The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), is inviting hunters from throughout the state to apply for an alligator hunting license. Choosing the right firearm for hunting can be a difficult task. Some tips from the FWC on how to hunt alligators: The number of alligators harvested in previous hunts: Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Association. The MWDFP Wildlife Bureau has documented alligators feeding on the Asian carp on many occasions. More so, when harvesting alligators, NEVER assume an alligator is dead and does not need to be secured properly. Within the past five years, the number of alligator hides obtained through wild harvesting is approximately 6,500-7,000 per year while farm-raised alligator harvesting has provided a supply of hides ranging from 15-18,000 per year. "Alligators are a conservation success story inFlorida,"FWC spokesperson Tammy Sapp said in an email. The eggs are hatched at the ranch and raised there until they are about 4 feet long, the size at which the skin is the most valuable. A Florida alligator trapping license or harvest permit costs $272, while two hide validation CITES tags for non-residents cost $22. 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for March, 2022 by Capt. Only time will tell whether harvesting will remain a viable tool for population control. In 1975, the American alligator was also listed as an Appendix I species during the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thereby prohibiting the export of alligator hides.13. Between Thursday and Nov. 1,Florida's population of1.3 million alligators may drop by about 15,000. As their population rebounded, today reaching an estimated 1.2 million in Florida, species management is necessary. If you happen to harvest a tagged or marked alligator, report your tag to 352-357-0190 to ensure the viability of the population. The Public Water Alligator Egg and Hatchling Collecting Program permits and supervises the collection of alligator eggs and hatchlings from public waters by licensed alligator farmers. The 10-foot, 300-pound alligator that attacked Aarts was eventually killed. Greg Braselton, a certified alligator hunter from South Carolina, recommends using a 17 HMR or a 22 WMR when shooting an alligator. Alligator hunting is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and permits can be obtained through their website. A female alligator guards her nest in the Louisiana marsh. Rather, officials see the alligators as a resource, and they want to encourage wise utilization of that resource.. Goody! quote attributed to Will Cuppy, American Humorist (1884-1949). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates the state is home to about 1.3 million of the freshwater reptiles. The current state record alligator length is 14 feet 3.5 inches taken from Lake Washington in Brevard County. 19 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Bites on People in Florida. Swamp People follows the hunt for the Louisiana alligator. 28 See Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Market Mechanisms: Understanding the Options (Apr. 2d 1095, 1097 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002). Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. John K. Powell is an environmental lawyer, registered professional engineer, and member of the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar. The severity of the danger or injury could influence duty as well. Owner John Price checks on his alligators Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. Where regulations existed, mostly on a local level, enforcement was lacking.6 Hunting during that era was also less recreational in nature and more about obtaining alligator hides for sale. 15 See Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Are Alligators Posing a New Threat to Humans?. In order to ensure that population trends didnt reverse course, many other statutory and regulatory protections were implemented and remain in place today. Most were sold for boots, shoes, saddles and other leather goods. Wear dark-colored clothes, so you can blend in better with the night sky. Who has more alligators, Louisiana or Florida? 16 See Jackson Landers, Alligators in Your Backyard, Slate (Feb. 19, 2013), available at http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/animal_forecast/2013/02/alligators_in_virginia_climate_change_could_be_pushing_cold_blooded_species.html. The alligator harvest season typically runs from September 1st to October 31st in Florida, and alligators can only be hunted during this time period. 18 U.S. Alligator hunting is regulated by state wildlife agencies, and laws vary from state to state. 32 See Keith Wood, Gator Hunting in the Sunshine State, NRA American Hunter (June 11, 2012), available at https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2012/6/11/gator-hunting-in-the-sunshine-state/. The FWC receives over 15,000 applications each year and only issues around 7,000 permits. 36 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2015 Florida Black Bear Hunt Summary Report; David Shiffman, 298 Bears Killed in Florida Hunt that Ignored Science, Washington Post, Oct. 29, 2015, available at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/10/29/298-bears-killed-in-florida-hunt-that-ignored-science/?utm_term=.42cf5cfab9a9. Each guide must have a valid alligator tag. The Commission offers a limited number of permits through a random drawing process. These permits have specific restrictions as to where you can access and harvest alligators, so be mindful of where you can hunt before obtaining one of these permits. John Price is a Louisiana rancher. By 1987, the gator population was defined as "recovered," and the statewide hunt wasinstituted in 1988. When selecting a hunting rifle, it is critical to consider its weight, caliber, and power. Another important protection involves the