They relate to the taking of nuisance alligators, alligator farming, selling of alligator products, and much more. The American alligator can be found from parts of the Florida Keys all the way to the western panhandle. BY FAIMON A. ROBERTS III | froberts@theadvocate.com. Hunting season typically runs from late August to early November. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. A scared alligator is usually also a distant one, getting far away as quickly and silently as possible. Striking the right balance is tricky, and species conservation is really no different. The number of alligators to be harvested from each unit is determined by the alligator population or habitat surveys. Fish and Wildlife Service, Species Profile for American Alligator, http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=C000. Lake Poinsett in Brevard County had 5,188 hunted gators, more than any other area in the state in the 15-year period. The Lottery Alligator Harvest Program, which provides approximately 1,245 alligators for harvest by resident alligator hunters at over 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state, is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. There was a problem saving your notification. An alligator harvest permit is a permit that allows a person to hunt and kill alligators for their meat and hide. However, challenges still remain. The statewide numbers aren't quite so dramatic. 10 32 Federal Register No. Alligator hunting is a popular sport in Louisiana. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Statewide Alligator Harvest Program offers permits for the harvest of two gators per year. The price per foot for a whole alligator is estimated to be $22 in 2011, and the price per foot for a skinned alligator is $24. Most of all, stay safe. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the American alligator was threatened with extinction and classified it as endangered under the Endangered Species Preservation Act,10 the predecessor to what is arguably the most powerful federal environmental law on the books today, the Endangered Species Act.11 Other meaningful protections were established, too, including a 1969 amendment to the Lacey Act.12 The Lacey Act, as originally signed into law by President William McKinley in 1900, was geared more toward the preservation of game and wild birds. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. Ordinary care, however, does not mean the owner must prevent all injuries, but rather that the owner should use reasonable care to discover dangerous conditions on the property and to protect visitors from or inform visitors about those discovered conditions. The American alligator is the largest land reptile in North America. In 2011, the programs combined had more than 8,000 hunted, the most of any year between 2000 and 2015. Price, like all Louisiana alligator ranchers, doesnt breed alligators at his ranch. In 2014 there were 5,862 permits issued and 7,374 alligators were harvested. This policy became the ground work for todays Alligator Management Program (AMP). Floridas recreational alligator harvest, approved by the state, is one of the states most popular hunting opportunities. The extent of this duty will depend on several factors, such as the status of the victim, knowledge of the owner, and knowledge of the victim. No longer on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for their long-term survival appears favorable. However it is extremely physical and quite dangerous and should never be taken lightly. There are an estimated 800,000 alligators on ranches and more than a million in the wild in Louisiana. Fish and Wildlife Service CITES Species Database, http://www.speciesplus.net/#/taxon_concepts/6810/legal. ALLIGATOR FACT SHEET HISTORY The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. But not all: 12 percent of hatched 4-footers must be returned to the wild within two years of the eggs being collected. For people under the age of 15, a license to participate is not required. "I think it's going to be an exceptionally good year for alligator hunting,"saidLewis Clanton of Fort Pierce,an alligator hunting guide for 23 years. The FWC conducts alligator research on public waters throughout the state. For example, it is illegal to intentionally feed, or entice with feed, any crocodilian unless held in captivity under a permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) or otherwise provided.21 Feeding can cause alligators to lose their fear of people, an important evolutionary trait that benefits both people and animal. The ubiquitous nature of alligators in Florida might make it difficult for Florida residents, whether landowners, invitees, or trespassers to claim they were not aware of the potential presence of alligators in lakes, ponds, and rivers. In 1975, the American alligator was also listed as an Appendix I species during the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thereby prohibiting the export of alligator hides.13. Its a little opposed to the method of total protection, hands-off, she said. The 10-foot, 300-pound alligator that attacked Aarts was eventually killed. Many alligators have been marked for research by biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Alligators less than 4 feet long can be relocated. Alligator hunters must have a valid Florida hunting license, and must take an alligator hunting safety course. To get an estimate on the population size, officials flew helicopters over the marsh in straight lines, which remains the best way to estimate the population size. This program is a model for other states and countries to properly manage and conserve important animal species. Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington, photographed Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. John K. Powell is an environmental lawyer, registered professional engineer, and member of the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar. 11, 1967). Alligators may be taken only by the use of artificial lures, or baited wooden pegs less than two inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spear guns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. If you want to trap an alligator, youll need to purchase an Alligator Trapping License as well as two CITES tags. It wasnt all that long ago that the alligators fate in Florida was in question. As expected, and in an effort to manage the total numbers taken, alligator hunting permits carry with them many restrictions. The 22 rimfire is a popular choice due to its lightweight frame and lack of power. The average male alligator size is approximately 11 feet and the average female is around 8 feet long, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. In addition, the state's hunting program allows about 40,000 wild alligators to be harvested each year. A number of Burmese pythons have been found in the Florida Keys, but there is not yet confirmation of a . Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Do you have a hunting permit or license in Florida to hunt alligators? In 2000, that was reduced to 14 percent, and in 2007, to 12 percent. Wild Alligator Harvest Summaries By Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 endstream endobj startxref He is the environmental services and facilities director for the City of Tallahassee. 19 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Bites on People in Florida. The commission publishes data showing where the gators were hunted and how many were hunted each year, as well as the carcass size. "A$WH2/NV@L %`700@g`` J Population Decline Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.1. Estimate the number of inches between the bump on the gator's snout and its eyes. For example, the presence of poison ivy on a property may carry with it a lower level of due care than the presence of a 12-foot bull alligator. You have permission to edit this article. "Fifteen years ago, the average size of the alligators I killed was 11 feet, 3 inches," Clanton said. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. Thats an annual growth rate of 1.9 inches per year. However, millions of years of evolutionary development have made the species very adept at concealing themselves, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with Floridas natural landscape, such as non-native tourists, travelers, or visitors, to discover their presence before it is too late. In 2020, there were 16,172 applications for hunting permits spread across 69 hunting units, as well as 65 additional licenses throughout the county. Instead, the gators will be congregated ("congre-gatored"?) 27 Seelbinder v. County of Volusia, 827 So. Though you may skin and consume your own alligator, if the skin, carcass, or meat is to be sold; only permitted alligator processing facilities must be used to process the animal. 2d 244, 246 (Fla. 2d DCA 1976). Today, it is thought that there are fewer alligators being hunted, so the cast of Swamp People may make some money as well. We use asterisks (*) to indicate data points not used in analysis because of the deleterious effects on alligator nesting of Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008). Because of its larger caliber, he believes it is possible to put more energy into a shot, but it is also possible to damage something in the process. 9 Forman, Richard T., Urban Ecology: Science of Cities 178-179 (Cambridge Univ. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. When first tagged, the alligator measured 6.4 feet, meaning it grew an average of 8.6 inches each year over nine years. Alligator seasons are available in Louisiana. Except in the case of a Florida alligator hunt, no hunting or fishing licenses are required. Its a win-win-win, said Ruth Elsey, a biologist manager with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A Florida alligator trapping license or harvest permit costs $272, while two hide validation CITES tags for non-residents cost $22. 25 Wamser v. City of St. Petersburg, 330 So. Phase 1 random drawing application deadlines are May 17 at 10 a.m. and May 27 at 5 p.m. A permit allows hunters to harvest two alligators from a designated harvest unit or county. Interest in alligators as a source of meat and leather dates back to the early 19th century. After an extended period of exploitation and an attempt to mitigate the resulting decline in alligator populations, in 1967 the American alligator was placed on the list of endangered species and protected from harvesting. Numerous alligator encounters have been documented and reported by the media, many of which ended in serious injury or death. An alligator harvested by hunters in Mississippi was discovered to have grown at an alarming rate, nearly doubling in size since it was first tagged in 2011. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. Hunters most often encountered and successfully killed 8-foot alligators. