Not a big write up here, but just got my 1st alligator with the help of Taylor Outdoors, LLC.

This is the 3rd year SC has had a public alligator season and I finally drew my tag this year with the help of bonus points for applying the last two years. The tag I drew was for the mid-coastal region (Charleston, SC area).

I was able to pull in an 11+ foot bull. We caught him by shooting him with a crossbow that attached a buoy. We pulled him in and harpooned him to attach a couple larger lines so we could better anchor him. Once we had him alongside the boat we were able to dispatch him with a pistol.

Nice gator! I didn't know they lived so far north.

Nice Gator! I didn't draw this year, but drew last year in the PeeDee region - unfortunately, I didn't get out until late in the season when weather, pressure, and tides were working against me...tag sandwich.

Would you recommend Taylor's for future hunts?

I'd absolutely recommend them. Brad does alligator population survey work for the DNR. He is familiar with all the regions and has a good handle on where the gators are. He also has all the equipment, so you don't need to go out and buy a bunch of stuff you're only going to use once every few years.

Good luck drawing again... maybe in a year or two since you drew last year.

Congratulations on your gator!

Talk about a predatory machine. Those things are sinister.

Very cool! Congratulation on the lizzard!!!

Brett

Nice gator! Thanks for sharing

Opus: That is way cool. What all do you do with your gator? I've heard the meat is pretty good, and I'd think you would get the skin tanned and the skull cleaned.

Congratulations on a very cool hunt. Great pictures. I hope that you update with some shots of any taxidermy or other trophies that you make out of this critter.

I had the meat processed... steaks and sausage from the tail and cheeks. I originally had the gator skinned out for a lifesize, but have since decided against it as an 11 footer would just take up more room than I was willing give right now. I opted for a neck/head mount.


Since the gator was skinned for a lifesize, the extra hide is pretty much unusable now because the cut went down the middle of the belly-side (the part used for boots, etc). I'm also getting a few gator leg lamps made for the trophy room and my son and nephews.

Brett: Any idea how many pounds of meat your boy yielded?

100 pounds in my freezer

I've never seen either of those alligator mounts before, and I love'em both. Thanks for posting them!

John

The lamp looks great

That lamp is awesome