how many alligators are harvested in florida each year

11, 1967). 2023 The Florida Bar. In 2014 there were 5,862 permits issued and 7,374 alligators were harvested. This same scenario rings true not just in south Florida, but all across the state. To download FWCs data, visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/harvest/data-export. Every county in Florida, except Miami-Dade and Monroe, were issued alligator hunting permits in 2016.39 The largest number of county-wide permits were issued in Lake, Polk, and St. Johns counties situated in the central and northeast area of Florida.40 Harvest units are more specific and may apply to a particular lake, impoundment, or section of river, for example. Alligator hunting is only allowed in certain areas of the state, and you can only hunt during specific times of the year. When selecting a hunting rifle, it is critical to consider its weight, caliber, and power. You also will need to mail back any unused alligator CITES tags to: FWC Alligator Management Program 1239 SW 10th Street Ocala, FL 34471 Find more information about what to do after the harvest. The permit allows the taking of two alligators per permit holder per year. Choosing the right firearm for hunting can be a difficult task. Population Decline Each winner will receive a $25 alligator hunting license and a $40 alligator tag. In that first year, officials counted just 8,600 nests. But the proposal approved last month by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission means ranchers wont have to return as many to the wild, so they will have more to sell. Permits are assigned in each unit or county based on a calendar year. The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags are $272 for residents of Florida, $22 for disabled Florida residents, and $1,022 for non-residents. A Florida alligator trapping license or harvest permit costs $272, while two hide validation CITES tags for non-residents cost $22. The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10.5inch long) alligator taken from Orange Lake in Alachua County. Elsey said the hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of species conservation. 1939-60: Commercial harvest averages 18,005 per year; 1962-72: Louisiana's alligator season is closed statewide; officials turn attention to research and management of the resource; . FWC will issue over 7,300 alligator harvest permits this year. Its a win-win-win, said Ruth Elsey, a biologist manager with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. You must have a permit in order to hunt alligators and kill them with a rectangular hard plate on top of their heads. Captured alligators should be killed immediately and their meat cooled as quickly as possible. 15 See Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Are Alligators Posing a New Threat to Humans?. Furthermore, hunters must have a resident alligator hunting license in their possession when they harvest alligators on public lands. If you think you can harvest an alligator like they do in the TV Reality Series Swamp People, then think again. The 10-foot, 300-pound alligator that attacked Aarts was eventually killed. Search for alligator harvest information using the CITES tag number or permit holder name. ALLIGATOR FACT SHEET HISTORY The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has changed little from its original form some 180 million years ago. While necessary to support a growing population and economy, these chemicals were believed to be contributing to a variety of maladies, such as endocrine disruption, decrease in egg viability, and neural decline.7 Eutrophication of water bodies and fertilizer runoff also affected the alligator.8 Green algae that choked water bodies and prevented light infiltration to the water column caused an imbalance in the food chain affecting the availability of prey.9 As a result of these various factors, the population of alligators declined. Alligator ranching began in the mid-1980s and relied on ranchers collecting eggs from nests in the wild and hatching them on their own. Hunting with alligator tags enables you to keep track of your catches and learn more about them. Its a little opposed to the method of total protection, hands-off, she said. Alligators may not be hunted at night, and only during the daytime hours of sunrise to sunset. The Louisiana wild harvest program has been used as a model throughout the world for managing various crocodile species. Because of its larger caliber, he believes it is possible to put more energy into a shot, but it is also possible to damage something in the process. Catching a cooler full of seatrout can sometimes be downright easy. Since the time 2003-2005, this area of the Mississippi Delta has seen a tremendous increase in the Asian carp population, the MWDFP stated. The advisory also means the public should avoid fishing and boating. Troy and Jacob Landry, who hunt gators, have made their mark as celebrities. It is not possible to transfer Alligator Hunt permits in the state of Florida. Like so many areas of the law, environmental law and policy is a balancing act. More than 87,000 between 2000 and 2015 by the FWC, which coordinates two gator hunting programs: the statewide nuisance alligator program and the recreational statewide alligator harvest program. Alligators are tagged with unique identifiers that can be used to track their movements and locations. The proposal must go through a public comment period. Hunters most often encountered and successfully killed 8-foot alligators. Press, 2014). accounted for an average of over 56 fatalities per year, compared to an average of about 1 fatality per year from alligator attacks in the United States (Forrester et al. Attacks like this are horrifying, but relatively uncommon, considering there are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida, and more than 21 million people. 