SCDNR has added 400 slot-restricted tags
The SCDNR has added 400 additional slot-restricted tags to South Carolina’s 2025 alligator lottery. These additional tags will allow a hunter to take one alligator between 4 and 8 feet in total length.
These tags should cut down on wait times for potential alligator hunters who are interested in killing a gator of that size, and does not reduce the number of traditional gator tags issued each year.
Those drawing a slot-restricted tag will have some different regulations than those with traditional tags, which are good for killing alligators at least 4 feet in length, with no maximum size limit.
Hunters using a slot tag will not be allowed to use harpoons, bows, or any other device that propels a dart, arrow, spear, gig or anything designed to embed into the alligator. This is so you don’t permanently damage an alligator that may be outside the slot size and need to be released.
Slot-restricted hunters may only use snatch hooks, handheld snares and ropes.
According to SCDNR, “This change will increase hunter opportunities while trying to manage pressure on larger alligators in the population. It takes a long time (more than 30 years) for an alligator to reach trophy size, and it’s our responsibility to maintain a healthy size and age distribution across the alligator’s range in South Carolina.”
Applicants will only be chosen for one tag, and if you don’t want a slot-restricted tag, you can enter the lottery for a traditional tag by not selecting the slot-restricted tag option on the lottery form.
When you select your options on the online form, you may choose between these selections:
- Southern Coastal
- Middle Coastal
- Midlands
- Pee Dee
- Southern Coastal 4’-8’ Slot Tag
- Middle Coastal 4’-8’ Slot Tag
- Midlands 4’-8’ Slot Tag
- Pee Dee 4’-8’ Slot Tag
Applications for the 2025 Alligator Lottery will be accepted beginning June 1 through July 15. This year’s alligator hunting season will run from noon Sept. 13 through Oct. 12 at noon.
Hunters can apply for the lottery on the GoOutdoorsSC app, or by visiting GoOutdoorsSC.com.
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