Alligator
hunting regulations.
Huntable in 10 states, 8 draw / limited entry. Click any state for the state-specific page.
American alligators are restricted to the Southeast — primarily Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Mature bulls reach 12-14 feet and 500+ pounds. Once endangered, populations have rebounded to the point that most range states run quota-controlled hunting seasons that drive significant economic activity.
Alligator tags are draw-only in nearly all states — Florida and Louisiana have the most accessible programs. Hunting methods include hand-held hooks, harpoons, bow fishing, and bang-stick dispatch. The hunt is one of the more unique experiences in North American hunting; the meat and hide trade is part of long-standing Gulf Coast culture.
Hunting regulations change. The information on this page reflects what we know about species presence and hunt availability based on state agency listings. For current season dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, tag requirements, and reporting obligations, verify directly with your state wildlife agency. You are responsible for confirming current regulations before hunting.
Where alligator can be hunted
10 states- AlabamaAlabama Wildlife & Freshwater FisheriesDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- ArkansasArkansas Game and Fish CommissionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- FloridaFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- GeorgiaGeorgia DNR Wildlife Resources DivisionDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- LouisianaLouisiana Department of Wildlife and FisheriesDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- MississippiMississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and ParksDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- North CarolinaNC Wildlife Resources CommissionSSpecial permit / depredationVerify →
- OklahomaOklahoma Department of Wildlife ConservationSSpecial permit / depredationVerify →
- South CarolinaSC Department of Natural ResourcesDDraw / limited entryVerify →
- TexasTexas Parks and WildlifeDDraw / limited entryVerify →
Browse all species or download Bield: Hunt to start tracking sits and patterns by species and zone.