Arkansas hunters have wrapped up another successful alligator hunting season, managing to secure the second-highest harvest of alligators in state history over the last two weekends. Despite falling short of last year’s record of 202 alligators, this year’s tally of 181 maintains an upward trend in this relatively new hunting opportunity.
Amanda Bryant, Herpetologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), expressed satisfaction with this year’s harvest, highlighting a notable increase in success rates. “Typically, we see about one-third of public land tags filled, but this year we had a remarkable 54 percent success rate on public land,” Bryant noted. “Additionally, 96 percent of the private land quota was filled.”
Weather conditions, influenced by Hurricane Helene, may have contributed to this year’s robust harvest. “The forecasted rain may have influenced some hunters to secure an alligator earlier than usual,” Bryant speculated. “Subsequently, favorable weather during the last weekend further bolstered our numbers.”
Cody Gourley of Amity exemplified the patience and strategy required for successful hunting, recounting his memorable encounter with a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator on Millwood Lake. “The second weekend was pivotal for us,” Gourley shared. “We spotted this massive gator around 9:30 PM, and after a challenging capture using a snare, it turned into an unforgettable experience.”
The management efforts have also addressed concerns about alligator populations in specific areas like Millwood Lake. “Eight public tags were available for Millwood this year, with six successfully filled,” Bryant highlighted. “This contributes to reducing human-wildlife conflicts and aligns with our conservation goals.”
In terms of regional distribution, Alligator Management Zone 1 (southwest Arkansas) and AMZ 3 (southeast Arkansas) emerged as the top zones, each yielding 87 alligators. “This year saw a unique balance between zones,” Bryant observed. “Traditionally, Zone 3 leads in harvests, making this split noteworthy.”
Alligator hunting in Arkansas remains strictly regulated, with permits issued through a public draw system for public lands and a quota system for private lands. The season spans the last two weekends of September, with hunting restricted to designated areas and methods. Hand-snaring or harpooning followed by humane dispatch are mandatory practices.
For more information on alligator hunting regulations and opportunities in Arkansas, interested parties can visit AGFC’s official website.
This season’s success underscores Arkansas’s commitment to wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices, ensuring a balanced ecosystem while offering memorable experiences for hunters statewide.
