Appy for gator hunting permits now; new rules for 2022

The American alligator, Florida’s state reptile, is a conservation success story. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

FLORIDA — The application period for 2022 Phase 1 alligator hunting permits is now underway and continues until May 16. The application periods for phases 2-4 begin soon thereafter.

New for 2022, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Commissioners have approved increasing hunting hours for the statewide alligator hunt and adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator.

Here are the dates to apply for alligator harvest permits for 2022:

Phase I Applications May 6 – 16

Phase II Applications May 20 – 30
Phase III Applications June 3 – 13
Phase IV Leftovers June 16 – until filled or Oct. 14

All application periods start at 10 a.m. ET on the first day of the application period and run through 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day.

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Increasing hunting hours from the current 17 hours a day to 24 hours a day on most areas will provide those with an alligator trapping license/alligator harvest permit seven more hours a day of hunting opportunity and more flexibility when scheduling hunting trips, the FWC said in a press release.

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, the FWC said.

To be considered a legal take method, the airbow’s arrow needs to be attached to a restraining line, which allows the hunter to safely gain control of the animal.

These new rules will take effect in time for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season. Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator for more information.

Applying for alligator harvest permits

This year, sustainable hunting opportunities will be offered at 128 AMUs (65 countywide AMUs and 63 specific AMUs). The FWC will be issuing over 7,300 alligator harvest permits through three random drawings and a final leftover phase.

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.

Learn more about the alligator harvest permit application process by visiting MyFWC.com and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts” under the “Buy and Apply” drop down menu and then clicking on “Statewide Alligator Hunt Permits.”

The FWC offers several tools to help you with the application process. Find application worksheets, a harvest unit map and listing, application tips and more by visiting MyFWC.com/Alligator and clicking on “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.”

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