Application process open for alligator lottery harvests on LDWF WMAs, public lakes and USACE property

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will conduct alligator lottery harvests on 22 LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 28 public lakes and one U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) property beginning on Aug. 27, 2025. Applications are now available and are due by June 15.

Alligator lottery applications are only available on the LDWF website at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications. Those wanting to apply should click on the Lottery Applications tab, update or create their customer details similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. There is a $5 application fee and a $3.50 transaction fee. Only one alligator lottery application may be submitted per customer but applicants can rank and submit up to three hunt area choices on their application. Applicants must be legal Louisiana residents and 16 years of age or older. If selected, you will be required to purchase an alligator hunter license ($25) and to submit payment of $40 for each alligator tag allocated.

To assist applicants in selecting specific WMAs/public lakes, LDWF has posted the percentage of lottery alligator harvest applicants selected for their first choice in 2024 by WMA or public lake as well as a map showing the general location of each area and the appropriate area manager’s contact information on its website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Hunting/Alligator/Files/lottery_choices.pdf.