Florida alligator hunters to have more hours, weapon options for this year’s hunt

Alligator hunters in Florida will have more hours in a day to search out the animals and additional permitted weapons to hunt them with this year.

The changes come following a meeting by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commissioners.

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Commissioners approved increasing hunting hours for the statewide alligator hunt from 17 to 24 hours a day. They also added precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator.

“Adding precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of take can assist hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who might have limited dexterity or strength,” FWC officials said in a statement.

Watch: 12-foot alligator chomps down on Florida photographer’s camera

The dates to apply for alligator harvest permits this year start this week. You can see the full list of dates below:

• Phase I Applications: May 6 - 16
• Phase II Applications: May 20 - 30
• Phase III Applications: June 3 - 13
• Phase IV Leftovers: June 16 - until filled or Oct. 14

READ: It’s alligator mating season, here are tips to keep you and your pets safe

All application periods start at 10 a.m. on the first day of the application period and run through 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day.

Anyone who will be 18 years of age or older by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card can apply for alligator harvest permits by clicking here or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office.

VIDEO: It’s alligator mating season, here are tips to keep you safe VIDEO: It’s alligator mating season, here are tips to keep you safe (WFTV)

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