Alligators are move aggressive this time of year because it is the middle of alligator mating season, which runs through the end of June. Applicants who are awarded a Statewide Alligator Hunt permit will be charged automatically. Hunting the STA requires driving the rock road levees instead of being in a boat. Two mating season's prior, a 2-year-old boy was dragged into the water by an alligator near Disney's upscale Grand Floridian Resort … The final six weeks of the hunt — from Sept. 12 through Nov. 1 — are considered a make-up period for any hunters who were unable to fill tags during their designated week. Anyone with an Alligator Trapping Agent’s license can help any licensed and permitted alligator trapper. Upon purchase these licenses can be used immediately. Winter is the best season for alligator watching, mostly because they come out of the cooler water to catch the warm rays. Loxahatchee NWR alligator hunting brochure, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Here’s what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants … Dennis said he will hunt with friend Jeff Ward. Alligator trapping license/harvest permit holders can get ready to take part in Florida's alligator harvest by. With incubation taking around 65 days, hatching usually takes place from mid-August to early September. Alligator hunting season opened in Florida Wednesday, Aug. 15. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. So they'll plan to be hunting during the second of the season's four week-long phases. Alligator breeding season is in full swing in the Southeast. In addition to Deer, Hogs, and Turkey, Florida’s Alligator hunting season is a model for showing how hunting can be a tool for the stability of natural resources. The longest alligator killed in Florida was a 14-foot, 3.5-inch monster weighing 654 pounds hunted Nov. 1, 2010, by Robert "Tres" Ammerman at Lake Washington in Brevard County. Our Florida alligator hunting experience is completely private and fully customized to your skill level, mobility, and special needs. Dennis, Ward and their sons, ages 8 and 7, will hunt from Dennis' Pathfinder flats boat on Blue Cypress Lake in western Indian River County. If you're hunting a stormwater treatment area (STA), please review this important STA information before you go. Karina Wilson Dennis drew his alligator hunt permit through a lottery process conducted each May by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He said he has 16 hunts booked so far this season beginning with Stormwater Treatment Area 1 on the first night of the season. Over 7,000 alligator harvest permits are available this season. In Holmes County, the daily bag and season limit is 1. The largest alligator harvested in Lake Okeechobee measured 12 feet, 10 inches. These exemptions do not include senior citizens. The northwestern waters of Indian River County and southwestern waters of Brevard County are one of the state's most productive for large alligators harvested during the 10-week hunt period. A Florida hunting license is not required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt. Hunting alligators is unlike hunting other targets like ducks, dove, hogs or deer, Berard said. Also, keep your distance. Alligator mating season is underway. The state’s Living with Alligators brochure provides more useful tips. Season and possession limit: 2 for all spring seasons. The first four weeks of the season are divided into four quota weeks, and each permit is assigned one of those weeks. They stop feeding when the ambient temperature drops below approximately 70° F (21° C) and they become dormant below 55° F (13° C). I think everybody will be out there.". More:Coronavirus won’t keep gator hunters from coming to Florida, "During daylight, everything is calmed down and acting normal," Smith said. Florida’s annual alligator hunt kicks off Aug. 15 and runs through Nov. 1, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. ORLANDO, Fla. — It's moving and mating season for Florida's estimated 1.2 million alligators, and experts are warning people to be aware of their surroundings. Information for County-wide Alligator Harvest Permit holders, Information about specific Alligator Harvest Units, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building When is the alligator hunting season? Daily bag limit: 2 turkeys. © 2021 www.tcpalm.com. Florida’s annual statewide alligator harvest begins on Thursday. Since each allows for the harvest of two alligators, more than 15,000 could be taken. "I'd rather hunt out on the lake. Most of the rest of the hunts will take place on Lake Okeechobee, he said. Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida. The statewide alligator hunting season begins on August 15 and ends on the morning of November 1. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 Two other areas known for having large gators are Lake Okeechobee (467,000 acres) and the three-lake region of the St. Johns River marsh in western Brevard County — Lake Hell N' Blazes, Lake Poinsett and Puzzle Lake (5,900 acres combined). The game is set to start at 11:30 a.m. In Florida each hunting season, hunters harvest about 60-80% of what they are permitted to take. Since the early 1970s, there have been 23 fatalities and under 400 unprovoked bites by alligators in Florida Mating season for alligators is late April through early June Females build their nest and lay on average 20-45 eggs in June/July Eggs traditionally hatch from the middle of August through the beginning of September Florida looks to carry the momentum of its final two wins of last season into this year. The largest alligator harvested measured 13 feet, 5 inches and was taken in Hillsborough County. "If you make a wrong move, you go from hunter to hunted. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area's Broadmoor and Godwin units. The Florida state record for a gator is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male alligator from Lake Washington and the Florida weight record for an alligator … "There's a lot of excitement trying to get something that big. Last year, some of the interesting statistics showed: Hunters typically take their alligators to processors, who return the meat, the hide and even the skull if the hunter wishes to make a mount of it. Plus, see the links below for alligator harvest unit maps and lists of guides and outfitters, meat processors and hide buyers, equipment vendors, public boat ramps and more. "It gets interesting when you get them to the boat.". "I do think it will be busy, like fishing has been busy. And depending on what . Important update! Since 1988, Florida's statewide alligator harvest has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Florida’s official six-week alligator hunting season began Thursday — running through Nov. 1. ** Youth turkey hunt weekend – Youth 15-years-old and younger can harvest turkey, but youth must be … Berard hopes they can harvest a pair of 11-footers as they did in the same day in 2018. Hunting in Florida is divided into 4 different zones. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the wild. The authorities took the opportunity to warn drivers that, due to the current alligator mating season, the wild animals might behave more aggressively and potentially interrupt traffic. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the courtship process for the state’s more than one million alligators begins in April. The 2015 revision of Florida Statute 379.3751 provides for exemptions for Alligator Trapping Agent's licenses for persons under the age of 16 and fee exemptions for those with a valid FWC Resident Disability License; those with a disability license will still need to apply for a no-cost agent's license. The boys will be the spotlight holders, Dennis said. Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermes are no longer buying the wild gators from processors and hunters, causing the skin's value to plummet. A male may fertilize several females in one season, while the females usually have only one mate each season.By early July the female alligator begins building a nest from mud, plants, sticks and other debris and there will lay an average of 32-46 eggs. At Stick Marsh, 20 of its 54 total alligators harvested, 37%, were greater than 11 feet in length. He said they have seen some big ones. To interact with Ed, friend him on Facebook at Ed Killer, follow him on Twitter @tcpalmekiller or email him at ed.killer@tcpalm.com. The Independent Florida Alligator … The alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. When the season opens in South Florida on March 6, “Alligator Ron” will be in the woods at his ranch north of the Big Cypress Preserve … "October and November, in my opinion, are the best months for everything, whether you're hunting or fishing.". In 2019, Lake Okeechobee yielded 654 alligators and the St. Johns lakes yielded 638. The young hatchlings, aroun… Water levels aren’t way down or too high," Smith said. Alligators are most active when temperatures are between 82° to 92° F (28° to 33° C). "I like taking people on their hunts. Stretched end to end, the alligators would have measured over 1 mile. Florida Alligator Size Although male alligators in Florida can become quite large, female alligators rarely exceed 10 feet in length. I'm not too crazy about STA hunts.". Since market prices for reptile products are low, few hunters expect to make enough to cover costs of their hunts. Smith also prefers hunting during daylight hours and does his best week later in the season, when the temperatures cool a tiny bit. In this guide, I am talking about the Statewide Alligator Harvesting Program. Keep in mind, that there is a few ways to hunt alligators legally in Florida. The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Alligator Trapping Agent’s licenses ($52) may be purchased at any county tax collector's office, sub-agent location (authorized sporting goods store or other retailer selling hunting or fishing licenses), via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or by calling 1-888-347-4356. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. 131 alligators greater than 12 feet in length were harvested in Florida. The 7,500 permitted hunters are allowed to kill nearly 0.8% of the 2 million gators in the wild. This is the first of two meetings, with the latter coming March 31 in the River City. Alligator Nesting Season American alligators begin nesting in the spring with males bellowing loudly to attract a mate and defend their territory. Alligator hunting at our private Florida ranch with your choice of bow, rifle, pistol, or alligator harpoon from shore line, buggy or airboat is Florida's greatest hunting adventure. More:Florida alligator meat, skin values vary as farm-raised market grows for fashion houses. Become a valued customer by subscribing to TCPalm. We try not to harvest anything under 10 feet in length. I've been doing it for a long time," Smith said. Some of Berard's hunting partners have been out fishing on the northern quadrant of Lake Okeechobee, where their alligator hunting tags are. The aggression lasts through October, when eggs laid during mating season hatch. Deer don't have as many teeth and they aren't big and nasty.". Florida is the alligator hunting capital of the world! Ed Killer is TCPalm's outdoors writer. As for this season, Smith thinks it is going to be a good year. Hunt Florida alligator year round. \\nIf you see an alligator, give it space. 