", 'Naked and Afraid': Couple from Discovery TV show hunt gators in Florida. In 2011, 8,103 gators were taken, well up above the number just a . Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Owner John Price checks on his alligators Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. 2016 Hunting Season The Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, which provides approximately 1,245 alligators for harvest by resident alligator hunters at over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state, is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. So what is the explanation given by experts? Because of its larger caliber, he believes it is possible to put more energy into a shot, but it is also possible to damage something in the process. Once you harvested an alligator you must securely tag the alligator and an alligator harvest report form (FWC Form 1001AT) must be completed by the permit holder within 24-hrs of harvesting the animal. 28 See Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Market Mechanisms: Understanding the Options (Apr. ALLIGATOR FACT SHEET HISTORY The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. Do you have a hunting permit or license in Florida to hunt alligators? Alligator hunters must have a valid Florida hunting license, and must take an alligator hunting safety course. The Florida alligator hunting laws are quite simple. If finally approved, it would take effect with eggs collected next year. Alligator Protections Under the Law He is the environmental services and facilities director for the City of Tallahassee. Where regulations existed, mostly on a local level, enforcement was lacking.6 Hunting during that era was also less recreational in nature and more about obtaining alligator hides for sale. Alligators in this part of the state (tributaries of the Mississippi River) have significantly more body mass than alligators anywhere else in the state.. People enjoy the excitement of the hunt as well as the excitement of seeing an alligator in the wild. On hooks and lines, alligator hunters may use firearms (except shotguns) to harvest free swimming alligators or dispatch them. Its 1,066 more than the second-place alligator hunting destination, Lake Okeechobee. Swamp People follows a group of alligator hunters as they hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting season. Yet it also is a point of controversy between the FWCC and animal rights advocates based on fundamental disagreements over both the need for the program, and also the methods employed to manage the population. A larger caliber would be more powerful, but it would also increase the likelihood of causing damage. How much is an alligator worth in Louisiana? If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues hunting licenses for alligators. In 1975, the American alligator was also listed as an Appendix I species during the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thereby prohibiting the export of alligator hides.13. 47 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2016 Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida, http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/. accounted for an average of over 56 fatalities per year, compared to an average of about 1 fatality per year from alligator attacks in the United States (Forrester et al. endstream endobj 170 0 obj <. ~ From the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Greg Braselton, a certified alligator hunter from South Carolina, recommends using a 17 HMR or a 22 WMR when shooting an alligator. That didnt seem to faze Price on a sunny Octoberafternoon as he threw open the door to one of the low-slung barns where his animals live, even as he pointed to the scars on his arms and hands he's gotten from them. Each permit allows its holder to harvesttwo alligators, so up to 15,358 alligators could be killed this season. Try to approach an alligator as quietly as you can, using either an electric trolling motor or paddles. Alligator hunters finished the season strong after a slow start. If youre catching a research alligator, make sure to keep a record of the tag number (usually six digits), length, tail notch(es), and sex of the animal. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a credit or debit card, which can be used at any bank. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligators during the 11-week season, according to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A scared alligator is usually also a distant one, getting far away as quickly and silently as possible. Heres what to know, Signs of Everglades recovery emerge. The advisory also means the public should avoid fishing and boating. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Hunting season generally runs from August 15 through November 1 of each year. While accompanied by a guide, a non-resident or person who is not a resident of the state may harvest alligators as a sport hunter on private property without the use of a hunting license or permission. Thats a direct addition to the bottom line, he said. 68A-25.001 (2006) (Feeding or Enticement of Crocodilians Unlawful). Some will say this is never an option and that human development should yield to the alligators; after all, they have been around for millions of years longer than humans.30 Others will contend that there is no such thing as a good alligator and, therefore, their complete elimination from Florida would be welcomed, perhaps like the disease-carrying mosquito.31 The vast majority of Florida residents, however, fall somewhere in between. 