***ALL AUDIO IS FOUND IN “FUTURE EDITED SOUND” FOLDER IN L DRIVE***

For the first time ever, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a recreational alligator hunting season, and the lottery for tags opened this morning. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says the state is able to open up the harvesting of alligators to recreational hunters thanks to an act of legislature in this year’s session, because the state is being overrun with alligators.

Tyler Bosworth 1.wav (08)  “…has fully recovered.”

Bosworth says there are roughly three-million alligators in the coastal zone alone – that’s about two-thirds of the state’s human population. And he says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Tyler Bosworth 2.wav (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”

Bosworth says if you’re successful in snagging one of those ten-thousand tags, there is a series of rules you will need to abide by.

Tyler Bosworth 3.wav (11) “…with landowner consent.”

The lottery is open through August 30th, and the season runs throughout the entire month of October. There is a non-refundable 50-dollar application fee, and you may only apply on the LDWF’s licensing website.