2022 alligator hunting season begins Friday in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The 2022 public waters alligator hunting season begins in Mississippi on Friday, August 26 at noon. The 10-day season will close at noon on Monday, September 5.

During the June application period, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks (MDWFP) received 7,050 permit applications. A total of 980 permits were issued in the state’s seven hunting areas.

this is the 18the Alligator hunting year on public waterways in Mississippi and wildlife officials expect more than 3,500 people to participate with licensed hunters. 776 alligators were captured during the 2021 season.

MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt said, “Mississippi has experienced above average rainfall this summer in most areas, however some areas of the state have not. The Mississippi River is lower than we have experienced in several years and will affect access to it and its associated tributaries. Recent weather has brought locally widespread heavy rain with some areas experiencing more than 10 inches. This could cause local flash flooding and dangerous conditions in waterways. Hunters are encouraged to remain aware of the weather, delay hunting in dangerous conditions, and never boat when there is a threat of lightning.”

All persons, 16 years of age or older, who are on a vessel with or assisting a permit holder must possess an alligator hunting license with a valid hunting license prerequisite that includes the following (permit holders a lifetime license are exempt): Mississippi Sportsman License, All-Game Hunting/Fishing License, Small Game Hunting/Fishing License, Sportsman Apprentice License, Small Game Game Apprentice License, Apprentice License Small Game Hunting License, Senior Waiver License, Disabled Waiver License, Non-Resident Full Hunting License, or 7-Day NR Full Hunting License.

Licenses can be purchased online at www.mdwfp.com, at any retail outlet in Mississippi, or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT.