Alligator hunting is legal in the Lone Star State under strict guidelines set by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). With proper licensing, permitted hours, and compliance with conservation laws, hunters can legally pursue alligators during the designated season.
Licensing Requirements
To hunt alligators in Texas, individuals must possess either a resident or non-resident hunting license. However, certain license types—such as the non-resident spring turkey license and the non-resident banded bird hunting license—are not valid for alligator hunting. Hunters are advised to confirm that their license qualifies before heading into the field.
Hunting Hours and Methods
Legal hunting hours for alligators are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. During nighttime hours—from sunset to one-half hour before sunrise—it is unlawful to set baited lines capable of capturing alligators or to remove an alligator from a line. Additionally, the use of firearms to take alligators from, in, on, across, or over public water is prohibited by law.
CITES Tag Requirement
Alligator hunters in both “core” and “non-core” counties must obtain CITES tags from TPWD. These tags are required under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international agreement that regulates and monitors the trade of wildlife to prevent threats to species survival. Hunters must have the appropriate CITES tag to legally take and transport alligators.
Selling Alligators
The sale of alligators in Texas is strictly regulated. Only alligators that are lawfully harvested may be sold, and only to licensed wholesale dealers or alligator farmers. Any sale outside of this legal framework is prohibited.
Feeding Prohibited Outside of Hunting
Outside of hunting activity, it is illegal to intentionally feed free-ranging alligators in Texas. Feeding alligators can lead to dangerous human-wildlife interactions and is considered a threat to public safety as well as the health of the animals.
Texas wildlife officials urge hunters to familiarize themselves with the laws and best practices surrounding alligator hunting to ensure safety, legality, and conservation. The TPWD provides detailed resources for hunters, including regulations, season dates, and application procedures for CITES tags.