Mississippi is gearing up for its 18th alligator hunting season as permit applications open this week.
Applications for the 960 available permits will be open from 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1 through 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8. A random drawing for the permits will be conducted by a third-party entity in mid-June with the 10-day season starting on Friday, August 26 and lasting through Monday, September 5.
The breakdown of applications per hunting zone:
- Northwest – 40
- Northeast – 130
- West Central – 190
- Pearl/Ross Barnett – 100
- Southwest – 190
- South Central – 150
- Southeast – 160
According to MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt, 6,000 people applied for a permit in 2021.
“It’s going up slightly every year,” Flynt said. “I think about three years ago, we were at 4,100 to 4,500 applications and it went up to 6,000 last year. It’s becoming very popular.”
Applications for the 2022 alligator hunting season are free, but there is a processing fee of $2.29 to $2.34. Applications will be accepted online at www.mdwfp.com or at any point of sale location where Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
To be eligible to apply, you must be at least 16 years of age and possess one of the following valid resident licenses: Sportsman License, All-Game Hunting/Fishing License, Small Game Hunting/Fishing License, Apprentice Sportsman License, Apprentice All Game License, Apprentice Small Game License, Senior Exempt License, Disabled Exempt License, or a Lifetime License.
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