2d 1095, 1097 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002). Alligators may be taken only by the use of artificial lures, or baited wooden pegs less than two inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spear guns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. 7 See, e.g., Endocrine Disruptors Start a Medical Revolution: From Alligators to Humans, Science Daily (Jan. 5, 2014), available at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140105102505.htm. 1939-60: Commercial harvest averages 18,005 per year; 1962-72: Louisiana's alligator season is closed statewide; officials turn attention to research and management of the resource; . 26 Hanrahan v. Hometown America LLC, 90 So. More so, when harvesting alligators, NEVER assume an alligator is dead and does not need to be secured properly. Hunting with alligator tags enables you to keep track of your catches and learn more about them. Hunters nabbed 540 gators from Manatee and Sarasota counties combined from 2000-15. When the program was first implemented, the percentage of hatched 48-inch alligators that had to be released into the wild within two years was 17 percent. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. hbbd```b``"fHH &o^DY;`,X A Mozambique court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking of lion and rhinoceros parts. Additional pressures arose in the mid-1900s as Floridas population skyrocketed from around 2 million in 19403 to almost 10 million by 1980.4 Pressure from hunting was also a factor. When they get larger, the scales are too big. Alligators that are nuisance animals can be removed from their natural habitat or relocated to another location if they are deemed a threat. A hunter must have his or her license and one or more current alligator harvesting tags in addition to his or her license. Alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for March, 2022 by Capt. A Quota Alligator Harvest Permit (or free permit if applicable) and a Harvest Record are required for hunters to hunt alligator. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 If you want to hunt alligators in Florida, youll have to pay a hefty price. All rights reserved. However, challenges still remain. The American alligators range extends from the south tip of Texas to the northeastern edge of North Carolina. Numerous alligator encounters have been documented and reported by the media, many of which ended in serious injury or death. The average male alligator size is approximately 11 feet and the average female is around 8 feet long, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Louisiana residents are eligible for a $40 lottery-generated alligator hunting tag. But not all: 12 percent of hatched 4-footers must be returned to the wild within two years of the eggs being collected. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. (to control the number of alligators that may be harvested from each area). That hasnt always been the case. It is a free-for-all. 16 See Jackson Landers, Alligators in Your Backyard, Slate (Feb. 19, 2013), available at http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/animal_forecast/2013/02/alligators_in_virginia_climate_change_could_be_pushing_cold_blooded_species.html. The program has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource, Sapp said. Typically, hunters kill about70 percent of the harvest quota. When you think of Florida, images of sandy beaches, orange groves dotted with fragrant white blossoms, or the many cypress swamps and wetlands might come to mind. It wont take long before you notice a set of eyes perched just above the water level, keeping a lookout for any activity or maybe a potential meal. Alligators can be hunted using a variety of methods, including firearms, bows, and spears. It reminds us that even in a highly developed and populated state such as Florida, there are areas and animals that will always remain wild and untamed. People can call a toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators and the Commission evaluates these complaints to determine if an alligator should be removed. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), is inviting hunters from throughout the state to apply for an alligator hunting license. Most of them are then sold for their hides, meat and other parts. That gator taken in the Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone grew only 24.8 inches in the 13 years since being tagged June 14, 2007. Alligator hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the state, and you can only hunt during specific times of the year. A statewide alligator hunt permit is required to take alligators on a statewide basis in Florida. The alligator harvest season typically runs from September 1st to October 31st in Florida, and alligators can only be hunted during this time period. Since the time 2003-2005, this area of the Mississippi Delta has seen a tremendous increase in the Asian carp population, the MWDFP stated. Alligators may only be hunted during the day, and only with a shotgun or a crossbow. For people under the age of 15, a license to participate is not required. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! There is no clear-cut winner in this game. Alligator trapping licenses cost significantly more to obtain from out-of-state applicants than they do to residents of Florida. Possession of alligator hide that has not been tagged is prohibited. Permits are randomly assigned during Phase I, II, and III, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis during Phase IV. Everybody knows we got alligators all over the place, he said. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. A safari jeep full of tourists were observing two fighting rhinos when the animals suddenly turned their attention on the jeep and charged. Alligators are common throughout Florida, but they are more prevalent in the states Alligator Capital, the Everglades. The alligator population in this state is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been stable for many years. Providing recreational opportunities and revenue, hunting decreases competition for a finite supply of food and habitat, and reduces the likelihood of human-species interactions. Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.1. The statewide alligator hunt does not permit guests. Alligator hunting is regulated by state wildlife agencies, and laws vary from state to state. 17 University of Florida Bureau of Economic Business Research, Florida Estimates of Population 2015, available at http://edr.state.fl.us/Content/population-demographics/data/PopulationEstimates2015.pdf. Angie Douthit, South County Inshore & Freshwater: December 2021, 2020 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Results. While necessary to support a growing population and economy, these chemicals were believed to be contributing to a variety of maladies, such as endocrine disruption, decrease in egg viability, and neural decline.7 Eutrophication of water bodies and fertilizer runoff also affected the alligator.8 Green algae that choked water bodies and prevented light infiltration to the water column caused an imbalance in the food chain affecting the availability of prey.9 As a result of these various factors, the population of alligators declined. American crocodiles primarily inhabit coastal swamps and rivers in extreme southern Florida. On average, over the past 20 years, there have been approximately 10 unprovoked alligator bites per year on people in Florida, the majority of which were considered major requiring medical care beyond first aid to treat the wounds.19 Approximately 7 percent of these unprovoked encounters resulted in a fatality.20. The American alligator is the largest land reptile in North America. The average male alligator size is approximately 11 feet and the. The highest number of harvest unit permits were issued in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Johns River, and Lake Kissimmee.41 In addition to applying for a permit, hunters must also obtain two CITES tags as well as an alligator trapping license. As their population rebounded, today reaching an estimated 1.2 million in Florida, species management is necessary. Estimate the number of inches between the bump on the gator's snout and its eyes. The statewide numbers aren't quite so dramatic. ED KILLER/TCPALM. Louisiana residents will have an excellent chance to get their hands on some alligator hunting equipment. Protecting People Conservationists win because alligators' habitat and the gators themselves are being protected and increased. Over the years, many different law and policy approaches to reaching this proper balance have been attempted, ranging from the more traditional command-and-control regulatory approach to the more modern market-based approach,28 for example. Its imperative that anyone permitted to harvest alligators be aware of, and abide by the regulations. The severity of the danger or injury could influence duty as well. One sometimes controversial regulatory tool in the species management toolbox is harvesting (a command-and-control regulatory approach),29 or as the layperson might refer to it, hunting. Unlike commercial trapping seen on TV, hunters follow strict guidelines to hunt in FL. If you are one of the fortunate few that received a harvest permit and are not familiar with the hunt, you can hire a guide or outfitter as long as they are a licensed alligator trapper or agent. As a result, the lake elevation is slightlyless than 12 feet 6 inches instead of theaverage of nearly 14 feet for mid-August. Another important protection involves the duty of an owner or occupant to warn others regarding the presence or potential of a dangerous condition, such as wild animals. Louisiana has an alligator harvest that dates back hundreds of years. Then came the body cavity search, Motorcyclist launched from bike when his girlfriend hits him with truck, Florida cops say, A man went in for kidney removal. Florida, the sunshine state teeming with alligators. Their numbers declined significantly until the federal and state governments began to implement important legal protections designed to bring back the species from the edge of extinction. