Alligator Dates Set in Mississippi
It’s not even summer but we got alligator hunting on our minds! And, yes, the dates have been set for 2016 alligator hunting season in Mississippi. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, on April 20, approved the final rule changes for the 2016 alligator hunting season on public waters and private lands in Mississippi.
The statewide public waters gator season will include opportunities in specific public waterways. Mississippi is offering a total of 920 alligator permits that will be available within seven hunting zones across the state for the ten-day season, August 26 – September 5, 2016.
All public water permits will be available for purchase on a first-come-first-serve basis. Permits will only be available for purchase electronically through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website beginning July 19, 2016 at 9 a.m. To be eligible to purchase an alligator hunting permit you must be at least 16 years of age and possess one of the following valid prerequisite resident licenses prior to July 19: Sportsman License, All-Game Hunting/Fishing License, Small Game Hunting/Fishing License, Apprentice Sportsman License, Apprentice All Game License, Apprentice Small Game License, Senior Exempt License, Disabled Exempt License, or Lifetime License. An Alligator Hunting Training Course will be provided to permit holders on August 13 at Roosevelt State Park, however the course is no longer mandatory.
Private Land Season Dates for Alligator
The private lands alligator hunting season from August 26 – September 19 will be available to landowners whose properties meet specific qualifications within 31 open counties. Three new counties, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Oktibbeha, were added for the private lands alligator season for 2016. Applications and instructions for private lands permits are available online and must be submitted by July 1.