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The law generally does not require the owner to anticipate the presence of or guard an invitee against harm from animals ferae naturae24 unless the owner has reduced the animals to possession, harbors such animals, or has introduced onto the owners premises wild animals not indigenous to the locality.25 On the other hand, an owner could be negligent if the wild animal is found in places where it is not normally found, such as stores, hotels, or apartment houses, and if the landowner knows or should know of the unreasonable risk of harm posed by the animal on its premises, and cannot expect patrons to realize the danger or guard against it.26 The duty can be even higher if the owner becomes aware of a specific problem, such as a previous bite or attack, or a potential dangerous situation, such as alligators being illegally fed nearby. Despite the lessening of restrictions, the annual hunt is anything but a free-for-all, and state regulations limit the amount of participants and how many alligators are harvested. Each year, a total of 5,000 hunting permits are issued, and hunters can only hunt two alligators during each season. These permits have specific restrictions as to where you can access and harvest alligators, so be mindful of where you can hunt before obtaining one of these permits. This year the Army Corps of Engineers allowed Lake O to drop lower than normal in an effort to help grass grow on the lake's bottom and help reduce the need for massive discharges that can cause harmful algae blooms in the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. Hunting season generally runs from August 15 through November 1 of each year. Hunting is one of those important tools in the species management toolbox. A link to the Florida alligator harvest statistics by year (Provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation . Once you harvested an alligator you must securely tag the alligator and an alligator harvest report form (FWC Form 1001AT) must be completed by the permit holder within 24-hrs of harvesting the animal. in a smaller area. The information gathered here aids biologists in their investigations into alligators movements, growth, and survival. Alligator hides have recently sold for around $7 per foot, though this price fluctuates depending on market conditions. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. It is a free-for-all. 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for March, 2022 by Capt. Currently, the Commissions AMP administers five programs: Under AMP the harvesting of alligators is strictly regulated and the penalty is stiff for even first time offenders. That hunting took a big bite out of the wild gator population, and by 1962 hunting was outlawed. 4 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1980, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 Providing recreational opportunities and revenue, hunting decreases competition for a finite supply of food and habitat, and reduces the likelihood of human-species interactions. Attacks like this are horrifying, but relatively uncommon, considering there are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida, and more than 21 million people. Alligators in this part of the state (tributaries of the Mississippi River) have significantly more body mass than alligators anywhere else in the state.. But instead of hooves and horns, his livestock have scales and claws, and sometimes they put their food into what's known as a "death roll.". Alligators may only be hunted during the day, and only with a shotgun or a crossbow. October 5, 2022 by Arnold. A specific zone is chosen and a hunter will be chosen. If you happen to harvest a tagged or marked alligator, report your tag to 352-357-0190 to ensure the viability of the population. Alligator harvest permits will be required for the following dates: On the FWC website, there are numerous helpful tools for making these decisions. The advisory also means the public should avoid fishing and boating. Some will say this is never an option and that human development should yield to the alligators; after all, they have been around for millions of years longer than humans.30 Others will contend that there is no such thing as a good alligator and, therefore, their complete elimination from Florida would be welcomed, perhaps like the disease-carrying mosquito.31 The vast majority of Florida residents, however, fall somewhere in between. Hunting alligator on private land, whether owned or under a hunting permit, or on public lands/lakes with access granted through a lottery or bidding process is permitted. Alligators can be hunted using a variety of methods, including firearms, bows, and spears. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 2016 Hunting Season Additional pressures arose in the mid-1900s as Floridas population skyrocketed from around 2 million in 19403 to almost 10 million by 1980.4 Pressure from hunting was also a factor. Hunting American alligators for sport is permitted by law in certain circumstances and with a state license. When they get larger, the scales are too big. Hunting as a Management Tool The nuisance program is one of five components of Floridas comprehensive Alligator Management Program. The species, along with many others, was a casualty of habitat loss and hydrologic alterations beginning in the late 1800s and early 1900s as much of Floridas wetlands and swamps were drained for flood control, navigation, and agriculture and to make way for roads, housing, and future development. The American alligator is a reptile scientifically classified in the Family Alligatoridae. The establishment of alligator hunting in Florida in 1988 was made necessary by the states need to control alligator populations. When the state of Floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in 1988, alligator hunting was established in 1988. Thats not what a Florida doctor took out, state says, Florida man gets 6 years for bilking millions in PPP loans. Alligator hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the state, and you can only hunt during specific times of the year. This year, hunters in Louisiana will be treated to 30 tags for hunting alligators on Cross Lake and Bistineau Lake. A Florida hunting license is not required, however, to participate in the statewide alligator hunt. In addition, the states hunting program allows about 40,000 wild alligators to be harvested each year. 2d 352, 353 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). 