In Florida, the rules for hunting alligators have changed. Here’s what you should know
Team No Sleep.
Here’s to you, alligator hunters. You will now be able to engage in your passion 24/7.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to amend the rules of the state’s Alligator Harvest Program.
At this week’s meeting, FWC commissioners approved increasing hours for the statewide alligator hunt. What this means: Trappers are no longer limited to a nighttime harvesting schedule.
The new 24-hour rule gives hunters an additional seven hours of daylight each day to harvest during alligator season, which runs from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1, 2022.
Among the positives: Being able to hunt all day eliminates the strict deadline. Previously, hunting was allowed only from 5 p.m. until 10 a.m., or 17 hours.
Also: “It’s easier to navigate a boat and work with hunting equipment during the day,” the agency’s website says. “Daylight is helpful when supervising youth in a boat or introducing new participants to alligator hunting.”
One of the main issues hunters had with the round-the-clock proposal is that meat can spoil during the hottest parts of the day.
The FWC recommends keeping a carcass out of direct sunlight and placing bags on top of it, along with a blanket or tarp.
Another new rule introduced at the meeting: You can use a different weapon to slay your prey; a precharged pneumatic airbow, a type of air gun that propels arrows.
They can “assist hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who might have limited dexterity or strength,” wildlife officials said.
Anyone who will be 18 years of age or older by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card can apply for alligator harvest permits. Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator for more information.
READ MORE: See how an alligator crashed a birthday party in Florida
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 5:11 PM.