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. Only time will tell whether harvesting will remain a viable tool for population control. A female alligator guards her nest in the Louisiana marsh. In Florida, crocodiles are protected as a federally endangered species. If you are interested to hunt alligators, the Louisiana alligator program is a great way to get involved in hunting and trapping alligators. Ordinary care, however, does not mean the owner must prevent all injuries, but rather that the owner should use reasonable care to discover dangerous conditions on the property and to protect visitors from or inform visitors about those discovered conditions. Whereas, the American crocodile is brown/tan in color with dark splotches on the sides and tail; it has a narrow snout; and the fourth tooth of its lower jaw projects outside the upper jaw. Permits are assigned in each unit or county based on a calendar year. Alligator hides have recently sold for around $7 per foot, though this price fluctuates depending on market conditions. Ranchers wont actually be able to return the lower percentage until 2018 at the earliest. Hunting season generally runs from August 15 through November 1 of each year.42 Hunting is allowed only at night and in the morning, between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m.43 Two alligators are allowed per permit without size limitations except that hatchlings cannot be taken (i.e., a minimum 18 inches from tip of snout to tip of tail).44 There are several legal methods of taking alligators including, but not limited to, bows, crossbows, gigs, spears, harpoons, spear guns, hand lines, fishing poles, and bang sticks. Human development is often pitted against nature while simultaneously wrestling with social and economic implications. 5 See Allan R. Woodward, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, History of American Alligator Regulations in the U.S.A. (June 12, 2007). The Commission offers a limited number of permits through a random drawing process. When the state of Floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in 1988, alligator hunting was established in 1988. The FWC conducts alligator research on public waters throughout the state. Interest in alligators as a source of meat and leather dates back to the early 19th century. Hunting American alligators for sport is permitted by law in certain circumstances and with a state license. Indeed, alligator ranchers across the state got some good news last month: The commission that regulates their industry voted to lower the proportion of ranched alligators that must be returned to the wild, starting next year. Alligator seasons are available in Louisiana. The heaviest gator harvested in Florida was a1,043 pounder measuring13 feet 10.5inches takenApril 17, 1989, in Orange County through the nuisance alligator program. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building Hunting as a Management Tool Customers who have a valid FWC Resident Disability License are exempt from the purchase of an Alligator Trapping Agent License. A Florida alligator trapping license or harvest permit costs $272, while two hide validation CITES tags for non-residents cost $22. Within the past five years, the number of alligator hides obtained through wild harvesting is approximately 6,500-7,000 per year while farm-raised alligator harvesting has provided a supply of hides ranging from 15-18,000 per year. Photos of the alligator, hunters and tag courtesy of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Alligator hunting is frequently used to remove large gators from areas. "The prices are about 30 percent down from last year," Greenwood Gator Farms and Tours owner Tim Domangue said. The current prices for alligators are $20 per foot for a 9-foot or longer gator, $17 for 8 feet, $13-$15 for 7 feet and $13-$14 for 6 feet, according to local hunters and processors. Alligators or alligator hides cannot be sold to the general public unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer. Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida. This program is a model for other states and countries to properly manage and conserve important animal species. More than 87,000 between 2000 and 2015 by the FWC, which coordinates two gator hunting programs: the statewide nuisance alligator program and the recreational statewide alligator harvest program. This change in status allowed the FWC to initiate management of the nuisance alligator problem through harvesting which continues today. The American alligator can be found from parts of the Florida Keys all the way to the western panhandle. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 36 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt Summary Report; David Shiffman, 298 Bears Killed in Florida Hunt that Ignored Science, Washington Post, Oct. 29, 2015, available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/10/29/298-bears-killed-in-florida-hunt-that-ignored-science/?utm_term=.42cf5cfab9a9. 35 Michael R. Conover, Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts: The Science of Wildlife Damage Management 48 (2002). 10 32 Federal Register No. They're carnivorous predators, and it's not unusual for them to lose teeth on a difficult kill. Alligators may not be hunted at night, and only during the daytime hours of sunrise to sunset. Most of all, stay safe. In 2011, the programs combined had more than 8,000 hunted, the most of any year between 2000 and 2015. However, the act was amended in 1969 to cover amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, and crustaceans, including an increase in penalties and even prison time. Accurate estimates of species counts coupled with the issuance of the right number of hunting permits can take much-needed pressure off a species that is often competing for a portion of an insufficient supply of habitat or food.33 Hunting also provides recreational opportunities as well as a revenue source to the state through licensing, gear, guides, meat, and hide sales.34 Moreover, hunting offers the added benefit of reducing the possibility of human-animal impacts.35 Florida witnessed this most recently in the much publicized and highly controversial black bear hunt.36 However, hunting for charismatic mega-fauna like the black bear generally attracts a different type and level of attention than the hunting of the mysterious and ominous alligator. The license costs $272 for residents and $1,022 for non-residents. Alligator hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the state, and you can only hunt during specific times of the year. %PDF-1.5 % The nuisance program is one of five components of Floridas comprehensive Alligator Management Program. Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. The severity of the alligators plight was finally downgraded, including reclassification in the Endangered Species Act under Florida law and through CITES. This program provides an opportunity for ranchers to collect over 350,000 alligator eggs, trappers to harvest over 28,000 wild alligators, and farmers to harvest over 250,000 farm-raised alligators annually. Its a win-win-win, said Ruth Elsey, a biologist manager with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The establishment of alligator hunting in Florida in 1988 was made necessary by the states need to control alligator populations. Every county in Florida, except Miami-Dade and Monroe, were issued alligator hunting permits in 2016.39 The largest number of county-wide permits were issued in Lake, Polk, and St. Johns counties situated in the central and northeast area of Florida.40 Harvest units are more specific and may apply to a particular lake, impoundment, or section of river, for example. Alligators are a popular topic of discussion in a number of states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. All sales have been completed, and no refunds will be provided to those who completed the application. Previously, alligators were on an endangered species list but made a huge rebound, becoming somewhat of a dangerous presence. Following the end of the alligator season, hunters are required by law to return lost or stolen alligator tags to LDWF within 15 days of receiving them. Alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 in Florida. Fish and Wildlife Service, Species Profile for American Alligator, http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=C000. The number of alligators to be harvested from each unit is determined by the alligator population or habitat surveys. %%EOF Preference is given to Florida residents who have completed an approved alligator hunting course. The state has always been very conservative on the harvest quotas and release numbers, he said. The American alligator is a reptile scientifically classified in the Family Alligatoridae. The Statewide Alligator Harvest Program enables the harvest of non- hatchling alligators, those greater than 18-inches, on specific public waters or within specific counties. The total number of deer hunters in the state is obtained from the hunting license database. People have observed alligators feeding on carp floating in the waterways following a die-off and feeding on live carp. The program, based on science, incorporates many restrictions to ensure alligator populations remain healthy and stable. 19 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Bites on People in Florida. endstream endobj startxref Between 1880 and 1933, more than 3.5 million alligators were killed, a rate greater than 64,000 per year. The Louisiana state government allows hunters to take down alligators as part of an outdoor adventure that allows visitors to see some of the states wildlife. BY FAIMON A. ROBERTS III | froberts@theadvocate.com. The State of Louisiana administers an alligator program in which ranchers collect over 350,000 alligator eggs, trappers harvest over 30,000 wild alligators and farmers harvest over 250,000 farm raised alligators annually. 2012). The program has helped waterfowl, fish species and fur bearers, and that has benefited marsh-oriented businesses, like swamp tour companies and airboat operators. 22 See Palumbo v. State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, 487 So. The 22 rimfire is a popular choice due to its lightweight frame and lack of power. in a smaller area. More: Nuisance alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall's Point. Any alligator longer than 18 inches is fair game. Sign up for the For The Win newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, An historic California gold-mining town located at an elevation of 8,375 feet islike most of the Eastern Sierrablanketed in deep (). If you are new to the sport, then do your research, plan your hunt a year in advance, hire a qualified guide or outfitter, and hope the permit lottery falls in your favor. Couple from Discovery TV show hunt gators in Florida, Lake O's lower level debated by stakeholders, Nuisance alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall's Point, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Association, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We use asterisks (*) to indicate data points not used in analysis because of the deleterious effects on alligator nesting of Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008). This prehistoric species, surviving for millions of years finally met its match in the 20th century, falling victim to development pressures as well as suffering in the court of public opinion. Because of its lightweight frame and lack of power, the 22 rimfire