Guide to alligator hunting in Georgia / Greg Waters

Guide To Alligator Hunting
In Georgia

DNR Publication State of Georgia
July 2003
The Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer and offers all persons the opportunity to compete and participate in each
area of DNR employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or other nonmerit factors.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section

Sonny Perdue, Governor State of Georgia

Lonice C. Barrett Commissioner
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
David Waller, Director Wildlife Resources Division

Board of Natural Resources

Walter McNeely, Chairman Brunswick -- Coastal District
Bob Rutland, Vice Chairman Decatur -- Thirteenth District
Loyce Turner, Secretary Valdosta -- First District
Willard Lasseter Moultrie -- Second District
Reese Thompson Vidalia -- Third District
Jim Tysinger Atlanta -- Fourth District
Thomas Wheeler, Jr. Duluth -- Fifth District
Sara Clark Alpharetta -- Sixth District
Bill Carruth Hiram -- Seventh District

Jim Butler, Jr. Columbus -- Eighth District
Jamie Reynolds, III Greensboro -- Ninth District
Jim Walters Gainesville -- Tenth District
Ralph Callaway Pine Mountain--Eleventh District
E. Raybon Anderson Statesboro -- Twelfth District
Walter Hudson Douglasville -- Member-at-large
Phyllis Johnson Hazlehurst -- Member-at-large
Sally Bethea Atlanta -- Member-at-large
Glenn Taylor Atlanta -- Member-at-large

Fill the 50-gallon container half-full of water, then add the salt and the bleach and mix thoroughly. After complete mixing, a 2-3 inch layer of salt should remain on the bottom. Hides should be properly scraped and salted with a oneinch layer of salt, tightly rolled and secured with a rubber band prior to placing in the brine. When submersing a hide in the brine, it should be rotated to allow most of the air pockets to escape. If properly salted, the layer of salt in the rolled skin will act as a wick to draw the brine solution throughout the skin. The hide should be entirely submersed in the brine at all times and the container should be kept tightly covered to keep insects and airborne contaminants from entering the solution.
The hide should remain in the brine solution until sold or sent to a tannery. If you plan on selling the hide, it must be removed from the brine and entirely re-salted prior to being shipped or placed in refrigeration. The brine should be discarded and a new solution made after each use. Disposal of the salt brine should be done properly and carefully since it is harmful to plants and aquatic animal life.
SUGGESTED TIME LINE FOR YOUR HUNT
As with other hunting excursions, there are many details to consider when embarking on an alligator hunt. WRD has put together the following suggested time line to help you review what, when and how details should be handled:
Apply for the alligator hunting season by filling out a quota application (available at all WRD offices, license agents and online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com) and submitting it to the WRD Special Permits Office by 4 p.m. on July 31.
If selected, determine who will accompany you and obtain alligator hunting licenses for each member of the hunting party.
Determine which of the three voluntary training sessions you and members of your hunting party will attend.
Adequate preparation is needed to insure proper knowledge of hunting location and possession of equipment needs.
Restrain, capture and harvest your alligator. Once harvested, attach the temporary alligator harvest tag within six inches
of the tip of the tail. Complete the alligator harvest permit. Cool the alligator within four hours of harvesting. Take the hide to a WRD Game Management Office during business hours
(M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) for validation no later than October 15.
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PROCESSORS Alligator processors must be licensed seafood processors. A list of these processors may be obtained by calling (229) 426-5267 or by visiting the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
TANNING If you wish to have the alligator mounted or the hide tanned, contact one of the many commercial taxidermists in the state for assistance.
CURING There are two methods that may be used to temporarily preserve and/or cure alligator skin until sold or sent to a tannery. Method one is through repeated salting of the hide and storing it in a cool, dry location. Method two (which utilizes some similar techniques to method one) is through the use of a brine solution.
Method One After an alligator has been skinned, the hide should be scraped thoroughly using a knife, a piece of metal pipe or another appropriate object until all bits of meat, fat, etc. are removed. After scraping, salt the hide with approximately one inch of white, fine grade table or mixing salt (available at most feed and seed stores). Thoroughly rub the salt into the hide, then roll the hide tightly, secure it and store it in a cool place. After 3-5 days, unroll the hide, discard the salt and repeat the salting procedure as described above. Re-roll the hide tightly and band with a one-inch rubber band or other rubber tubing. Store the rolled hide in a cool, dry place until transported for validation.
Method Two An alternative to Method One is to utilize a brine solution. Hides cured in brine solutions often remain more supple, suffer less shrinkage and are viewed as more attractive by hide graders and buyers. For these reasons, the use of a brine solution to cure an alligator hide is highly recommended.
Ingredients or Materials Needed: 50 gallon covered plastic drum 50 pounds salt 1 pint bleach (assists in keeping bacterial growth to a minimum) 25 gallons water
In order for brine solutions to be effective, they must be carefully prepared and maintained. A plastic or other non-corrosive covered container of sufficient size should be used. Heavy, 50-gallon plastic drums used for shipping produce are best but large plastic covered garbage cans are good substitutes. The brine solution must remain saturated with salt. Too little salt in the solution will cause damage to a hide.
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Guide To Alligator Hunting In Georgia
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section
Author: Greg Waters, Senior Wildlife Biologist

