Proposed Rule Amendments for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program
The FWC is seeking input on proposed rule amendments that would expand alligator hunting opportunity in the following ways:
- Increase hunting hours from the current 17 hours a day to 24 hours a day on most areas.* By allowing hunting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this proposal would provide those with an alligator trapping license/alligator harvest permit seven more hours a day of hunting opportunity.
*NOTE: Some areas with restricted access also currently limit alligator hunting hours and are likely to continue with restricted hunting hours.
- Add precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator. The airbow’s arrow would need to be attached to a restraining line to be considered a legal take method. The use of airbows would benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who may have limited dexterity or strength. They are a newer method of take and were not commercially available when the statewide alligator harvest take methods were last updated.
If approved, these changes would be effective for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season.
Topics for Future Consideration
In addition, the FWC is also seeking feedback on concepts we may consider in the future such as:
- Using a preference point system for awarding permits in the Phase 1 random drawing
- Replacing county-wide alligator hunting permits with region-wide permits (a grouping of counties)
Please use the online commenting tool to provide input on these concepts and proposed rules for 2022.
Learn More and Provide Input
Get more information about the proposed draft rule amendments by reviewing the frequently asked questions below.
Also, learn more and share your feedback through the FWC's in-person workshop, webinars and online commenting tool.
Date: Dec. 2, 2021 (COMPLETED)
Time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET
Place: Doyle Conner Center, 900 N. US Hwy. 27, Moore Haven, FL
Webinars
Learn more and ask questions by participating in one of the following webinars hosted by the FWC.
Wednesday, Dec. 8 - Completed
Tuesday, Jan. 4 - Completed
NOTE: If you're planning to participate in these webinars using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, you will need to download the “Microsoft Teams” app from Google Play or the Apple Store before the meeting. We also recommend joining the meeting a few minutes early to familiarize yourself with using Microsoft Teams. Find more information about how to join a Teams meeting.
If you were unable to participate in the in-person workshop or online webinars or want to learn more and provide input about the statewide alligator harvest program and associated proposed rule changes, you can do that via the online commenting tool.
Topics for Future Consideration
In addition, the FWC is also seeking feedback on concepts we may consider in the future such as:
- Using a preference point system for awarding permits in the Phase 1 random drawing
- Replacing county-wide alligator hunting permits with region-wide permits (a grouping of counties)
Please use the online commenting tool to provide input on these concepts and proposed rules for 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About 24-Hour Hunting
Alligator hunting currently is allowed from 5 p.m. until 10 a.m.
If the proposed rule amendment is approved, alligator hunting would be allowed 24 hours a day within a given harvest period during the season.
24-hour hunting would allow alligator hunters an additional 7 hours of daylight hunting each day to harvest alligators during the alligator season. It also eliminates any concerns about hooking an alligator shortly before 10 a.m. but not being able to land the alligator before the 10 a.m. deadline.
It is easier to navigate a boat and work with hunting equipment during the day. Daylight is helpful when supervising youth in a boat or introducing new participants to alligator hunting.
If approved, the opportunity to hunt 24 hours a day would take effect before the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season.
To help prevent your alligator meat from spoiling, see our recommended guidelines about processing, preserving and cooking
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbows
An airbow is pre-charged pneumatic air gun that propels arrows.
A commercially manufactured air gun that is charged from an external high compression source such as an air compressor, air tank, or external hand pump and is specifically designed to propel a bolt, arrow, or other projectile commonly used for hunting.
The use of airbows would benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who may have limited dexterity or strength.
Convicted felons who have the proper licenses and permits may hunt with airbows during the alligator season.
The purpose of a tethered arrow when alligator hunting with an airbow is the same as using an arrow with a crossbow – the line is intended to ensure the animal can be retrieved and brought alongside the boat for dispatch.
If approved, the option to use airbows would take effect before the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season.