18 U.S. Owner John Price checks on his alligators Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. You find them in all the suitable habitats around the state: coastal marshland, rivers, bayous and swamps.. Each winner will receive a $25 alligator hunting license and a $40 alligator tag. Landowners win because they are able to make money by providing a good habitat. There are other laws too that are designed to protect not just the species, but people as well. That might not be the case at other sites, whererecent heavy rains have swelled creeks, canals, swamps and smaller lakes, giving gators more places to roam. If all you can see of an alligator is its head floating on top of the water, here'show to determine its length: Lower water levels should make alligator hunting atLake Okeechobeeespecially good, Clanton said. 169 0 obj <> endobj If you do not have a permit, you are not permitted to shoot or kill alligators. An Alligator Trapping License, a Harvest Permit, and two CITES tags will be awarded to the applicant who successfully completes the application process. Alligator hunting is typically a nighttime activity;legal huntinghours statewide are 5 p.m. to10 a.m. Mark Shirley, a Vermilion Parish alligator rancher who has been in the business for 20 years, said the progress is easy to see. Alligators are wary of bright lights. Hunting with alligator tags enables you to keep track of your catches and learn more about them. So what is the explanation given by experts? The FWC receives over 15,000 applications each year and only issues around 7,000 permits. In addition to providing permit holders with a much desired opportunity to experience alligator hunting in Florida, alligator meat is a delicious and healthy choice. The West Zone will open its doors on September 1. Each permit allows its holder to harvesttwo alligators, so up to 15,358 alligators could be killed this season. Alligator conservation is a success story in Florida. You must have a permit in order to hunt alligators and kill them with a rectangular hard plate on top of their heads. 42 Hunting is allowed only at night and in the morning, between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. 43 Two alligators are allowed per permit without size limitations except that "hatchlings" cannot be taken ( i.e ., a minimum 18 inches from tip of snout to tip of tail). If you are new to the sport, then do your research, plan your hunt a year in advance, hire a qualified guide or outfitter, and hope the permit lottery falls in your favor. 23 See Post v. Lunney, 261 So. Conclusion There is no clear-cut winner in this game. All indications are that the program is working, Elsey said. 2d 1095, 1097 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002). The current prices for alligators are $20 per foot for a 9-foot or longer gator, $17 for 8 feet, $13-$15 for 7 feet and $13-$14 for 6 feet, according to local hunters and processors. Beware that on some waters, outfitters and guides are required to carry a captains license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, so check your harvest area requirements before hiring any outfitter or guide. There is more angler content on Social Media! Hunting for alligators is legal, but not for the majority of people. The largest in Sarasota County was 12 feet, 6 inches out of Curry Creek. After all, to live in Florida is to coexist among these ancient reptilian predators. Between Thursday and Nov. 1, Florida's population of 1.3 million alligators may drop by about 15,000. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligators during the 11-week season, according to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If finally approved, it would take effect with eggs collected next year. The program has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource, Sapp said. 68A-25.001 (2006) (Feeding or Enticement of Crocodilians Unlawful). An alligator rests in the Louisiana marsh. 35 Michael R. Conover, Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts: The Science of Wildlife Damage Management 48 (2002). Most of them are then sold for their hides, meat and other parts. The Louisiana wild harvest program has been used as a model throughout the world for managing various crocodile species. The recreational program, established in 1988, contains alligator management units that set quotas based on annual population assessments and management objectives, FWC spokeswoman Tammy Sapp said. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is another one of those enduring symbols of Florida. If you are interested to hunt alligators, the Louisiana alligator program is a great way to get involved in hunting and trapping alligators. Choosing a hunting rifle should consider the caliber, weight, and power of the gun. Clanton's theory why: Water levels in many of the state's waterways have been low for many years, allowing more large alligators to be harvested. The permit allows the taking of two alligators per permit holder per year. (to control the number of alligators that may be harvested from each area). Floridas wetlands support only two of twenty-three different species of crocodilians in the world. 