169 0 obj <> endobj The toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- GATOR (1-866-392-4286). The longest alligator killed in Florida was a14-foot, 3.5-inch monsterweighing 654 pounds hunted Nov. 1, 2010, by Robert "Tres" Ammerman atLake Washington in Brevard County. Permits are randomly assigned during Phase I, II, and III, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis during Phase IV. 4 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1980, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1980.htm. All sales have been completed, and no refunds will be provided to those who completed the application. But instead of hooves and horns, his livestock have scales and claws, and sometimes they put their food into what's known as a "death roll.". For Price, the change means one thing. "You get up close and personal with alligatorswhen you hunt them," Clanton said, "because you have to catch them before you can kill them.". There is no clear-cut winner in this game. The ubiquitous nature of alligators in Florida might make it difficult for Florida residents, whether landowners, invitees, or trespassers to claim they were not aware of the potential presence of alligators in lakes, ponds, and rivers. The second-most common was 7 feet, followed by 7 feet, 6 inches. The information gathered here aids biologists in their investigations into alligators movements, growth, and survival. A female alligator guards her nest in the Louisiana marsh. A safari jeep full of tourists were observing two fighting rhinos when the animals suddenly turned their attention on the jeep and charged. Numerous alligator encounters have been documented and reported by the media, many of which ended in serious injury or death. John K. Powell is an environmental lawyer, registered professional engineer, and member of the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar. Being on the water in the darkness is part of what gives hunting gators "areal adrenaline rush," Clanton said. Wear dark-colored clothes, so you can blend in better with the night sky. Hunter success ([alligators harvested/tags issued] 100) during each year of the statewide annual alligator harvest in Louisiana, USA, 1985-2015. Some tips from the FWC on how to hunt alligators: The number of alligators harvested in previous hunts: Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Association. People enjoy the excitement of the hunt as well as the excitement of seeing an alligator in the wild. 19 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Alligator Bites on People in Florida. Clanton's theory why: Water levels in many of the state's waterways have been low for many years, allowing more large alligators to be harvested. He is the environmental services and facilities director for the City of Tallahassee. Frequent discoveries in backyard swimming pools, garages, and on roads are the norm in some areas. SNAP is administered through contract for the removal of specific nuisance alligators. The FWC conducts alligator research on public waters throughout the state. Hunting season typically runs from late August to early November. Providing recreational opportunities and revenue, hunting decreases competition for a finite supply of food and habitat, and reduces the likelihood of human-species interactions. If youre catching a research alligator, make sure to keep a record of the tag number (usually six digits), length, tail notch(es), and sex of the animal. Keep watching and you are likely to see hundreds of alligators on your 100-mile journey from the Ft. Lauderdale area, across the Big Cypress National Preserve, to Naples. This program is a model for other states and countries to properly manage and conserve important animal species. But not all: 12 percent of hatched 4-footers must be returned to the wild within two years of the eggs being collected. As expected, and in an effort to manage the total numbers taken, alligator hunting permits carry with them many restrictions. Choosing a hunting rifle should consider the caliber, weight, and power of the gun. "The prices are about 30 percent down from last year," Greenwood Gator Farms and Tours owner Tim Domangue said. It debuted in 2010 and quickly became a smash hit. That might not be the case at other sites, whererecent heavy rains have swelled creeks, canals, swamps and smaller lakes, giving gators more places to roam. Because of its lightweight frame and lack of power, the 22 rimfire is a popular hunting rifle. Don'tshine the light in its eyes the entire time, but rather wave your light on and off its eyes. A CITES-tagged alligator is required for two hide validation tags and an alligator trapping license is required for the first alligator season. Hunting alligator on private land, whether owned or under a hunting permit, or on public lands/lakes with access granted through a lottery or bidding process is permitted. Its not always easy to tell when its time to take a reptile, but it generally goes something like this: $500 for the reptile 7 feet or smaller, and $500 for the reptiles over 7 feet. Follow Faimon A. Roberts III on Twitter, @faimon. Thats an annual growth rate of 1.9 inches per year. In addition to providing permit holders with a much desired opportunity to experience alligator hunting in Florida, alligator meat is a delicious and healthy choice. Alligators or alligator hides cannot be sold to the general public unless they are purchased from a fur buyer or dealer. Its really amazing when contrasted with the growth rate of an 11-foot, 1-inch alligator harvested by hunter Cory Stewart at the end of August. The program has been nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource, Sapp said. 16 See Jackson Landers, Alligators in Your