All day affair: Florida expands alligator hunting hours

Alligator hunters in Florida can now pursue the reptiles any time of day -- or night.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to amend the rules of the state’s alligator harvest program, the agency said in a news release. The proposal increases hunting hours from 17 hours to 24 hours a day “on most areas,” the release stated.

Some areas with restricted access also currently limit alligator hunting hours and will continue with restricted hunting hours, the agency said.

“Allowing hunting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will provide those with an alligator trapping license/alligator harvest permit seven more hours a day of hunting opportunity,” the FWC said.

Alligator hunting season in Florida runs from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1, 2022, the Miami Herald reported.

Another new rule that was introduced at the meeting was the approval of precharged pneumatic airbows to hunt.

The airbow’s arrow must be attached to a restraining line to be considered legal, the FWC said in its release.

“The use of airbows can benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller-framed hunters who may have limited dexterity or strength,” the FWC said. “They are a newer method of take and were not commercially available when the statewide alligator harvest take methods were last updated.”

Anyone who is at least 18 years old by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card can apply for alligator harvest permits, according to the Herald.

Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator for more information.

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