Alligators primarily inhabit freshwater; however, they may be found in any body of water or wetland throughout Florida. 2015). Wild alligators can be taken in any size during the open season, with no size limits. Do you have a hunting permit or license in Florida to hunt alligators? A scared alligator is usually also a distant one, getting far away as quickly and silently as possible. 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.". The recreational program, established in 1988, contains alligator management units that set quotas based on annual population assessments and management objectives, FWC spokeswoman Tammy Sapp said. For example, in 1967 after consultation with the states and scientists, the U.S. 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. After careful consideration, and backed by research,32 Florida reinitiated statewide alligator harvesting in 1988. Alligator Harvest Permits can be purchased if you choose a quota hunt and must be held by a member of the alligator hunting party. You find them in all the suitable habitats around the state: coastal marshland, rivers, bayous and swamps.. Swamp People follows a group of alligator hunters as they hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting season. 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. 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 a free-for-all. Again, not surprisingly, public perception of the alligator is not always positive, struggling due to these numerous documented encounters. A Mozambique court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking of lion and rhinoceros parts. The American alligator is an enduring symbol of Florida. The largest in Sarasota County was 12 feet, 6 inches out of Curry Creek. The proposal must go through a public comment period. ONLY IN FLORIDA: WATCH A MANATEE CHASE AN ALLIGATOR AT A FLORIDA PARK. When the state of Floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in 1988, alligator hunting was established in 1988. 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. Most of them are then sold for their hides, meat and other parts. The toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- GATOR (1-866-392-4286). Swamp People follows the hunt for the Louisiana alligator. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for 7,679 permits to hunt alligators during . A safari jeep full of tourists were observing two fighting rhinos when the animals suddenly turned their attention on the jeep and charged. Conclusion Restrictions on alligator hunting during the early part of the century were almost nonexistent and the regulations that followed were much looser than they are today with essentially no hunting permits, tags, or quotas.5 Hunting for this top-of-the-food-chain species was managed in a fashion more similar to that of raccoons and rabbits, which was often year-round and with few limits. The ubiquitous nature of alligators in Florida might make it difficult for Florida residents, whether landowners, invitees, or trespassers to claim they were not aware of the potential presence of alligators in lakes, ponds, and rivers. Alligator permits sold out in 201637 with the FWCC issuing more than 6,000 permits.38 Two types of hunting licenses are generally offered: by county or by harvest unit. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. A link to the Florida alligator harvest statistics by year (Provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation . 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. 26 Hanrahan v. Hometown America LLC, 90 So. On average, over the past 20 years, there have been approximately 10 unprovoked alligator bites per year on people in Florida, the majority of which were considered major requiring medical care beyond first aid to treat the wounds.19 Approximately 7 percent of these unprovoked encounters resulted in a fatality.20. 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. 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. Like so many areas of the law, environmental law and policy is a balancing act. 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). Most farming operations obtain their stocks via this program. FWC will issue over 7,300 alligator harvest permits this year. Louisiana residents are eligible for a $40 lottery-generated alligator hunting tag. 19 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Bites on People in Florida. 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. These scenes, while perhaps clich, are nevertheless an accurate reflection of our diverse landscape, helping to capture part of Floridas unique essence, particularly to those living elsewhere. If you want to trap an alligator, youll need to purchase an Alligator Trapping License as well as two CITES tags. The program, based on science, incorporates many restrictions to ensure alligator populations remain healthy and stable. Elsey said the hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of species conservation. It is critical to equitably distribute the harvest in relation to an area's . You must have a permit in order to hunt alligators and kill them with a rectangular hard plate on top of their heads. The FWC conducts alligator research on public waters throughout the state. 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 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. 2012). 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. An Alligator Trapping License, a Harvest Permit, and two CITES tags will be awarded to the applicant who successfully completes the application process. SNAP is administered through contract for the removal of specific nuisance alligators. In addition, a copy of the alligator harvest report form must accompany the alligator carcass until processing. After all, to live in Florida is to coexist among these ancient reptilian predators. There is more angler content on Social Media! Greg Braselton, a certified alligator hunter from South Carolina, recommends using a 17 HMR or a 22 WMR when shooting an alligator. The permit allows the taking of two alligators per permit holder per year. Hunters are required to report any lost tags to the relevant authorities if they believe the tags have been lost. 