Page 165 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2020

“ With proper management, this magni cent ancient animal can
continue to thrive in its native habitat.”
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
August 2020 | 165
7 in seven hunting zones.
“Alligator hunting opportunities have
expanded nearly every year since 2005,” Flynt said. “It opened statewide on public waterways in 2013. Alligator hunting in Mississippi is allowed only by special permit. Each permit allows the holder to harvest two alligators at least four feet long, but only one may exceed seven feet long. In 2019, 957 permitted hunters took 922 alligators. The state issued 991 permits for 2020.”
The sale of alligator permits and hunting licenses directly provide more than $275,000 in license revenue to
the MDWFP each year. This does not include the economic impact of hunters traveling to their spots, lodging, buying equipment, supplies, food, fuel and other items to participate in the hunting season.
“Alligator hunting has introduced many people to hunting for the rst time ever,” Flynt advised. “People come from as far away as California and Canada to hunt Mississippi alligators. License data indicates that on average 150 to 200 alligator hunters each year are rst time hunting license customers.”
With proper management, this magni cent ancient animal can continue to thrive in its native habitat. For more information see www.mdwfp. com/wildlife-hunting/alligator-program.