The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is considering a new alligator hunt due to rising populations. This new hunt would be focused around the Ross Barnett Reservoir area. This area is a key area of the hunt because of a large number of nuisance alligators.
Newly Proposed Hunt
This newly proposed alligator hunt would take place from May 5th-7th and May 12th-14th in 2023. The state would issue 12 permits each weekend for a total of 24 permits. Likewise, the permits would allow hunters to take two alligators each. This season date would be just before most of the interaction and complaints come in from residents in the area.
“We get tons of alligator complaints. It’s chronic during the months of June and July. I found 18 nests. I know there’s more, I just can’t find them. At a minimum of 18 nests, my estimate is we’re producing about 350 to 450 hatchlings a year.” – Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator
The area is fairly close to residential developments and special care will need to be taken by the hunters. There would be special classes and information that will not allow any alligators to be taken within 100 yards of any structure.
“We’re trying to control the adult breeding population. The adult females are what we’re trying to get out. This is not a recreational hunt, but we want to offer an opportunity and allow recreational hunters to help us.” – Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator
As stated above this hunt will not be considered recreational, rather it will be treated as a population management cull hunt. However, this gives hunters a great opportunity to hunt alligators and get some meat in the process.
You can read more about this possible hunt by clicking here. Likewise, you can read more southeast hunting news by clicking here.
What are your thoughts on this possible new hunt? have you hunted in Mississippi before? Let us know in the comments!
