Dear friends,

I am going to Florida to hunt gators next week.
This is my first gator hunt.

Is there something i should know?
Any tips?

Thanks

You hunting private land or public? Are you going with a licensed trapper as a "helper" or did you pull tags in the statewide lottery? You actual hunt will depend on the above since the regulations are different for both.

I did a day with a licensed trapper a few years ago. It was really intersting. We pulled 3 up on the bank that day. One was about 6'6", one was right at 7' and one was just a whisker shy of 9'. We took them on handlines with problem gator permits. It was quite a bit of work, but fun. I kept the skull of the 9' and had it bleached out and mounted on a walnut plaque. Looks cool in the trophy room.

You will probably be wet and muddy, tired and skeeter bit by the time you're done. It's a different type of experience and worth doing at least once.

I took one last Aug. in Florida and it was one of the best hunt I have been on. Went with a licensed trapper and saw alot of gators and I took a 10 ft gator. Have a open mind--they will treat you like a normal guy--no special treatment--you want water, bring your own,etc..Bring bug dope,a good camera,your weapon or use theirs,long pants,a sharp knife to skin it out and a small cooler to bring home the tail steaks-they are good-if cooked right.And a great attitude--- I brought the family and they went to the tourist items and i went gator hunting--great time.And then the life skin was shipped to me a week later , so I could enjoy Florida and not worry about the skin..........Great time.

quote:

Is there something i should know?
Any tips?

Don't drink the water, and don't pick up any snakes!

Have a great trip!

Three of my buddies and I did a DIY gator hunt in 2009. As mentioned above it depends greatly on if you are being guided, or not. If not being guided, I might be able to give you a couple pointers we learned. If guided, take your bug spray, an open mind, and enjoy the hunt, it is definately different!!!

Good luck!

Good Luck!
If youve never been on a airboat before, its quite the adventure
I am doing Rifle hunt for a trophy gator next feb. Cant wait.
Be Safe.
W.

Thanks a lot guys.

Its a guided hunt with a rifle.
I found the outfitter via the internet.

Thanks for all your good wishes.
Does bug spray some in strengths/ can someone suggest a good one?
thanks

quote:

Originally posted by dabloobana:
Thanks a lot guys.

Its a guided hunt with a rifle.
I found the outfitter via the internet.

Thanks for all your good wishes.
Does bug spray some in strengths/ can someone suggest a good one?
thanks

If you can use a rifle then it is a private land hunt. Cant use rifles on public land. Some of those private places have some huge lizards. Make sure you post a pic when you're done. I'd like to see what you get.

Anything with 100% DEET will work. They also sell this littel battery powered gizmo that you can hook on your belt. My wife has one and says it really works well.