ADCNR Updates On Shrimping, Alligator Harvest

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will begin accepting online applications for alligator harvest permits on June 6 that allow for the harvest of an alligator in one of Alabama’s five designated Alligator Management Areas (AMA) during certain dates. A total of 260 permits, for which no fee is required, will be distributed among the five AMAs. Individuals may submit one application per management area. The application period will close on July 11, and randomly selected hunters will be able to receive one permit each for $250. Only Alabama residents and Alabama lifetime license holders ages 16 years or older holding valid Alabama hunting licenses may apply. A total of 150 permits will be issued for two areas in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Harvest dates for these areas, the Southwest AMA (100 permits) and the Coastal AMA (50 permits), will be August 10-13 and 17-20.

The ADCNR Marine Resources Division has opened all inside waters not permanently closed by law or regulation for shrimp harvesting. This includes Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay, Mississippi Sound, Perdido Bay, Arnica Bay, Wolf Bay and Little Lagoon. Licensed live bait dealers holding a permit for Special Live Bait Areas are reminded that an area beside the USS Alabama south of the Tensaw River Bridge, north of a line from the north point of Pinto Pass to the northwest edge of Goat Island and west of a line from the northwest edge of Goat Island to the eastern end of Tensaw River Bridge will be open from one hour before sunrise until sunset through December 31.