ALLIGATOR (cont.)

Zones were able to hunt through a quota-based system similar to private land elk hunting and bear hunting in Arkansas. They were required to obtain a permit through the AGFC’s online licensing system.

Harvested gators had to be reported as soon as possible to the AGFC.

In Zone 1, 64 total alligators were harvested.

Thirteen of those animals came from public land. In Zone 2, six alligators were taken. No public land opportunities were available in Zone 2, so each of the six came from private land. Alligator Management Zone 3 saw the highest harvest, with 87 alligators taken (11 of which came from public land).

Barbee said that although some public land tags were left unfilled by the end of the hunt, it was not for lack of opportunity.

“All of the public land hunters I’ve talked to pretty much saw gators,” Barbee said. “But they tend to hold out for a little larger one.

Many have told me in the past that they passed on 8and 9-foot gators, hoping for a 10-footer or better, and time ran out on them.

But they always say they had a great experience and an opportunity to harvest.”

Photo courtesy of AGFC

Right: Jagger East (middle) stands with his helpers Gilson Elam (left) and Carson Bumgardner and the 12-foot, 5-inch alligator they harvested from Sulphur River WMA during the 2022 Arkansas alligator season.