Gator Hunting Trips | Gator Hunting |
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| Written by Brady Nelson | |
| Monday, 06 February 2012 | |
Want a hunt like you have never experienced before?
When it comes to alligator hunting, there is no place as exciting as Florida! This state has become synonamous with alligator habitat. Since 1988, Florida’s statewide alligator harvest has been internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a natural resource. Each year, alligator management units are established with appropriate harvest quotas to provide recreational opportunities for residents and non-residents to take up to two alligators per permit. Give gator hunting a try and you will be captivated by the adventure.
Growing up a native in South Florida, I have been around alligators all my life. I became a guide because of my love for the outdoors, the ability to share with other hunters and fisherman an incredible experience, and to create memorable hunting and fishing stories. These hunts are conducted from 5pm till 10am only by boat. Legal weapons for "public waters hunts" are artificial lures or baited wooden pegs less than two (2) inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spearguns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. The use of baited hooks, gig-equipped bang sticks, or firearms for taking alligators is prohibited except that bang sticks are permitted for taking alligators attached to a restraining line.
A bang stick will complete the harvest. Depending on the weather, clients on a good evening should see plenty of alligators. These hunts are up close and personal. They provide a hands on thrilling adventure. This hunt involves an exciting boat ride at night to locate the alligators, using spotlights to see the gators eyes. Almost always there are 5-7 foot gators redally available on any given night, but if you want the Big Bull Gator, you might have to put in a couple of nights. Remember that gators over 9 feet in length are always males. Large males didn't get that way from being stupid. Chances are if the alligator is nine or ten feet in length he has been hunted before by someone by legal or illegal means and is very aware of his environment around him. They have excellent eyesight, hearing and sense of smell. These are all Public water hunts and are conducted on public lakes, rivers and wetlands throughout the state designated by the Florida's conservation commission designated as harvest units. The State of Florida provides more than four-thousand Alligator harvest permits available on a first-come, first-served basis for these hunts. They also fall under a more restrictive set of regulations than "private lands" hunts. Once located, the alligator must be tagged by harpoon with a line attached with a float or shot with a bow equipped with a fishing rig. Once the alligator is tagged with the line, he must be harvested with a bang stick.This is the most exciting method for harvesting a trophy alligator. Our boat we use is a 21' Carolina Skiff with quiet trolling motor for stealth. I have all the tools and equipment to get the job done. If you want to bow hunt them you can bring your own bow. We supply the Boat the tags the lic., the harpoons, snares, buoys, bang stick, big fishing rods for snagging, and the knowledge needed for subduing the largest of gators. I am a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain and CPR and First Aid Certified (a requirement to conduct hunts on public waterways for hire) as well as Insured. MUST READ RULES AND INFO:
Link to Fwc Gator Rules and info: http://myfwc.com/media/1412243/Alligator_TO_manual_2011.pdf
Link to Alligator hunting app:.http://myfwc.com/media/
If you want to apply for your own lic. here are the dates to apply:
I suggest geting your app. in on the first day May 4th and picking the hunts you want. If you dont get it for phase 1 keep trying on phase 2 dates and then phase 3 if you have to.
Harvest areas I will hunt and you need to apply for if you will be going with me. These bodies of water I am very familiar with, all with lodging close by.
1st choice 118 Lake Manatee
2nd choice 601 Lake Okeechobee West
3rd choice 109 Lake Istokpoga
4th choice 110 Lake Kissimmee
5th choice 104 Lake Hatchineha
APPLICATION PERIODS
Phase I - Application: May 4, 2011 – May 17, 2011
- Permit Pickup Deadline: June 06, 2011
Phase II (FCFS): June 8, 2011 – June 13, 2011
Phase III (FCFS): June 15, 2011 – until all permits issued
For more info go to my gator hunting rates page.
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 17 February 2012 ) |
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