Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

How Often Are Alligator Tags Reissued in Louisiana?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Alligator tags in Louisiana are typically reissued every 90 days for active permits. However, the actual frequency may vary depending on specific circumstances. Successful applicants must still meet the annual quota for the region they're hunting in.

Alligator Hunting Permits in Louisiana

Alligator hunting in Louisiana is heavily regulated, with permits issued through a random draw system. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) issues permits to a limited number of hunters each year, with the goal of maintaining a sustainable alligator population. Permits are categorized into three regions: North, Central, and South, with different quotas for each region.

Permit Quotas and Tag Reissuance

The LDWF sets annual quotas for each region, which can range from 100 to 1,000 alligators, depending on the region’s population and conservation status. Successful applicants are issued a permit and a set number of tags, which are used to track the harvested alligators. Tags are reissued every 90 days for active permits, but only if the permit holder has not exceeded their annual quota. Hunters who fail to harvest their alligators within the permitted time frame may have their tags reissued, but this is subject to the availability of tags and the permit holder’s compliance with regulations.

Harvest Reporting and Tag Reissuance

Hunters are required to report their harvested alligators to the LDWF within 24 hours of the hunt. The LDWF then verifies the reports and updates the permit holder’s status. If the permit holder has not exceeded their quota, tags are reissued for the remaining alligators in the permit. The LDWF uses a complex system to track alligator harvests and manage the population, ensuring that the species remains sustainable for future generations.

alligator-hunting often alligator tags reissued louisiana
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.