Louisiana Moves Forward with Recreational Alligator Hunting

Senate Bill 244 proposes a new recreational season alongside the existing commercial hunt.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated alligator head icon in vibrant neon hues, conceptually representing the push for expanded alligator hunting in Louisiana.A new recreational alligator hunting season in Louisiana aims to manage the state's growing alligator population and reduce public safety risks.Baton Rouge Today

The Louisiana state legislature is considering a bill that would establish a recreational alligator hunting season in addition to the existing commercial season. Senate Bill 244 unanimously passed the House Natural Resources and Environment committee this week, bringing the proposal one step closer to becoming law.

Why it matters

Louisiana's alligator population has grown exponentially over the past 50 years, from less than 100,000 to over 3 million. This has led to more frequent encounters between alligators and humans, including a fatal attack last year. Proponents of the bill argue that a recreational hunting season could help manage the growing alligator population and reduce public safety risks.

The details

Under the proposed framework, the recreational season would run from October 1 to December 31. The state would issue 10,000 tags to 5,000 hunters through a lottery system, with each winner receiving two tags. The state would be divided into eight hunting regions to help address landowner concerns and leverage existing enforcement resources. Hunters would not be allowed to shoot from boats, vehicles or other watercraft, and free shooting would not be permitted.

  • Senate Bill 244 unanimously cleared the House Natural Resources and Environment committee this week.
  • The proposed recreational alligator hunting season would run from October 1 through December 31 if the bill becomes law.

The players

Senate Bill 244

A bill introduced in the Louisiana state legislature that would establish a recreational alligator hunting season alongside the existing commercial season.

Cole Gary

The General Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, who provided details on the proposed recreational hunting framework.

Robert Allain

The Louisiana state senator who introduced Senate Bill 244 and spoke about the growing alligator population in the state.

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What they’re saying

“We have a population problem with the state having over three million alligators today. That's a 2900% increase in the past 50 years.”

— Robert Allain, Louisiana State Senator

“The proposal that we're going to be bringing to the commission is essentially going to be 10,000 recreational tags issued to 5,000 people. The lottery application would be paid, and then 5,000 lucky winners would receive two tags each.”

— Cole Gary, General Counsel, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

What’s next

If Senate Bill 244 is passed into law, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be responsible for finalizing the details of the recreational alligator hunting season, including the specific dates, tag distribution, and regional hunting zones.

The takeaway

The growing alligator population in Louisiana has led to increased public safety concerns, prompting state lawmakers to consider a new recreational hunting season as a potential solution. While the proposal aims to manage the alligator population, it will need to balance the interests of conservation, public safety, and recreational opportunities.