LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — People visiting Arkansas Game and Fish Commission-owned wildlife management areas and lakes for recreation are now required to purchase a new conservation permit.

The requirement took effect July 1 and applies to anyone 16 or older who uses AGFC-owned properties for activities such as hiking, paddling, kayaking, birdwatching and camping. People who already have a valid Arkansas hunting or fishing license are exempt from the new permit requirement.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the permit is designed to help support conservation efforts as more people use the state’s public lands for recreation.

“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 said the growing number of hikers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts has created a need for a way to involve those users in conservation funding.

“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 applies only to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission-owned wildlife management areas and lakes. It does not apply to national forests, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties or other public lands.

The new policy comes as Arkansas continues to experience record tourism. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday that the state welcomed a record number of visitors in 2025, increasing use of many outdoor recreation areas.

Outdoor enthusiasts say preserving those natural resources is becoming increasingly 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.”

While some have questioned how much revenue the permit will generate, AGFC officials say raising money is not the primary goal.

“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 also hopes the permit system will provide a better understanding of how recreational users are utilizing wildlife management areas and lakes.

Because the requirement is new, Reid said game wardens will exercise discretion during the rollout.

“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 is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

A complete list of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management areas and lakes where the permit is required is available on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.

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