Louisiana reopens recreational gator hunting

The big picture: Louisiana's gators have been hunted since the 1800s, according to the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, eventually resulting in a severely depleted population.

• The state banned gator hunting in 1962 to allow the species a chance to naturally rebound and for conservation efforts to get off the ground.
• It worked, and a strategy of targeted farming and limited hunting helped alligators make a "full recovery," the LDWF says.
• "Louisiana now has a robust alligator resource capable of providing sustainable recreational harvest opportunities" without hurting the commercial gator industry worth $250 million annually, LDWF says.

How it works: Hunters must be at least 16 years old and state residents to apply for the lottery.

• Up to 5,000 hunters will get two nontransferable tags each. More details.