Louisiana could soon have a recreational alligator hunting season. There’s a commercial alligator hunting season, but Franklin Senator Robert Allain says with the number of alligators increasing in the state, he would like to open alligator hunting to recreational hunters.
“We have gotten to a point now, where we are overpopulated. It was too successful. What we’re trying to do is expand the opportunity to hunt alligators,” Allain explained.
About 50 years ago, the state’s alligator population was below 100,000; but thanks to conservation efforts, there are now more than three million gators in the state, with about two million in the wild. Wildlife and Fisheries General Counsel Garrett Cole says interested recreational hunters would be chosen through a lottery.
“We’re looking at rolling out 10,000 tags, statewide. Each applicant would be eligible for two tags. So, 5,000 opportunities, new recreational opportunities like the secretary said,” Cole explained.
The recreational hunters would not be allowed to shoot alligators; it would be hook and line harvesting from land. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says they want to provide this recreational opportunity for the common folk of Louisiana.
“Folks from out of state, other folks here, that see the shows like “Swamp People,” they want to engage in this activity. It’s very cultural. There’s a heritage behind it that people want to experience,” Bosworth said.
The Senate Natural Resources Committee approved the bill to create a recreational alligator hunting season. It now heads to the Senate floor for more discussion. It would be the Louisiana Wildlife Commission that would set up the official rules and regulations.