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Florida's alligator harvesting season is under way, runs till November

 
Alligator harvesting season began in Florida on Wednesday. [Associated Press]
Alligator harvesting season began in Florida on Wednesday. [Associated Press]
Published Aug. 16, 2018

Alligator hunting season in Florida is under way.

Floridians and out-of-state hunters will now have until Nov. 1 to take home up to two alligators — but only on select dates and times, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC said it issued more than 7,500 permits for alligator hunting before Florida's statewide alligator harvest began this week.

According to the organization's website, more than 10,000 people apply for permits annually. Though there's no remaining permits left for counties across Tampa Bay, it's not too late to register for permits in other parts of the state.

Permits can be applied for and purchased here.

For the 7,500 who have received permits, the first four weeks of the season are divided into four quota weeks, with each permit being assigned to one of those weeks. Legal hunting hours are 5 p.m. through 10 a.m, according to the FWC website.

READ MORE: FWC announces additional alligator harvesting permits for 2018

Permits cost $272 for Florida residents and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Guns are no

Guns are not allowed, but hunters may use bows and crossbows, snatch hook, gigs, harpoons, spears and spear guns.

According to FWC, the harvest is a way to manage the alligator population and is nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource.

Today, the state's alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million and has been stable for many years, according to FWC.

Alligator hunt begins 8/15. This sustainable use is one approach to managing the state's #alligator population: https://t.co/ROTMKSnqR2 #Florida