South Carolina's gator hunt begins as state begins taking applications

(AP)

South Carolina is looking for a few good gator hunters.

The state's Department of Natural Resources is now accepting alligator hunting permits online. A random computer drawing will choose approximately 1,000 hunters to partake in the hunt, which has been taking place since 2008.

To apply, an applicant must be 16 or older to and have a South Carolina hunting permit and tag. Those can be purchased for $100 or an additional $200 if they’re out-of-state.

Selected applicants can harvest only one alligator and may hunt only in the area they are selected for, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The resources department has warned hunters to approach alligators quietly and to never assume an alligator is dead.

The department will be accepting permits until June 15. Gator hunting season runs from Sept. 9 to Oct. 4.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.