Charlotte County Florida Weekly

Want to hunt for an alligator? Application process begins


 

 

Hunters can take part in the annual statewide recreational alligator harvest, which runs Aug. 15-Nov. 1.

Alligators, a conservation success story in Florida, are estimated at 1.3 million of every size and the numbers have been stable for years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

“Before you apply for alligator hunt permits, be sure to coordinate with everyone you plan to hunt with, regarding where you want to hunt, and which harvest weeks work best with everyone’s schedule,” said Steve Stiegler, FWC’s alligator program hunt coordinator.

“The application process is a random drawing, so the more choices you make, the better your chances of getting drawn. You also can increase your odds of being drawn by choosing more areas during the fourth harvest week,” Mr. Stiegler said. “However, you shouldn’t apply for any areas you feel are too far away or during weeks you’re unable to hunt.”

If undecided on where to hunt, check out harvest data from past seasons at www.MyFWC.com/Alligator under “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.”

The application period for the phase I drawing begins May 17 at 10 a.m. and runs through May 27. More than 6,000 harvest permits will be available.

Hunters can submit their application for a permit that allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated harvest unit or county. Applicants must be at least 18 by Aug. 15 and have a valid credit or debit card to apply.

Applications can be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies) and at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Applicants must provide their credit card information when they apply.

The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags cost $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for non-residents. The cost for applicants who have an alligator trapping license is $62.

Any permits remaining after the first phase will be offered during the phase II period May 31-June 10. Those who were awarded a permit in phase I may not apply during phase II. Remaining permits will be available in phase III to anyone who did not draw a permit in either of the first two phases, and they may be applied for June 14-24.

If any permits remain after phase III, there will be a fourth-phase period beginning at 10 a.m. on June 27 until all permits are sold. Anyone can apply during phase IV, even if they were awarded a permit in one of the earlier phases. Hunters who get to purchase additional permits will be charged $62, regardless of residency or disability.

For more information on alligator hunting or the application process, see the “Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida” by going to MyFWC.com/Hunting and then “By Species.” ¦

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