5/30/2007

USFWS approves alligator hunt; permit process begins

LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently approved an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plan to open an alligator hunting season.

“The USFWS Division of Scientific Authority finds the export of properly tagged skins, meat and other parts and products of American alligator harvested in 2007 in Arkansas by sport hunting will not be detrimental to the survival of the species,” stated the USFWS letter of approval, received May 15.

The alligator hunt – seven years in the making – has been approved for one year with reports and monitoring required for subsequent hunts.

The online application process for hunters begins June 1 and ends at midnight, June 29. Applicants with Internet access may complete the required form at www.agfc.com. Applicants must print the confirmation page at the end of the application.

Those who wish to apply but do not have Internet access may call one of these AGFC regional offices toll-free during regular business hours for assistance in completing the form:

BeaverLake – (866) 253-2506
Brinkley – (877) 734-4581
Calico Rock – (877) 297-4331
Camden – (877) 836-4612
Fort Smith – (877) 478-1043
Hope – (877) 777-5580
Hot Springs – (877) 525-8606
Jonesboro – (877) 972-5438
Little Rock – (800) 440-1477
Monticello – (877) 367-3559
Russellville – (877) 967-7577 

Each applicant must have a valid resident big game license. Hunters must attend a training workshop in late August to become eligible to take an alligator. 

Applicants may apply for only one of two hunts and only one hunt location. The first hunt will begin 30 minutes after sunset Friday, Sept. 21, and run until 30 minutes before sunrise Monday, Sept. 24. The second hunt will begin 30 minutes after sunset Friday, Sept. 28, and run until 30 minutes before sunrise Monday, Oct. 1. The bag limit is one alligator at least 4 feet long.

Find out more by visiting www.agfc.com.