This year’s alligator season is fast approaching and, with it, the deadline to apply for quota hunts. To enter the quota lottery, you must fill out an application at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com by 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2018 to qualify.

The privilege to hunt alligators is now included in the standard hunting license, and only those chosen for the quota hunt need to acquire an alligator harvest permit. The ability to obtain an alligator harvest permit will become available only to those who are selected for a quota hunt.

Up to three hunters may apply as a group. If selected, all three hunters in the group will need to obtain an alligator harvest permit.  All members of the harvest party must have a hunting license. No one under the age of 12 may apply for an alligator hunt or be a part of the harvest party. The alligator harvest permit is free to persons that hold any of the following licenses:

  • Lifetime Sportsman’s
  • Lifetime Hunting
  • Disability Sportsman’s
  • Disability Hunting
  • Honorary One Time Veteran’s
  • Multi-Year Youth Sportsman’s
  • Annual Youth Sportsman’s

Other persons must purchase their permit; $75 for residents and $250 for nonresidents.

Debbie southerland gator

In 2017, ten new counties opened their doors for alligator harvests: Baldwin (zone 5), Columbia (zone 9), Hancock (zone 9), Harris (zone 1), Jones (zone 5), McDuffie (zone 9), Monroe (zone 3), Talbot (zone 1), Upson (zone 3), and Warren (zone 9). Again, these hunts are quota-only, so fill out an application today!

The American alligator owes much of its conservation success to the close monitoring and managing of its population by state wildlife agencies and conservationists. Management and law enforcement practices are focused on a proactive approach to bring the species back to its former range and glory. Once listed as an endangered species in 1967, the American alligator can now sustain a limited harvest every year. For more information, visit our website!