Louisiana Alligator Hunting FAQ | SwampBlood Gator Guides

Louisiana Alligator Hunting FAQ

Phones answered daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (CT)

🎯 Licensing & Legal Requirements

Yes. Every hunter needs a valid Louisiana hunting license. Helpers who assist or shoot also require a Helper’s License.

Typical LDWF fees: Resident Helper $25; Non-resident Helper $150. Fees and rules can change—confirm the latest details on the official LDWF site.

Get license help here: License & compliance • Official LDWF: Alligator hunting

Minors must hold a valid license to shoot an alligator. All paperwork must be completed before departure.

We hunt the West Zone. Statewide, the season opens the first Wednesday in September and runs for 60 days. Our guided hunts operate September–October.

Call for openings: (337) 441-0637.

💰 Booking & Payment

Deposit: The full cost of your selected package reserves your dates (balance due before departure).

Package range: $1,250 – $4,800.

Additional tags (if available): ≤9' $500 • 9'1"–11'11" $750 • ≥12' $1,000.

🛶 Hunt Details & Experience

Hunts run 3–4 hours and begin at 7:00 AM.

Optional: help bait lines at 3:30 PM the day before for the full swamp experience.

No minimum. Solo hunters are welcome; we may pair you with another hunter. Two hunters guarantee a private boat.

Yes. Minimum age 4 (we prefer 6+). Children need a license to shoot and must wear a life jacket if 16 or under while in the boat (state law).

🎒 What to Bring & Expect

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and CLOSED-TOE SHOES (required).

September in south Louisiana is hot—expect mid to upper 90s °F. Bring rain gear; brief showers are common.

Yes—this is the swamp. Bring a quality repellent (DEET-based recommended).

We provide bottled water. For safety, no alcohol during the hunt.

🥩 Meat, Trophies & Processing

Yes. Each hunter may take one alligator to clean for jaw and tail meat. Heads can be kept on request; head mounts available (paid day-of; ~6-month processing).

Bring a cooler to transport meat/parts. All parts must have proper documentation before departure.

Examples: 10'6" ≈ 55 lbs tail meat • 7'6" ≈ 20 lbs tail meat (actual yields vary).

Flying home? Meat is allowed in checked/carry-on. If packed with ice, it must be completely frozen at screening. Dry ice ≤ 5 lbs and must be vented/labeled (TSA rules).

Typical costs (includes cleaning/salting/transport): ~$800 for a 10' gator; ~$600 for a 6' gator. Current turnaround is about 1.5 years.

Per state rules, raw hides must be processed (tanned) in Louisiana before transport across state lines. Shipping available from the tannery.

📍 Location & Logistics

SwampBlood Gator Guides
1377 B B Senior High Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

Approximate travel: 15 mi to Lafayette (LFT), 60 mi to Baton Rouge (BTR), 2 hrs to New Orleans (MSY).

Popular choices near Breaux Bridge & Lafayette include well-rated hotels, Cajun B&Bs, bayou-side cabins, and RV parks. Ask us for current recommendations when you book—options change seasonally.

💡 Tips & Weather

Not required, but appreciated for great service.

Bring rain gear—showers are common. Unless a guide determines conditions unsafe, hunts proceed as planned (rain can make for exciting action!).