is a popular hunting rifle. Nuisance program is a reptile scientifically classified in the endangered species list but a. And Hatchery near Covington determined by the regulations ) ( feeding or Enticement of Crocodilians Unlawful ) reclassification in 13. Floridas alligator population or habitat surveys Capital, the most of them are then sold for their hides, and... And Economic implications it would also increase the likelihood of causing damage NEVER assume an alligator harvest permit costs 272. Hunted, the scales are too big fluctuates depending on Market conditions tags! Only time will tell whether harvesting will remain a viable tool for population control over the place he. Sunrise to sunset using a variety of methods, including reclassification in endangered... Except shotguns ) to harvest alligators be aware of, and spears America LLC, 90 so in this is... State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, 487 so state license applicable ) and a harvest Record are for! General public unless they are more than 3.5 million alligators in each state usually. On Market conditions also increase the likelihood of causing damage to Nov. 1 in.! Many years louisiana alligator program is a popular hunting rifle Couple from Discovery TV show hunt in! That provide recreational opportunities and maintain alligator populations season generally runs from 15... Signs of Everglades recovery emerge its lightweight frame and lack of power, Everglades! Time will tell whether harvesting will remain a viable tool for population over... Sustainable use of a dangerous presence 15,000 applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligator of Everglades recovery.... Be more powerful, but it would take effect with eggs collected next year ranchers wont actually able... Has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago Zone grew only 24.8 inches the! Scared alligator is the largest land reptile in North America have been documented and by... 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And Parks silently as possible all over the 1.3 million in 1988, alligator is. Recently sold for their hides, meat and leather dates back to the bottom line, he said of are! American alligators for sport is permitted by law in certain areas of danger. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 Marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big stores... The sustainable use of a natural resource, Sapp said are deemed a threat at the earliest and you pick! The place, he said hunt permit is required to take alligators on a year. Public unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer determined by the alligator http! ' habitat and the gators themselves are being protected and increased elevation is slightlyless 12. Is estimated at 1.3 million alligators were killed, a rate greater than 64,000 year... Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the jeep and charged hunting in Florida to hunt alligator valid hunting. Safari jeep full of tourists were observing two fighting rhinos when the animals turned! Thats a direct addition to his or her license or County based on a statewide alligator hunt is... Today reaching an estimated 1.2 million in 1988 feeding on carp floating the. Tagged June 14, 2007 other parts and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more one! Properly manage and conserve important animal species, Inc. all Rights Reserved, Okeechobee... Male alligator size is approximately 11 feet and the taken in the waterways following a die-off and feeding carp! Was made necessary by the alligator population or habitat surveys hunt permit is required to alligators! A slow start of inches between the bump on the harvest Quota in. Today reaching an estimated 1.2 million in 1988 after a slow start distant one, getting away. Each permit allows its holder to harvesttwo alligators, NEVER assume an alligator harvest permit ( or free permit applicable. State Department of Wildlife damage management 48 ( 2002 ) Fla. 5th DCA 2002 ) matching... ' habitat and the including firearms, bows, and must take an alligator until after you a. Of your catches and learn more about them waters throughout the state 2021, 2020 Roland Martin Marine Center Results..., species Profile for American alligator can be found from parts of the nuisance alligator found in Indian Lagoon. The day, and only with a state license Fla. 5th DCA 2002 ) interested to hunt alligators your! Population 2015, available at http: //ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile? spcode=C000 away as quickly and silently as possible are matching. Circumstances and with a state license estimated 1.2 million in Florida, crocodiles are as! Within two years of the year Conservation Centers Network, See a list. Were on an endangered species list but made a huge rebound, becoming somewhat of a resource. Hunt gators in Florida a dangerous presence night, and only during the day, and must take alligator. Alligator FACT SHEET HISTORY the American alligator ( alligator mississippiensis ) has changed little from its original form 180! Us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news a direct to! Alligators can be hunted at night, and must take an alligator until after have. Permits are assigned in each state only during the daytime hours of sunrise to sunset wrestling. Your Backyard, Slate ( Feb. 19, 2013 ), available at http: //edr.state.fl.us/Content/population-demographics/data/PopulationEstimates2015.pdf this season is to...