Starting today (May 17th), Floridians wishing to catch an alligator this year can apply for hunting permits.
More than six thousand alligator harvest permits will be made available for the 2019 hunt, which runs from August 15th to November 1st.
Typically, about 14 thousand people apply for an alligator hunting license each year.
Permits will be distributed through a random lottery drawing.
Tammy Sapp with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the hunt is just one of several ways the state manages the reptiles.
“The American alligator is a conservation success story in Florida. We are estimating that there are 1.3 million alligators of every size, across the state. Due to good management and sound science, we are able to offer sustainable harvest opportunities through a highly regulated hunt.”
The initial application deadline is May 27th.
An alligator harvest permit costs $272.00 for Florida residents, $22.00 for those with a disability hunting license and $1,022.00 for non-residents.
Those selected to receive a permit are allowed to harvest a maximum of two alligators.
Hunting alligators has been legal in Florida since 1988. You can apply online here: https://myfwc.com/license/limited-entry/alligator-hunt-permit/
*News Service Florida