A Quick Guide to Louisiana Alligator Hunting

By Aaron Spuler | April 6, 2017

Home to the largest alligator population in the nation, alligator hunting has been a major part of Louisiana’s local culture throughout history.

Unfortunately, during the last century, unregulated hunting resulted in a large reduction in the alligator population. In 1973, gators were added to the endangered species list.

Following this, responsible hunting practices have helped the population to increase again, and the lakes, swamps, and rivers of Louisiana are home to scores of these unbelievable reptiles. Plan accordingly if you’d like to alligator hunt this year, as gator hunting is only allowed in September.

Be sure to pick an experienced professional to take you hunting for alligators. Make sure it is someone that knows what they’re doing, to ensure that your trip is unforgettable for the right reasons. Ask about any necessary permits while you book your hunt. It is important to note that permits will cost more for out of state hunters than for locals. Sometimes these fees will be included in the hunting package price, but this isn’t always the case, so make sure to ask.

Various local companies offer guided hunts for all kinds of enthusiasts, from the professional hunter to the casual observer. A few companies we recommend are:

Come along on a drive-in hunt at Guided Adventures, where you can snatch up a gator of any size. Trained professionals guide you every step of the way, with hide prepping and skinning included in packages. They’ll even wrap and cut your meat neatly and place it in your ice chest to bring home. If you’re looking for a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion, they’re more than willing to accommodate company retreats, bachelor parties, and family reunions—just be sure to book early.

Acadiané swears by “the experience of a lifetime” while you hunt for gators on their 4,000 acres of family-owned coastal marshland alongside East Cote Blanche Bay. Experienced professionals lead you on guided alligator hunts and you can pick either a one or two day hunt. Both packages include all the gear you need for a prosperous harvest, meals, and souvenirs to honor your adventure. Lodging at a nearby hotel is included in the two day hunt.

Louisiana Marsh Adventures is a family-owned company that provides guided alligator hunts and airboat tours. They specialize in day tours and offer processing services, including taxidermy. Professional guides will bring you on the hunt of your choosing. Just select one of the packages, or customize your own tour where you can choose your bait and capture methods. This company also offers a ride-along trip for people who’d like to watch the hunt but not participate in it.

Bourbe Lake is a private club that offers an all-inclusive two night, three day hunting package. Bring three of your friends along for this spectacular alligator hunting adventure. Unlike several hunting packages, this tour is not a guided one where you only assist the capture. Bourbe Lake provides the supplies, while you and your friends perform the hunt. This exclusive club lets you stay and dine, with staff on hand to provide any assistance needed. The package includes four gators, and an additional fee allows for more.

Alligator Hunt La serves you Cajun food as you trap and hunt your alligator on private Houma property. A few different packages are offered, depending on what you’re seeking. One provides you with the chance to shoot a gator but not keep it. This is special for travelers who want to experience something out of the ordinary—but don’t plan on returning home with hundreds of pounds of meat. You can also instead choose the “take it home” package that includes meat storage, skinning, and cleaning. This company does not offer on-site lodging, but can guide you to nearby inns and hotels.

Stan’s Airboat and Marsh Excavator Service prides itself on providing high quality service to our customers with their various needs, which include marsh transportation and construction, oil spill and environmental cleanup and recovery, plus wetlands bush/brush cutting.

Posted in Guest Article, Hunting