More alligators could be hunted in Georgia under a proposed change to state rules.

Members of the state's Wildlife Resources Committee gave preliminary approval Tuesday to allowing hunters to take an additional 150 alligators during the season.

The annual limit would increase to 850 alligators.

The Board of Natural Resources could finalize the expanded hunt Wednesday.

Georgia started allowing alligator hunting in 2003.

John Bowers, the assistant chief of game management, says 5,700 hunters tried to get a permit last year.

The waiting list is about two to three years long.

The alligator season runs from September to October.

Hunters are allowed one alligator per person.

They generally use hooks and line to bring the alligators alongside a boat, then kill them with a gunshot.

Tags: hunting, law, bill, alligator, Wildlife Resources Committee