The deadline to apply is July 15th at 11:59 p.m. (Courtesy of SCDNR)
SOUTH CAROLINA — Applications for the public alligator lottery are available for one more week, closing on July 15 at 11:59 p.m.
A $10 nonrefundable application fee is required to apply. A randomized computer drawing based on a preference point system will determine the selection of hunters. This year’s public alligator season will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) on Sept. 13 and run until 12 p.m. (noon) on Oct. 11.
Tag fees, if selected, are $100. Additional fees apply to nonresident hunters. Applicants will be notified by email of selection status after the drawing is completed. Applicants can also check their status online anytime after the drawing.
The deadline to apply is July 15th at 11:59 p.m.
Current applicants can change their application location preferences or convert to a points only (and vice-versa) up until the lottery closes.
For problems applying contact us before the closing deadline of July 15 at 11:59pm, EDT. :
Emily Kearse at 803-734-3887 or kearsee@dnr.sc.gov
Trista Bishop at 803-734-3892 or bishopt@dnr.sc.gov
New for 2025
Additional size-restricted tags are being added to the public alligator hunting season.
These additional tags may shorten wait times for those interested in hunting a restricted size of alligator. This restricted “Slot Tag” will permit the hunter to take one alligator between 4 and 8 feet in total length.
This tag option will be added to the available lottery choices. The traditional “any size” tags will still be issued with no changes from last year. (greater than 4’ as always).
Slot Tag Device Restrictions: Those hunting with a Slot Tag, may not use harpoons, bows, or any other device that propels a dart, arrow, spear, gig, or anything designed to embed into the alligator as you may have to release an alligator above the slot size limit. Slot Tag hunters are restricted to snatch hooks, handheld snares, and ropes.
This change will increase hunter opportunities while trying to manage pressure on larger alligators in the population. Remember, it takes a long time (over 30 years) for an alligator to reach trophy size and it’s our responsibility to maintain a healthy size and age distribution across the alligator’s range in South Carolina.
Applicants will only be chosen for one tag, and any accumulated preference points will revert to zero when chosen, regardless of if it is a traditional or size-restricted slot tag. If you don’t want a size-restricted slot tag, then do not select one at the time of application.
Your online hunt selections will be:
• Southern Coastal
• Middle Coastal
Midlands
• Pee Dee
• Southern Coastal 4’-8’ Slot Tag
• Middle Coastal 4’-8’ Slot Tag
• Midlands 4’-8’ Slot Tag
• Pee Dee 4’-8’ Slot Tag
All applicants (including points only) will have to check the box during the application process to confirm that if they select a Slot Tag and are chosen for a slot hunt, that there are specific capture tools that are prohibited for those hunts.
Applicants can only apply and pay fees online or at one of the walk-up counters at a DNR Regional Office in Clemson, Florence, Columbia, Aynor, or Charleston.
By law, the fees collected are used to support the Alligator Management Program’s research and management activities, and for conservation of the American Alligator in South Carolina.
Please check the SCDNR website at SCDNR – Wildlife – Alligator Draw Hunt Information to apply for the alligator hunts, as well as for more information and any changes or updates.