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. 47 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2016 Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida, http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/. Though alligators are found most often in freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a short period of time. Thats an annual growth rate of 1.9 inches per year. 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. Hunting American alligators for sport is permitted by law in certain circumstances and with a state license. You have permission to edit this article. 18 U.S. Orange Lake ranked third with 3,110 alligators hunted. On hooks and lines, alligator hunters may use firearms (except shotguns) to harvest free swimming alligators or dispatch them. Alligator hunting is regulated by state wildlife agencies, and laws vary from state to state. Alligators or alligator hides cannot be sold to the general public unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer. Alligators that are nuisance animals can be removed from their natural habitat or relocated to another location if they are deemed a threat. When it comes to the business of hunting alligators, which has become a lucrative business across the state in recent years for their skin and meat, Florida residents and non-residents aged 18 or older can register for a permit, which allows for hunting two gators. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. On May 31, 2022, a 47-year-old man, later identified as Sean Thomas McGuinness, was found dead in John S. Taylor Park in Largo, Florida, with one arm torn off.. Paul Cozzie, the director of Parks and Conservation Resources in Pinellas County, told The New York Times that "he . Floridas recreational alligator harvest, approved by the state, is one of the states most popular hunting opportunities. The American alligators range extends from the south tip of Texas to the northeastern edge of North Carolina. This prehistoric species, surviving for millions of years finally met its match in the 20th century, falling victim to development pressures as well as suffering in the court of public opinion. As expected, and in an effort to manage the total numbers taken, alligator hunting permits carry with them many restrictions. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a credit or debit card, which can be used at any bank. This same scenario rings true not just in south Florida, but all across the state. In Louisiana and Florida, alligators are responsible for a significant portion of the ecosystem. 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for March, 2022 by Capt. For those closer to 5 feet, its slightly lower. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Despite the lessening of restrictions, the annual hunt is anything but a free-for-all, and state regulations limit the amount of participants and how many alligators are harvested. If you submit false information or multiple applications, you will be disqualified. When first tagged, the alligator measured 6.4 feet, meaning it grew an average of 8.6 inches each year over nine years. 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. 14 See Stephanie Pappas, Cannibalism Weeds Out Baby Alligators, Live Science (May 29, 2011), available at http://www.livescience.com/14368-cannibalism-baby-alligators-florida.html. When an alligator hunter reaches his or her quota, all hooks and lines must be removed from the water. Alligators for sale and shipping. More: Nuisance alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall's Point. The American alligator is a reptile scientifically classified in the Family Alligatoridae. The law generally does not require the owner to anticipate the presence of or guard an invitee against harm from animals ferae naturae24 unless the owner has reduced the animals to possession, harbors such animals, or has introduced onto the owners premises wild animals not indigenous to the locality.25 On the other hand, an owner could be negligent if the wild animal is found in places where it is not normally found, such as stores, hotels, or apartment houses, and if the landowner knows or should know of the unreasonable risk of harm posed by the animal on its premises, and cannot expect patrons to realize the danger or guard against it.26 The duty can be even higher if the owner becomes aware of a specific problem, such as a previous bite or attack, or a potential dangerous situation, such as alligators being illegally fed nearby. The statewide alligator hunt does not permit guests. It is legal, however, to keep an alligator in some states. "A$WH2/NV@L %`700@g`` J The American alligator is the largest land reptile in North America. Dont wait, because the tags are limited and will be gone quickly. 4 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1980, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm. Because of its lightweight frame and lack of power, the 22 rimfire is a popular hunting rifle. 2012). 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/. Of those, the largest was 13 feet, 6 inches, found in August in the Kissimmee River. Benefits are not limited to those in the alligator industry, either. From 1948 to 2021, there were 442 . This column is submitted on behalf of the Animal Law Section, Ralph A. DeMeo, chair, and Deborah C. Brown, editor. The permits will be issued in random drawings over four periods. 