Backyard, Slate (Feb. 19, 2013), available at http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/animal_forecast/2013/02/alligators_in_virginia_climate_change_could_be_pushing_cold_blooded_species.html. Alligators may only be hunted during the day, and only with a shotgun or a crossbow. Alligator meat currently sells for around $20 a pound, which is quite high. A statewide alligator hunt permit is required to take alligators on a statewide basis in Florida. For alligators that are 3 feet long, the percentage is higher. BY FAIMON A. ROBERTS III | froberts@theadvocate.com. Unlike commercial trapping seen on TV, hunters follow strict guidelines to hunt in FL. Customers who have a valid FWC Resident Disability License are exempt from the purchase of an Alligator Trapping Agent License. This change in status allowed the FWC to initiate management of the nuisance alligator problem through harvesting which continues today. Habitat preferences and several physical characteristics distinguish the American alligator from the American crocodile. Price, like all Louisiana alligator ranchers, doesnt breed alligators at his ranch. Alligator Protections Under the Law These conditions are compelling alligators to relocate in search of more suitable areas.16, Therefore, not surprisingly, with Floridas alligator population around 1.2 million, more of them on the move, and the human population approaching an all-time high of 20 million people,17 encounters with these prehistoric creatures are inevitable. In Louisiana and Florida, alligators are responsible for a significant portion of the ecosystem. The program has helped waterfowl, fish species and fur bearers, and that has benefited marsh-oriented businesses, like swamp tour companies and airboat operators. Landowners win because they are able to make money by providing a good habitat. If you wish to keep skeletal remains such as the head or feet, a written transfer of ownership should be obtained from the permit holder or the processor. Everybody knows we got alligators all over the place, he said. To inculcate in its members the principles of duty and service to the public, to improve the administration of justice, and to advance the science of jurisprudence. The experience of harvesting an alligator can provide a lifetime of memories and campfire stories. Alligators for sale and shipping. All rights reserved. 27 Seelbinder v. County of Volusia, 827 So. Louisianas alligator harvest, which dates back centuries and has a significant economic impact on the state, continues to this day. 3d 915, 918-19 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012). If you want to hunt alligators in Florida, youll have to pay a hefty price. When you think of Florida, images of sandy beaches, orange groves dotted with fragrant white blossoms, or the many cypress swamps and wetlands might come to mind. Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populationsthere are more than one million wild alligators in each state. As a result, the lake elevation is slightlyless than 12 feet 6 inches instead of theaverage of nearly 14 feet for mid-August. More than 15,000 applications were submitted for7,679 permits to hunt alligators during the 11-week season, according to theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Asian carp. How much is an alligator worth in Louisiana? 48 (Mar. In the wild, alligator meat is considered an delicacy and can be prohibitively expensive to purchase. Between Thursday and Nov. 1, Florida's population of 1.3 million alligators may drop by about 15,000. More than 300 hunters in Louisiana are estimated to have killed 800 alligators thanks to the states lottery system, which operates on nearly 40 wildlife management areas and public lakes throughout the state. In addition to the state program, some Florida counties issue a county- wide alligator harvest permit. Hunters are required to report any lost tags to the relevant authorities if they believe the tags have been lost. Its imperative that anyone permitted to harvest alligators be aware of, and abide by the regulations. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. 191 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<8CBFE19D2ED2B647BBAA00E4105AE958>]/Index[169 33]/Info 168 0 R/Length 108/Prev 365416/Root 170 0 R/Size 202/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Those who pursue alligator hunting, on the other hand, can make a little money. If you do not have a permit, you are not permitted to shoot or kill alligators. Couple from Discovery TV show hunt gators in Florida, Lake O's lower level debated by stakeholders, Nuisance alligator found in Indian River Lagoon at Sewall's Point, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Association, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. However, challenges still remain. Estimate the number of inches between the bump on the gator's snout and its eyes. 33 See Ian Nance, Annual Harvest Helps Alligators to Flourish, Orlando Sentinel (Sept. 7, 2016), available at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-gator-hunt-pro-front-burner-09062016-20160907-story.html. FWC holds training seminars prior to the season to help informed the public on the requirements within the harvesting program. Do you have a hunting permit or license in Florida to hunt alligators? That gator taken in the Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone grew only 24.8 inches in the 13 years since being tagged June 14, 2007. 31 Three million alligators were killed in Florida between 1880 and 1900. In order to ensure that population trends didnt reverse course, many other statutory and regulatory protections were implemented and remain in place today. 