The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is now accepting applications for the 2026 Arkansas alligator hunting season, giving hunters the opportunity to pursue one of the state’s most unique big-game experiences.
Applications are available now through midnight July 31 at AGFC.com.
Hunters may apply for permits at 9 public hunting locations within Arkansas’ 3 Alligator Management Zones. The 2026 public hunting season will be held Sept. 18-21 and Sept. 25-28.
This year’s permit allocation includes:
Alligator Management Zone 1
Millwood Lake — 13 permits (harvest quota of 9 alligators)
Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois D’Arc Lake — 5 permits
Little River WMA — 2 permits
Lake Erling — 1 permit
Alligator Management Zone 2
Bragg Lake — 1 permit
Lake Columbia — 2 permits
Alligator Management Zone 3
Lower Arkansas River Wetland Complex near Arkansas Post — 11 permits
Yellow Lake (Pine Bluff Arsenal) — 2 permits
Delta Wetland Complex — 5 permits
AGFC Herpetologist Amanda Bryant said Millwood Lake will again operate under a harvest quota.
“We are allowing more permits on Millwood so more people have an opportunity to hunt, but once the quota of 9 alligators is reached, the hunt will end,” Bryant said.
Each permit authorizes the harvest of 1 alligator measuring at least 4 feet in length.
Hunters must be Arkansas residents, at least 16 years old when the hunt begins, and have fewer than 18 AGFC violation points. A $5 non-refundable application fee is required.
The AGFC also announced a new option for private land hunters. Beginning this season, hunters on qualifying private lands may use a bow with a detachable arrowhead, 50 feet of heavy line, and a float to initially restrain an alligator before dispatching it with approved equipment.
Successful applicants and private land hunters must complete an online orientation before participating in the hunt.
Applications and complete regulations are available now at www.agfc.com.
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