Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Legally Hunt Alligator

One of the popular targets for hunters in the Southeast is the alligator. The alligator population in states like Alabama and Georgia has grown exponentially due to protective legislation. You can help eliminate excess alligators and enjoy the alligator hunting experience by following applicable laws.


Instructions


1. Compare your current lighting equipment to state regulations on wattage before you begin to hunt for alligators at night. States with high alligator populations truncate the fall season by allowing night hunting using lights at a relatively low wattage to avoid light pollution.


2. Hunt for alligators using implements and weapons that are legally mandated by state wildlife officials. Alligators need to be caught with snares and nets that meet state regulations to avoid fines. Most states require the use of a handgun to kill caught alligators to provide a humane death.


3. Expedite the permit application process by using online tools through your state's wildlife agency. Most states have adopted online registration and permit applications, as well as the purchase of special permits, to cut down on hours spent in remote offices during the off-season.


4. Learn determine the size of alligators from a distance to hunt these elusive animals legally. Hunters need to know the minimum length of alligator that can be hunted legally to develop an eye for potential targets.


5. Mark out special hunting zones and open hunting areas on your map to determine whether or not you are legally hunting alligator. You should use a standard road map of your hunting zone and use colored markers to keep track of the regulations for your target area.


6. Store your alligator hunting permit on your pack or jacket to demonstrate proper registration. Wildlife agents stationed in your hunting zone will randomly check hunters, and they appreciate easy access to your permit.


7. Build accountability for tag reporting within your hunting party to stay within legally established boundaries while tracking alligators. You should remind friends who tag an alligator to fill out the tag fully and report the information to a field office immediately.

Tags: your hunting, alligator hunting, hunting zone, Most states, state regulations, state wildlife