JACKSON — Mississippi’s public waters alligator hunting season will begin Friday at noon, and continue until Sept. 7 at noon, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks announced.

A total of 986 permits in seven hunting zones across the state were offered in two random drawings during the June application period.

MDWFP received 5,548 requests for alligator permits. This is the 16th year of public waterway alligator hunting in Mississippi and wildlife officials expect more than 3,000 people will participate with permitted hunters. A total of 922 alligators were harvested during the 2019 season.

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, which includes the following: a 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, or Disabled Exempt License.

Licenses are available online at mdwfp.com or at any point-of-sale location where Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses are sold, or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT.

“Mississippi is anticipating possible tropical weather impacts during the opening weekend, but forecasts are for more favorable weather to follow during the 10-day hunting season,” MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt said. “Permitted hunters should always remain weather aware and not take unnecessary risks.”