Preserving the Environment

Arkansas Bowhunters Association

The Arkansas Bowhunters Association (ABA) is committed to protecting and promoting the heritage of bowhunting while advocating for ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts in Arkansas.

Arkansas Bowhunters Association

The Arkansas Bowhunters Association (ABA) is the leading organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and preserving the tradition of bowhunting in Arkansas. Established in 1959, we work to ensure that bowhunters enjoy liberal hunting seasons and limits while maintaining sound game management practices.

Our Mission

At the ABA, we work closely with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to advocate for bowhunters’ rights and opportunities. Our goal is to balance commerce and conservation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy bowhunting as we do today.

Why Should I Join?

Advocacy & Conservation

We work with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to ensure fair hunting regulations that protect bowhunters’ rights and wildlife. Our commitment to conservation and ethical hunting helps preserve Arkansas’s natural resources for future generations.

Exclusive Member Benefits

ABA members get access to exclusive bowhunting events, tournaments, and discounted educational programs. Joining also connects you with a network of experienced bowhunters who share your passion.

Education & Training

We offer the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP), providing essential skills and safety training. Graduates earn a certification recognized across the U.S., meeting Arkansas’s urban bowhunting requirements.

Tournament Info

The Arkansas Bowhunters Association (ABA) hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the year, bringing together archers of all skill levels for friendly competition and skill-building. These events provide a great opportunity to test your accuracy, connect with fellow bowhunters, and enjoy the sport in a supportive environment.

Our 2025 Tournament Schedule includes multiple events across the state, with categories for youth, traditional archers, and compound bow users. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just getting started, there’s a tournament for you!

Support & Donations

As a self-funded organization, the ABA relies on membership participation, fees, and generous donations to fund our activities. Your support enables us to continue our advocacy, education, and community-building efforts.

Education & Certification

We are committed to educating the public on the importance of ethical bowhunting. Through our International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP), we offer comprehensive courses that cover essential skills and knowledge. Graduates receive a Bowhunter Education card from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, valid for life and recognized in all states, meeting Arkansas Urban Bowhunting requirements.

Scholarship Opportunities

In honor of our first president, Roger R. Maynard, we established the ABA Memorial Scholarship Program in 2001. This scholarship reflects our commitment to education and supports individuals pursuing higher education, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the bowhunting community.

Frequently Asked Questions

​Here are a handful of questions frequently asked of members of the executive committee concerning the ABA and its involvement in bowhunting in the state of Arkansas.

Is the ABA an archery or hunting club?

No. Although the ABA is made mostly of dedicated bowhunters and archers, it is not a hunting or archery club. It is a state-wide organization comprised of individuals and localized affiliated clubs with a common goal. That goal is to protect and enhance the bowhunting experience in this state and to pass it along to the next generation so that it may be sustained for years to come. This is done through thoughtful and diligent lobbying and monetary support where appropriate.

What does the ABA do for me?
The ABA, as a group, does what most individuals don’t have the time or resources to do on their own. As a member, you can rest assured that you will have a voice at all the Arkansas Game & Fish meetings where policy and regulations are set for hunting seasons. We work with and assist organizations that are fighting against the ever-growing anti-hunting groups. Just like with the NRA, on a smaller scale obviously, there is strength in numbers. The fee is nominal and you will be a part of an organization fighting to keep our tradition alive and strong. Aside from that, you will also get a quarterly newsletter with lots of interesting articles about your sport. If you enjoyed having the last two weeks of February re-opened this past season, you can thank the ABA and some of the AGFC commissioners.
Are the officers and field governors paid?
No. They do it at their own expense because they love the sport and want to see it continue for generations to come. On occasion, when an officer or field governor is asked to perform a task that requires a long drive, that person may be reimbursed to help offset fuel and/or boarding expenses. All the money from your dues is used to protect your sport through lobbying, contributing to pro-hunting causes as needed, and producing your newsletter. Reimbursement to the people performing those functions is part of the expense of protecting our sport.
How much are the dues?
The current annual dues for a standard membership are $15. A lifetime membership is $350. Most people will spend that much per month on sodas. The rest of our funds come from the spring and fall shoots held each year and from the occasional private donation. If every bowhunter in Arkansas were a member, our voice with the AGFC would be many times stronger.
ABA

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