Florida To Allow 24-Hour Alligator Hunting

Tampa FL

04 May, 2022

10:39 AM

Description

FLORIDA — Hunters will soon have more hours in the day to catch alligators in Florida when the season kicks off in a few months. This week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved extending the hunting period from 17 hours a day to 24 hours a day, giving hunters more flexibility when scheduling hunting trips. The commission also approved adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator. To be considered a legal kill method, the airbow's arrow must be attached to a restraining line, allowing the hunter to safely gain control of the animal, FWC officials said. "Adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of take can assist hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who might have limited dexterity or strength," FWC officials said in a news release. The new rules will take effect in time for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season, which starts Aug. 15 and runs through Nov. 1. The dates to apply for alligator harvest permits this year are as follows. All application periods start at 10 a.m. on the first day of the application period and run through 11:59 p.m. on the final day. Phase I Applications May 6 - 16Phase II Applications May 20 - 30Phase III Applications June 3 - 13Phase IV Leftovers June 16 – until filled or Oct. 14 Anyone who will be 18 years of age or older by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card may apply for alligator harvest permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector's office.