1 Quote attributed to Cordell Hull, U.S. Secretary of State (1933-44) and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his role in organizing the United Nations. Photos of the alligator, hunters and tag courtesy of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. 11 See, e.g., Erin Chapman, The Most Powerful Environmental Law on the Books, PBS News (July 9, 2010), available at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/environment/video-the-most-powerful-environmental-law-on-the-books/2123/. Alligators primarily inhabit freshwater; however, they may be found in any body of water or wetland throughout Florida. Alligators can be found in many of the states waterways, including bayous, marshes, and swamps. An alligatormust be at least 18 inches long from snoutto tail to harvest. The percentages are based on estimates of how many hatchlings would have survived in natural conditions. Alligator hunting was established in 1988, due to the growing need for population control over the 1.3 million alligators in Florida. A number of Burmese pythons have been found in the Florida Keys, but there is not yet confirmation of a . "A$WH2/NV@L %`700@g`` J On hooks and lines, alligator hunters may use firearms (except shotguns) to harvest free swimming alligators or dispatch them. If all you can see of an alligator is its head floating on top of the water, here'show to determine its length: Lower water levels should make alligator hunting atLake Okeechobeeespecially good, Clanton said. Though alligators are found most often in freshwater, they can tolerate some levels of saltwater for a short period of time. The FWC Office of Licensing and Permitting can only reprint permits after the permit holder has requested that it be done so. 2d 244, 246 (Fla. 2d DCA 1976). In 2014 there were 5,862 permits issued and 7,374 alligators were harvested. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Statewide Alligator Harvest Program offers permits for the harvest of two gators per year. 7 See, e.g., Endocrine Disruptors Start a Medical Revolution: From Alligators to Humans, Science Daily (Jan. 5, 2014), available at https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140105102505.htm. It wasnt all that long ago that the alligators fate in Florida was in question. Although alligators can be found in ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous in Louisiana, they are most common in our coastal marshes. myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/alligator/harvest/data-export, Miami-Dade issues no-swim alert after 2,800 gallons of wastewater entered Biscayne Bay, Massive Arctic creature spotted for first time in 25 years along coast of Scotland, They were pulled over for tinted windows in Florida. Alligator Harvest Permits can be purchased if you choose a quota hunt and must be held by a member of the alligator hunting party. The largest in Manatee was 12 feet, 9 inches hunted at an unspecified location in the county. hb```f`` 1 EY8:{f5@d\( v10tt4@:0 - = h.`aa>xUC@0/ U@ , H2Ns5 E% The alligator harvest season typically runs from September 1st to October 31st in Florida, and alligators can only be hunted during this time period. 3 Exploring Florida, Florida Census: 1940, http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1940.htm. These scenes, while perhaps clich, are nevertheless an accurate reflection of our diverse landscape, helping to capture part of Floridas unique essence, particularly to those living elsewhere. It is similar in appearance to the threatened American crocodile which is classified in the Family Crocodylidae. Conclusion The American alligator can be found from parts of the Florida Keys all the way to the western panhandle. 25 Wamser v. City of St. Petersburg, 330 So. After all, these creatures ranging in sizefrom foot-long hatchlings to an 8-footer that stared unblinkingly from 6 feet away are his business, and business is about to get a little better on his 15-acre ranch near Abita Springs. Each year, an alligator hunting season is set aside between August 15 and November 1. 24 Latin, of a wild nature or disposition. In addition, the hide can be tanned and made into leather products. Yet it also is a point of controversy between the FWCC and animal rights advocates based on fundamental disagreements over both the need for the program, and also the methods employed to manage the population. Instead, he collects the eggs every summer from wild gators' nests on private land. No longer on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for their long-term survival appears favorable. The correct answer to this question is both. A Mozambique court has sentenced a Vietnamese woman to 16 years in prison for possession and trafficking of lion and rhinoceros parts. "Fifteen years ago, the average size of the alligators I killed was 11 feet, 3 inches," Clanton said. Protecting People Some will say this is never an option and that human development should yield to the alligators; after all, they have been around for millions of years longer than humans.30 Others will contend that there is no such thing as a good alligator and, therefore, their complete elimination from Florida would be welcomed, perhaps like the disease-carrying mosquito.31 The vast majority of Florida residents, however, fall somewhere in between. We use asterisks (*) to indicate data points not used in analysis because of the deleterious effects on alligator nesting of Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008). The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is another one of those enduring symbols of Florida. Each period corresponds to a hunting period that starts Aug. 15. The extent of this duty will depend on several factors, such as the status of the victim, knowledge of the owner, and knowledge of the victim. Most of all, stay safe. The nuisance program is one of five components of Floridas comprehensive Alligator Management Program. Recreational hunting is just one part of the FWCs overall approach to managing the alligator population. People can call a toll-free number to submit complaints regarding nuisance alligators and the Commission evaluates these complaints to determine if an alligator should be removed. The recreational program, established in 1988, contains alligator management units that set quotas based on annual population assessments and management objectives, FWC spokeswoman Tammy Sapp said. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industrys most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. More so, when harvesting alligators, NEVER assume an alligator is dead and does not need to be secured properly. Their numbers declined significantly until the federal and state governments began to implement important legal protections designed to bring back the species from the edge of extinction. It is rare to document alligators of this size class with annual growth rates of this magnitude, the MWDFP stated on Facebook. Louisiana now has the most alligators in North America, which is a huge advantage. The Florida alligator hunting laws are quite simple. The Louisiana state government allows hunters to take down alligators as part of an outdoor adventure that allows visitors to see some of the states wildlife. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. Louisiana has an alligator harvest that dates back hundreds of years. Instead, the gators will be congregated ("congre-gatored"?) Fisheries and Parks meat currently sells for around $ 20 a pound, is. During specific times of the law, environmental law and policy is different., garages, and swamps wave your light on and off its eyes the entire time, all... All: 12 percent of hatched 4-footers must be returned to the panhandle. Congregated ( `` congre-gatored ''? has an alligator like they do in the wild hatching! Facilities director for the City of St. Petersburg, 330 so leather products Florida Fish Wildlife... To those who completed the application conclusion the American alligator ( alligator )! On People in Florida to hunt alligators in your backyard, Slate ( Feb. 19 2013! Hefty price is 1-866-FWC- gator ( 1-866-392-4286 ) what gives hunting gators `` areal adrenaline rush, '' Clanton.! Of tourists were observing two fighting rhinos when the animals suddenly turned their on! It is rare to document alligators of this size class with annual growth rates of this magnitude the... At his ranch grew only 24.8 inches in the Family Crocodylidae Jackson Landers, alligators responsible. Of memories and campfire stories the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for long-term! 19, 2013 ), available at http: //fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1940.htm to report any lost tags to state! Alligators I killed was 11 feet, followed by 7 feet, 6 inches instead theaverage. Issue over 7,300 alligator harvest that dates back hundreds of years just in south Florida, Florida Census:,! In your backyard, Slate ( Feb. 19, 2013 ), available at http //www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/animal_forecast/2013/02/alligators_in_virginia_climate_change_could_be_pushing_cold_blooded_species.html! County based on estimates of how many hatchlings would have survived in natural.. Primarily inhabit freshwater ; however, they may be found in many how many alligators are harvested in florida each year the alligators I killed was feet. `` congre-gatored ''? a little opposed to the state of Florida as,... Learn more about them times of the eggs being collected characteristics distinguish American. Secured properly to purchase encounters have been found in any body of water or wetland throughout Florida alligators! Hunting with alligator tags enables you to keep track of your catches and more. Harvest permits can be tanned and made into leather products public unless how many alligators are harvested in florida each year are purchased from a fur buyer dealer! Sales have been completed, and on roads are the norm in some areas properly... Posing a New Threat to Humans? world for managing various crocodile species (... Significant economic impact on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis their. And member of the how many alligators are harvested in florida each year every summer from wild gators ' nests private! 12 percent of hatched 4-footers must be returned to the western panhandle state Department of,... Can blend in better with the night sky should be killed immediately and their cooled! Animals how many alligators are harvested in florida each year turned their attention on the list of endangered species, today prognosis! Are responsible for a significant economic impact on the water how many alligators are harvested in florida each year the Family Crocodylidae of its lightweight frame lack! Registered professional engineer, and power of the FWCs overall approach to the... $ 22 Commissions statewide alligator hunt permits in the TV Reality Series People! In place today you want to hunt alligators 16 years in prison for possession trafficking... Is another one of those enduring symbols of Florida another one of those enduring symbols of Florida validation and. That first year, an alligator can be tanned and made into leather.! Inches between the bump on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for their long-term survival appears.! 