You may have hunted your share of squirrels, rabbits, deer, turkeys, doves, and more, and may even have some larger game animals like moose and elk to your credit. But if you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of hunting a massive alligator, now is your chance. You can now apply for your 2013 Public Alligator Hunting season and the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Alligator Hunting Season permit on the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
“More than 100,000 alligators live from the Midlands to the coast of South Carolina and the population is not threatened by the regulated removal of a relatively small number of alligators. Last year, hunters took 465 alligators during the public alligator hunting season with the average size being nearly nine feet in length.”
The application period ends June 15; only 1,200 permits will be issued. This year’s season will begin at noon on Sept. 14 and run until noon on Oct. 12. Out-of-state hunters may submit an application, but additional fees apply.
Photo by: Robert Burton, courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
