Alligator Quota Hunt Applications Due by July 31

If you want a chance to go on the hunt of a lifetime – be sure to get your alligator quota hunt application in before the deadline! Applications must be received by July 31. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division, 1,000 applicants will be selected for the 2017 alligator hunting season which begins Aug. 18 at sunset and ends Oct. 2 at sunrise.

In 2016, a total of 248 alligators were harvested with an average length of 8'4" and the longest gator measured 13"6." 

"Alligator hunting is a unique opportunity and Georgia is fortunate to have this valuable resource. I encourage all hunters to consider submitting an application," said John Bowers, Chief of the Game Management Section. "As in years past, we expect to have thousands more applications that the 1,000 permits available, but you won't ever get selected if you never apply!"

In Georgia, alligators typically live south of the fall line (a zone that roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta), occupying a variety of natural wetland habitats including marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes. Opportunistic carnivores, turtles and fish are their most common food, but they also eat small mammals, aquatic insects, crayfish, frogs, and water birds.

How to Apply

Applying for a Quota Hunt is simple. Visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com and select "Quota Hunts" and follow the steps to complete your application. Make sure that your email is current and correct in order to receive quota updates, confirmations or any notices about quota hunts.

Applicants can check their application status through their account after the July 31 deadline. Selected hunters will receive a temporary harvest tag and information packet by mail in early August.

For more information, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/Hunting/Alligator.