Alligator Hunting Season in Mississippi: Dates, Permits, and Regulations
June 8, 2026
Mississippi is one of the few states in the South where you can legally pursue one of North America’s most formidable reptiles, and the opportunity draws hunters from across the region every fall. The American alligator thrives in the state’s river systems, oxbow lakes, coastal marshes, and private ponds, making Mississippi a legitimate destination for anyone serious about gator hunting.
Whether you’re applying for a public waters draw or hunting private land you own or have access to, understanding the rules before you go is non-negotiable. This guide covers everything you need to know about alligator hunting season in Mississippi — from application windows and license fees to legal gear and where you’re allowed to hunt.
Does Mississippi Have an Alligator Hunting Season
Yes, Mississippi has a regulated alligator hunting season that operates under the oversight of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Mississippi offered its first public alligator sport hunting season in 2005, and from 2005 until 2011, opportunities expanded gradually to include 480 permits on portions of two major waterways.
In 2012, Mississippi expanded sport hunting opportunities on public waters to over two-thirds of the state, and in 2013 alligator hunting on public waters was opened statewide. The state was divided into seven geographical zones with a 10-day season total of 920 available permits through a web-based application and drawing process.
Alligator hunting in Mississippi is allowed by special permit only, and there are separate seasons for public waters and private lands. Both seasons are tightly managed to protect population health while giving hunters a fair opportunity each year. If you’re also interested in other Mississippi hunting opportunities, check out the deer hunting season in Mississippi or the turkey hunting season in Mississippi for more options throughout the year.
Key Insight: Mississippi manages alligator hunting through a permit draw system, meaning you must apply and be selected before you can legally hunt. Simply purchasing a license is not enough.
Alligator Hunting Season Dates in Mississippi
Mississippi runs two distinct alligator seasons with different dates and access rules. Both seasons open on the same day but have different end dates depending on whether you are hunting public waterways or private land.
Alligator season opens on the last Friday in August each year — August 28 for 2026. The Public Waters Season runs from 12:00 Noon on August 28, 2026, until 12:00 Noon on September 7, 2026. That gives public water hunters a 10-day window to fill their tags.
The Private Lands Season runs from 12:00 Noon on August 28, 2026, until 6:00 AM on September 21, 2026. Private land hunters therefore have a significantly longer season — approximately 24 days — compared to the public water hunt.
| Season Type | 2026 Open Date | 2026 Close Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Waters | Aug 28, 2026 (12:00 Noon) | Sep 7, 2026 (12:00 Noon) | 10 days |
| Private Lands | Aug 28, 2026 (12:00 Noon) | Sep 21, 2026 (6:00 AM) | ~24 days |
Application windows differ between the two programs. The public waters application period for 2026 runs June 1–12, 2026. Private lands applications are accepted from May 1 through July 1. Mark these dates on your calendar well in advance, as missing the application window means waiting another full year.
Important Note: Season dates are anchored to the last Friday in August each year. Always confirm exact dates with the MDWFP before each season, as the calendar day shifts annually.
Alligator Hunting License and Permit Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi’s alligator hunting credential system involves multiple layers — a base hunting license, a specialized alligator hunting license, and a possession permit. Each piece serves a different purpose, and you must have all required credentials on your person while in the field.
Only residents of Mississippi who are 16 years of age or older may purchase an Alligator Possession Permit. Non-residents may participate as alligator hunting assistants. This means non-residents cannot hold a permit themselves on public waters but can legally participate in the hunt alongside a permitted resident.
Persons must have a valid resident Mississippi hunting license and a Mississippi Alligator Hunting License to purchase a permit. Alligator permits and/or licenses are required of anyone 16 years of age or older, and there are no exemptions for those over 65 years of age or for physical disability.
An Alligator Hunting License costs $25, and an Alligator Possession Permit costs $200. Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting License fee.
- Valid resident Mississippi hunting license (Sportsman, All Game, or Lifetime)
- Mississippi Alligator Hunting License — $25 (waived for Lifetime License holders)
- Alligator Possession Permit — $200 (public waters, draw only)
- WMA User Permit if hunting within any MDWFP-operated Wildlife Management Area
Any person 16 years of age or older who is part of a hunting party must possess an Alligator Hunting License. This applies to everyone in the boat, not just the permit holder.
For private lands, the process differs slightly. The landowner may transfer any or all Private Lands Alligator Harvest Vouchers (PLAHVs) to anyone — resident or non-resident — who is 16 years of age or older. Each PLAHV must be signed by the landowner and the transferee and completely filled out with the transferee’s personal information.
Hunter education requirements do apply. If you have never been certified in hunter education and are unable to attend a course prior to the hunt, you may purchase an Apprentice License in lieu of a combination-type license. The Apprentice License is available as a one-time purchase for hunters who have never been certified and is valid for only one year.
Pro Tip: Complete the free online Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course at mdwfp.com/alligator before applying. It covers regulations, capture methods, tagging, and more — and familiarity with the material makes the permit process smoother.
