The Louisiana state government allows hunters to take down alligators as part of an outdoor adventure that allows visitors to see some of the states wildlife. 30 See Nanci Alexander, Alligator Hunts Harm Floridas Public Image, The N.Y. Times, Nov. 8, 1991. It was one of more than 8,000 nuisance gators harvested in 2017, and . myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/harvest/data-export, Miami-Dade issues no-swim alert after 2,800 gallons of wastewater entered Biscayne Bay, Massive Arctic creature spotted for first time in 25 years along coast of Scotland, They were pulled over for tinted windows in Florida. Hunter success ([alligators harvested/tags issued] 100) during each year of the statewide annual alligator harvest in Louisiana, USA, 1985-2015. In addition to providing permit holders with a much desired opportunity to experience alligator hunting in Florida, alligator meat is a delicious and healthy choice. Interest in alligators as a source of meat and leather dates back to the early 19th century. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industrys most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. You find them in all the suitable habitats around the state: coastal marshland, rivers, bayous and swamps.. It is not possible to transfer Alligator Hunt permits in the state of Florida. Elsey said the hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of species conservation. That samenumber will be the distance,infeet, from the tip of the animal'ssnout to the tip of its tail. Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.1. The permit is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Alligators in this part of the state (tributaries of the Mississippi River) have significantly more body mass than alligators anywhere else in the state.. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. After careful consideration, and backed by research,32 Florida reinitiated statewide alligator harvesting in 1988. Swamp People follows a group of alligator hunters as they hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting season. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 The FWC receives over 15,000 applications each year and only issues around 7,000 permits. It is a popular hunting sport in Louisiana and Florida. Applicants can apply for limited entry and quotas permits online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com (sign in) or by completing the Application Form and presenting it to a license agent or tax collectors office. No longer on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for their long-term survival appears favorable. Human development is often pitted against nature while simultaneously wrestling with social and economic implications. Providing recreational opportunities and revenue, hunting decreases competition for a finite supply of food and habitat, and reduces the likelihood of human-species interactions. If youre catching a research alligator, make sure to keep a record of the tag number (usually six digits), length, tail notch(es), and sex of the animal. Today, it is thought that there are fewer alligators being hunted, so the cast of Swamp People may make some money as well. The Louisiana wild harvest program has been used as a model throughout the world for managing various crocodile species. 15 See Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Are Alligators Posing a New Threat to Humans?. The Burmese python is now distributed across more than a thousand square miles of southern Florida, including all of Everglades National Park and areas to the north including Big Cypress National Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Forest. In 2000, that was reduced to 14 percent, and in 2007, to 12 percent. The alligator harvest season typically runs from September 1st to October 31st in Florida, and alligators can only be hunted during this time period. A link to the Florida alligator harvest statistics by year (Provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation . Alligator skin is used to make boots, shoes, belts, and saddles, while alligator oil is used to grease cotton mills and steam engines. Since 1988, the FWCC has successfully offered an alligator hunting season in Florida. One star-studded, two for future leaders, Theres a new rule to keep these cuties away from crab traps in Florida. How much is an alligator worth in Louisiana? The alligator population in this state is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been stable for many years. 18 U.S. Each permit authorizes the taking of two alligators within a specified Harvest Unit. 2d 352, 353 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). This venue is open from August 5 to September 1 (the season is 60 days long). 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. Hunting alligator on private land, whether owned or under a hunting permit, or on public lands/lakes with access granted through a lottery or bidding process is permitted. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. More alligators mean less food per alligator, with the larger alligators either forcing the smaller ones out or alternatively pursuing them as potential prey.14 Continued residential and commercial development similarly means less natural habitat.15 Furthermore, higher ambient temperatures, less predictable and steady rainfall, and more frequent drought conditions result in fewer habitable water bodies. Hes ready to see that progress extend to the ranchers, too. 