ANAHUAC, July 11, 2008 - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that an alligator harvest will be conducted on the Anahuac and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuges during the 2008 alligator hunting season, which runs from September 10-20 on the two Refuges. Anahuac NWR is located in east Chambers County approximately eighteen miles southeast of the town of Anahuac. McFaddin NWR is located in Jefferson County approximately twelve miles west of Sabine Pass. According to the Refuge Complex Project Leader Tim Cooper, the primary objective of the harvest is to maintain Refuge alligator populations while reducing negative effects on other wildlife species and protecting refuge infrastructure.

Less than fifteen permits will be issued for both Refuges. Alligator hide tags per individual will be determined following quotas set by the State of Texas. Permits will be issued for the 2008 season, with possible extensions for up to four additional years. Hunters are required to have at least one helper and must trap every day during the refuges 10 day season until tags are filled. Special regulations will be in effect.

Experienced alligator hunters, 18 years of age or older, interested in receiving a permit application and/or further information can contact the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge office in Anahuac, TX, (409) 267-3337 or the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge office, (409) 971-2909. Applications are also available online at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/anahuac or http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/mcfaddin. Applicants must complete and supply all information requested on the application. Incomplete or unverifiable information will disqualify applicants. Selected permittees and alternates must submit to background checks.

Completed applications must be received in the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge office by 4:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2008. Permits will be issued to individuals selected in a random drawing from the pool of qualified applicants at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the American Legion Hall located at Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac, Texas. Applicants are required to attend the drawing to qualify.

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