Bag Limits and Size Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi’s bag limit rules are designed to balance harvest opportunity with sound population management. The regulations cap both the total number of alligators you can take and the size distribution of your harvest.
Each person receiving an Alligator Possession Permit will be allowed to harvest two (2) alligators four (4) feet in length or longer, only one (1) of which may exceed seven (7) feet in length. The bag limit restrictions are intended to distribute harvest among adults and juvenile alligators.
| Regulation | Public Waters | Private Lands |
|---|---|---|
| Bag limit per permit | 2 alligators | 2 alligators per PLAHV |
| Minimum size | 4 feet or longer | 4 feet or longer |
| Over 7-foot limit | Only 1 may exceed 7 ft | Only 1 may exceed 7 ft |
The Pelahatchie Bay special season operates under different size rules. For Pelahatchie Bay, each permit holder is allowed to harvest two alligators six feet in length or longer, and both alligators may exceed six feet in length. This special season is an effort to reduce breeding populations of female alligators within the Pelahatchie Bay area of Ross Barnett Reservoir.
For private lands, the permit structure ties the bag limit to the number of vouchers issued for the property. Each Private Lands Alligator Harvest Voucher (PLAHV) together with a Private Lands Alligator Possession Permit (PLAPP) allows the harvest of two alligators four feet in length or longer, and only one alligator may exceed seven feet in total length per permit.
Legal Methods and Equipment for Alligator Hunting in Mississippi
Mississippi’s alligator regulations are very specific about what capture and dispatch equipment you can use. Knowing these rules before you hit the water is essential — violations can result in serious penalties and loss of hunting privileges.
The use of bait and baited hook sets is illegal in Mississippi. All alligators must first be captured and controlled by a restraining line before being dispatched. Restrained is defined as having a noose or snare attached to the neck or at least one leg in a manner in which the alligator is controlled.
Legal capture methods include the following:
Capture methods are restricted to handheld snares, snatch hooks (handheld or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line/buoy), and bowfishing equipment — including longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, or crossbows with a line attached from bow to arrow or line/buoy, using bowfishing arrow tips only, no broadheads, and no tips containing cartridges or other explosive devices.
- Handheld snares
- Snatch hooks (handheld or rod/reel)
- Harpoons with attached line and buoy
- Bowfishing equipment (longbow, recurve, compound, or crossbow with line attached)
Capture methods should be more selective for an alligator located near dense vegetation, logs, stumps, or man-made structures such as piers or boat houses. Preferred methods in these instances may be a harpoon with attached cable and buoy or a hand or pole snare, which hold the alligator more securely and may be able to withstand more substantial resistance.
Legal dispatch methods are equally regulated:
Alligators may only be dispatched with a shotgun with shot size no larger than #6 shot (sizes 6, 7, 7.5, 8, and 9 only) or with a bangstick chambered in .38 caliber or larger. All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator.
To safely and humanely dispatch the alligator, aim for the center of the spine directly behind the skull plate. Do not shoot through the skull plate, as the skull of an alligator is very dense bone and fragments may ricochet.
Common Mistake: Never attempt to shoot an unrestrained alligator. Mississippi law requires the animal to be controlled by a noose or snare before any dispatch firearm is loaded or used. Violating this rule is both dangerous and illegal.
For private lands during daylight hours, unrestrained alligators may only be taken with center-fire rifles chambered in .270/7mm or larger, and shotguns (12 or 10 gauge only) with slugs only. This is a key distinction between private land daytime rules and the standard nighttime/public water regulations.
Additionally, the use of drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), or any remotely operated vehicle or vessel to assist in the location, pursuit, and/or take of alligators is prohibited. The use of fishing lures or other devices with hooks attached for the purpose of catching alligators in the mouth is also prohibited.
Where You Can Hunt Alligators in Mississippi
Mississippi divides its alligator hunting territory into distinct zones, and your permit is zone-specific. You cannot hunt in a zone other than the one listed on your permit.
The state’s public water zones are defined by major interstate and highway boundaries:
- Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone — Public waters of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District within a defined area; most of Ross Barnett Reservoir is closed
- Northwest Zone — North of US Hwy 82 and west of Interstate 55
- West Central Zone — South of US Hwy 82 and west of Interstate 55
- Northeast Zone — East of Interstate 55, north of Interstate 20, and excluding the Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone area
- Southwest Zone — South of Interstate 20 and west of Interstate 55
- South Central Zone — South of Interstate 20, west of MS Hwy 49, and east of Interstate 55
- Southeast Zone — South of Interstate 20 and east of MS Hwy 49
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 Zones.
Approved landlocked lakes for public water hunting include: Lake Ferguson, Beulah Lake, and Lake Bolivar in the Northwest Zone; Eagle Lake, Chotard Lake, Albemarle Lake, Tennessee Lake, Lake Washington, Bee Lake, Little Eagle Lake, and Dump Lake in the West Central Zone.
For private lands, the program is county-based. Private lands hunting is open in Adams, Attala, Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, Claiborne, Copiah, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Neshoba, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Pearl River, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, Winston, and Yazoo Counties.
The applicant’s property must contain a minimum of 20 acres of privately owned permanent surface water in an open county to qualify for an Alligator Harvest Voucher. This ensures that only properties with genuine alligator habitat are included in the program.
Important Note: Alligator permits are zone-specific and non-transferable. If you are drawn for one zone, you cannot hunt in another zone, even if you have access to water there.
If you enjoy other types of hunting across the region, you may also want to explore dove hunting season in Mississippi or check out goose hunting season in Texas for additional waterfowl opportunities nearby.
Tagging and Reporting Requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi’s alligator tagging and reporting system is tied to both state and federal requirements. Failing to comply can cost you your hunting privileges — and potentially expose you to federal violations.
When you harvest an alligator, you must tag it immediately. A tag must be attached to the alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving or transporting. This is not optional — tagging after transport is a violation.
For public water hunters, a Temporary Alligator Possession Tag (TAPT) is issued with your permit. For private lands hunters, Temporary Alligator Possession Tags (TAPTs) will be issued with the purchase of each Private Lands Alligator Possession Permit (PLAPP).
After the season, all hunters must complete a harvest survey. You can report your alligator harvest within the MDWFP licensing system by going to Outdoors.ms and selecting Game Check in the top menu. Violations of alligator tagging and reporting regulations may include federal violations, which makes compliance especially important.
Permanent federal CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) tags are required for any alligator or alligator parts that leave the state. CITES tags are available for purchase from November 1 through April 15 at MDWFP locations including the Jackson Office, North Region Office, Central Region Office, South Region Office, and several state parks. Tags are sold in lots of five for $1.29 only at those listed locations, and quantities may be limited, so it is recommended to call in advance.
Pro Tip: Keep all your permit documentation — including your TAPT and possession permit — with the alligator carcass at all times during transport and processing. Conservation officers may check your paperwork at any point.
Tips for Hunting Alligators in Mississippi
Alligator hunting is unlike any other hunting experience in Mississippi. The combination of nighttime operations, water-based pursuit, and a powerful, unpredictable animal demands preparation, patience, and the right mindset going in.
Complete the training course before you apply. The MDWFP’s online training course covers alligator history, biology, hunting regulations, capture methods, capture gear, harvest methods, processing meat and hides, harvest reporting and documentation, and how and where to purchase licenses and possession permits. Even if the course is not mandatory in your situation, the information it provides is directly applicable to every part of your hunt.
Scout your zone before the season opens. Alligators are most visible at night when their eyes reflect light. Scouting by boat with a spotlight in the weeks before the season helps you identify active areas, estimate gator sizes, and plan your approach. Pay attention to marshy coves, shallow backwaters, and areas with dense vegetation along shorelines.
Match your capture method to the terrain. Capture methods will be dictated by your proficiency with equipment and the amount of obstacles in the water. All legal methods may be applicable for an alligator in basically open water, but capture methods should be more selective near dense vegetation, logs, stumps, or man-made structures. A harpoon with attached cable and buoy or a hand or pole snare are preferred in those situations because they hold the alligator more securely.
Prioritize safety during dispatch. A good rule of thumb is to dispatch the animal when it no longer thrashes after tugging on the restraining line two to three times. This ensures a still and safe target for dispatching with the shotgun or bangstick. Never rush the dispatch process — a partially restrained alligator is extremely dangerous.
Do not feed alligators, ever. It is illegal to feed alligators in Mississippi. Alligators that have been fed by humans must be removed and are not suitable for relocation. Feeding alligators not only creates dangerous animals but can also jeopardize the hunting program in areas where human-conditioned gators become a nuisance.
Apply early and apply correctly. The public waters draw is competitive, and there is no fee to apply for the public water draw, but if drawn, you have only seven days to purchase your Alligator Possession Permit. Missing that purchase window means forfeiting your spot for the year.
Prepare your vessel and gear in advance. Alligator hunting takes place at night on open water, which requires a properly equipped boat with running lights, a spotlight, a cooler large enough for your harvest, rope, and all required capture gear staged and ready. Fumbling for equipment in the dark near a large alligator is a recipe for problems.
For hunters who want to maximize their time in the field across multiple seasons, Mississippi also offers strong opportunities for turkey hunting in spring and deer hunting in fall. Hunters from neighboring states can also explore alligator-adjacent waterfowl opportunities through goose hunting in Illinois, goose hunting in Indiana, or goose hunting in Ohio during the winter months.
Mississippi’s alligator season is a short, permit-limited opportunity that rewards hunters who prepare thoroughly. Get your application in on time, know your zone, carry the right gear, and follow every tagging and reporting requirement to the letter. The MDWFP’s Alligator Program page is your most reliable source for updated regulations, application links, and season announcements each year.