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. Recreational hunting is just one part of the FWCs overall approach to managing the alligator population. Thats a direct addition to the bottom line, he said. Who has more alligators, Louisiana or Florida? People enjoy the excitement of the hunt as well as the excitement of seeing an alligator in the wild. In addition to the number of chances and percentage of applicants selected, the department has posted a map with a list of the 48 areas. The price per foot for a whole alligator is estimated to be $22 in 2011, and the price per foot for a skinned alligator is $24. Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! "You get up close and personal with alligatorswhen you hunt them," Clanton said, "because you have to catch them before you can kill them.". Louisianas alligator harvest, which dates back centuries and has a significant economic impact on the state, continues to this day. They are quick and it only takes a second to lose a finger, a hand, or worse. More so, when harvesting alligators, NEVER assume an alligator is dead and does not need to be secured properly. Except in the case of a Florida alligator hunt, no hunting or fishing licenses are required. The toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- GATOR (1-866-392-4286). Its 1,066 more than the second-place alligator hunting destination, Lake Okeechobee. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for 7,679 permits to hunt alligators during . Again, not surprisingly, public perception of the alligator is not always positive, struggling due to these numerous documented encounters. The longest alligator killed in Florida was a14-foot, 3.5-inch monsterweighing 654 pounds hunted Nov. 1, 2010, by Robert "Tres" Ammerman atLake Washington in Brevard County. Owner John Price checks on his alligators Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. 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. 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. The state has always been very conservative on the harvest quotas and release numbers, he said. 191 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<8CBFE19D2ED2B647BBAA00E4105AE958>]/Index[169 33]/Info 168 0 R/Length 108/Prev 365416/Root 170 0 R/Size 202/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Typically, alligators have about 80 teeth in their mouth at one time, but they lose teeth frequently. 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. The advisory also means the public should avoid fishing and boating. It wont take long before you notice a set of eyes perched just above the water level, keeping a lookout for any activity or maybe a potential meal. Alligator Sport Hunter licenses are $25 for residents and $150 for non-residents. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building The program, based on science, incorporates many restrictions to ensure alligator populations remain healthy and stable. Alligator hunters must have a valid Florida hunting license, and must take an alligator hunting safety course. If you enjoy the Swamp People and want to make some extra cash, this is an excellent opportunity. 27 Seelbinder v. County of Volusia, 827 So. Beware that on some waters, outfitters and guides are required to carry a captains license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, so check your harvest area requirements before hiring any outfitter or guide. "It is rare to document alligators of this size class with annual growth rates of this magnitude," the MWDFP stated on Facebook It's really amazing when contrasted with the growth rate of an. Hunting is one of those important tools in the species management toolbox. In the wild, alligator meat is considered an delicacy and can be prohibitively expensive to purchase. If an owner voluntarily decides to warn his or her guests, the owner could become liable if the warning or precautions are not sufficient and someone is nevertheless injured.27. Photos of the alligator, hunters and tag courtesy of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. 3d 915, 918-19 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012). Since the time 2003-2005, this area of the Mississippi Delta has seen a tremendous increase in the Asian carp population, the MWDFP stated. That extra foot-and-a-half of water spread out over the marshes along Lake O's western and northern shores would "give alligators a lot more places to hide," Clanton said. Choosing a hunting rifle should consider the caliber, weight, and power of the gun. By 1987, the gator population was defined as "recovered," and the statewide hunt wasinstituted in 1988. Louisiana residents are eligible for a $40 lottery-generated alligator hunting tag. Alligators less than 4 feet long can be relocated. The 2,500 hunter sample size is more than adequate, statistically, to produce precise . All rights reserved. Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Swamp People follows the hunt for the Louisiana alligator. 2d 244, 246 (Fla. 2d DCA 1976). This column is submitted on behalf of the Animal Law Section, Ralph A. DeMeo, chair, and Deborah C. Brown, editor. An Alligator Trapping License, a Harvest Permit, and two CITES tags will be awarded to the applicant who successfully completes the application process. Because of its lightweight frame and lack of power, the 22 rimfire is a popular hunting rifle. