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RALEIGH–Hyde County mainland is noticing more alligators in its environs and will hold a hunt for the carnivores this fall.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will offer permitted hunting opportunities for alligator population reduction hunts in only three designated areas of the mainland where they have been seen more frequently–Swan Quarter, Fairfield and Engelhard.
The issue came up in the June county commissioners meeting where commissioners mentioned that the large aquatic reptiles have been seen around the dike area in Swan Quarter and one on a farm drainage pipe.
After working with Hyde County officials, the commission approved the controlled hunt at their July 12 meeting.
Available now through Friday, Aug. 10, only 20 permits will be issued valid from Sept. 1 through Oct. 1: five permits in Swan Quarter, five in Fairfield and 10 in Engelhard.
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to obtain the licenses that cost $250 for North Carolina residents and $500 for non-residents. An $8 application fee will be charged for each of the designated hunt areas.
The bag limit is one alligator per permit with a season limit of one alligator per permittee. Permittees will be required to complete a harvest survey and allow commission staff to collect biological data from the harvested alligator.
Applications are only available for purchase online using a Visa or MasterCard, by calling 888-248-6834 or in-person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays in commission headquarters, 1751 Varsity Dr., Raleigh.
Due to an expected increase in call volume, the Wildlife Commission advises purchasing a permit application online.
A computerized drawing will choose the permits
For more information on application requirements, designated hunt areas and regulations, visit ncwildlife.org/permithunt.
According to the commission, North Carolina is the northernmost range of American alligators, which can be found along the East Coast through the southern tip of Texas.
