Pelahatchie Bay Special Season

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will offer 24 alligator hunting permits for the Pelahatchie Bay area of Ross Barnett Reservoir during May 2025.

This alligator hunting season is set during the breeding season for alligators and prior to emergence of aquatic vegetation that restricts boating access in hopes to enhance hunting success for adult breeding female alligators. This is an effort to try to reduce breeding populations of female alligators in Pelahatchie Bay.

Application Period

March 3-14, 2025.

Dates of the hunt

There will be two hunting periods: 

1. May 2, 12:00p.m-May 5, 12:00p.m.

2. May 9, 12:00p.m.- May 12, 12:00p.m

Each hunt period will allow twelve (12) permit holders among six (6) hunting parties.

All about the hunt

• This is a partnership application. 
• Each permit holder will be allowed to harvest two alligators over 6 feet long.
• There will be areas established as “no hunting zones” in portions of water near residential areas.
• Other restrictions will apply and harvest reporting is required.
• Each permit will cost $100 and all participants in the hunting parties are required to possess an Alligator Hunting License ($25) and a combination type hunting license.
• See Administrative Rules regarding Pelahatchie Bay Regulations.