Alligator hunters interested in taking gators from the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex have until 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 3 to apply for the lottery for hunting on the Sabine, Lacassine and Cameron Prairie national wildlife refuges for the next three seasons.
The federal managers have a long list of qualifications, including “applicants must be Louisiana residents, at least 18 years of age,” and if born after Sept. 1, 1969, the applicant must have completed Hunter Education Certification.
- Other applicant requirements include:
- A minimum of three years of experience alligator hunting as a licensed alligator hunter and/or helper;
- Have equipment required to harvest alligators on the specific refuge assigned, like vehicles, boats, outboards, firearms and tackle;
- And pass a criminal background check, including checks for federal and state wildlife and/or criminal violations.
To apply for the lottery, each applicant needs to submit, on a 3 inches x 5 inches white index card (legibly handwritten or typed) with first, middle and last name; mailing address; phone number; email address, if available; and, write “Cameron Prairie, Lacassine, and Sabine” then designate the refuge in order of preference to hunt by writing 1 for a first choice, 2 for a second choice, and 3 for your third choice.
Send the completed cards to: Cameron Prairie NWR, 1428 Highway 27 South, Bell City, LA 70630.
A public drawing will be held a 9 a.m., March 8, Cameron Prairie NWR auditorium.
For more information, call Diane Borden-Billiot at (337) 598-2216.