Public Lands/Lakes Lottery
Residents without access to alligator harvesting on private lands may harvest on public lands or lakes, managed by local to federal agencies.
- Alligator hunters are selected to hunt these areas through bidding and lotteries.
The Lottery Alligator Harvest Program allows over 1,000 resident hunters to harvest 3,000+ alligators across 51+ wildlife areas and public lakes statewide.
The WMA and Public Lakes Alligator Lottery applications are available in May of each year. The current year's lottery applications are being accepted from May 15, 2026 through June 15, 2026. Lottery applicants must be Louisiana residents, at least 16 years of age, and comply with hunter education requirements. You have the option to select up to 3 choices for the lottery when submitting your application.
Successful applicants must:
- Purchase a resident Alligator Hunter License ($25)
- Pay a set fee per alligator harvest tag issued ($40 per tag)
- Appear in person at a designated time and location to receive license, tags, and specific instructions
- Sign and abide by the Alligator Hunting Agreement
- Follow all LDWF and all applicable WMA/public lake rules, regulations, and ordinances
- Report alligator harvest information to LDWF.
Each successful applicant will receive three alligator harvest tags for the WMA or public lake they were selected to hunt.