FWC to Host Webinar on Proposed Changes for Statewide Alligator Harvest

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Staff reports

Photo by Romi White

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering a proposed rule change to increase statewide alligator harvest from 17 to 24 hours a day during season and allow the use of air bows.

Accordingly, FWC on Tuesday, January 4 will host a Microsoft Teams webinar to discuss the proposed changes from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

The webinar will feature a short presentation about proposed rules that would increase hunting hours during the statewide alligator harvest from the current 17 hours a day to 24 hours a day on most areas and allow the use of pre-charged pneumatic air guns propelling only arrows attached to a restraining line as a legal method of take.

If approved, 24-hour hunting and use of air bows would be effective for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season.

Those attending the webinar will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

The webinar will be available via this link: FWC WEBINAR

Those unable to attend the webinar may utilize the online commenting tool available via this link: FWC ONLINE COMMENTING

In addition to the proposed rule changes, the FWC is also seeking feedback via the same online commenting tool on concepts they may consider in the future such as:

  • Using a preference point system for awarding permits in the Phase 1 random drawing
  • Replacing county-wide alligator hunting permits with region-wide permits (a grouping of counties).

For more information visit https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/