duty of an owner or occupant to warn others regarding the presence or potential of a dangerous condition, such as wild animals. The average size of the 2,552 alligators harvested in 2000 was 8 feet 8 inches; the average of the 8,402 killed in 2018 was 8 feet 2 inches. A link to the Florida alligator harvest statistics by year (Provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation . When it comes to alligators in Louisiana, you must have a hunting license. The 2,500 hunter sample size is more than adequate, statistically, to produce precise . When they get larger, the scales are too big. Recreational hunting is just one part of the FWC's overall approach to managing the alligator population. Louisiana alligator hunting regulations state that lottery hunters can only be assigned six lines for each of the three alligator tags they are issued. The American alligator is an enduring symbol of Florida. Each year, a total of 5,000 hunting permits are issued, and hunters can only hunt two alligators during each season. ALLIGATOR FACT SHEET HISTORY The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. Generally, owners or occupants do not have an obligation to warn others about the dangers of animals living in their natural habitats or to protect them from wild animal attacks.22 However, an owner must still exercise ordinary due care in managing their property, and failure to exercise ordinary care could give rise to a cause of action for negligence, particularly for invitees.23. Its imperative that anyone permitted to harvest alligators be aware of, and abide by the regulations. Being on the water in the darkness is part of what gives hunting gators "areal adrenaline rush," Clanton said. An alligator rests in the Louisiana marsh. There is no federal law against alligator hunting, so it is generally legal in the United States. There is no clear-cut winner in this game. Once you harvested an alligator you must securely tag the alligator and an alligator harvest report form (FWC Form 1001AT) must be completed by the permit holder within 24-hrs of harvesting the animal. Though alligators are found most often in freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a short period of time. Between 1880 and 1933, more than 3.5 million alligators were killed, a rate greater than 64,000 per year. endstream endobj 170 0 obj <. 30 See Nanci Alexander, Alligator Hunts Harm Floridas Public Image, The N.Y. Times, Nov. 8, 1991. Its a little opposed to the method of total protection, hands-off, she said. Swamp People follows a group of alligator hunters as they hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting season. The license costs $272 for residents and $1,022 for non-residents. That didnt seem to faze Price on a sunny Octoberafternoon as he threw open the door to one of the low-slung barns where his animals live, even as he pointed to the scars on his arms and hands he's gotten from them. The total number of deer hunters in the state is obtained from the hunting license database. For Price, the change means one thing. Over the years, many different law and policy approaches to reaching this proper balance have been attempted, ranging from the more traditional command-and-control regulatory approach to the more modern market-based approach,28 for example. An alligator harvested by hunters in Mississippi was discovered to have grown at an alarming rate, nearly doubling in size since it was first tagged in 2011. In some states, alligator hunting is only allowed during a specific season and with a permit, while in other states no permit is required. It wasnt all that long ago that the alligators fate in Florida was in question. Their numbers declined significantly until the federal and state governments began to implement important legal protections designed to bring back the species from the edge of extinction. The Florida alligator hunting laws are quite simple. "There's just a fraction of the really large alligators around now compared to what there used to be when I first started hunting," Clanton said. In 2014 there were 5,862 permits issued and 7,374 alligators were harvested. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 Angie Douthit, South County Inshore & Freshwater: December 2021, 2020 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Results. 21 F.A.C.R. In business terms, the gators returned to the wild are a loss. Alligator hunting is frequently used to remove large gators from areas. You find them in all the suitable habitats around the state: coastal marshland, rivers, bayous and swamps.. Hunting is one of those important tools in the species management toolbox. In 2011, the programs combined had more than 8,000 hunted, the most of any year between 2000 and 2015. 25 Wamser v. City of St. Petersburg, 330 So. Florida, the sunshine state teeming with alligators. Though alligators are found most often in freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a short period of time. This same scenario rings true not just in south Florida, but all across the state. Alligators were hunted to near extinction in the 1950's and early 1960's, but protective action by state and federal governments helped keep them from disappearing completely. It reminds us that even in a highly developed and populated state such as Florida, there are areas and animals that will always remain wild and untamed. Everybody knows we got alligators all over the place, he said. 23 See Post v. Lunney, 261 So. Alligator ranching began in the mid-1980s and relied on ranchers collecting eggs from nests in the wild and hatching them on their own. 1:41. