The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) opened registration for the state’s 10th annual regulated alligator hunts Tuesday, June 2, at 8 a.m., according to an ADCNR press release.

The total number of Alligator Possession Tags will increase this year from 240 to 260. Also new for the 2015 alligator season is a separate hunting zone for Lake Eufaula and preference points for those who applied but were not selected the previous year. Registration must be completed online by 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. The hunts will take place starting in mid-August.

To register for the 2015 alligator hunts, visit the ADCNR online at www.outdooralabama.com/registration-instructions during the registration period.

The administrative fee to apply for an Alligator Possession Tag is $22 and individuals may register one time per zone. Only Alabama residents and Alabama lifetime license holders ages 16 years or older may apply for tags. Alabama lifetime license holders may apply for an Alligator Possession Tag even if they have moved out of the state. While the tag is free, selected hunters and their assistants are required to have a valid hunting license in their possession while hunting.

Hunters will be randomly chosen by computer to receive one Alligator Possession Tag each, and the tags are non-transferable. If selected for an Alligator Possession Tag at two or more locations, hunters must choose which location they would like to hunt. The slot for locations not chosen will be filled from a list of randomly selected alternates.

A preference point system will be implemented this year to increase the likelihood of repeat registrants being selected for a hunt if they have not been selected before. For the 2015 hunt, preference points will be given to hunters who applied in 2014 but were not selected. The system increases the likelihood of a repeat applicant being selected for an alligator hunt as long as they continue to apply.

The more years an applicant participates in the registration process without being selected, the higher the likelihood of being selected the following year. If an applicant ceases to register for the hunt in a given year or is selected for a hunt, the preference point status is forfeited.

Applicants will be able to check their status at outdooralabama.com after the drawing takes place on July 14. Those selected to receive a tag must complete an online acceptance by 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 21. After that date, alternates will be notified to fill any vacancies. Each person receiving an Alligator Possession Tag will be allowed to harvest one alligator.

For more information, visit online at www.outdooralabama.com.