Woman Catches Huge Gator in Arkansas on First Day of Alligator Hunting Season

Last Friday, September 15 was the first day of Alligator hunting season in Arkansas and Melissa Phillips and her family caught a huge 12' 2" long male alligator that weighed 530lbs in Lewisville, Arkansas.

This is Melissa's third gator to catch. Her first gator she ever caught was ten years ago and it was a big one too at 12 feet long. Her second one was 9'8". She beat her previous record with this new one by 2 inches.

I recently went paddle boarding only to later find out I was in a lake with a possible alligator or two, I asked Melissa if alligators are naturally aggressive she said,

Alligators are not aggressive until you snare them or they feel like their life is in danger. Once you catch one (snare or harpoon), then the fight is on, and the adrenaline kicks in. I've been an avid hunter all my life, and alligator hunting is my favorite!

Phillips' name was pulled from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission alligator lottery pull and she feels blessed to have her name drawn.

Her name has now been drawn twice and her husband's name has been drawn once. Between them, they have caught 4 alligators and have used the hides to make boots, belts, holsters slings and more. They also have the heads mounted.

The great thing is that this big gator won't go to waste. They are able to share the meat with others. Melissa said the jaw meat and tail are the best part.

Her first catch pictured below was a big one back in 2013 at 12 feet long.

The AGFC allows for hunting on private land but there is a quota and hunters must call the AGFC Wildlife Hotline at (833) 345-0398 for Alligator Management Zone Quota Status to determine if the season zone quota has been met or not. Alligator Hunting Season ends on September 25.

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