Why Louisiana is Considering a Recreational Alligator Hunting Lottery

Much like "recreational" fishing, if a proposed bill passes through Louisiana legislation, citizens could soon enjoy a "recreational" alligator season.

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Speaking with the Louisiana Radio Network, Franklin Senator Robert Allain says that because Louisiana's alligator population has increased so much, he believes it's time for a recreational alligator season to join the commercial alligator season already established in Louisiana. Allain stated, “We have gotten to a point now, where we are overpopulated. It was too successful. What we’re trying to do is expand the opportunity to hunt alligators.”

In regards to Allain' assessment that Louisiana was "too successful", he's referring to Louisiana's conservation efforts that increased the state's alligator population from below 100,000 approximately fifty years ago to present day's total of more than three million gators in the state, with about two million in the wild.

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Should the establishment of this recreational season become law, Wildlife and Fisheries General Counsel Garrett Cole says interested recreational hunters would be chosen through a lottery. Giving details of the possible lottery, Cole explains, “We’re looking at rolling out 10,000 tags, statewide. Each applicant would be eligible for two tags. So, 5,000 opportunities, new recreational opportunities like the secretary said.”

Weighing in on the proposal, LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says they want to provide this recreational opportunity for the common folk of Louisiana and that these recreational hunters would not be allowed to shoot alligators; it would be hook and line harvesting from land. Bosworth added, “Folks from out of state, other folks here, that see the shows like “Swamp People,” they want to engage in this activity. It’s very cultural. There’s a heritage behind it that people want to experience.”

The bill, which as already been approved by the Senate Natural Resources Committee, will now head to the Louisiana State Senate for additional discussion, and should it pass, the Louisiana Wildlife Commission would be responsible for setting up official rules and regulations.