Alligator Hunting Season

Alligator Hunting Season Management Units Apply For Alligator Lottery
(June 1 – 11:59pm July 15)

The state is divided in four (4) alligator management units:

* All of Lake Marion is grouped into Unit 3.

A hunter can only hunt in the unit for which he/she was selected. You can list the units in ranked priority and the selection will be based upon this ranking.

The 2026 open season is noon September 12, 2026 – noon October 10, 2026 (2nd Saturday in September to 2nd Saturday in October).

Size-restricted "Slot Tags" will be available again this season (If you don't want a size-restricted slot tag, then do not select one at the time of application).

This restricted Slot Tag will permit the hunter to take one alligator between 4 and 8 feet in total length. These additional tags may shorten wait times for those interested in hunting a restricted size of alligator.

This tag option is in addition to the regular lottery hunt unit choices. The traditional “any size” tags will still be issued. (greater than 4’ as always).

Slot Tag Device Restrictions: Those hunting with a Slot Tag, may not use harpoons, bows, or any other device that propels a dart, arrow, spear, gig, or anything designed to embed into the alligator as you may have to release an alligator above the slot size limit. Slot Tag hunters are restricted to snatch hooks, handheld snares, and ropes.

This change will increase hunter opportunities while trying to manage pressure on larger alligators in the population. Remember, it takes a long time (over 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 any accumulated preference points will revert to zero when chosen, regardless of if it is a traditional or size-restricted slot tag. If you don't want a size-restricted slot tag, then do not select one at the time of application.

Your online hunt selections for the four hunt units will be:

Taking of alligators will be controlled by regulation and the instructions on permits.

Alligators must be secured and brought to shore or alongside boat before dispatch. No shooting of free swimming or basking alligators is allowed in this program. No rifles are allowed, but handguns and bangsticks are permitted for dispatch. No bait, baited hooks, set hooks, or pole hunting is allowed (see regulations for more information about methods).

Only one (1) alligator can be taken per permit. Alligator must be four (4) feet or greater in length. Slot tag holders can only take alligators from 4 feet to 8 feet in length.

Others may assist permittee, but all participants (including permittee) must be licensed SC hunters.

Alligators may be taken in public waters, but not on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) or USFWS Refuges, and on private land where permission is granted. Public alligator season permits cannot be used on lands enrolled in the Private Lands Alligator Program.

Alligator meat can be kept, but not sold. Hides and parts may be sold according to regulation.

Hunter Selection

(Note: there is a $10 non-refundable application fee for all applicants. In addition, if selected, there is a $100 Alligator Hunting Permit fee that will be automatically charged to the stored payment method at time of application.)

All hunters will be selected by a random computer drawing. Successful applicants will be issued a permit and one (1) tag that allows them to harvest one (1) alligator in the designated alligator management unit.

Applicants will be allowed to hunt in only one (1) alligator management unit per season.

Applicants can apply for any number of the four management units, including all units. Selecting the same unit more than once does not increase your odds of being selected for that unit. If successful, you will be selected for one unit only.

There is a $10 non-refundable application fee. Unsuccessful applicants will accumulate preference points (see Preference Points section below). By law, the fees collected are used to support the Alligator Management Program's research and management activities, and for conservation of the American Alligator in South Carolina.

Applicants can only apply and pay fees online or at one of the walk-up counters at a DNR Regional Office in Clemson, Florence, Columbia, or Charleston.

Applications will be received online from June 1 through 11:59 p.m. July 15. Note: There is no added benefit in trying to apply early as possible since the selection process does not differentiate between applications received on the first day or the last day of the application period.

Hunters will be notified by their email of selection status generally about one week after the closing of the application period. Upon notification, successful applicants will be automatically charged the $100 dollar Alligator Permit fee.The stored payment method on your GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com account may be changed until the alligator lottery drawing is completed and finalized. Failed payments may cause the applicant to forfeit their alligator tag.

The Department will begin to send out permits and tags in early August to successful applicants. Actual delivery of permit and tag may vary based on local US Post Office delivery times.

The Alligator Permit fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

It is illegal to sell, transfer, barter, or attempt to sell, transfer, or barter a public hunt alligator harvest tag. It is also illegal to possess an unused public hunt alligator harvest tag issued to another individual unless the permittee is present.

IMPORTANT Note for Nonresident Alligator Hunters

Nonresident Fee
All nonresident alligator hunters are required to pay an additional nonresident alligator hunting fee of $200.00 before going afield. This fee is in addition to the required SC hunting license, application, and permit fee. This fee is valid for participation in any of the alligator hunting programs**

This fee is required of any permitted nonresident alligator hunter, as well as nonresident alligator hunting assistants 16 years of age or older. An alligator hunting assistant is defined as any member of an alligator hunting party who tries to find, seek, obtain, pursue, or diligently search for alligators (i.e. everyone in the boat 16 or older).

Nonresident alligator hunters and nonresident alligator hunting assistants can pay this fee online, or at any normal licensing agent.

**SCDNR cannot refund any application or permit fees.

Preference Points

Preference point(s) increase your chances of being selected for a future alligator hunt drawing. Applicants who are not selected for this year's alligator hunt will accumulate one (1) preference point. Applicants will continue to be awarded one (1) point for every year in which they apply but are not selected for the hunt. Previously, applicants that failed to apply every year would lose their preference points. This is no longer the case.

Preference points cannot be transferred to another person or to a different type of draw hunt (such as waterfowl or deer).

Successful applicants do not accrue preference points towards future alligator hunts. Any accumulated points previously earned revert to zero after being selected.

Return to Alligator Hunting Information