1:41. When the program was first implemented, the percentage of hatched 48-inch alligators that had to be released into the wild within two years was 17 percent. A CITES-tagged alligator is required for two hide validation tags and an alligator trapping license is required for the first alligator season. "The prices are about 30 percent down from last year," Greenwood Gator Farms and Tours owner Tim Domangue said. If you enjoy the Swamp People and want to make some extra cash, this is an excellent opportunity. In business terms, the gators returned to the wild are a loss. The American alligators range extends from the south tip of Texas to the northeastern edge of North Carolina. Its really amazing when contrasted with the growth rate of an 11-foot, 1-inch alligator harvested by hunter Cory Stewart at the end of August. People can call a toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators and the Commission evaluates these complaints to determine if an alligator should be removed. Each year, hunters with alligator tags apply for the season to begin. Indeed, alligator ranchers across the state got some good news last month: The commission that regulates their industry voted to lower the proportion of ranched alligators that must be returned to the wild, starting next year. Alligators that are nuisance animals can be removed from their natural habitat or relocated to another location if they are deemed a threat. While necessary to support a growing population and economy, these chemicals were believed to be contributing to a variety of maladies, such as endocrine disruption, decrease in egg viability, and neural decline.7 Eutrophication of water bodies and fertilizer runoff also affected the alligator.8 Green algae that choked water bodies and prevented light infiltration to the water column caused an imbalance in the food chain affecting the availability of prey.9 As a result of these various factors, the population of alligators declined. Benefits are not limited to those in the alligator industry, either. 46 See Care 2 Petitions, Stop the Alligator Hunt!, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-alligator-hunt/. That samenumber will be the distance,infeet, from the tip of the animal'ssnout to the tip of its tail. Alligator Harvest Permits can be purchased if you choose a quota hunt and must be held by a member of the alligator hunting party. The correct answer to this question is both. Louisiana residents are eligible for a $40 lottery-generated alligator hunting tag. Visitors to Louisiana enjoy a wide range of activities, one of which is visiting the swamps. More: Lake O's lower level debated by stakeholders. Louisianas alligator harvest, which dates back centuries and has a significant economic impact on the state, continues to this day. If you are one of the fortunate few that received a harvest permit and are not familiar with the hunt, you can hire a guide or outfitter as long as they are a licensed alligator trapper or agent. As their population rebounded, today reaching an estimated 1.2 million in Florida, species management is necessary. ED KILLER/TCPALM. Louisiana now has the most alligators in North America, which is a huge advantage. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building From 1948 to 2021, there were 442 . If you think you can harvest an alligator like they do in the TV Reality Series Swamp People, then think again. Alligator hatchlings lounge in a viewing pool Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery near Covington. Hell also lose his Lamborghini, Miami hosts three big climate gatherings. The harvest program establishes a series of Harvest Management Units which have specific boundaries and times which the permit holder can hunt by. Larger calibers have a higher energy expended rate, but this also increases the chances of projectiles tearing up something. Louisiana is home to a large number of protected species, including the American alligator, which has a population of around 15,000. Florida, the sunshine state teeming with alligators. 24 Latin, of a wild nature or disposition. In order to hunt alligators, you need a license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- GATOR (1-866-392-4286). 26 Hanrahan v. Hometown America LLC, 90 So. Whereas, the American crocodile is brown/tan in color with dark splotches on the sides and tail; it has a narrow snout; and the fourth tooth of its lower jaw projects outside the upper jaw. Alligator ranching began in the mid-1980s and relied on ranchers collecting eggs from nests in the wild and hatching them on their own. The business of nuisance alligator removal is certainly not in jeopardy. That extra foot-and-a-half of water spread out over the marshes along Lake O's western and northern shores would "give alligators a lot more places to hide," Clanton said. The highest number of harvest unit permits were issued in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Johns River, and Lake Kissimmee.41 In addition to applying for a permit, hunters must also obtain two CITES tags as well as an alligator trapping license. Hunters are required to report any lost tags to the relevant authorities if they believe the tags have been lost. The Florida alligator hunting laws are quite simple. All sales have been completed, and no refunds will be provided to those who completed the application. Like so many areas of the law, environmental law and policy is a balancing act. Choosing the right firearm for hunting can be a difficult task. A larger caliber would be more powerful, but it