Hunting News

Applications open; hunt hours, airbows added for alligator hunts

Applications open; hunt hours, airbows added for alligator hunts

By Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

At its May meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Commissioners increased hours for the statewide alligator hunt and added pre-charged pneumatic airbows to legal methods of take.

Increasing hunting hours from 17 to 24 hours a day in most areas will provide hunters with an alligator trapping license or harvest permit more flexibility when scheduling hunting trips.

Adding pre-charged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of take will assist hunters with mobility challenges, youth hunters and hunters with limited dexterity or strength. To be considered a legal take method, the airbow’s arrow needs to be attached to a restraining line, which allows the hunter to safely gain control of the animal.

The new rules take effect in time for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season. For more information, click here.

May is the start of the application process for alligator harvest permits. In 2022, sustainable hunting opportunities will be offered at 128 AMUs (65 countywide AMUs and 63 specific AMUs). More than 7,300 alligator harvest permits will be issued through three random drawings and a final leftover phase.

Dates to apply for alligator harvest permits are Phase I Applications—May 6 – 16; Phase II Applications—May 20 – 30; Phase III Applications—June 3 – 13; Phase IV Leftovers—June 16 – until filled or Oct. 14. All application periods start at 10 a.m. ET on the first day of the application period and run through 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day.

Anyone who will be 18 years of age or older by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card may apply for alligator harvest permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office.

To learn more about the alligator harvest permit application process, visit MyFWC.com and click on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts” under the “Buy and Apply” drop down menu, and then click on “Statewide Alligator Hunt Permits.

FWC offers several tools to help with the application process. Find application worksheets, a harvest unit map and listing, application tips and more by visiting MyFWC.com/Alligator and clicking on “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.

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