Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opens alligator gar harvest drawing

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is opening its annual Alligator Gar Harvest Authorization drawing applications on September 1. The random drawing allows 150 anglers to harvest one alligator gar measuring over 48 inches from specific sections of the Trinity River.

Applications can be submitted from September 1 to September 30 via the Texas Hunt & Fishmobile app or online. Participants must hold a valid fishing license. Winners will be notified by October 15, and authorizations will remain valid through August 31, 2027. The eligible river section extends from the Interstate 30 bridge in Dallas downstream to the Interstate 10 bridge in Chambers County, including Lake Livingston and the East Fork of the Trinity River.

All harvested alligator gar must be reported through the TPWD app or online within 24 hours. According to Tim Birdsong, Director of TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division, the drawing system aims to provide unique fishing opportunities while meeting resource management goals to conserve the species.