Sportsmen eager to hunt the state’s largest reptile species this fall can apply for permits in new hunting areas. The application period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Hunters can choose from ten areas in south Arkansas. This year, Alligator Management Zone (AMZ) 3 features two new areas: Yellow Lake in the Pine Bluff Arsenal, offering one permit, and the Delta Wetland Complex (including Lake Grampus, Lake Wallace, Lake Enterprise, Lake Chicot, and Grand Lake), with six permits.
AMZ 2 also has two new hunting areas for the first time: Lake Columbia and Bragg Lake, each offering one permit.
“Hunters applying for Yellow Lake should note Pine Bluff Arsenal’s special regulations,” said Eric Brinkman, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission assistant chief of fisheries. “Only Yellow Lake is open for alligator hunting, and hunters must pass a background check administered by PBA personnel.”Available Hunts for 2024 Season
**AMZ 1:**
– Millwood Lake: 8 permits
– Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois D’Arc WMA: 4 permits
– Little River: 5 permits
– Sulphur River WMA: 1 permit
– Lake Erling: 1 permit
**AMZ 2:**
– Bragg Lake: 1 permit
– Lake Columbia: 1 permit
**AMZ 3:**
– Lower Arkansas River Wetland Complex: 19 permits
– Yellow Lake (Pine Bluff Arsenal): 1 permit
– Delta Complex: 6 permits
Each permit allows the harvest of one alligator, which must be at least 4 feet long. Hunting is allowed 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the approved alligator hunting season dates – September 20-23 and September 27-30. Permit holders can have up to three assistants, but only the permit holder may snare, harpoon, and dispatch the alligator.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old on the hunt date and Arkansas residents. Those with 18 or more AGFC violation points cannot apply. The application requires a $5 nonrefundable processing fee.
Private land hunters in AMZ 1, 2, or 3 can purchase a private land alligator tag in addition to their big-game hunting license. They must call the wildlife hotline (833-345-0398) nightly to check if the quota is met. If it is, the hunt ends early.
All alligator hunters must complete an online hunt orientation before going to the field.
For more information, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.
