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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina wildlife officials say they've received a record number of applications for alligator hunting licenses.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that the Natural Resources Department said more than 4,000 applications have been received so far. Wednesday is the deadline to pay $10 to apply for a license for this fall's season.

Only 1,200 applications will be approved. The agency uses a computer program to select the winners, though the program gives a bonus to those who have applied unsuccessfully in the past.

Those selected must pay $100 for the alligator hunting license.

South Carolina's month-long alligator hunting season opens Sept. 10.

Officials say more than 400 alligators are killed during the hunting season each year. Officials estimate South Carolina has more than 100,000 alligators.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)