JACKSON — Alligator season in Mississippi is still three months away, but hunters who want to tangle with the beasts need to act now.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will accept applications for its public waters alligator season beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday. The application period continues until 10 a.m. on June 6. The application is free, but there is a $2.34 processing fee.

A total of 960 permits will be available in seven hunting zones across the state for the 10-day season that runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 9. Permits are issued according to a random drawing and an application for eligibility is required.

Applicants can only apply in one alligator hunting zone of their choice.
Applications will be accepted on-line at mdwfp.com or at any point of sale location where Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses are sold. The first drawing will take place on or about June 12.

Drawn applicants will be notified by email with a link to purchase their permit with a 48-hour deadline.

A second drawing will take place for permits that are not purchased during the first 48-hour period. Drawn applicants from the second drawing will also be notified by email with a link to purchase their permit with a 48-hour deadline. A credit card or debit card is required to complete the online permit purchase.

To be eligible to apply for an alligator hunting permit, hunters must be a resident of Mississippi and at least 16 years old at the time of application. Non-residents with a Mississippi Lifetime License are also eligible.

Applicants must have one of the following licenses to be eligible to apply: a valid Mississippi 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 a lifetime license.

For more information regarding alligator hunting rules and regulations, visit mdwfp.com/alligator or call the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks at 601-432-2199.