AGFC Launches Pilot Program to Pair Landowners with Alligator Hunters

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is opening a pilot program to benefit landowners in Arkansas’s alligator country as well as hunters who are looking to draw one of the state’s coveted public alligator hunting permits. From now until June 22, landowners with alligators frequenting their property can enroll their property with the AGFC’s alligator public land hunts, enabling hunters to respectfully remove any nuisance alligators through a regulated public land drawing.

“Some landowners in south Arkansas live in areas where there are alligators on their property,” AGFC Herpetologist Amanda Bryant said. “They may not want to hunt the alligators themselves or want to deal with short-term hunting leases with the quota hunt instituted on private lands, but they might be willing to let the AGFC coordinate a limited hunt through a draw system, similar to how the agency manages dove hunts and WRICE incentive-based duck hunts on private property.”

Landowners who enroll their property in the program will work with the AGFC, but will have the option to speak directly to whoever draws a permit on their property if they wish.

“We have had excellent success through similar programs in working with the hunters and landowners to ensure the property provided for the hunt is maintained, fences are closed and no damage is done to the land,” Bryant said. “The form the landowner fills out will also specify how many hunting parties they will allow on their property to ensure there are no user conflicts.”

The 2026 Arkansas alligator hunting season is Sept. 18-21 and Sept. 26-29. Only night hunting is allowed. Visit www.agfc.com/alligator for more information on rules and application windows.

Click here to enroll your land by June 22. 

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