It’s unlawful to kill an unrestrained alligator during Public Alligator Hunting Season.

SCDNR says no special permits are required for someone to process alligators since the meat cannot be sold under the Public Alligator Hunting Program, but potential alligator processors should be aware that the processing of alligators is certainly more involved.

A series of alligator hunting seminars will be held this summer to provide prospective hunters with information on alligator hunting techniques, regulations and processing. Vendors will be invited to showcase their equipment and to allow hunters to become familiar with the tools necessary to legally and safely hunt alligators. Processors are also encouraged to attend.

“Properly skinning an alligator takes time and effort, so a prospective processor should be aware that the procedure will take much longer than they may be used to as compared to skinning and processing a deer. For hunters who want to have an alligator hide tanned, or if they are planning to sell it, there is a certain way that tanneries or buyers require the hides to be prepared.”

Prospective hunters must apply online and submit a $10 non-refundable application fee to be considered for the random computer drawing.

“We want to make sure that we are able to provide prospective hunters with a list of equipment vendors since you don’t normally find gator capture equipment” –
DNR Furbearer & Alligator Program Coordinator, Jay Butfiloski

Applications for the 2009 public alligator season Sept. 12 – Oct. 10 will be available online at the DNR Web site beginning on May 1.

Applications will continue to be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on June 15, and notifications will begin to be mailed starting on July 1.

Hunters who are not selected will be issued one preference point for the 2010 season.

SC Alligator Vendor’s List