Alligator Hunting Season Draws Near

The first phase of the state's alligator hunting permitting process expired last week. 

But don't fret if you missed the deadline. You still may have a chance to grab yourself a gator.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin another permitting phase on June 7. So the time to prepare is now.

The commission has more than 5,000 permits available to participate in the 11-week alligator season, which runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1. That means, whatever permits are leftover from the May 12 deadline phase will be made available starting June 7.

The application process is conducted in three phases and begins by submitting a no-cost application at any tax collector’s office, license agent or through the Internet at http://License.MyFWC.com.

The June 7 permitting phase runs through June 12. Permits will be awarded during those dates. Another permitting phase will begin on June 14 until all are sold.

Alligator trapping licenses and two hide-validation tags costs $272 for Florida residents and $1,022 for nonresidents, according to a press release issued by the FWC. No other hunting license or permits are required to participate in the hunts.

Each permit enables you to take two alligators from whichever county or body of water you were awarded during a specific harvest period. To purchase a permit, you must be at least 18 years old by opening day on Aug. 15.

Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator and click on “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program” for more information on the state's gator hunting policy.