A new application/permitting process for the 2017 alligator hunting season on public waters and private land has been approved by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Applications can be made June 1-7.
The statewide public waters season includes opportunities in specific public waterways. There are no changes to public water zones or the number of permits available, compared to the last three years.
A total of 920 alligator hunting permits will be available within 7 hunting zones across the state for the 10-day season that runs August 25 through September 4.
Applications will be accepted electronically via purchase at any location that sells MS Hunting/Fishing Licenses, by phone at (800)540-4868, and online.
A credit or debit card is required to complete the online permit purchase.
Applicants must have one of the following 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.
A voluntary Alligator Hunting Training Course will be offered for permit holders July 15.
To be eligible to apply for an alligator hunting permit, hunters must be a resident of Mississippi, and at least 16 years of age at the time of application. A processing fee will be charged for applications, and an email address is required at the time the application is made because winners will be notified by email.
Customers may purchase an application in only one alligator hunting zone of their choice: Northwest, Northeast, West Central, Southwest, South Central, Southeast and the Pearl Ross Barnett Zone.
A random drawing for each hunting zone will be held around June 14, and winners will be sent, by email, a link to purchase their permit which costs $200. Winners have 48 hours to complete their online permit purchase.
A second drawing will be held around June 26 to to fill any unpurchased permits that remain from the first drawing. Winners of the second drawing also will be notified by email, and have 48 hours to purchase their permit.
Applicants are encouraged to review their application receipt and email confirmation to be sure they have applied for the correct zone and that their email address is correct. If there is an error, customers must call the MDWFP immediately to make corrections.
A private lands alligator hunting season is available to landowners whose properties meet specific qualifications within 33 open counties. Two additional counties, Coahoma and Tallahatchie, were included in the private lands season for 2017.
Applications and instructions for private lands permits are available online.
Applications are accepted in May and June and must be submitted by July 1.