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligators during the 11-week season, according to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Fifteen years ago, the average size of the alligators I killed was 11 feet, 3 inches," Clanton said. While accompanied by a guide, a non-resident or person who is not a resident of the state may harvest alligators as a sport hunter on private property without the use of a hunting license or permission. Its a well-known fact that Florida has a lot of alligators. Alligators may be taken only by the use of artificial lures, or baited wooden pegs less than two inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spear guns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. Troy and Jacob Landry, who hunt gators, have made their mark as celebrities. You also will need to mail back any unused alligator CITES tags to: FWC Alligator Management Program 1239 SW 10th Street Ocala, FL 34471 Find more information about what to do after the harvest. 2016 Hunting Season Ordinary care, however, does not mean the owner must prevent all injuries, but rather that the owner should use reasonable care to discover dangerous conditions on the property and to protect visitors from or inform visitors about those discovered conditions. In 2000, that was reduced to 14 percent, and in 2007, to 12 percent. A permit is required to hunt alligators in Florida and can be obtained through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. So associated with and prevalent in the state, it was designated as the official state reptile by the Florida Legislature in 1987.2 Just take a drive across State Road 84, or Alligator Alley as it is often referred to by native south Floridians, and glance over into the dark tannic acid waters of the drainage canals that parallel this mostly desolate road. Alligator seasons are available in Louisiana. Alligator trapping licenses cost significantly more to obtain from out-of-state applicants than they do to residents of Florida. The statewide alligator hunt does not permit guests. Alligators were listed as an endangered species by Florida in 1967 and added to the federal list when theEndangered Species Act wassigned into law in 1973. Each permit authorizes the taking of two alligators within a specified Harvest Unit. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, How To Get A Night Hunting License In The US, Equipping Police Cars With Binoculars For Hazardous Materials Incidents, Bringing Binoculars To A Meadowlands Concert: See The Performers And Venue Like Never Before, How To Put Your Name On Binoculars Without Damaging Them, Understanding The 6 Degrees Measurement: A Guide To Field Of View In Binoculars, Understanding Air Travel Rules For Carrying Binoculars: A Guide To Packing Binoculars For Your Flight, How To Properly Tighten Your Bushnell Binoculars: An Easy Guide, How To Repair Sticky Coating On Binoculars: A Guide To DIY Binocular Repair, Unlock The Wonders Of The World With Binoculars: A Guide For Kids, Get The Lowdown On Binoculars: An Exploration Of The Numbers On Binoculars, Choosing The Right Binoculars For Birding: Finding The Balance Between Magnification And Field Of View, Exploring The Strength And Durability Of WW2 Binoculars: An In-Depth Look At A Vital Piece Of Battlefield Equipment, Find The Best Deals On Binoculars: Key Times To Check For Sales, Spotting Potential Connections: The Power Of Jackds Binoculars. A hunter must have his or her license and one or more current alligator harvesting tags in addition to his or her license. Customers who have a valid FWC Resident Disability License are exempt from the purchase of an Alligator Trapping Agent License. The state of Florida and the federal government recognized the problem and took action. Someone who is authorized to hunt a permit holder may assist them in their hunt. Alligator Protections Under the Law The permit allows the taking of two alligators per permit holder per year. They are quick and it only takes a second to lose a finger, a hand, or worse. 3 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1940, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1940.htm. They can swim and eat, and their numbers have risen dramatically in recent years as a result of their popularity as pets. 1 Quote attributed to Cordell Hull, U.S. Secretary of State (1933-44) and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his role in organizing the United Nations. Since at least 1962, WRD has used scientifically valid, survey methodology to get estimates of not only deer harvest, but also harvest estimates of other game species. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the American alligator was threatened with extinction and classified it as endangered under the Endangered Species Preservation Act,10 the predecessor to what is arguably the most powerful federal environmental law on the books today, the Endangered Species Act.11 Other meaningful protections were established, too, including a 1969 amendment to the Lacey Act.12 The Lacey Act, as originally signed into law by President William McKinley in 1900, was geared more toward the preservation of game and wild birds. And ranchers win by being able to sell a marketable product. 2012). Contrary to popular belief, bang sticks are the only firearm allowed for alligator hunting; no hand guns or rifles are allowed.45 But, of course, these methods are not without some controversy themselves, as some aspects have been denounced by critics as cruel.46, After harvesting, the permittee must attach a CITES tag within six inches from the tip of the tail. If you are interested to hunt alligators, the Louisiana alligator program is a great way to get involved in hunting and trapping alligators. 