New rules for Alligator Lake Public Small Game Hunting Area

New rules for Alligator Lake Public Small Game Hunting Area

There are a few new rules this year on Alligator Lake Public Small Game Hunting Area in Columbia County that the public needs to be aware of. To provide an equitable hunting opportunity that is compatible with other recreational users, hunt days on the north marsh area will be Mondays and Thursdays, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays. On the south marsh, hunt days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

A second change clarifies that fishing, frogging and public access are allowed year-round, except when waterfowl hunting is allowed.

The final change allows all motorboats on the area, except airboats, during waterfowl season. However, all boats must be operated at idle speed.

"It’s important to create rules on public lands, such as this one, that allow as many diverse activities as possible but without the various groups interfering with the activities of the others," said John Ault, hunting coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s North Central Region.

Alligator Lake Public Small Game Hunting Area is about 484 acres, located Columbia County. It is legal to take duck, geese and coot during the season.

For detailed regulations specific to this hunting area, log onto www.MyFWC.com/hunting/wma/2008-09/NorthCentral/AlligatorLake.pdf.