American Alligator

AR American Alligator Hunting Guide

ARBig Game
Alligator mississippiensisArkansasBig Game

Also known as: Gator, American alligator

The American alligator is found in the southern and eastern portions of Arkansas, primarily in the Arkansas Delta and along the Gulf Coastal Plain. Alligators in Arkansas represent the northwestern edge of the species' range. Arkansas has offered a limited alligator hunting season since 2007, with only a few hundred permits issued annually through a random drawing. Alligators inhabit swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes throughout their Arkansas range.

Hunting Season

Sept 19โ€“22 & Sept 26โ€“29, 2025. Nighttime only (1/2 hr after sunset โ€“ 1/2 hr before sunrise). Season ends when quota is reached or Sept 29 at 30 min before sunrise.

Bag Limit: 1 alligator per permit (drawing permit required).
Size Limit: Minimum 4 feet total length (snout to tip of tail).

Frequently Asked Questions

Regulations for hunting American Alligator in Arkansas

Arkansas alligator hunting is by drawing permit only. The season runs two 4-day weekends in late September, with hunting allowed only at night. All harvested alligators must be at least 4 feet long. Public land hunts require a drawn permit (apply July 1โ€“31). Private land hunts are quota-based with a daily check-in. A USFWS CITES tag must be affixed 6 inches from the tip of the tail after check-in.

When is American Alligator hunting season in Arkansas?

Sept 19โ€“22 & Sept 26โ€“29, 2025. Nighttime only (1/2 hr after sunset โ€“ 1/2 hr before sunrise). Season ends when quota is reached or Sept 29 at 30 min before sunrise.

What is the bag limit for American Alligator in Arkansas?

1 alligator per permit (drawing permit required).

What's another name for American Alligator?

American Alligator is also known as Gator, American alligator in Arkansas.

References

State Category Directory Subcategory Content Source
Arkansas Hunting Regulations Season Dates Sept 19โ€“22 & Sept 26โ€“29, 2025. Nighttime only (1/2 hr after sunset โ€“ 1/2 hr before sunrise). Season ends when quota is r Link
Arkansas Hunting Regulations Regulations Arkansas alligator hunting is by drawing permit only. The season runs two 4-day weekends in late September, with hunting Link