Hunters who are looking for a unique and exciting challenge can consider going after the largest reptile in North America. The American alligator is a fierce predator that will test the endurance and strength of even the most experienced outdoorsman. As home to the densest population of alligators in the country, Louisiana offers the best chances for hunters to bring home a trophy animal. With guided gator hunting in Louisiana, anyone can improve his or her odds of having a successful hunt.
Alligator hunts take place annually on privately owned or leased land in designated wetlands during the official hunting season. The season is divided into east and west zones. The season lasts 30 days, and starts the last week in August or the first week in September with the dates varying slightly from year to year. Harvesting is allowed between sunrise and sunset only. Harvesting after dark is prohibited.
All hunters, whether or not they live in Louisiana, must hunt with an officially licensed alligator guides. All guides must own or lease designated wetland habitat to be eligible to apply for a license. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues tags to the guide when the habitat is in a condition that can sustain a harvest. Hunters must pay for a license. Those individuals born after August 31, 1969 must participate in a hunter education course.
Hunters may harvest alligators by bow and arrow, hook and line, or firearms, with the exception of shotguns. The use of hooks baited with chicken and beef is the most common method of luring the animal to the kill zone. The hunter has the option of dispatching the hooked gator with a firearm or a bow and arrow.
Hunters must tag the animal immediately after dispatching it. Tags lock onto the gator's hide and must be positioned about 6 inches from the tip of the tail on its underside. Many hunters sell their gators to licensed commercial dealers. The tags must stay on the gator until the buyer tans it and uses it to make a product.
Many guides operate lodges near where the hunting takes place. Guests can choose from rustic ranches with cabins or luxurious bed and breakfasts that include cable television, well-stocked wet bars, meals served in a dining room, and more. Some lodges offer screened in porches, media rooms, game rooms, and additional common areas where guests can mingle and talk about their experience.
In most cases, the lodge cannot guarantee the hunter will harvest an animal during the trip. Hunters who do harvest an alligator will have to pay a trophy fee based on its length. The fee may go toward preparing the hide and parts for taxidermy and tanning but some lodges charge extra for these services. The hunter is also free to take meat from the animal.
An alligator hunt is an exciting challenge for even the most veteran hunters. Knowledgeable guides at a reputable lodge have the equipment and experience to teach beginners the basics of hunting this so-called beast of the Bayou. Affordable hunting packages are available to fit any size budget.
Alligator hunts take place annually on privately owned or leased land in designated wetlands during the official hunting season. The season is divided into east and west zones. The season lasts 30 days, and starts the last week in August or the first week in September with the dates varying slightly from year to year. Harvesting is allowed between sunrise and sunset only. Harvesting after dark is prohibited.
All hunters, whether or not they live in Louisiana, must hunt with an officially licensed alligator guides. All guides must own or lease designated wetland habitat to be eligible to apply for a license. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues tags to the guide when the habitat is in a condition that can sustain a harvest. Hunters must pay for a license. Those individuals born after August 31, 1969 must participate in a hunter education course.
Hunters may harvest alligators by bow and arrow, hook and line, or firearms, with the exception of shotguns. The use of hooks baited with chicken and beef is the most common method of luring the animal to the kill zone. The hunter has the option of dispatching the hooked gator with a firearm or a bow and arrow.
Hunters must tag the animal immediately after dispatching it. Tags lock onto the gator's hide and must be positioned about 6 inches from the tip of the tail on its underside. Many hunters sell their gators to licensed commercial dealers. The tags must stay on the gator until the buyer tans it and uses it to make a product.
Many guides operate lodges near where the hunting takes place. Guests can choose from rustic ranches with cabins or luxurious bed and breakfasts that include cable television, well-stocked wet bars, meals served in a dining room, and more. Some lodges offer screened in porches, media rooms, game rooms, and additional common areas where guests can mingle and talk about their experience.
In most cases, the lodge cannot guarantee the hunter will harvest an animal during the trip. Hunters who do harvest an alligator will have to pay a trophy fee based on its length. The fee may go toward preparing the hide and parts for taxidermy and tanning but some lodges charge extra for these services. The hunter is also free to take meat from the animal.
An alligator hunt is an exciting challenge for even the most veteran hunters. Knowledgeable guides at a reputable lodge have the equipment and experience to teach beginners the basics of hunting this so-called beast of the Bayou. Affordable hunting packages are available to fit any size budget.
