The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will accept electronic (internet) applications for Mississippi’s 2018 public alligator season between June 1 and June 7, with the drawing expected on or about June 13.
A total of 930 permits will be available in seven zones, under regulations approved in April for the 10-day season that opens Aug. 31 and ends Sept. 10. The new allocation numbers:
• Northwest Zone: 40 permits
• Northeast Zone: 130 permits
• West Central Zone: 180 permits
• Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone: 90 permits
• Southwest Zone: 180 permits
• South Central Zone: 150 permits
• Southeast Zone: 160 Permits
The process for issuing permits will remain the same as in 2017, beginning with the online electronic application process via the wildlife agency’s website, mdwfp.com. To be eligible 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, and you must possess a valid and unexpired hunting/fishing license.
Applications will be free, but electronic processing fees will be required. Applicants may only apply in one alligator hunting zone of their choice. Applications will be accepted on-line or at any point of sale location where Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Applications will require an email address so that those selected in the random computer drawing can be notified.
Drawn applicants will be notified by email with a link to purchase their permit with a 48-hour deadline. Upon the purchase deadline, any unclaimed permits from the first drawing will be entered into a second drawing of available applicants. Drawn applicants from the second drawing will also be notified by email with a link to purchase their permit with a 48-hour deadline. A credit card or debit card is required to complete the online permit purchase.
A private-lands alligator season is available to landowners in 34 open counties whose properties meet specific qualifications. Grenada County has been added for the private-lands season for 2018. Applications and instructions for private lands permits are available online. Applications with all required documents are accepted by mail to the Jackson Central Office beginning May 1 and must be submitted by July 1.