Don’t start getting out the camo and cleaning your guns just yet, alligator hunting season isn’t until August. However, it is almost time to apply for your permit.
During a public meeting on April 19, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks approved a few rule changes for the 2017 alligator hunting season on public waters and private lands in Mississippi.
The number of permits available, 920, will stay the same as years before. The permits will be available within seven hunting zones for the 10-day season. Permit applications will be accepted from June 1-7, 2017 for the season that begins on August 25 and lasts through September 2, 2017.
“The zones are divided geographically across the state,” said MDWFP Ricky Flynt. “Most are divided by interstates and highway.”
This year applications will be accepted electronically, followed by a random drawing. The first drawing is scheduled to take place around June 14.
Applicants who are drawn will be notified by email with a link to purchase their permit within a 48-hour deadline. Any un-purchased permits from the first drawing will also be entered into the second and so on.
“Each permit holder will be allowed to harvest two alligators from the zone they were drawn for. Those alligators have to be at least four feet long and only one of those can exceed seven feet.” said Flynt.
In order to apply for an alligator hunting permit you must be a resident of Mississippi, at least 16 years of age at the time of application. The applications are free, but electronic processing fees will be applied. You many only register for one alligator hunting permit zone.
“Basically you have to have a Mississippi hunting and fishing license on file in order to fill out the application in June,” said Flynt.
A private lands alligator hunting season is available to landowners whose properties meet specific qualifications within 33 open counties. Two additional counties, Coahoma and Tallahatchie, were included in the private lands season for 20117. More information is online at www.mdwfp.com.
