The process for obtaining alligator hunting permits has changed significantly for 2015. Permits will be available on a first come, first served basis and will only be available for purchase at www.mdwfp.com beginning July 14 at 9 a.m. Permits will remain on sale until all available permits have been purchased. The 2015 Mississippi public waters alligator hunting begins August 28 and runs through September 7. A total of 920 permits will be available within seven public water hunting zones across the state. Each permit will cost $150 and will require the additional purchase of a $25 Alligator Hunting License. Permits will be non-refundable and non-transferable. Each person will be limited to only one permit in a zone of their choice. To be eligible to purchase an alligator hunting permit you must be a resident of Mississippi, at least 16 years of age, and possess a valid Mississippi combination hunting/fishing license (Sportsman, All-Game, Lifetime, Exempt Senior, or Exempt Disabled). Non-residents who possess a Mississippi Lifetime or Native Lifetime License are also eligible. Each permit will allow the harvest of two alligators over four feet long, but only one may exceed seven feet in length. Hunters are required to tag all harvested alligators and conduct a mandatory harvest report. During the 2014 alligator season, 682 alligators were harvested on public waterways. An Alligator Hunting Training Course will be offered on August 15 at Roosevelt State Park for persons who purchase one of the special permits. Attendance is no longer mandatory, but highly recommended for persons who obtain a special permit. Course topics included alligator biology, research projects, legal capture and dispatching methods, skinning and processing, proper documentation, license purchasing procedures, and boating safety. For more information regarding alligator hunting rules and regulations, visit www.mdwfp.com/alligator.
