The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

AUSTIN –The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has set dates and locations for issuance of alligator hide tags to qualified landowners and their agents.

The open hunting season for alligators in their core habitat area runs Sept. 10-30 and the core range covers Angelina, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler and Victoria counties. Landowners in other counties may inquire about hide tag issuance for the September season; otherwise, they may take advantage of the open season beginning April 1 and extending through June 30. Alligators may not be taken during this season on any property where alligators were taken during the September season.

Additional details about alligator hunting requirements in Texas are available online or by contacting TPWD’s Alligator Program at (409) 736-3625.

In order to receive alligator hide tags, landowners/agents must have GPS coordinates for their property entrance, an aerial map of the property and a copy of the deed or property tax receipt showing ownership. Only checks with proper ID or money orders will be accepted as payment for alligator hide tags. A Social Security number and a valid driver’s license are also required for issuance. If hide tags are not picked up as scheduled, tags will be issued by appointment only. No tags will be issued after Sept. 6 and any hide tags or paperwork returned to the Port Arthur TPWD office after the Oct. 31 deadline will affect future hide tag issuance for those properties.

Local alligator hide tag issuance locations and dates are

Chambers, Jefferson, Galveston, Liberty and Orange Counties

J. D. Murphree WMA: 10 Parks and Wildlife Drive, off Hwy 73 in Port Arthur, (409) 736-3625 Wednesday, Aug. 31, 9 a.m. - noon and 1-5 p.m.

Jasper, Hardin, Newton, Sabine and San Augustine Counties

Jasper TPWD District Office Complex located at 289 CR 098, Jasper, (409) 384-6894 Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.