If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then alligator hunting in Alaska is the perfect activity for you. Not only will you get to experience the thrill of the hunt, but you’ll also get to see some of the most beautiful and untouched wilderness in the country. Alligator hunting in Alaska is a unique experience that not many people have the opportunity to do. In this blog post, we will explore what it’s like to alligator hunt in Alaska and some of the things you need to know before embarking on such an adventure.
Alligator Hunting Laws in Alaska
Alligator hunting is regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Alligators may only be taken during the open season, which runs from June 1 – August 31. A permit is required to hunt alligators, and permits are issued through a lottery system. Up to 10 permits are available per year.
To hunt alligators in Alaska, hunters must comply with the following regulations:
- Alligators may only be taken by hand-held snare, harpoon, gig, bow, and arrow, or firearm.
- Alligator carcasses must be reported to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game within 24 hours of harvest.
- The hide and meat of harvested alligators must be properly disposed of. Hides may be tanned or mounted, and meat may be consumed or given away.
Related: Hog Hunting in Alaska
Do you need a license to hunt alligators in Alaska?
Yes, you need a license to hunt alligators in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) offers a few different options for licenses, depending on what type of alligator hunting you want to do. For example, if you want to hunt alligators with a rifle, you’ll need a big game hunting license, which costs $160 for residents and $85 for non-residents. If you want to hunt alligators with a bow and arrow, you’ll need a special bowhunting license, which costs $50 for residents and $30 for non-residents. You can also get an apprentice hunting license, which allows you to hunt with a mentor if you’re new to alligator hunting.
Alligator Hunting Seasons in Alaska
There are two alligator hunting seasons in Alaska: the regular season and the trophy season. The regular season runs from August 10th through September 30th. The trophy season runs from October 1st through November 30th.
Alligators can be found in many areas of Alaska, but they are most commonly found in the southern parts of the state. Alligator hunting is regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). A hunting license and a big game tag are required to hunt alligators in Alaska.
The ADF&G sets the bag limit for alligators at two per hunter during the regular season and one per hunter during the trophy season. There is no closed season for alligator hunting on federal lands in Alaska. On state lands, the regular season closes on October 31st and the trophy season closes on December 31st.
Can you hunt alligators at night in Alaska?
It is perfectly legal to hunt alligators at night in Alaska. In fact, many people prefer to do so because it is cooler and the alligators are more active. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out on your nighttime alligator hunt.
First, you will need to obtain a hunting license from the state of Alaska. You can do this by visiting the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or by stopping by a local office. Second, you will need to purchase a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This can be done online or at select retail locations.
Third, you will need to familiarize yourself with the Alligator Management Plan for Alaska. This document outlines the areas where alligator hunting is allowed, as well as the times of the year when hunting is permitted. It is important to note that alligator hunting is only allowed on certain river systems in Alaska; specifically, the Kuskokwim, Nushagak, Stikine, Yukon, and Copper rivers.
Fourth, you will need to consult the tide charts for your area of interest. Alligator hunting is only allowed during specific tide phases; therefore, it is important to know when these phases will occur so that you can plan your hunt accordingly.
Finally, you should always remember to use caution when hunting alligators at night. Alligators are large and dangerous animals; therefore, it is important to take all necessary precautions.
Bag limits for hunting Alligator in Alaska
There are no bag limits for hunting alligators in Alaska. Alligators are not native to Alaska and are only found in the wild in the state’s zoos and private collections. Therefore, there is no need to limit the number of alligators that can be killed by hunters.
Legal ways to hunt Alligators in Alaska
There are only a few ways to legally hunt alligators in Alaska. The first is to get a permit from the state. This can be done by applying for a hunting license and then requesting a permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The second way to legally hunt Alligators is to join a hunting club or organization that has been granted a permit by the state. The third way to legally hunt Alligators is to hire a guide who has been licensed by the state.
Can you use dogs to hunt alligators in Alaska?
Yes, dogs can be used to hunt alligators in Alaska. Alligators are typically found in areas with water, so using a dog to help locate them is a common practice. Dogs can also be used to help corner and catch an alligator once it has been located. When using a dog to hunt alligators, it is important to have a good understanding of the animal’s behavior and be aware of the dangers involved.
Can you hunt Alligators from a vehicle in Alaska?
There are a few things to consider before attempting to hunt alligators from a vehicle in Alaska. First, it is important to know that alligators are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the state of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game does not allow the hunting of them. Second, even if you were able to find an alligator in the wild, it is illegal to shoot at one from a moving vehicle. Finally, alligators are found in freshwater habitats and are not known to inhabit Alaska.
Final Thoughts
As our time in Alaska came to an end, we reflected on our alligator hunting trip. Overall, it was a success! We were able to bag a few gators and enjoy the beautiful Alaskan landscape.
We’re already planning our next trip up north and can’t wait to do some more alligator hunting. If you’re thinking about going on an alligator hunt, we recommend Alaska – it’s a truly unique experience.
