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SB 244

HUNTERS/HUNTING: Provides for recreational hunting of alligators. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 39 co-sponsors

The bill creates a state-managed recreational alligator season with area-specific rules, licenses, tags, and penalties, separate from the commercial season.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 37.
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Bill Summary · SB 244

Summary of Louisiana Senate Bill 244 (2026)

Title: HUNTERS/HUNTING – Provides for recreational hunting of alligators (effective 8/1/2026)

Jurisdiction: Louisiana
Session: 2026
Sponsor: Allain (and multiple co-sponsors)

Purpose and intent

SB 244 would authorize a new, state-run recreational alligator hunting season in addition to existing commercial alligator hunting. The bill creates a framework for a special recreational harvest, allowing the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to manage when, where, and how alligators may be taken for recreational purposes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a recreational season: The Louisiana Wildlife Commission may establish a special recreational alligator season that operates independently from the commercial season. The commission can set season dates, areas, quotas, and tag allocations for recreational harvest.

  • Area-based management: The season could be implemented by area within the state, with the commission having authority to modify the length and scope of the season by area. This includes the ability to extend, curtail, or prohibit recreational take in any given area.

  • Quotas and tags: The commission may create harvest quotas and tag allotments specific to areas, ensuring regulated intake levels for recreational harvest.

  • Residency and taking methods: The bill authorizes residency requirements and sets forth permissible recreational methods of taking alligators, as well as the hours during which take may occur.

  • Licensing and tagging requirements: Recreational alligator harvest would require:

    • A valid basic hunting license
    • A valid alligator hunting license
    • Recreational harvest tags issued by the Department

  • Prohibitions and penalties:

    • Taking alligators outside the designated special recreational season is prohibited.
    • Taking without valid licenses/tags is prohibited.
    • Illegal methods of taking are prohibited.
    • Violations are classified as Class Three offenses.

  • Effective date: The act would take effect on August 1, 2026 (as originally introduced), with one amendment making the bill effective upon the governor’s signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Who is affected

  • Recreational hunters who wish to harvest alligators under a state-managed program.
  • Residents and non-residents (subject to any residency requirements established by the commission).
  • Louisiana Wildlife Commission (agency) and the Department (licensing and tagging administration).
  • Alligators, as a species managed through the new recreational framework.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill adds a new section to R.S. 56 (Section 256) to authorize the recreational season and associated rules.
  • Administrative details (season length, areas, quotas, hours, licenses) would be set by the Wildlife Commission after the bill’s enactment.
  • The House committee amendments include a technical change and specify that the bill becomes effective upon gubernatorial action or lapse of time for action.

Important takeaways

  • SB 244 creates an explicit recreational alligator season with state-level oversight.
  • It enables area-specific management, licensing/tagging requirements, and prescribed methods and hours for taking.
  • It imposes standard license and tagging prerequisites and enforces penalties for violations.
  • The bill preserves the existing commercial alligator season but adds a separate recreational framework under the Commission’s authority.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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