L.D.W.F. to hold alligator lottery hunts

In order to increase alligator harvest opportunities, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will initiate new alligator lottery hunts on eight Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) for the 2008 alligator harvest season.

These areas include: Atchafalaya Delta WMA, St. Mary Parish; Elm Hall WMA, Assumption Parish; Joyce WMA, Tangipahoa Parish; Pass A Loutre WMA, Plaquemines Parish; Pearl River WMA, St. Tammany Parish; Pointe-Aux-Chenes WMA, Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes; Salvador WMA, St. Charles Parish; and Sherburne WMA and Sherburne U.S. Army Corps of Engineer lands, Iberville, Pointe Coupee and St. Landry parishes.

Interested participants may either request an application by calling 337-373-0032 or from the LDWF’s Web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/experience/lawildlife/nongame/alligators.cfm. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 13, 2008.

The lottery harvest will be conducted between Aug. 27 and Sept. 12. Exact harvest dates will vary by WMA and will be specified at the time selected hunters are notified.

Applicants must be a legal Louisiana resident and 16 years of age or older. Any applicant born on or after Sept. 1, 1969 must also provide a valid hunter safety certification number. A $5 application fee is required.

All applicants meeting the application requirements will be entered into a randomized computer drawing, which will take place on Aug. 15, 2008. Selected hunters will be notified by mail.