2027 Alligator Season Dates:

Alligator season opens on the last Friday in August each year (August 27 for 2027).

  • Public Waters Season: 12:00 Noon August 27, 2027, until 12:00 Noon September 6, 2027. 

Application Period: 

Permits

Permits are limited to a specific hunting zone. Only "public waterways" within each zone, as defined by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), will be open to hunting. No other public water will be open to alligator hunting, except the lakes within the Northeast, Northwest, West Central, and Southwest Zone.

  • Applications will only be available to residents and Lifetime License holders.  However, non residents may purchase the proper license along with an alligator hunting license and participate in the hunt with an individual who was drawn and possesses an Alligator Possession Permit.
  • License Prerequisites to Apply: Applicants are required to possess a combination hunting/fishing type license to apply. (Sportsman, All Game H/F, Small Game H/F, Apprentice Sportsman, Apprentice All Game, Apprentice Small Game, Senior Exempt, Disabled Exempt, or a Lifetime License.) 
  • There is no fee to apply for the public water draw.
  • If drawn, you have through JUNE 30 to purchase your Alligator possession permits.
  • If you are choosing to opt out of your draw this year, then simply do not purchase your Alligator possession permits within purchasing window. 

For more instructions on what licenses and privileges are required for public water alligator hunting, click here.

Alligator Harvest Survey
All alligator hunters are required to complete the 2026 Alligator Harvest Survey. Your response helps us manage alligator populations and understand hunting activity across the state.
Take the Survey

How to Apply

Submitting an Online Application
  1. Login to MDWFP License System here.
    • If you do not already have an account, you may create one here. You can also find additional information on how to create an account, link secondary profiles, and more here.
    • Secure one of the prerequisite licenses necessary to apply.
  2. Go to the Draw Opportunities tab within the license catalog.
  3. Scroll to the Public Waters Alligator Application and select "Add to Cart". 
  4. Select your desired zone by clicking “Add to Cart” next to the zone. Select “Continue” to add the application to your cart. Begin the Check Out process by selecting the shopping cart icon in the top right of your screen. 
  5. Check Out.
    • There is no fee to apply.
    • Review your selections.
    • Once satisfied, select "Complete Transaction" to finalize your application.

When your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an email confirmation and an inbox notification. 

If you are having trouble submitting your application, you may call 601-432-2199. 

  • If drawn, you have through June 30 to purchase your Alligator possession permits.
  • If you are choosing to opt out of your draw this year, then simply do not purchase your Alligator possession permits during the purchasing window.