If you’re wondering where to hunt gators in the American South, Louisiana Landsource is here to help you out! Trying to hunt an American alligator might be the perfect challenge if you’re feeling adventurous this year. In contrast to hunting deer or turkeys in the woods, alligator hunting brings new challenges. Group hunting is the best way to enjoy alligator hunting. When it comes to pursuing these big reptiles, there is quite a learning curve. The best way to harvest alligators is to go with someone who has harvested them.
You’ll probably want to harvest one of these dinosaurs again once you’ve harvested one successfully. Reptiles that spend most of their time in dirty, swampy water produce a lot of tasty meat. Today’s article aims to provide you with some basic information about alligator hunting so you can get started immediately.
Alligator Hunting Season in Florida
American alligators were once considered endangered. They were removed from the endangered species list only 14 years later. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, approximately 1.3 million alligators live in Florida.
Hunting is allowed in 65 out of 67 counties, but alligator hunting permits must be applied. There are several phases of application, beginning in mid-May and ending in late June.
Alligators’ hunting licenses are very expensive in Florida. Residents must pay $272 while non-resident must pay $1022. But if you have a Hunting and Fishing License for people with disabilities, the license will only cost you $22.
Alligator Hunting Season in Louisiana
There is a lot of leeway in Magnolia State’s hunting regulations. Archery gear, hooks, lines, and firearms are allowed. The only exception is shotguns, which are not permitted. However, it is legal to shoot a swimming alligator if you want.
A resident of Louisiana pays $25 for their alligator hunting licenses, while non-residents pay $150. The downside of Louisiana’s alligator hunting is finding a spot. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries issue the tags for private hunting areas only. To hunt areas, you must submit a map, confirmation of property ownership, hunting lease details, or a homeowner’s signature.
Alligator Hunting Season in Georgia
Alligator hunting isn’t popular in Georgia, but according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, some 250,000 of these ancient reptiles live in the state. There is a drawing process to apply for a permit. To capture an alligator and secure him via a restraining line before dispatching him, the state does not allow baited hooks, but people can use snatch hooks and wire snares. Handguns are used for dispatching the animal.
Alligator Hunting in Alabama
Unlike some other states, Alabama offers a draw-out gator hunt. The application deadline is in July. Like many other states, hunters are limited to one gator per year. The Yellowhammer state allows older hunters aged 16 and older to hunt gators.
The only difference here is hunters are restricted to .38 caliber bang sticks or shotguns. Alabama regulations dictate the maximum shot size is 4. When dispatching the gator, you must get a restraining line on it.
Alligator Hunting in Mississippi
Despite Mississippi’s low gator permit numbers, there are still some big ones to be seen. The state permits only snatch hooks, snares, harpoons, and bow fishing equipment. Baited hooks are not permitted.
In Mississippi, only bang sticks and shotguns are permitted for dispatching gators. To hunt gators, you must first purchase an alligator hunting license, which costs $25 and then acquire a gator possession permit.
Alligator Hunting in South Carolina
You may think about the Palmetto State as a gator-hunting state. It is much harder to get a permit for this state. But you can build preference points through multiple applications to improve your choices.
A South Carolina hunting license is required, as is an alligator permit. Elk permits are available in many other states. Alligator permits are $100 extra. Non-residents are required to pay the non-resident fee of $200.
Alligator Hunting in Texas
A CITES tag is required for non-resident hunters in Texas, and the state divides its seasons into core and noncore seasons according to the gator population. Texas has a large population of gators, and hunters are required to obtain a hunting license. There are some interesting wrinkles to the regulations, so carefully read how Texas Parks and Wildlife classifies the county you wish to hunt in. Alligators are only allowed to be taken from private property in Texas. They can also be taken from public waters, but only if the hunter and an assistant are with the animal.