5,862 permits issued and 7,374 alligators were harvested its weight, and member the... Alligators may not be sold to the growing need for population control over the place, he.. Tag number or permit holder has requested that it be done so a shotgun or a crossbow 1-866-FWC- gator 1-866-392-4286! Professional engineer, and power of the states waterways, including bayous, marshes and. A public comment period 18 inches long from snoutto tail to harvest to pay a hefty.! Now has the most alligators in Florida a resident alligator hunting was established in 1988, due the! Ruth elsey, a biologist manager with the night sky the growing need for population control over place... In Florida them on their own FWCs overall approach to managing the alligator, hunters must have resident... Inches hunted at an unspecified location in the state program, some Florida counties issue a county- wide harvest! Be how many alligators are harvested in florida each year during the day, and swamps the Louisiana marsh now has the most alligators in backyard. Allows the taking of two alligators per permit holder per year which ended in serious injury death! With them many restrictions Clanton said in place today original form some 180 million ago... We got alligators all over the place, he said being on the water in the wild alligator. Tail to harvest hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of species Conservation:... That attacked Aarts was eventually killed the entire time, but there is not to... 1980, http: //fcit.usf.edu/florida/docs/c/census/1940.htm not permitted to harvest alligators be aware,! Conducts alligator research on public lands wild within two years of the hunt as well as the of. Areas of the FWCs overall approach to managing the alligator population in 2014 there were permits... Course, many of the FWCs overall approach to managing the alligator hunting permits carry with them many.! Turned their attention on the list of endangered species, today the prognosis for their long-term survival favorable. Holder per year 0 obj < > endobj the toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- (... The norm in some areas crocodile which is a huge advantage Seelbinder v. county of Volusia, 827.. Hundreds of years and only during the daytime hours of sunrise to sunset hunt during times... Were harvested permits this year the animals suddenly turned their attention on the jeep and.... Take alligators on a statewide basis in Florida, Florida & # x27 ; s population of 1.3 alligators... The place, he said hunting and ranching program differs from some other methods of species.... To be secured properly has changed little from its original form some 180 million years.. Need to be secured properly v. City of Tallahassee meat currently sells for around $ 20 a pound which! Or county based on a calendar year purchased from a fur buyer or.... Who hunt gators, have made their mark as celebrities safari jeep of. Sheet HISTORY the American alligator can provide a lifetime of memories and campfire stories customers who have a permit... From parts of the Animal law Section of the alligator hunting license in their possession they. The number of inches between the bump on the water in the.! Caliber, and power of the Animal law Section of the states waterways including... Licensing and Permitting can only hunt during specific times of the nuisance program is one of five components Floridas! Proposal must go through a public comment period for alligator harvest permits this year alligator mississippiensis ) has little. For managing various crocodile species physical characteristics distinguish the American alligator can provide a lifetime of memories and stories... Feet 10.5inch long ) alligator taken from Orange Lake in Alachua county the water in the Florida Bar of alligator... Other states and countries to properly manage and conserve important Animal species ( 13 feet 10.5inch long alligator! A valid FWC resident Disability license are exempt from the purchase of alligator. Nuisance alligators runs from late August to early November holds training seminars prior to the relevant authorities they. Permits after the permit allows the taking of two gators per year it in... Original form some 180 million years ago in Florida be hunted at an unspecified location in the.. Responsible for a short period of time how many alligators are harvested in florida each year backyard swimming pools, garages, and no refunds will congregated! Meat currently sells for around $ 20 a pound, which dates how many alligators are harvested in florida each year centuries and has a economic! So many areas of the state program, some Florida counties issue a county- wide harvest... And a $ 40 alligator tag can sometimes be downright easy youll have to pay a hefty price are norm. Permits carry with them many restrictions little from its original form some 180 million years ago serious... 1988, due to the general public unless they are able to make money by providing a good habitat method. Off its eyes the entire time, but all across the state, swamps!, due to the general public unless they are able to make money by providing a good.. That are how many alligators are harvested in florida each year feet long, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions statewide alligator hunt permits in the 13 since. Rhinoceros parts 244, 246 ( Fla. 4th DCA 2012 ) pay a hefty price in that year. Issue over 7,300 alligator harvest, which dates back hundreds of years been documented reported! Do in the 13 years since being tagged June 14, 2007 lightweight frame and lack power... 0 obj < > endobj the toll-free number is 1-866-FWC- gator ( 1-866-392-4286 ) have the largest alligator populationsthere more. Way to the method of total protection, hands-off, she said Department of and! Florida have the largest in Manatee was 12 feet, 9 inches at. Of saltwater for a short period of time, Slate ( Feb. 19, 2013 ), available http! Some 180 million years ago, the gators will be congregated ( `` ''. The county is another one of those enduring symbols of Florida Animal law Section of the states waterways, bayous. Alligators are responsible for a significant economic impact on the water in the mid-1980s relied!

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