COLUMBIA, S.C. — Alligator hunting season in South Carolina begins at noon on September 14 and runs through noon October 12. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Public Alligator Harvest Program allows anyone to participate in the harvest of these animals through a lottery system.
Applications to enter the lottery for the public hunt are now being accepted and will end at 4:59 p.m. July 15.
Hunters will need to apply online and pay a non-refundable $10 application fee. If selected, a $100 permit fee is required to purchase a permit and harvest tag from SCDNR. There are additional fees for nonresident hunters. All fees collected are used to support the Alligator Management Program's research and management activities, and for conservation of the American alligator in South Carolina.
When filling out the lottery application, hunters can select the alligator management unit in which to hunt (Southern Coastal, Middle Coast, Midlands including all of Lake Marion, and Pee Dee) and will be able to hunt only in that area. A randomized computer drawing based on a preference point system will determine the selection of hunters.
Applicants can only apply and pay fees online or at one of the walk-up counters at the following SCDNR Regional Offices:
- Clemson, 311 Natural Resources Dr., Clemson, 864-654-1671
- Florence, 295 S Evander Dr., Florence, 843-661-4767
- Columbia/West Columbia, 2762 Wildlife Lane, West Columbia, 803-734-3886
- Aynor, 640 9th Ave., Aynor, 843-827-1002
- Charleston, 217 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, 843-953-9856