The Mississippi alligator season is a unique and exciting experience for hunters and nature enthusiasts alike. The season typically runs from September 1 to November 19.
You'll need a valid hunting license to participate, which can be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
The daily bag limit is 10 alligators, with a minimum size of 5 feet in length. This ensures that the population remains healthy and sustainable.
Hunting Regulations and Safety
Hunters must apply in pairs and hunt from the same boat, with guest hunters also required to hunt from the same boat.
The size of the party is limited to the boat's weight limit, ensuring that hunters don't overload the vessel and compromise safety.
Designated hunting areas will be in place, limiting where hunters can go and reducing the risk of accidents or conflicts with other wildlife.
Areas that are off-limits will also be clearly marked, protecting both hunters and area residents from potential harm.
Hunters must be aware of these regulations to have a safe and successful hunt.
Mississippi Hunting Season
The Mississippi alligator hunting season is a highly competitive event, with over 5,000 hunters vying for 986 permits in 2020.
Hunters must apply in pairs and hunt from the same boat, with guest hunters also required to hunt from the same boat.
The size of the party is limited to the boat's weight limit, and designated hunting areas and off-limits areas will be in place for the safety of hunters and area residents.
The season typically takes place over a 10-day period, with the exact dates varying from year to year.
In 2021, the season began on Friday at noon and ran until September 6 at noon for public waters, and 6 a.m. September 20 for private lands.
A total of 985 permits were issued to hunters for the 2021 season, with each permit allowing a hunter to take up to two alligators over 4-feet long.
Consumption or possession of alcohol by alligator hunters is illegal, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) has a "zero tolerance" policy.
All persons 16 years of age or older who are in a vessel with, or assisting a permit holder, must possess a Lifetime Hunting License or an Alligator Hunting License and a valid prerequisite hunting license.
Summer Activities
August is a great time to be outdoors in Mississippi, and for sportsmen, there's no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy.
Alligator hunting is a thrilling experience that's available during the public waters season, which opens on August 25 and runs through Labor Day, September 4.
If you're lucky enough to get an alligator hunting permit, you'll be able to hunt in one of seven regions across the state, with the most sought-after zones being the West Central and Southwest zones.
Each permit allows you to take two alligators, both of which must exceed 4 feet in length, with only one of them able to exceed 7 feet.
The true art of alligator hunting lies in catching the right-sized gator, and veteran hunters agree that the ideal runt gator is around 6 feet, 11 7/8 inches long.
It's not uncommon for hunters to start looking for gators in double figures in footage, over 10 feet, which can weigh around 300 pounds or more.
If you're planning to hunt a big one, make sure you have the right gear and experience, as taking a 500-pound gator can be a serious battle.
Take a look at this: Amphibia Season 4 Coming
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the 800 pound alligator in Mississippi?
The 800-pound alligator is estimated to be over 60 years old. This massive reptile was caught in Mississippi after a dramatic hours-long effort.
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