The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has announced that alligator hunting will take place for some eligible hunters at Pelahatchie Bay in May for the first time in state history.
Starting February 1 at 10 a.m., prospective alligator hunters will be able to purchase an application, choose a potential hunting zone within Pelahatchie Bay, and submit the application for drawing by a third-party entity until February 8 at 10 a.m.
Hunters will be able to choose from dates May 5-8 and May 12-15 — time slots that MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt believes will give hunters an advantage in tracking down a multitude of alligators.
“There’s not going to be much, if any, floating surface aquatic vegetation, so I think hunters are going to be able to navigate very well. We know that it’s going to be the peak of breeding season and females are going to be out and about and more accessible than they are during our regular alligator season,” Flynt said on SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews. “We’re allowing these hunters to take two alligators at least six feet in length or greater.”
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid Mississippi hunting license. Selected winners will be notified by email on or about February 14. Drawn applicants will have until 12 p.m. on February 16 to purchase their permit via the link in the email notification. A second drawing will occur on February 21, if necessary, to issue any permits not purchased.
Applications can be acquired online, at any location that sells Mississippi hunting and fishing licenses, or by phone (1-800-546-4868).
The full interview with Flynt can be watched below.
