Mississippi alligator season 2024: What to know before you apply for a permit
The application period for the 2024 Mississippi public waters alligator hunting season begins at 10 a.m. June 3, but before you apply, have things in order and avoid some common mistakes.
"Not knowing their Customer ID," Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Alligator Program coordinator Andrew Arnett said is the most common mistake. "I think it's pertinent they have their Customer ID handy. That's typically the most common one."
Customer IDs are found on Mississippi hunting licenses, which leads to the next thing that needs to be in order.
"Make sure they're valid," Arnett said. "If your hunting license is not valid, you're not going to be able to purchase the application."
That's not the only valid license you'll need.
"If you do not have a valid Mississippi drivers license, say it's suspended or expired, it will not go through, either," Arnett said.
The application period ends at 10 a.m. June 10 and applicants will be notified if they were drawn or not in the following days. Those who are not drawn will automatically go into a second drawing on or about June 19 for any unsold permits.
Here are more things to know about the permit drawing and coming season.
Public waters application period and season dates
Application period: 10 a.m. June 3 through 10 a.m. June 10
2024 public waters alligator hunting season: Noon August 30 through noon September 9
2024 alligator hunting zone permit allotment
Northwest: 40
Northeast: 130
West Central: 190
Pearl River/Ross Barnett Reservoir: 100
Southwest: 190
South Central: 150
Southeast: 160
How many times can I apply?
Applicants can apply once in the zone of their choice.
Where do I apply for an alligator permit?
Applications must be made online at www.mdwfp.com.
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What do I need to apply?
Must be 16 or older
Must have a valid Mississippi drivers license
Must have a valid Mississippi resident hunting license
Must have an email address
Must have a debit or credit card to pay $2.30 processing fee
What is the cost if I'm drawn?
Successful applicants must purchase a public waters alligator possession permit which costs $200. A $25 alligator hunting license is required for the permit-holder and guest hunters in addition to a Mississippi hunting license.
Permit-holders and guests with Lifetime Sportsman Licenses are not required to purchase an alligator hunting license.
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Where can I have my alligator processed in 2024?
Woodie Cain: 2133 Old Highway 61 North, Port Gibson, 601-618-8261Bulk meat processing and skinning
Red Antler Processing: 14688 US 49, Yazoo City, 662-716-7363 or 662-998-2879Meat processing, skinning, tanning, skull mounts, hides salted, carcass buying
Running M Meat Company: 12 Gracie Hinton Road, Richton, 601-422-5390Meat processing and skinning
Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hunting: What to know about applying for a MS alligator permit
