Intensive Alligator Harvest on Salvador Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana, 1986-1990

During 1986-1990 an intensive harvest of alligators was conducted on Salvador Wildlife Management Area (SWMA). A total of 4,173 alligators averaging 1.84 m total length (TL) were harvested. Hunters successfully filled all tags and completed the harvest in only 12 to 16 days. Sex ratios, size class frequency distribution (SCFD), average length, and nest production all remained consistent throughout the study. Harvest parameters (average length, sex ratios, and SCFD) differed significantly from Louisiana's statewide harvest and suggested proportional harvesting; however, none of the data examined indicated that the intensive harvest had any significant impact on the alligator population on the study area.