Arkansas hunting season brings in record number of alligators

Arkansas hunters killed a record number of alligators during this year’s hunting season.

In a news release, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported that 94 alligators were killed during the two long weekends designated for hunting the reptiles each year, far surpassing 2016’s record of 66 alligators.

Game and Fish biologist Mark Barbee said the record numbers come after an increase in hunting permits.

“We’ve had steady interest in hunting, and our population is in good shape,” Barbee said. “We’ve been able to increase the harvest over the years to give more hunters opportunities to participate in the hunt.”

No alligators topped the state record of 13 feet and 10 inches.

“But I’ve seen reports of a few really good 12-footers,” Barbee said.