Alligator hunting is one of Louisiana’s most popular outdoor activities. Each year the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) issues approximately 15000 alligator hunting permits. These permits allow the taking of two alligators but the number of alligator tags that an individual permit holder may possess at any one time is limited to four.
Why the limit on tags? In order to ensure that the alligator harvest is sustainable LDWF imposes a limit on the number of alligators that may be taken from the wild each year. The number of alligators that may be harvested is determined by LDWF biologists who use a number of factors to set the annual quota. These factors include alligator population surveys hunting pressure nuptiality (the breeding potential of the alligator population) and habitat conditions.
The limit on tags ensures that the alligator harvest does not exceed the annual quota. It also allows LDWF to monitor the alligator harvest closely so that biologists can make adjustments to the quota as necessary.
Alligator hunting is regulated differently than other types of hunting in Louisiana. In order to hunt alligators hunters must possess a valid alligator hunting permit which can be obtained from LDWF. Alligator hunting is allowed only during the months of September and October. During these months LDWF issues two types of alligator tags:
Type 1 tags are issued to permit holders who wish to harvest an alligator for its meat. The holder of a Type 1 tag may take one alligator per permit.
Type 2 tags are issued to permit holders who wish to harvest an alligator for its hide. The holder of a Type 2 tag may take two alligators per permit.
Alligator hunting is allowed only on specific days and times. LDWF designates alligator hunting zones which are areas where alligator hunting is allowed. Within each alligator hunting zone LDWF designates specific days and times when alligator hunting is allowed. These dates and times are published in the Louisiana Hunting Regulations booklet which is available from LDWF.
Alligator hunting is prohibited on Sundays. In addition alligator hunting is not allowed during the daytime hours of 10:00 a.m. to sunset. The only exception to this rule is during the last week of alligator season when alligator hunting is allowed 24 hours a day.
Alligator hunting is a dangerous activity and hunters must take precautions to avoid becoming injured or killed. Alligators are large powerful animals and they can be aggressive. Hunters should be sure to read the LDWF Alligator Hunting Guide before going out into the field. This guide provides important information on alligator biology hunting techniques and safety.
Alligator hunting is an exciting and challenging form of hunting and it is a great way to experience Louisiana’s natural resources. By following the rules and regulations hunters can help ensure that the alligator population remains healthy and that the alligator harvest is sustainable.
How many alligator tags are you allowed to purchase in Louisiana?
You are allowed to purchase up to 5 alligator tags in Louisiana.
How many alligators can you kill with one alligator tag in Louisiana?
You are allowed to kill 2 alligators with one alligator tag in Louisiana.
How much does an alligator tag cost in Louisiana?
An alligator tag costs $25 in Louisiana.
How many days does the alligator hunting season last in Louisiana?
The alligator hunting season in Louisiana lasts for 30 days.
What is the minimum size alligator that you are allowed to hunt in Louisiana?
The minimum size alligator that you are allowed to hunt in Louisiana is 4 feet.
When does the alligator hunting season start in Louisiana?
The alligator hunting season starts on the first Saturday in September in Louisiana.
When does the alligator hunting season end in Louisiana?
The alligator hunting season ends on the last day of February in Louisiana.
How many alligators can you harvest in Louisiana?
You are allowed to harvest up to 24 alligators in Louisiana.
What is the maximum size alligator that you are allowed to hunt in Louisiana?
The maximum size alligator that you are allowed to hunt in Louisiana is 8 feet.
How many alligators can you possess in Louisiana?
You are allowed to possess up to 2 alligators in Louisiana.
How many alligator eggs can you collect in Louisiana?
You are allowed to collect up to 25 alligator eggs in Louisiana.
How many alligators can you sell in Louisiana?
You are allowed to sell up to 2 alligators in Louisiana.
How many alligator skins can you process in Louisiana?
You are allowed to process up to 4 alligator skins in Louisiana.
How many alligators can you take from the wild in Louisiana?
You are allowed to take up to 2 alligators from the wild in Louisiana.
How many alligators can you keep in captivity in Louisiana?
You are allowed to keep up to 4 alligators in captivity in Louisiana.
