Private Lands Alligator Hunting Info
2024 Alligator Season News:
Alligator season opens on the last Friday in August each year (August 25 for 2023).
- Private Lands Season: 12:00 Noon August 30 until 6:00 AM September 23, 2024
- Private Lands Regulations
- PERMIT and LICENSE Purchasing Instructions
- Private Lands Alligator Harvest Report Card
- FAQs About Alligator Hunting in MS
- OPEN COUNTIES MAP for PVT Lands 2024
How to Apply for Private Lands Alligator Permits
- Complete instructions are included in the application form.
- Applications will be accepted from May 1-July 1.
- Deadline for Applications is July 1.
- All applications, with required documents must be received in the MDWFP Jackson Office by July 1, 2023.
- There is no fee to apply.
- Anyone may submit an application for a property in the open counties, provided that the landowner signs the application.
- Only 1 application may be submitted for each property.
- Download the 2024 Application Form Here
Download the 2024 Alligator Hunting Guide
TRAINING COURSE INFORMATION:
The MS Alligator Hunting Training Course is now available online through a series of 11 video segments. They may be viewed at anytime at your leisure. The training course provides information on alligator history, biology, MDWFP Alligator Program, all alligator hunting regulations, capture methods, capture gear, harvest methods, processing meat and hides, harvest reporting and documentation, how/where to purchase licenses and possession permits, and much more.
Please click on the link below for the NEW Online Alligator Hunting Training Course on YouTube. There are 11 video segments including a FAQ segment that is very helpful.
Obtaining CITES Tags after the harvest
A federal CITES tag is required to be attached to the hide near the end of the tail if being sold to a licensed alligator parts dealer/processor or prior to transportation across state lines. A CITES tag(s) will be mailed to you upon receipt of your harvest report. CITES tags may also be obtained from Regional Offices in person, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
- The wildlife agencies of Arkansas and Louisiana have specifically approved that properly licensed hunters with legally harvested alligators with properly attached
temporary possession tags are legal to transport through their respective
states. - A federal CITES Tag must be attached to the head/hide/carcass, if left in the possession of a person, processor, or buyer in any other state than Mississippi.
- Never sell a hide or carcass to anyone who does not require a CITES tag.
MISSISSIPPI PROCESSORS INFORMATION:
Alligators legally harvested and properly tagged by permitted alligator hunters may only be sold to:
- A licensed MS Agent Alligator Trapper
- A person who possesses a Mississippi Fur Dealer's License.
- A person who is licensed to purchase alligators in another state (in the state of licensure).
The following contacts are MDWFP approved cooperating buyers and processors. They have CITES Tags on hand for your convenience. They will not receive any alligator or hide that is not properly tagged with a Mississippi Temporary Possession Tag.
MEAT PROCESSING for 2024:
Red Antler Processing, MEAT PROCESSING, SKINNING, SKIN TANNING QUOTES, SKIN FLESH AND SALT, SKULL MOUNTS, CARCASS BUYING, Christopher Smith, 14688 HWY 49, Yazoo City, MS 39194 PH. (662) 716-7363, (662) 998-2879
- 24 Hours
- Call for pricing.
- Head and hide will be returned to customer with processing.
- CITES Tags on site.
- Scales on site.
- Snatch hooks, harpoons, harpoon points, snares, and buoys, in stock and available in store.
Woodrow (Woody) Cain, BULK MEAT PROCESSING and SKINNING ONLY, 2133 Old Hwy 61 N., Port Gibson, MS 39150, PH (601) 618-8261.
- Hours: Open 24 hours during the open season. Call ahead to make arrangements.
- CITES Tags on site.
Running M Meat Company, SKINNING and PROCESSING ONLY, 12 Gracie Hinton Rd. Richton, MS 39476, PH (601) 422-5390
- 24 Hours
- Call for Pricing
- Head and Hide Returned to Customer
- Scales on Site
- CITES tags on site
Alligator Skinning and Tanning Instructions
Alligator Hunting Records:
Record Alligator Certification Procedures
Hunters who wish to certify an alligator as a potential state record of harvest should
contact the MDWFP at (601) 432-2217 or (after business hours) (601) 432-2170. Hunters should be prepared to provide the following information at the time of your call:
- Total length (feet - inches)
- Belly girth (inches)
- Tail girth (inches)
- Weight (lbs) (only needed if a potential weight record, plus length and girth measurements)
The Alligator Program Coordinator will return the call ASAP, usually within 24 hours. If deemed a potential record by the program coordinator, arrangements will be made to meet with MDWFP personnel to obtain an official weight or length measurement.
Regarding Weight Records:Since weights are so difficult to estimate and vary greatly hunters must pre-weigh their alligator before contacting the MDWFP. If certified scales are not available, then efforts should be made by the hunter to obtain a weight from a reputable source of scales. Weight certification must be on certified scales or other
MDWFP approved scales and witnessed by a MDWFP officer or biologist.
Measuring tips:
- Lay the alligator on a flat surface with the carcass laying
completely flat and straight. Using a cloth measuring tape, measure along
the dorsal side (top) of the alligator from the tip of the snout to the
tip of the tail following the dorsal contour of the alligator. - Measure to the nearest 1/8 inch.
- For weight, be sure the alligator is completely suspended from the ground.
- For weight, be sure to "zero tare" the scales when chains
or straps are used to hoist the alligator before hoisting the alligator
for measuring the weight. Chains and straps should not be included into
the weight measurement.
