Alligator season, regulations set

Alligator hunters will have 960 permits for the 2019 season, up from 930 in 2018.
Alligator hunters will have 960 permits for the 2019 season, up from 930 in 2018.

The application process for Mississippi’s 2019 alligator hunting season will begin May 31 at 10 a.m., with only electronic applications accepted through 10 a.m. on June 6.

It will be the 15th year of alligator hunting in Mississippi, growing from 50 weekend-only permits on Barnett Reservoir in 2005 to a statewide 10-day season (Aug. 31-Sept. 10) with a total of 960 permits.

The number of permits offered has increased by 30 from last year, with 10 each added to the Barnett Reservoir, Southwest and West Central zones. The seven zones with available permits, are: Northwest (40), Northeast (130), West Central (190), Southwest (190), South Central (150) and the upper Pearl River area of Barnett Reservoir (100).

The application process is an electronic procedure that requires an email address and a processing fee of slightly more than $2. It can be done anywhere Mississippi licenses are sold or by phone (1-800-5-Go Hunt). Applicants may only apply once in one zone of their choice. To be eligible to apply:

  • You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of purchase.
  • You must possess one of the following valid resident licenses to be eligible: 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.
  • Non-residents need not apply.

Ricky Flynt, the alligator program coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, advises that applicants make the process easier with these tips.

“Make sure your hunting and fishing license is up to date prior to applying, and after applying, check your receipt to make sure you applied for the right zone you wanted and your email address is correct,” he said. “This can save a lot of heartache later.”

Flynt said the drawing will be held on or about June 12. Those drawn will be immediately notified through the email provided and will have 48 hours to complete their purchase of the $200 permit. Any permits unclaimed within the 48-hour window will be awarded during a second draw on or about June 24, open to only those applicants not selected during the first draw.

For more information on alligator hunting in Mississippi, including complete regulations and application process, visit https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/alligator-program/

About Bobby Cleveland 1343 Articles
Bobby Cleveland has covered sports in Mississippi for over 40 years. A native of Hattiesburg and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Cleveland lives on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson with his wife Pam.