2025 Alligator Season Dates:

Alligator season opens on the last Friday in August each year (August 29 for 2025).

  • Public Waters Season: 12:00 Noon August 29, 2025 until 12:00 Noon September 8, 2025. 

The public water application period will begin June 2, 2025 and run through June 11, 2025.

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.

  • There is no fee to apply for the public water draw. 
  • If drawn, you have seven (7) days 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 the 7 day window. 

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

Public Waters Permits
Application period for public water permits will begin June 2, 2025 and run through June 11, 2025.
Submit an Application

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 any prerequisites necessary for your desired application (ex: licenses and permits).
  2. Go to the Draw Opportunities tab within the license catalog.
  3. Scroll to your desired public water hunting zone and select "Add to Cart".
  4. Check Out.
    • There is no fee to apply.
    • Select the shopping cart icon in the top right of your screen.
    • 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 seven (7) days 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 the 7 day window.