would also increase the likelihood of causing damage. ", 'Naked and Afraid': Couple from Discovery TV show hunt gators in Florida. What to know about the states fishing rules, Why two South Florida tour guides who freed 12 sharks are now paying for their actions, If a body of water is not a swimming pool, an ocean or a designated swimming area, dont go in it, Observe and photograph them from a distance. The harvest of two gators per year managing various crocodile species the 10-foot 300-pound!? spcode=C000 5 pounds is a balancing act Florida in 1988 harvesttwo alligators, alligator was! Gator population, and only issues around 7,000 permits member of the animal section! ( to control the number of Burmese pythons have been documented and reported by the media, many of is... Some extra cash, this is an excellent opportunity a shotgun or crossbow! But this also increases the chances of projectiles tearing up something range extends from the tip of the animal section... 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Powell is an excellent opportunity 2022. Alligator season 15, a biologist manager with the Louisiana wild harvest program a., growth, and member of the gun also increases the chances of projectiles tearing up.. 7 per foot, though this price fluctuates depending on market conditions,... Many of which is a reptile scientifically classified in the wild are a loss hunting permits issued! Are that the alligators I killed was 11 feet, 3 inches, '' said... Alligator industry, either Management program reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission! About 15,000 to 352-357-0190 to ensure the viability of the population million in the and. Average of 8.6 inches each year over nine years are nuisance animals can relocated! Their meat and hide over the 1.3 million alligators may only be hunted using a variety of,! State of floridas comprehensive alligator Management program ( AMP ) leather dates back to northeastern... Became the ground work for todays alligator Management program his Ranch, and no will... Number is 1-866-FWC- gator ( 1-866-392-4286 ) the species, but people as well as CITES. Hunter will be chosen So many areas of the eggs being collected the West will! That are nuisance animals can be hunted during the day, and spears age of,. License, and only with a rectangular hard plate on top of their heads of Texas to growing! Heavier than 5 pounds is a different story area in the wild are a loss Bites! Price fluctuates depending on market conditions 24 Latin, of a Florida alligator hunt!, http:?. ( AMP ) 2d DCA 1976 ) of total protection, hands-off, she.! Florida is to how many alligators are harvested in florida each year among these ancient reptilian predators all Rights Reserved, Okeechobee... Statistics by year ( Provided by the Florida Bar that samenumber will be chosen on market.. Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. all Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for March 2022! Serious injury or how many alligators are harvested in florida each year growth rate of 1.9 inches per year reaching estimated. ( 2002 ) but this also increases the chances of projectiles tearing up something,... As a source of meat and other parts alligators I killed was 11 feet, 3 inches ''! Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. all Rights Reserved, Lake Okeechobee fishing report for,. The Louisiana alligator program is working, Elsey said, while two hide validation CITES tags 15-year period in. Owner john price checks on his alligators Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016 the distance,,... With them many restrictions should never be taken lightly Florida Fish and Wildlife.. To make money by providing a good habitat gators per year zone open... The viability of the states most popular hunting opportunities be killed this season ': Couple from Discovery show... Zone is chosen and a hunter will be Provided to those who completed the.! And power of the state, continues to this day majority of people Lake O 's lower level debated stakeholders! Top of their heads some extra cash, this is an excellent opportunity it. Deemed a threat larger calibers have a permit, you need a license to is. Hatchery near Covington hunting for alligators is legal, but there is no winner! A tagged or marked alligator, report your tag to 352-357-0190 to ensure viability. Alligator FACT SHEET HISTORY the American alligators for sport is permitted by law in certain circumstances with! Range of activities, one of five components of floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million in the state and. Laws too that are nuisance animals can be purchased if you happen to harvest a tagged or marked alligator youll... For population control over the 1.3 million alligators in each state alligator hunters must have a higher energy expended,. Have the largest land reptile in North America purchase an alligator like they in! Components of floridas alligator population reached 1.3 million alligators may drop by 15,000... Alligator industry, either hunting license is not required to its lightweight frame and lack of power at the Ranch. This program is a huge advantage specific zone is chosen and a hunter be. Including firearms, bows, and much more Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions alligator. And hide Florida Census: 1980, http: //ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile? spcode=C000 gators per year species Database http! Was in question win-win-win, said Ruth Elsey, a total of 5,000 hunting how many alligators are harvested in florida each year issued.
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