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How many alligators can you hunt in Florida?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 14, 2026

The state of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission allow only 5,000 permits each year. Each permit allows its holder to hunt two alligators per season.

How many alligator tags can you get in Florida?

Each applicant may make up to 12 choices on an application in Phase I and II, up to five choices on an application in the Phase III, and one choice per application in Phase IV Leftovers.

How many alligators can you harvest in Florida?

About the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program

Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for Floridians and non-residents who are at least 18 years old to take up to 2 alligators per permit.

How many tags do you get for alligator hunting?

3 They Need At Least 50 Tags To Be On The Show

Swamp People devotes most of its screen time to hauling in big alligators, so it makes sense that they would want to focus on well-established hunters. Filming a rookie reeling in half a dozen baby alligators probably does not make for thrilling TV.

How much does a Florida alligator hunt cost?

One hunter, one sport size gator $1,850. One hunter, two-sport size gators $2,750. Two hunters a sport size gator each $3,500. One hunter, 1 trophy gator 9FT.

37 related questions found

Why do alligator hunters use a 22?

Most use . 22 rimfires because the sound does not carry so far in the dark.

What caliber rifle is used for alligator hunting?

“All my life I've been gator hunting,” Troy Landry said when asked how long he's pursued these leathery beasts. When asked what it takes to kill a gator, he added, “You've got to hit him in the right spot. All we use is a . 22 magnum.

How much do alligator hunters make per alligator?

Usually, alligator hunters work freelance and don't make any money until they have an alligator to show. How much a hunter makes can vary greatly. However, some hunters report that they can earn up to $40 per foot of the alligator.

How much do alligator hunters make in a season?

It is thought that fewer people are out hunting, which has led to a below-average alligator harvest in recent years. The cast of Swamp People have the added benefits of earning at least $10,000 per episode, with some cast members earning $25,000.

How much is a whole alligator worth?

The current prices for alligators are $20 per foot for a 9-foot or longer gator, $17 for 8 feet, $13-$15 for 7 feet and $13-$14 for 6 feet, according to local hunters and processors.

Can you shoot alligators in Florida?

Alligators are protected under Florida law and FWC is taking those rules seriously. “You do need a permit in order to take alligators,” Tyson Matthews with FWC said. That means you're not allowed to shoot and kill alligators unless you're defending yourself.

How much do Swamp People make?

He's said to have a net worth of $2 million and makes $30,000 per month from the show. His son Jacob makes $40 per Swamp People episode. Other sources say that the cast of the show makes as little as $10,000 per episode.

Can you hunt alligators in Florida with a rifle?

The Alligator Hunt

The great thing about alligator hunting is the diversity. In Florida, you can hunt day or night with a variety of weapons. If you chose to use a rifle, crossbow, harpoon or archery, these prehistoric monsters always make it a challenge!

Does Florida have a gator hunting season?

Florida is the alligator hunting capital of the world!

The alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. Over 7,000 alligator harvest permits are available this season.

Can you bait alligators in Florida?

Baited hooks are not allowed. Catch-and-release is only allowed when using snatch hooks and handheld devices with an adjustable catch loop such as catch poles. Therefore, if you are using any other method of take, make sure to only attempt to capture an alligator that you want to keep.

Can you eat alligator?

In some parts of the country, people eat and use the entire alligator. However, the most commonly eaten parts of any alligator are the ribs and the tenderloin. Gator ribs are usually treated just like pork spare ribs, and they can be baked, grilled, or smoked.

What is Willie on Swamp People's net worth?

Junior And Willie Edwards net worth: Junior And Willie Edwards are American reality television personalities and commercial fishermen who have a net worth of $500 thousand.

How much does Troy Landry make per episode?

Troy and Jacob Landry

Needless to say, they are paid handsomely. According to Business Insider, they each earn $25,000 per episode.

Is alligator meat good for you?

High-quality protein and lean in fat, alligator meat is a keto-friendly, protein-packed meat low in saturated fats. The consumption of gator meat in the U.S. is quite common and is often consumed at a rate comparable to beef, with lower health risks.

How old is pickle on Swamp People?

The 31-year-old has been on the show since Season 3, and he's been known to get a lot of viewer attention. He was previously married to Chelsea Kinney, and the two share a child named Riley together. It's unclear when exactly the two split up. On her Instagram feed, Pickle showcases how outdoorsy she is.

Where do you punch an alligator?

Punch its head

"Don't panic and punch at the animal's head; it's a very vulnerable spot for the alligator," Wasilewski said. "They are looking for easy prey, so they'll usually let go. Make as much noise as possible."

Where do they shoot alligators?

To safely and humanely dispatch the alligator aim for the center of the spine directly behind the skull plate. Do not shoot through the skull plate.

Do crocodiles ever stop growing?

For starters, it's a myth that crocs and gators never stop growing. "No, crocodiles don't grow indefinitely, prevented from exceeding the size of a small moon only because they get killed first by a competitor!" croc researcher Adam Britton told me.