3d 915, 918-19 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012). The largest in Sarasota County was 12 feet, 6 inches out of Curry Creek. To get an estimate on the population size, officials flew helicopters over the marsh in straight lines, which remains the best way to estimate the population size. A larger caliber would be more powerful, but it would also increase the likelihood of causing damage. The extent of this duty will depend on several factors, such as the status of the victim, knowledge of the owner, and knowledge of the victim. Permits are randomly assigned during Phase I, II, and III, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis during Phase IV. "I think it's going to be an exceptionally good year for alligator hunting,"saidLewis Clanton of Fort Pierce,an alligator hunting guide for 23 years. Accurate estimates of species counts coupled with the issuance of the right number of hunting permits can take much-needed pressure off a species that is often competing for a portion of an insufficient supply of habitat or food.33 Hunting also provides recreational opportunities as well as a revenue source to the state through licensing, gear, guides, meat, and hide sales.34 Moreover, hunting offers the added benefit of reducing the possibility of human-animal impacts.35 Florida witnessed this most recently in the much publicized and highly controversial black bear hunt.36 However, hunting for charismatic mega-fauna like the black bear generally attracts a different type and level of attention than the hunting of the mysterious and ominous alligator. Alligators for sale and shipping. In Florida, crocodiles are protected as a federally endangered species. On hooks and lines, alligator hunters may use firearms (except shotguns) to harvest free swimming alligators or dispatch them. For example, in 1967 after consultation with the states and scientists, the U.S. Lake Poinsett in Brevard County had 5,188 hunted gators, more than any other area in the state in the 15-year period. Thats an annual growth rate of 1.9 inches per year. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) which permits the harvest of alligators that are determined to be a threat to wildlife, to the public, or the publics pets, livestock, or property. Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. If you want to trap an alligator, youll need to purchase an Alligator Trapping License as well as two CITES tags. Elsey said the hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of. 46 See Care 2 Petitions, Stop the Alligator Hunt!, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-alligator-hunt/. Only sunrise and sunset are permitted as harvesting hours for alligator. Captured alligators should be killed immediately and their meat cooled as quickly as possible. 5 See Allan R. Woodward, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, History of American Alligator Regulations in the U.S.A. (June 12, 2007). People can call a toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators and the Commission evaluates these complaints to determine if an alligator should be removed. Alligator harvest permits will be required for the following dates: On the FWC website, there are numerous helpful tools for making these decisions. A specific zone is chosen and a hunter will be chosen. Thats a direct addition to the bottom line, he said. The new reduction is going to add up to some money.. Alligator Harvest Permits can be purchased if you choose a quota hunt and must be held by a member of the alligator hunting party. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues hunting licenses for alligators. Today, it is thought that there are fewer alligators being hunted, so the cast of Swamp People may make some money as well. The . Interest in alligators as a source of meat and leather dates back to the early 19th century. 35 Michael R. Conover, Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts: The Science of Wildlife Damage Management 48 (2002). Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building There are other laws too that are designed to protect not just the species, but people as well. These conditions are compelling alligators to relocate in search of more suitable areas.16, Therefore, not surprisingly, with Floridas alligator population around 1.2 million, more of them on the move, and the human population approaching an all-time high of 20 million people,17 encounters with these prehistoric creatures are inevitable. Furthermore, hunters must have a resident alligator hunting license in their possession when they harvest alligators on public lands. Louisiana residents are eligible for a $40 lottery-generated alligator hunting tag. One star-studded, two for future leaders, Theres a new rule to keep these cuties away from crab traps in Florida. That samenumber will be the distance,infeet, from the tip of the animal'ssnout to the tip of its tail. It is similar in appearance to the threatened American crocodile which is classified in the Family Crocodylidae. Indeed, alligator ranchers across the state got some good news last month: The commission that regulates their industry voted to lower the proportion of ranched alligators that must be returned to the wild, starting next year. Any alligator longer than 18 inches is fair game. The second-most common was 7 feet, followed by 7 feet, 6 inches. 2d 244, 246 (Fla. 2d DCA 1976). More: Lake O's lower level debated by stakeholders. For example, it is illegal to intentionally feed, or entice with feed, any crocodilian unless held in captivity under a permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) or otherwise provided.21 Feeding can cause alligators to lose their fear of people, an important evolutionary trait that benefits both people and animal. Because of its larger caliber, he believes it is possible to put more energy into a shot, but it is also possible to damage something in the process. Estimate the number of inches between the bump on the gator's snout and its eyes. However, millions of years of evolutionary development have made the species very adept at concealing themselves, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with Floridas natural landscape, such as non-native tourists, travelers, or visitors, to discover their presence before it is too late. 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