The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks confirmed Monday that the 6971⁄2-pound alligator killed by Tom Grant’s hunting party on a private hunting club near Fitler in Issaquena County is a state record.

The record of 6971⁄2 pounds eclipsed the previous record of 6901⁄2 pounds, held by Brian Jackson of Brandon. Grant’s alligator measured 13 feet, 1⁄2 inch long. It had a belly girth of 65 inches and a tail girth of 45 inches. The state length record is 13 feet, 61⁄2 inches.

Alligator season on private land closes Oct. 1.