The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering alligator hunters no-cost, three-hour classes to help them prepare for the August 15 - November 1 statewide alligator harvest. Reservations are not required to attend a class.
Attendance is not mandatory for licensed hunters, but the FWC recommends that participants attend, especially if they have not previously hunted for alligators. Class topics include preparing for the hunt, hunting techniques and safety, harvesting and processing, caring for your alligator hide and alligator hunting rules and regulations. Also, persons who do not have an alligator harvest permit can attend if they want to learn what hunting alligators is all about.
Classes will be offered at the following locations:
* July 19 (Saturday), 1-4 p.m., Sanford, Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd. For directions, call 407-302-1010 or visitwww.sanfordfl.gov/recreation/facilities/civic_center.html.
* July 23 (Wednesday), 6-9 p.m., Gainesville, Paramount Plaza Hotel and Suites, 2900 S.W. 13th St. For directions, call 877-992-9229 or visit www.paramountplaza.com.
* July 26 (Saturday), 1-4 p.m., Dania Beach, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way. For directions, call 954-922-4212 or visit www.igfa.org.
* July 30 (Wednesday), 6-9 p.m., Tallahassee, Bryant Bldg., 2nd Fl. Auditorium, 620 S. Meridian St. For directions, call 850-488-3831.
* Aug. 2 (Saturday), 1-4 p.m., Tampa, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N.; use the Orient Road entrance. For directions, call 800-345-FAIR (3247) or visit www.floridastatefair.com.
* Aug. 3 (Sunday), 2-5 p.m., Okeechobee, Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. Hwy. 98 N. For directions, call 863-462-5195.
All hunt permits have been sold for this year; however, alligator trapping "agent" permits are available for $52. Agent permits enable permit holders to assist a licensed trapper in taking alligators but only in the presence of that trapper.
Permitted alligator hunters can expect to receive their licenses and hide-validation tags by July 14.
For more information on these exciting alligator hunts, visit MyFWC.com/gators and click "Statewide Hunts."
Media Contact:
Steve Stiegler, 850-488-3831