Can You Hunt Alligators?
In Louisiana, you can hunt alligators; however, there are a few regulations and fees you need to be aware of before heading out.
What You Need To Know
In our state, the wild alligator season begins on the first Wednesday of September and continues for 30 days, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). They say an alligator hunter must have alligator CITES tags to hunt alligators. These tags are issued by the Department on property containing sufficient alligator habitat capable of sustaining an alligator harvest. Alligator hunters apply for alligator tags prior to the season.
“People not possessing or having permission to hunt alligators on property can harvest alligators as an alligator sport hunter while accompanied by a guide. A guide must be an alligator hunter possessing tags. Alligator Sport Hunter License cost $25 for Louisiana residents and $150 for non-residents. Below is a list of potential guides for alligator sport hunters. ” – Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries
For more information and a full list of guides visit: https://www.louisianaalligators.com/hunting-guides.html
Alligator Lottery
Through the Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, LDWF gives out more than 400 licensed resident alligator hunters the opportunity to harvest 1,245 alligators on over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state.
Lottery applications are available mid-May of each year. Lottery applicants must be Louisiana residents, at least 16 years of age, and comply with hunter education requirements.
Successful applicants must:
- Purchase a resident Alligator Hunter License ($25)
- Pay a set fee per alligator harvest tag issued (around $40 per tag)
- Appear in person at a designated time and location to receive license, tags, and specific instructions
- Sign and abide by the Alligator Hunting Agreement
- Follow all LDWF and all applicable WMA/public lake rules, regulations, and ordinances
- Report alligator harvest information to LDWF.
Each successful applicant will receive three alligator harvest tags for the WMA or public lake they were selected to hunt.
For more information visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/alligator-lottery