Gator draw process begins June 1

Public-water alligator hunting permits are among the most-highly prized pieces of paper among a growing legion of Mississippi sportsmen. The process to get one for 2020 starts June 1.

According to Ricky Flynt, the alligator program director for he Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, there are no major changes for the 2020 season. A total of 960 permits will be available, spread across seven zones. The season will open at noon on Aug. 28 and end at noon on Sept. 7. Each permit will allow holder to harvest two alligators, only one of which can be 7 feet or longer.

The drawing process will be by random computer draw at noon on June 15 from applications submitted between 10 a.m. June 1 and 10 a.m. June 8. A $2.34 electronic processing fee is charged.

Applicants may only apply once and in one alligator hunting zone of their choice. Applications will be accepted on-line at www.mdwfp.com or at any point-of-sale location where Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Permits

Winners will be notified by email and will have until noon on June 17 to purchase their permits via an electronic link in their email notification. Permits are $200. An additional alligator hunting license is $25 is required for permit holders and each member of their hunting parties.

Any unpurchased permits from the first drawing will be entered in a second drawing of remaining available applicants. The second drawing will take place at noon on June 23. Round 2 winners will be notified by email and will have until noon June 25 to purchase their permit.

A credit card or debit card and a valid email address is required to complete the online application and permit purchase.

To be eligible to apply for a permit, you must be a resident of Mississippi, at least 16 years of age at the time of application. Non-residents with a Mississippi lifetime license are eligible.

Applicants must have one of these licenses to be eligible to apply: a valid Mississippi 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 Lifetime License.

For more information, visit mdwfp.com.