The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will offer 24 alligator hunting permits for the Pelahatchie Bay area of Ross Barnett Reservoir during May 2025.

This alligator hunting season is set during the breeding season for alligators and prior to emergence of aquatic vegetation that restricts boating access in hopes to enhance hunting success for adult breeding female alligators. This is an effort to try to reduce breeding populations of female alligators in Pelahatchie Bay.

Application Period

March 3-14, 2025.

 

How to Apply
  1. Login to MDWFP License System
    1. If you do not already have an account, you may create one here  
    2. Secure any prerequisites necessary to apply.
      1. Please note that a Hunting License is required for Pelahatchie Bay Alligator Application.
      2. Please note that a partner is required for Pelahatchie Bay Alligator Application to be valid. (See Applying with a partner)
  2. Go to the Draw Opportunities tab within the license catalog
  3. Scroll to your desired Draw Hunt opportunity and select "Add to Cart"
  4. Select your hunt choices
    1. For Pelahatchie Bay Alligator Application you may select ONE hunt. 
  5. Check Out
    1. Select the shopping cart icon in the top right of your screen
    2. Review your selections
    3. 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. 

This is a partnership application.  For the application to be valid, there has to be a partner.

You may go back and edit your Pelahatchie Bay Alligator Application at any time by:

  1. Selecting Draws in your profile menu
  2. Click Edit Choices on the application you wish to edit.
  3. Once you are done editing, resubmit your application.
Applying with a Partner

Method One:

  1. Submitted applications are assigned a Group ID number. 
    1. The Group ID number can be found on the application receipt and under "Draws" in the License System. 
  2. The initial application will need to share the Group ID number with their partner.
  3. The partner will then login to his or her account, head to the "Draw Opportunities" tab in the license catalog, and select "Join Draw Group".
  4. The partner will then enter the primary applicant's last name (making him or her the Group Leader) and the Group ID number to join the applicant as a partner.

 

Method Two:

  1. Select Draws in your profile menu.
  2. Select Edit Group for your intended application
  3. Select Invite Member
    1. You will need your partner's identification number (MDWFP Customer ID Number or Driver's License Number), date of birth, and last name
    2. Once entered, your partner will then receive an email invitation and a message in their profile inbox.
  4. Your partner will then need to login to his or her License System profile.
  5. Within the inbox, there will be a message where he or she will have the opportunity to accept the invitation to join the Draw Application.
How to Report My Harvest

You can report your harvest through the new MDWFP HuntFish App or online by going to Outdoors.ms and selecting "Game Check" in the top menu. Download the app here.

Dates of the hunt

There will be two hunting periods: 

1. May 2, 12:00p.m-May 5, 12:00p.m.

2. May 9, 12:00p.m.- May 12, 12:00p.m

Each hunt period will allow twelve (12) permit holders among six (6) hunting parties.

All about the hunt

  • This is a partnership application. 
  • Each permit holder will be allowed to harvest two alligators over 6 feet long.
  • There will be areas established as “no hunting zones” in portions of water near residential areas.
  • Other restrictions will apply and harvest reporting is required.
  • Each permit will cost $100 and all participants in the hunting parties are required to possess an Alligator Hunting License ($25) and a combination type hunting license.
  • See Administrative Rules regarding Pelahatchie Bay Regulations.
ALLIGATOR HARVEST REPORTING
It is mandatory to report your alligator harvest. Use the link below to report your alligator harvest within the new licensing system under "Game Check".
Report Your Harvest