05/31/2026
🐊 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🐊
What better way to celebrate one of Louisiana’s most iconic reptiles than by learning about the state’s new recreational alligator hunting season? Here’s a quick Q&A breakdown 👇
❓When is the season?
📅 The recreational alligator hunting season will run from Oct. 1-31, 2026.
❓Where can I hunt?
✅ Eligible private property with landowner permission, plus select WMAs.
❌ WMAs already included in the Commercial Lottery Hunt are NOT eligible for the recreational season because they already receive commercial tags.
❓Can I sell the hide or meat?
❌ No. Recreationally harvested alligators, hides, meat, and parts cannot be sold, bartered, or mixed with commercially tagged alligators.
❓Who can apply?
🎟️ Louisiana residents ages 16+ can enter the recreational lottery hunt for a chance at available tags.
❓What harvest methods are allowed?
✅ Hook and line or sn**ch hook only
✅ Daylight hours only
✅ Firearm or bang stick may only be used after the alligator is secured on the line
✅ Up to 2 lines per unused tag
❓What’s NOT allowed?
❌ Free shooting
❌ Pole hunting
❌ For-hire guided hunts using recreational tags
❌ Transferring tags to another person
❌ Wanton waste
❓Do I have to report my harvest?
✅ Yes. Hunters must immediately tag harvested alligators and validate the harvest within 72 hours through LDWF’s approved reporting methods.
⚠️ Failure to validate a harvested alligator will result in removal from future lottery participation.
For full details, go to: https://buff.ly/iZCHoPd
Public comment on the NOI will be accepted through June 26.
Louisiana’s alligator population is one of the nation’s greatest conservation success stories. Happy National Alligator Day! 🐊
