Apply for SC alligator season through June 15

The season begins Sept. 12

South Carolina’s 2020 alligator hunting season doesn’t begin until September 12. But the application period started Friday, May 1. Hunters may apply between 5 p.m. May 1 and 5 p.m. June 15 for a tag. 

Each applicant must pay a $10 fee, and all unsuccessful applicants will receive preference points toward future selections. The SCDNR will begin notifying hunters in July about their selection status. Those selected will then pay a $100 permit fee for their tag. Hunters selected but fail to purchase the tag will forfeit all accumulated preference points.

Applicants choose from four alligator management units. You will list the units in the order you’d like to be selected. You can only hunt in the unit you’re selected for.

State is split into four alligator management units

Unit 1 makes up the Southern Coastal Unit. Unit 2 is the Middle Coast. The Midlands makes up Unit 3, which includes all of Santee’s Upper Lake (Lake Marion). Unit 4 is the Pee Dee Unit.

Hunters can target only alligators of at least four feet in length. A permit allows the harvest of only one alligator. Non-permit holders can aid a permit holder, but everyone participating must have a valid South Carolina hunting license.

Nonresident gator hunters must pay an additional $200 fee. This additional fee applies to all nonresidents (even those aiding the permit holder) participating in a gator hunt. All nonresidents participating in a gator hunt must also have a valid South Carolina hunting license.

South Carolina’s 2020 alligator hunting season begins on Sept. 12 and ends on Oct. 10. Selected hunters will have until the end of alligator season to purchase their tags. But those wanting their tags at the earliest possible time should pay before August 1.

Click here for more information and to apply beginning May 1.