. These licenses offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who plan to hunt and fish regularly in the Natural State. In this article, we’ll explore the various lifetime license options available, their costs, requirements, and the benefits they offer.
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Options
Arkansas offers several lifetime license options for residents, each tailored to specific needs and preferences:
65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (PLF): Residents 65 and older can purchase this license for $10.50, which grants them the privilege to fish for the remainder of their lives.
65-Plus Lifetime Combination License (PLH): Residents 65 and older can opt for this $35.50 license, which includes both hunting and fishing privileges.
Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit (LSP2): This $1,000 license, available to residents of any age, grants the holder hunting and fishing privileges for life, along with annual trout and state waterfowl permits.
Resident Natural State Lifetime Combination License and Permit (NSLL): Limited to Arkansas youths 10 years of age and younger, this $500 license provides lifetime hunting and fishing privileges, including annual trout and state waterfowl permits.
Eligibility and Residency Requirements
To qualify for a resident lifetime license in Arkansas, individuals must meet specific criteria:
Residents 65 and older must physically inhabit a bona fide residence within Arkansas for at least 60 days prior to applying for a license and declare citizenship in the state.
Residents of any age applying for the Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit must provide proof of one year of Arkansas residency.
Arkansas youths 10 years of age and younger are eligible for the Natural State Lifetime Combination License and Permit.
It’s important to note that ownership of Arkansas real estate by persons living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident for the purpose of obtaining a lifetime license.
Purchasing and Obtaining Lifetime Licenses
Lifetime licenses can be purchased through various channels in Arkansas:
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Little Rock office
AGFC regional offices
AGFC nature centers
Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available for purchase by phone or online. When applying for a lifetime license, individuals must provide proof of age and residency, such as a photocopy of their current Arkansas driver’s license or Arkansas I.D. card with an issue date of 60 days or older.
Benefits of Lifetime Licenses
Investing in a lifetime hunting and fishing license in Arkansas offers several advantages:
Convenience: Once purchased, the license is valid for the holder’s lifetime, eliminating the need to renew annually.
Cost-effectiveness: For avid hunters and anglers, a lifetime license can be more cost-effective than purchasing annual licenses over an extended period.
Support for conservation: Lifetime license fees contribute to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s efforts to conserve and manage the state’s wildlife and fisheries resources.
Encouragement for youth participation: The discounted lifetime license for children 10 and younger encourages parents to invest in their children’s outdoor pursuits, promoting lifelong participation in hunting and fishing.
While the initial cost of a lifetime license may seem high, it can pay off in the long run for those who plan to hunt and fish regularly in Arkansas. Additionally, the new discounted lifetime license for children 10 and younger provides an incentive for parents to introduce their kids to these activities at an early age, fostering a love for the outdoors that can last a lifetime.
In conclusion, Arkansas’s lifetime hunting and fishing licenses offer a convenient and cost-effective way for residents to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter and angler or looking to introduce your children to these pursuits, these licenses provide a valuable opportunity to connect with nature and support conservation efforts in the Natural State.