Looks like it might be a gator free for all here in Mississippi soon.
According to FOX News, Mississippi’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have proposed a hunt in an effort to reduce the quickly rising alligator population in the state.
The hunt would primarily take place in the Ross Barnett Reservoir, which has received a high number of calls due to alligator encounters.
The proposed hunt would take place on May 5-7 and May 12-14 in 2023, and the state plans to issue 24 permits, or 12 for each weekend.
The permits would allow the hunters to harvest two alligators a piece, and certain safety precautions would have to be followed due to the area’s close proximity to residential areas.
Alligator Program coordinator Ricky Flynt explained:
“We’re trying to control the adult breeding population. The adult females are what we’re trying to get out. This is not a recreational hunt, but we want to offer an opportunity and allow recreational hunters to help us.
We get tons of alligator complaints. It’s chronic during the months of June and July.
“t was eye-opening. I found 18 nests. I know there’s more, I just can’t find them. At a minimum of 18 nests, my estimate is we’re producing about 350 to 450 hatchlings a year.”
The hunt would prevent participants from killing any alligators within 100 yards of any buildings, and the timing of the hunt would be right before the creatures have the most human interaction.
Somebody call the Gator Boys….
Or maybe, these Gator Boys…
