FPLet’s talk about the infamous bucket list!
Yep, we all have one, whether we officially put it in writing or keep it to ourselves. Everyone has things they’ve never done but would love to do – one day.
But there’s a problem with that mentality! “One day” is here. And it’s the only day we are guaranteed. So, stop right now and decide what “one thing” on your bucket list is doable – on this “one day.”
For me, the “one thing” on my “one day” bucket list is something absolutely crazy. It’s also something that I can almost guarantee no one who knows me would think that I would want to do. It’s something scary and a little dangerous, considering that my name is not Grace or Ms. Coordination, and especially considering that quiet moments of stillness and patience are not my norm.
I’m kind of even scared to admit this item on my bucket list. That’s how out of character it is for me. But here goes!
I want to go alligator hunting.
I know; I know. It’s dangerous and silly for a Mississippi grandma, who has only hunted deer and squirrels (unsuccessfully), to suddenly admit to a hankering to hunt the largest land and water predator in our state.
But that’s it; that’s my secret wish: I want to go alligator hunting. And guess what? I am thinking that this is the year to actually do it.
I’d better decide soon because the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) announced that the Mississippi Public Waters Alligator Hunting Season starts August 29 and runs through high noon on September 8.
But here’s the immediate issue – June 2 through June 11 is the draw application period for this year’s Mississippi Public Waters alligator hunting season. (Which means it’s do-or-die for my alligator hunting dreams.)
Now, if you are not familiar with the draw process, the Public Waters hunt revolves around a yearly preset number of permits to hunt within seven public waterway zones throughout the state. Applicants in this draw must be aged 16 or older, have a valid Mississippi driver’s license, possess a prerequisite hunting license, and pay a processing fee.
If an applicant’s name is drawn by the designated third-party entity, the prospective hunter will be notified via email and have a set number of hours to purchase a Public Waters Alligator Possession Permit, which includes the permit, a valid license, and two alligator tags.
Then, a second drawing will be held to re-offer permits not purchased (within the allotted timeframe) by the first pool of drawing winners. But even with two chances, the odds are still tough. In 2024, only 981 of the 6756 applicants got a chance to take their hunting party on a real Mississippi alligator hunt.
To participate in this year’s drawing for the Public Waters alligator hunt, applicants must first set up an MDWFP account at https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wildlife-species-program/alligator-program/public-waters-permits. Then, make sure to enter the drawing process that begins June 2.
And please do not tell my husband or kids that I am entering my name into the applicant pool for this year’s hunt. They will question my sanity.
I’ll just wait and let them know IF my name is drawn.
