Alligator hunting application filings will be taken June 1-8

Franklin Countians looking to take part in the state-wide drawing to participate in the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks’ annual alligator hunting program on public waters can officially register starting on Thursday, June 1.
Participants, who must be at least 16 years of age by the date of application and must possess a valid, state-issued resident license, can file their required alligator hunting paperwork and choose the zone they wish to hunt in online at www.ms.gov/mdwfp/alligator, at any location selling Mississippi hunting-fishing licenses or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT.
Each person seeking a permit is limited to only one application in one zone, and filings are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person.

Applications will be available for purchase between 10 a.m., Monday, June 1 and 10 a.m., Monday, June 8.

An official drawing will be held on Wednesday, June 14 and those selected to receive alligator hunting authority will receive a confirmation email with a link to purchase their requested zone permit.
If needed, a second drawing will take place on Wednesday, June 21 to select winners to fill any unpurchased permits that remain from the first drawing.

After being notified by MDWFP and successfully completing the permit purchase process, those hunters will receive their alligator permit, license and temporary possession tags by mail.
The tags, which are perforated, will be attached to the permit and license (printed on orange paper).
Those who do not receive their packet in the mail by Thursday, July 20 should contact the MDWFP at 601-432-2217.

The 2023 Mississippi alligator season opens Friday, Aug. 25 and runs through Monday, Sept. 4.

Mississippi is divided into seven geographical zones for the 10-day hunting season.
For additional information, visit www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/alligator-program.