FWC offers gator-hunting classes

FWC offers gator-hunting classes

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering alligator hunters no-cost, three-hour classes to help them prepare for the Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 statewide alligator harvest. Reservations are not required to attend a class.

Attendance is not mandatory for licensed hunters, but the FWC recommends that participants attend, especially if they have not previously hunted for alligators. Class topics include preparing for the hunt, hunting techniques and safety, harvesting and processing, caring for your alligator hide and alligator hunting rules and regulations. Also, persons who do not have an alligator harvest permit can attend if they want to learn what hunting alligators is all about.

Classes will be offered at the following locations:

July 19, 1-4 p.m. - Sanford
Sanford Civic Center
401 E. Seminole Blvd.

For directions, call 407-302-1010 or visit www.sanfordfl.gov/recreation/facilities/civic_center.html .

July 23, 6-9 p.m. - Gainesville
Paramount Plaza Hotel and Suites
2900 S.W. 13th St.

For directions, call 877-992-9229 or visit www.paramountplaza.com .

 

July 26, 1-4 p.m. - Dania Beach
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way

For directions, call 954-922-4212 or visit www.igfa.org .

July 30, 6-9 p.m. - Tallahassee
Bryant Bldg., 2nd Fl. Auditorium
620 S. Meridian St.

For directions, call 850-488-3831.

 

Aug. 2, 1-4 p.m. - Tampa
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. (use the Orient Road entrance)

For directions, call 800-345-FAIR (3247) or visit www.floridastatefair.com .

Aug. 3, 2-5 p.m. - Okeechobee Okeechobee County Civic Center
1750 U.S. Hwy. 98 N.

For directions, call 863-462-5195.

 

All hunt permits have been sold for this year; however, alligator trapping "agent" permits are available for $52. Agent permits enable permit holders to assist a licensed trapper in taking alligators but only in the presence of that trapper.

Permitted alligator hunters can expect to receive their licenses and hide-validation tags by July 14.

For more information on these exciting alligator hunts, visit www.MyFWC.com/gators  and click "Statewide Hunts."