Quota applications must be received by July 31 for a chance to hunt a Georgia alligator.
A total of 1,000 applicants will be selected for the 2016 alligator hunting season which begins August 19 at sunset and ends October 3 at sunrise, according to the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.
In 2015, hunters harvested 325 alligators with an average length of 8 feet, 6 inches; the longest gator measured 14 feet, 1 inch.
“We fully expect to have 10,000 or more applications submitted for the 1,000 permits available,” said John Bowers, chief of the Game Management Section. “Alligator hunting is quite the opportunity and I encourage all Georgia hunters to consider submitting an application for this amazing resource.”
In Georgia, alligators typically live south of the fall line, which roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta, occupying a variety of natural wetland habitats including marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes. Opportunistic carnivores, turtles and fish are the alligator’s most common food, but they also eat small mammals, aquatic insects, crayfish, frogs and water birds.
Applications can be made online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/quota.
The quota hunt system allows applicants to sign up for a chance at a quota hunt using their existing license purchase account. Those applying should be sure to keep their email and mailing address current to be able to receive quota updates, confirmations and notices about quota hunts.
Application status can be checked online after the July 31 deadline.
Selected hunters will receive a temporary harvest tag and information packet by mail in early August.
For more information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Alligator.