Prospective alligator hunters could soon have a chance to land big game in central Mississippi.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will offer 24 alligator hunting permits for the Pelahatchie Bay area of Ross Barnett Reservoir. There will be two hunting periods in May.
Applications for the special occasions will be accepted by the department from March 3-14. Each hunt period will allow 12 permit holders among permit holders among six hunting parties.
Dates of the hunt
- Period one: May 2 at noon until May 5 at noon
- Period two: May 9 noon until May 12 at noon
Additional Information
- This is a partnership application.
- Each permit holder will be allowed to harvest two alligators over six feet long.
- There will be areas established as “no hunting zones” in portions of water near residential areas.
- Other restrictions will apply and harvest reporting is required.
- Each permit will cost $100 and all participants in the hunting parties are required to possess an alligator hunting license ($25) and a combination type hunting license.
“This alligator hunting season is set during the breeding season for alligators and prior to the emergence of aquatic vegetation that restricts boating access in hopes to enhance hunting success for adult breeding female alligators,” a release from the MDWFP reads. “This is an effort to try to reduce breeding populations of female alligators in Pelahatchie Bay.”