10 alligators greater than 13 feet in length were harvested. "It's a thrill knowing you're dealing with an animal that you are kind of at its mercy," he said. Alligator biologists estimate there are more than 2 million living in the wild in Florida. harvest period you draw, you will be allowed to hunt one of the first 4 weeks and the remaining 7 weeks of the season: Harvest Period Hunt Dates . The statewide recreational alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. The season runs each year from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 and is a way to control the population of roughly 1.3 million alligators that make their home in the Sunshine State. "I enjoy the thrill of being out there," he said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission oversees the six-week program. Alligators reside in all 67 counties in Florida and throughout the southeastern U.S. from Texas to North Carolina. We carry all alligator equipment and tags necessary to insure you harvest one of Florida's ageless dinosaurs. Become a valued customer by, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida alligator meat, skin values vary as farm-raised market grows for fashion houses, 'Naked and Afraid' couple join 2019 Florida alligator hunt, Coronavirus won’t keep gator hunters from coming to Florida, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, T.M. All rights reserved. Each permit allows the harvest of two alligators. Get Ready for Alligator Season. Alligators become more active in the spring, as the weather warms. Ed Killer is TCPalm's outdoors writer. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. In Florida, courtship usually begins in early April, with mating occurring in May and June. If you're hunting a stormwater treatment area (STA), please review this important STA information before you go. Some of Florida's more than 1.25 million reptiles are more active. Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to take up to 2 alligators per permit. "I think it will be a normal year. To learn more about Florida's alligator hunt, go to MyFWC.com/alligator. Random drawings are held to distribute all available alligator harvest permits. Alligator encounter season in full swing in Florida It's moving and mating season for Florida's 1.3 million alligators, and experts are warning locals and … ", More:'Naked and Afraid' couple join 2019 Florida alligator hunt. Please consider giving today. The female builds a nest of vegetation, sticks, and mud and lays 20 to 50 white-colored … Alligator trapping license/harvest permit holders can get ready to take part in Florida's alligator harvest by checking out the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida and Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course. His largest alligator last year — 12 feet, 3 inches — was caught on the last day of the season. Berard and four other friends who like to hunt together each fall submitted applications via the FWC system in May, but only one came away with a permit. Our experience includes a professional guide, loaner weapons, skinning, and we guarantee you’ll get an alligator in the size-range you reserve. Thousands of feet of alligators are harvested each year in a 50-square-mile area that includes: In 2019, those hunting units produced 705 harvested alligators averaging just under 9 feet in length. Take the FREE Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course to learn about rules and regulations, equipment and methods, safety, processing tips, and more. Florida's annual alligator hunt runs Aug. 15-Nov. 1. Patrick Smith of Lake Worth, owner of Swamp to Sea guide service, enjoys sharing the excitement of clients when they are able to catch their first alligator, or a true trophy. Each permit comes with two tags enabling the permit holder to harvest two alligators per permit. Florida Hunting Seasons, 2020-2021 Some of the most diverse hunting opportunities are offered during Florida hunting season. The last five years, the hunt produced: This year, FWC sold over 7,500 permits. Alligator trapping license/harvest permit holders can get ready to take part in Florida's alligator harvest by checking out the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida and Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course. You will learn about the amazing Florida alligator hunting season, from the beginning to the end! Already news stations throughout Florida are warning citizens to beware of aggressive alligators. Dave Berard of Stuart said this year was a bit of challenge to get permits to hunt alligators. NEW! GIANT FLORIDA ALLIGATOR HUNT! Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, NEW: Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course, Statewide Alligator Harvest Unit descriptions, Alligator Meat Processors and Hide Buyers, Links to hunting equipment vendors and more, Tips to apply for alligator harvest permits, Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation video course, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, A.R.M. This is JTgatoring’s Alligator Hunting Guide. Alligator Season Private land alligator hunts take place year round and we are issued a limited number of private land tags through the FWC that we can provide for our hunters. "I just like getting out and being out on the lake," said Berard. Agents may only take alligators in the presence of a permitted alligator trapper. From April to June alligators become more active and aggressive as they search for the perfect partner to ensure their future survival as a species. Willie Dennis has been eyeing his calendar ever since mid-May. Applicants who are awarded a permit must pay for two CITES tags and an Alligator Trapping License, or provide proof of possession of an Alligator Trapping License valid through the end of the alligator harvest season. The season ends on the morning on Nov. 1. Alligators are dormant throughout much of the winter season. * Fall and spring turkey seasons – Shotguns, rifles, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, pistols, muzzleloaders, crossbows or bows may be used. Last season, the Gators beat Jacksonville 8-0 at home. The Vero Beach resident will be part of the 2020 Florida Alligator Hunt for the first time in about 10 years, he said.