Questions About Gator Hunting Re: Swamp People

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2. Do the hunters have to buy the tags?

3. What determines how many tags a hunter is issued?

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I am not to familiar with one and four but as to 2&3 the state issues tags to land owners with qualifying wetlands. Tags are based on habitat with certain types of wetlands getting more tags per area. Where we used to hunt it was one tag per 100 acres. As a land owner you can choose to sell your tags to a licensed trapper if you wish.

From LDWF:

Private Lands
A resident alligator hunter must either own land or have permission to hunt alligators on land that is classified as wetland habitat in order to qualify for alligator harvest tags. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries issues harvest tags for property containing sufficient alligator habitat capable of sustaining an alligator harvest. Alligator hunters apply for alligator tags prior to the season. An alligator hunter license applicant must submit the following:

•a completed alligator hunter license application form including the hunter's information (name, dob, drivers license #, etc.),
•proof of property ownership (tax receipts or bill of sale) containing Parish, Township, Range, Section and acreage information,
•a map outlining the property to be hunted, and
•a landowner's signature indicating permission for the hunter to harvest alligators on the property.
•If applicable a legal alligator hunting lease may be submitted.
Individuals interested in obtaining alligator harvest information on private lands (what is considered alligator habitat, does my property qualify for alligator tags, requirements, etc.) should contact the corresponding office/biologist responsible for administering alligator harvests on private lands for the parish in which the property is located (see map and contact information).


Click to enlarge.

Resident alligator hunting licenses cost $25 and there is no cost for alligator tags.

Residents not possessing or having permission to harvest alligators on private lands or public lands/lakes can harvest alligators as an alligator sport hunter while accompanied by a guide.

Non-residents can only harvest alligators as an alligator sport hunter while accompanied by a guide.

A guide must be an alligator hunter possessing tags. An alligator Sport Hunter License cost $25 for Louisiana residents and $150 for non-residents.

Public Lands and Lakes
Residents not possessing or having permission to harvest alligators on private lands may be able to harvest alligators on public lands or lakes.

There are many public lands and lakes available for alligator harvest opportunities. These public lands/lakes are managed by many different entities ranging from local parish governments to federal governmental agencies. Methods in which alligator hunters are chosen for these areas include bidding and lotteries.

The lottery alligator harvest program provides the opportunity for over 300 resident alligator hunters to harvest approximately 800 alligators on almost 40 WMAs/public lakes located throughout the state.

Lottery alligator harvest applications become available mid to late May of each year and lists all available WMAs/public lakes. See Lottery Alligator Harvest Program for additional lottery alligator harvest program information.

Individuals interested in obtaining specific public land/lake alligator harvest information (selection methods, requirements, availability, etc.) should contact the corresponding office responsible for that particular public land/lake (see map and contact information).