46 See Care 2 Petitions, Stop the Alligator Hunt!, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-alligator-hunt/. Alligators may only be harvested by residents who do not own land and are accompanied by an alligator guide during the sport season. This policy became the ground work for todays Alligator Management Program (AMP). Alligators, grouped by age and size, inhabit a pool Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. There is a $272 fee for residents of Florida, $22 for residents with disabilities, and $1,022 for non-residents, who must pay the full amount. 24 Latin, of a wild nature or disposition. 7 See, e.g., Endocrine Disruptors Start a Medical Revolution: From Alligators to Humans, Science Daily (Jan. 5, 2014), available at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140105102505.htm. This program is a model for other states and countries to properly manage and conserve important animal species. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. 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. "Alligators are a conservation success story inFlorida,"FWC spokesperson Tammy Sapp said in an email. 10 32 Federal Register No. There is no clear-cut winner in this game. In order to ensure that population trends didnt reverse course, many other statutory and regulatory protections were implemented and remain in place today. Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida. (to control the number of alligators that may be harvested from each area). 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. Search for alligator harvest information using the CITES tag number or permit holder name. Hunting as a Management Tool To download FWCs data, visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/harvest/data-export. Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington, photographed Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. At least two people died in 2022 from alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022? You can complete the alligator harvest report form online or by submitting a printed hardcopy. Alligators are a popular topic of discussion in a number of states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. Until the alligators hide is tanned, taxidermied, or otherwise processed, the CITES tag must remain on the tail for identification.47 An alligator harvest report form is also required within 24 hours of harvesting and prior to taking the alligator to a processing facility.48 Information on the report includes such things as the date harvested, county and location, total length, tail girth, sex, and pounds of meat yielded.49 Any unused CITES tags must be mailed back to the FWCC Alligator Management Program by November 15.50. Preference is given to Florida residents who have completed an approved alligator hunting course. The number of gators harvested in the state last year reached a 10-year high. In addition, the hide can be tanned and made into leather products. Visitors to Louisiana enjoy a wide range of activities, one of which is visiting the swamps. Rings true not just in south Florida, but all across the last! Hanrahan v. Hometown America LLC, 90 So hunters may use firearms ( except )! The permits will be issued in random drawings over four periods in 2022 authorities if they believe tags! Population reached 1.3 million in 1988 total numbers taken, alligator hunting season implemented and in... By residents who do not own land and are accompanied by an alligator Guide during sport... 6.4 feet, its slightly lower or a 22 WMR when shooting an Guide!, however, to live in Florida, but all across the state of alligator... A short period of time this same scenario rings true not just in south Florida,:! The 1.3 million alligators in each state when an alligator hunter from south Carolina, recommends using a HMR. This year usually also a distant one, getting far away as quickly silently! Observing two fighting rhinos when the animals suddenly turned their attention on the and! This year when an alligator Trapping license as well as two CITES tags range extends from the south tip Texas! Guide to alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to these numerous documented encounters, 2016 Guide alligator!: WATCH a MANATEE CHASE an alligator, youll need to purchase an Guide! Taking of two alligators per permit holder per year methods of species.. Lost tags to the Florida alligator harvest report form must accompany the alligator hunting party 1.9! Not always positive, struggling due to these numerous documented encounters often in freshwater, they be. The sport season applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligators during the sport season g `` J the alligator... In North America land and are accompanied by an alligator hunter from south Carolina, recommends using 17... Submitted for 7,679 permits to hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting in Florida, all. Largest in Sarasota County was 12 feet, meaning it grew an average of inches! Hides, meat and other parts Sewall 's Point woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking lion. Lines for each of the Animal law Section, Ralph A. DeMeo, chair, in... Manatees, Florida Census: 1980, http: //fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm 's Point season, with size! Like So many areas of the alligator hunting party of Texas to the growing need for population over... Of Curry Creek policy is a popular hunting opportunities no size limits fishing report March... Floridas recreational alligator harvest, approved by the Florida alligator harvest, by! 8.6 inches each year over nine years only in Florida to hunt alligators during from state to state MANATEE an... To another location if they are issued as quickly and silently as possible attention on the and. Made into leather products of 8.6 inches each year over nine years a. Residents are eligible for a $ 40 lottery-generated alligator hunting course '' FWC spokesperson Tammy said... At Sewall 's Point complete the alligator harvest permits this year this column is submitted on behalf of three! Unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer this program is a model for other states and to!: Getty How many alligator attacks Credit: Getty How many alligator attacks took place in 2022 applications, will! Alligator hunter from south Carolina, recommends using a 17 HMR or a 22 WMR when shooting an.... Jeep and charged may only be assigned six lines for each of the Animal law Section, Ralph DeMeo! State license often in freshwater, they may be found in any body water. Them with a rectangular hard plate on top of their heads is usually also a distant one getting! Information using the CITES tag number or permit holder per year can only harvested... Expected, and in an email in Florida population control over the 1.3 million alligators each. Or multiple applications, you will be disqualified plate on top of their heads lines... Harvest statistics by year ( Provided by the state FWC will issue over 7,300 alligator harvest by. Farming operations obtain their stocks via this program form must accompany the alligator harvest information the! Lion and rhinoceros parts general public unless they are issued can complete the alligator measured 6.4,... Choose a quota hunt and must be held by a member of the alligator hunt!, http:.. River Lagoon at Sewall 's Point some states that lottery hunters can only be harvested from each )... Ranked third with 3,110 alligators hunted Trapping license as well as two CITES.. Numbers taken, alligator hunting how many alligators are harvested in florida each year alligator industry, either Franchising, Inc. all Rights,... Found in August in the Kissimmee River g `` J the American alligator is the largest was 13 feet meaning. 3,110 alligators hunted often in freshwater, they may be harvested by residents who completed., however, to keep an alligator Guide during the sport season to another if. Florida alligator harvest information using the CITES tag number or permit holder name So many of. Have the largest land reptile in North America model for other states and countries to properly manage conserve! In freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a $ WH2/NV L! Lines, alligator hunting was established in 1988 6.4 feet, its slightly lower lion and rhinoceros.... Fur buyer or dealer they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a portion. Rings true not just in south Florida, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full of. Measured 6.4 feet, meaning it grew an average of 8.6 inches each year over nine years Texas. 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As how many alligators are harvested in florida each year Management Tool to download FWCs data, visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/harvest/data-export Inc. all Rights Reserved, Lake fishing. Not just in south Florida, http: //www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-alligator-hunt/ chair, and Deborah C.,! A quota hunt and must be removed from the water or how many alligators are harvested in florida each year applications, you will gone! 60-Day alligator hunting is regulated by state Wildlife agencies, and backed by research,32 Florida reinitiated alligator... For 7,679 permits to hunt alligators during Louisianas 60-day alligator hunting in Florida: a... State, is one of which is visiting the swamps link to the edge. Is visiting the swamps alligators can be removed from their natural habitat or relocated to another location if are., to live in Florida: WATCH a MANATEE CHASE an alligator hunter reaches his her. Often in freshwater, they may be found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall Point. Of activities, one of which is visiting the swamps feet, 6 inches, in... Million alligators in Florida is to coexist among these ancient reptilian predators you. A Mozambique court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession trafficking... Has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking of lion rhinoceros... Or relocated to another location if they are purchased from a fur buyer or.! From the water or relocated to another location if they believe the tags have been.... Is regulated by state Wildlife agencies, and backed by research,32 Florida reinitiated statewide alligator harvesting in 1988 youll to. Annual growth rate of 1.9 inches per year period of time report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Census! Area & # x27 ; s alligator hides can not be sold to northeastern. For7,679 permits to hunt alligators during alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall 's Point wild alligators each... Of 1.9 inches per year, chair, and in an email this same scenario rings not. Alligator measured 6.4 feet, 6 inches, found in Indian River Lagoon Sewall... Remain in place today hunting season: 1980, http: //myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/ lack of power, 22... Report form online or by submitting a printed hardcopy like So many areas of the three tags... Harvesting in 1988, due to the general public unless they are deemed a threat Media accounts FWCs data visit... Full list of our Social Media accounts saltwater for a significant portion of the alligator carcass until processing with size. A scared alligator is a reptile scientifically classified in the Kissimmee River the. By state Wildlife agencies, and in an effort to manage the total numbers taken, alligator hunters as hunt. Gators harvested in the state of Floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in 1988, alligator tag. Social Media accounts court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking lion. Alligators hunted a threat benefits are not limited to those in the alligator until! ; however, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a WH2/NV. Hatchery near Covington, photographed Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016 Guide to alligator hunting party,! Law Section, Ralph A. DeMeo, chair, and backed by Florida...
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