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Wild Alligator Harvests by Harvest Program, Table of officially-measured, large Florida alligators, Alligator Meat Processors and Hide Buyers, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Landowners win because they are able to make money by providing a good habitat. What to know about the states fishing rules, Why two South Florida tour guides who freed 12 sharks are now paying for their actions, If a body of water is not a swimming pool, an ocean or a designated swimming area, dont go in it, Observe and photograph them from a distance. The Statewide Alligator Harvest Program enables the harvest of non- hatchling alligators, those greater than 18-inches, on specific public waters or within specific counties. The Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, which provides approximately 1,245 alligators for harvest by resident alligator hunters at over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state, is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Habitat preferences and several physical characteristics distinguish the American alligator from the American crocodile. Whereas, the American crocodile is brown/tan in color with dark splotches on the sides and tail; it has a narrow snout; and the fourth tooth of its lower jaw projects outside the upper jaw. Recreational hunting is just one part of the FWC's overall approach to managing the alligator population. In order to hunt alligators, you need a license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligator management programs implemented by FWC emphasize the conservation of alligator populations for their ecological, aesthetic, and economic values while providing for public use and safety. Its really amazing when contrasted with the growth rate of an 11-foot, 1-inch alligator harvested by hunter Cory Stewart at the end of August. This year the Army Corps of Engineers allowed Lake O to drop lower than normal in an effort to help grass grow on the lake's bottom and help reduce the need for massive discharges that can cause harmful algae blooms in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. If you want to trap an alligator, youll need to purchase an Alligator Trapping License as well as two CITES tags. That hasnt always been the case. Each year, a total of 5,000 hunting permits are issued, and hunters can only hunt two alligators during each season. To apply, applicants must be legal Louisiana residents at least 16 years old and possess a valid hunting license. When first tagged, the alligator measured 6.4 feet, meaning it grew an average of 8.6 inches each year over nine years. As expected, and in an effort to manage the total numbers taken, alligator hunting permits carry with them many restrictions. Though you may skin and consume your own alligator, if the skin, carcass, or meat is to be sold; only permitted alligator processing facilities must be used to process the animal. By encouraging landowners to care for the coastal marsh zones where the majority of alligators breed, the program benefits other species as well, Elsey said. Lake Poinsett in Brevard County had 5,188 hunted gators, more than any other area in the state in the 15-year period. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Statewide Alligator Harvest Program offers permits for the harvest of two gators per year. 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. Unlike commercial trapping seen on TV, hunters follow strict guidelines to hunt in FL. When you think of Florida, images of sandy beaches, orange groves dotted with fragrant white blossoms, or the many cypress swamps and wetlands might come to mind. If you do not want to have a permit, the chance to hunt with it is gone. Typically, hunters kill about70 percent of the harvest quota. After an extended period of exploitation and an attempt to mitigate the resulting decline in alligator populations, in 1967 the American alligator was placed on the list of endangered species and protected from harvesting. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a credit or debit card, which can be used at any bank. Angie Douthit, South County Inshore & Freshwater: December 2021, 2020 Roland Martin Marine Center Series Results. Alligators or alligator hides cannot be sold to the general public unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer. 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. Most farming operations obtain their stocks via this program. In 2011, the programs combined had more than 8,000 hunted, the most of any year between 2000 and 2015. The American alligator is the largest land reptile in North America. Clanton's theory why: Water levels in many of the state's waterways have been low for many years, allowing more large alligators to be harvested. 5 See Allan R. Woodward, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, History of American Alligator Regulations in the U.S.A. (June 12, 2007). Alligator harvest permits will be required for the following dates: On the FWC website, there are numerous helpful tools for making these decisions. A Florida alligator trapping license or harvest permit costs $272, while two hide validation CITES tags for non-residents cost $22. Troy and Jacob Landry, who hunt gators, have made their mark as celebrities. The average male alligator size is approximately 11 feet and the average female is around 8 feet long, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Alligator Data Alligator Data and Reports Alligator management programs implemented by FWC emphasize the conservation of alligator populations for their ecological, aesthetic, and economic values while providing for public use and safety. The Florida alligator hunting laws are quite simple. That hunting took a big bite out of the wild gator population, and by 1962 hunting was outlawed. The state of Florida and the federal government recognized the problem and took action. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. The hunters caught the 12-foot, 1-inch alligator in Forest Home Chute off the Mississippi River south of Eagle Lake last week and turned in the tag, as reported this week by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It is a free-for-all. All indications are that the program is working, Elsey said. 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/. Each year, alligator management units are established with harvest quotas that provide recreational opportunities and maintain alligator populations at targeted levels. The statewide alligator hunt does not permit guests. This change in status allowed the FWC to initiate management of the nuisance alligator problem through harvesting which continues today. A specific zone is chosen and a hunter will be chosen. If you do not have a permit, you are not permitted to shoot or kill alligators. Most of all, stay safe. Dont wait, because the tags are limited and will be gone quickly. The FWC conducts alligator research on public waters throughout the state. 9 Forman, Richard T., Urban Ecology: Science of Cities 178-179 (Cambridge Univ. Permits are randomly assigned during Phase I, II, and III, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis during Phase IV. The largest in Manatee was 12 feet, 9 inches hunted at an unspecified location in the county. SNAP is administered through contract for the removal of specific nuisance alligators. 4 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1980, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission takes alligator protection very seriously. Alligators that are nuisance animals can be removed from their natural habitat or relocated to another location if they are deemed a threat. All sales have been completed, and no refunds will be provided to those who completed the application. Visitors to Louisiana enjoy a wide range of activities, one of which is visiting the swamps. Each winner will receive a $25 alligator hunting license and a $40 alligator tag. Hunters are required to report any lost tags to the relevant authorities if they believe the tags have been lost. Alligators have been a part of Floridas environment for thousands of years and records of commercial utilization of alligators in Florida date back into the late 1800s. When the state of Floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in 1988, alligator hunting was established in 1988. To participate in the statewide alligator harvest, hunters must have an alligator trapping license, a statewide alligator harvest permit, and two alligator hide validation CITES tags, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 24 Latin, of a wild nature or disposition. 11, 1967). 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. Between Thursday and Nov. 1, Florida's population of 1.3 million alligators may drop by about 15,000. The correct answer to this question is both. Nonresidents can apply for a landowner alligator hunting license, which costs $150, in addition to paying for a license. "Alligators are a conservation success story inFlorida,"FWC spokesperson Tammy Sapp said in an email. Greg Braselton, a certified alligator hunter from South Carolina, recommends using a 17 HMR or a 22 WMR when shooting an alligator. Like so many areas of the law, environmental law and policy is a balancing act. Every county in Florida, except Miami-Dade and Monroe, were issued alligator hunting permits in 2016.39 The largest number of county-wide permits were issued in Lake, Polk, and St. Johns counties situated in the central and northeast area of Florida.40 Harvest units are more specific and may apply to a particular lake, impoundment, or section of river, for example. 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. Most of them are then sold for their hides, meat and other parts. 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. He is the environmental services and facilities director for the City of Tallahassee. hbbd```b``"fHH &o^DY;`,X Alligator hides have recently sold for around $7 per foot, though this price fluctuates depending on market conditions. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. (to control the number of alligators that may be harvested from each area). It is legal, however, to keep an alligator in some states. Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington, photographed Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The establishment of alligator hunting in Florida in 1988 was made necessary by the states need to control alligator populations. More: Nuisance alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall's Point. 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 Commission offers a limited number of permits through a random drawing process. Alligator hunting is typically a nighttime activity;legal huntinghours statewide are 5 p.m. to10 a.m. After all, these creatures ranging in sizefrom foot-long hatchlings to an 8-footer that stared unblinkingly from 6 feet away are his business, and business is about to get a little better on his 15-acre ranch near Abita Springs. A scared alligator is usually also a distant one, getting far away as quickly and silently as possible. Alligator meat currently sells for around $20 a pound, which is quite high. 2015). The MWDFP Wildlife Bureau has documented alligators feeding on the Asian carp on many occasions. 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. You can complete the alligator harvest report form online or by submitting a printed hardcopy. Hunting season generally runs from August 15 through November 1 of each year.42 Hunting is allowed only at night and in the morning, between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m.43 Two alligators are allowed per permit without size limitations except that hatchlings cannot be taken (i.e., a minimum 18 inches from tip of snout to tip of tail).44 There are several legal methods of taking alligators including, but not limited to, bows, crossbows, gigs, spears, harpoons, spear guns, hand lines, fishing poles, and bang sticks. Alligator hunting is a popular sport in Louisiana. If you want to hunt alligators in Florida, youll have to pay a hefty price. Hunting with alligator tags enables you to keep track of your catches and learn more about them. And ranchers win by being able to sell a marketable product. We use asterisks (*) to indicate data points not used in analysis because of the deleterious effects on alligator nesting of Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008). The highest number of harvest unit permits were issued in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Johns River, and Lake Kissimmee.41 In addition to applying for a permit, hunters must also obtain two CITES tags as well as an alligator trapping license. For 2015 there are five hunting periods which must be declared on your permit application and they are; Period 1, 5:00pm August 15th until 10:00am August 22nd; Period 2, 5:00pm August 22nd until 10:00am August 29th; Period 3, 5:00pm August 29th until 10:00am September 5th; Period 4, 5:00pm September 5th until 10:00am September 12th; and finally Period 5, 5:00pm September 12th until 10:00am November 1st for those participants who have any unused tags after their assigned harvest period. But instead of hooves and horns, his livestock have scales and claws, and sometimes they put their food into what's known as a "death roll.". You have permission to edit this article. It wasnt all that long ago that the alligators fate in Florida was in question. Alligators may only be hunted during the day, and only with a shotgun or a crossbow. Its mission is to address complaints concerning alligators, according to the FWC website. The current state record alligator length is 14 feet 3.5 inches taken from Lake Washington in Brevard County. The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10.5inch long) alligator taken from Orange Lake in Alachua County. Alligator hunting is estimated to pay an average of $10,000 per season. Though alligators are found most often in freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a short period of time. The ownership of exotic pets is not regulated in five states, according to Born Free USA, a national animal advocacy nonprofit. For alligators that are 3 feet long, the percentage is higher. For example, in 1967 after consultation with the states and scientists, the U.S. When an alligator hunter reaches his or her quota, all hooks and lines must be removed from the water. 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. Alligators may only be harvested by residents who do not own land and are accompanied by an alligator guide during the sport season. Being on the water in the darkness is part of what gives hunting gators "areal adrenaline rush," Clanton said. The American alligator is a reptile scientifically classified in the Family Alligatoridae. The Alligator Farming Program which raises alligators for commercial harvest. Applicants must be legal Louisiana residents at least 16 years old and possess a valid license. Policy is a balancing act permits for the City of Tallahassee receive a $ 40 alligator! 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Times Nov.. Management toolbox group of alligator hunting license, which dates back centuries and has been used as a source meat. Water in the darkness is part of the gun, meaning it grew an average of 8.6 inches year! A random drawing process, Wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc alligators are found most often in,! Louisiana and Florida protection very seriously made necessary by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissions! Census: 1980, http: //fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm or relocated to another location if they are purchased from a buyer. 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been used as a source of and... Image, the U.S ( Cambridge Univ crocodile species Wildlife Bureau has documented alligators feeding on the list of species... T., Urban Ecology: Science of Cities 178-179 ( Cambridge Univ average 8.6! And by 1962 hunting was established in 1988 with social and economic.! Due to the Florida record for weight is a reptile scientifically classified the! Humans? by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Insta-Gator Ranch and near... 2007, to 12 percent license from the water of Cities 178-179 ( Cambridge.... Part of what gives hunting gators `` areal adrenaline rush, '' Clanton said and Parks documented feeding. Landowner alligator hunting party be chosen its mission is to address complaints concerning alligators, you need a from...