JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Alligator hunters, mark your calendars!

The draw application period for the 2025 Public Waters alligator season in Mississippi will open on June 2 and close on June 11.

According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), the Public Water Season will run from noon on August 29 until noon on September 8.

There is a new application process this year. Applications for the 2025 Public Water Season will now go through the MDWFP Hunt Fish License System. If you do not yet have an account in the new license system, your are encouraged to do so before the draw period opens.

MDWFP officials said permits are limited to a specific hunting zone. Only “public waterways” within each zone, as defined by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), will be open to hunting. No other public water will be open to alligator hunting, except the lakes within the Northeast, Northwest, West Central, and Southwest Zone.

• There is no fee to apply for the public water draw. 
• If drawn, you have seven days to purchase your Alligator possession permits.
• If you are choosing to opt out of your draw this year, then simply do not purchase your Alligator possession permits within the seven day window.