Louisiana Recreational Alligator Harvest Lottery Opens August 20

LOUISIANA - Earlier in 2026, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved rules to establish a recreational alligator hunting season. And soon, you'll be able to apply for tags via a lottery system.

The new recreational alligator harvest lottery opens on Thursday, August 20, and runs through August 30, 2026.

Selected hunters will have the opportunity to harvest alligators in one of eight recreational harvest zones during the season, which runs October 1-31. The harvest will allow up to 5,000 hunters to be selected, each receiving two recreational alligator harvest tags.

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Who Can Apply and What Are the Requirements

Here's what you need to know regarding the application process:

Applicants must be Louisiana residents age 16 or older and meet hunter education requirements.
Applications are available online only through the LDWF licensing website.
The application fee is $50 per zone and is nonrefundable.
You may apply for and be selected for more than one zone.
Selected applicants must purchase a $25 Resident Alligator Sports Hunter License.
Selected applicants receive two non-transferable hide tags for each zone they are awarded.

Keep in mind that all the above does not pertain to the longstanding commercial alligator harvest application, which was completed in July.

How to Apply for Louisiana Alligator Harvest Tags

To apply for recreational alligator harvest tags, go to louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications.

About the Eight Recreational Alligator Harvest Zones

To assist applicants with their selection(s), LDWF has posted a map and descriptions of the recreational harvest zones. View that info here.

The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Louisiana You Should Know About

Louisiana is known for our fantastic waterways, from swamps and bayous to scenic lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating. But with all of this natural beauty comes an abundance of wildlife, including snakes. In fact, Louisiana has over 50 different snake species, many of which thrive around freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal habitats.

Where are snakes most commonly found across the Pelican State? Here’s an updated guide to the most snake-infested lakes in Louisiana.

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott