Alligator hunting proposed at seven Louisiana wildlife refuges

Louisiana / Statewide

Louisiana residents could gain recreational alligator hunting access at seven national wildlife refuges under a federal proposal now open for public comment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the plan November 13, with a possible October 2027 start if approved.

The proposal covers Bayou Sauvage Urban, Big Branch Marsh, Black Bayou Lake, D’Arbonne, Delta, Tensas River and Upper Ouachita national wildlife refuges. It is not an announcement that hunting has opened.

Comments on the draft environmental assessment are being accepted through November 27. Written comments can be emailed to Regional Hunt and Fish Coordinator Jacob Tuttle at jacob_tuttle@fws.gov or mailed to 718 Juliette Road, Round Oak, GA 31029.

The proposed hunts would use Louisiana’s lottery system. Applicants would need to be Louisiana residents age 16 or older, hold state hunting and alligator hunting licenses, and have written landowner permission.

Federal officials and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would determine hunter and tag allocations annually. The Service says public comments will inform the final environmental assessment, with substantive comments addressed as appropriate.