ATLANTA, Ga. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a draft environmental assessment for public review that proposes expanding public hunting access by opening seven national wildlife refuges in Louisiana to recreational alligator hunting for the first time.
Under this proposal, Bayou Sauvage Urban, Big Branch Marsh, Black Bayou Lake, D’Arbonne, Delta, Tensas River and Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuges would participate in the new program, further expanding hunting access for Louisiana residents.
The draft environmental assessment is available for public review and comment for 15 days from Nov. 13-27, 2026.
If approved, the Service would implement recreational alligator hunting on these refuges beginning in October 2027, marking a significant step in aligning federal refuge management with state-led wildlife initiatives.
The Service recognizes state authority in wildlife management and routinely aligns National Wildlife Refuge System hunting and fishing regulations with state frameworks when compatible with refuge purposes. Louisiana’s recent expansion of recreational alligator hunting enables the Service to extend these opportunities onto federal lands, increasing public access while maintaining rigorous conservation oversight. Louisiana has permitted commercial harvest of American alligators since 1972, following the species’ recovery to harvestable levels.
Recreational alligator hunting on refuges would be administered through the state lottery system. Applicants must be Louisiana residents at least 16 years old and must obtain a state hunting license, an alligator hunting license, and written landowner permission.
Each year, the Service would work jointly with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to determine the number of hunters and alligator tags allocated to each participating refuge, ensuring harvest levels remain sustainable and consistent with refuge management objectives.
The draft document will be made available for review at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge (61101 Holy Redeem Road, Lacombe, LA 70445), and North Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge (11372 Highway 143 Farmerville, LA 71241) visitor centers and may also be accessed and downloaded from each refuge’s website. For access to the document in an alternative format, please contact any of the refuges included in this proposal.
Public comments may be submitted in writing via email to Jacob Tuttle, Regional Hunt and Fish Coordinator, jacob_tuttle@fws.gov or by mail to 718 Juliette Road, Round Oak, GA 31029. The Service will consider public comments in preparing the final environmental assessment and address substantive comments as appropriate.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, established to conserve fish, wildlife and plant resources, is the world’s largest network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation.
The Service manages hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while balancing recreational access with conservation responsibilities. Hunting and fishing are permitted on refuges when determined to be compatible with each station’s purpose and mission under federal law.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube .
-FWS-