Preface
Greg Waters, Alligator Program Coordinator, and other WRD Wildlife Biologists serving on the Alligator Hunting Season Committee developed this booklet to provide basic information regarding the alligator hunting season and what hunters will need to familiarize themselves with taking alligators. It includes common hunting techniques, safety tips, how to harvest an alligator, requirements for processing an alligator and how to care for an alligator hide. For additional information, contact the nearest WRD Game Management Office listed below:

Game Management Offices

Region I

Armuchee

(706) 295-6041

Region II

Gainesville

(770) 535-5700

Region III

Thomson

(706) 595-4222

Region III

Thomson (Augusta) (706) 667-4672

Region IV

Fort Valley

(478) 825-6354

Region V

Albany

(229) 430-4254

Region VI

Fitzgerald

(229) 426-5267

Region VII

Brunswick

(912) 262-3173

Headquarters Social Circle

(770) 918-6416

Acknowledgements
We express our appreciation to all Alligator Hunting Season Committee members for their assistance in reviewing and editing this booklet. We also express our appreciation to biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the use of information from their "Public Waters Alligator Harvest Training and Orientation Manual" in the preparation of this book. WRD thanks Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 2002 for the use of the artwork found on page 12 and Paul Neugebauer for the use of the photo on the back of this booklet. We also thank the WRD Public Affairs Office for booklet design, layout and editorial input.

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................... 1

Alligators in Georgia: History and Biology................... 1

History, Population and Range .............................. 1 Habitat and Biology ................................................ 1 Nuisance Alligators ................................................ 3 Estimating Alligator Length .................................... 3

Hunt Application Process ............................................... 4

Designated Hunt Zones ......................................... 4

Preparing for the Hunt ..................................................... 5

License Requirements ........................................... 5 Pre-hunt Tips ......................................................... 5 Checklist ................................................................ 5

Alligator Capture and Harvest Techniques .................... 6

Safety Precaution ................................................... 6 Capture Methods ................................................... 6 Dispatch Methods .................................................. 7 Capture and Dispatch Tools ................................... 8 Availability of Capture and Dispatch Tools ............ 10

What to do After Your Alligator is Harvested ............... 11

Attaching the Temporary Harvest Tag ................... 11 Completing the Harvest Permit .............................. 11 Cooling the Harvested Alligator ............................. 11 Validating the Hide ................................................. 11

Skinning, Processing, Tanning and Curing

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Skinning ................................................................. 12 Processing ............................................................. 13 Tanning .................................................................. 14 Curing .................................................................... 14

Suggested Time Line for Your Hunt ............................... 15

Method 2 This method produces a more natural looking hide but generally is more costly to tan due to the osteoderms remaining in the hide. This method is similar to skinning a deer or a hog by making an incision up the belly of the alligator and on the underside of each leg. The hide can then be removed in its entirety and saved for tanning or selling.
Note: Alligator skulls and skeletal parts not discarded must be permanently marked with the alligator harvest tag number of the hide from which it was taken. This marking may be written on the palate of the mouth after preservation. The skull and skeletal parts may be kept by the selected hunter, transferred or sold. Records must be kept indicating to whom skulls and/or other skeletal parts were transferred.
PROCESSING Alligator meat may be processed and stored in a fashion similar to that for deer, hog and other game animals. While the tail meat is the most popular consumable meat of alligators, it is not the only edible portion. Many people find the ribs, legs, etc. very good. Note: Only alligator meat that is commercially processed at an approved facility may be sold commercially. Approved facilities are those licensed as seafood processors by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Recommended Consumption Guidance for Wild Alligator In conjunction with the limited harvest of alligators allowed this year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) is issuing recommendations on the consumption of wild alligator meat. Alligators are long-lived, may grow to large sizes, and may accumulate significant amounts of mercury. Information on mercury in alligators harvested in Georgia is limited, but suggests that certain people may be at risk if consumption of alligator meat occurs. GA DNR has carefully reviewed this information, and recommends that the general population eat no more than 1 meal per week (8 ounces or pound) of alligator meat. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children may be especially sensitive to the effects of mercury. For this potentially sensitive population, GA DNR recommends that no more than 1 meal per month be consumed. This recommendation may be particularly important if you are a frequent consumer of locally caught fish, which also may contain mercury. For further information contact the local WRD Game Management Office or the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at (706) 369-6376
Mercury analyses will be conducted on meat taken from alligators harvested this year to further evaluate this issue and improve the guidance that GA DNR is able to provide in the future.
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SKINNING, PROCESSING, CURING AND TANNING
SKINNING Skinning an alligator is a delicate process if the hunter wishes to retain the beauty of the hide. Patience and special care must be taken to prevent accidental knife cuts in the hide.
Note: Scutes or osteoderms are the bony plates embedded in the back skin of an alligator. They give the alligator the bumpy appearance and protect the alligator.
Alligators may be skinned in two different ways:
Method 1 This method leaves the belly skin of the alligator intact and is the preferred method if the hide is to be sold or tanned and made into leather goods. This method consists of making an incision on each side of the alligator (leaving one to two rows of osteoderms or scutes along the belly side) and on the top of each leg and then removing the hide with the belly skin intact. The underside of the skull also should be skinned with the rest of the belly. The back skin of the alligator with the osteoderms or scutes in it can then be removed and discarded or kept according to your wishes. Because of the difficulty of tanning the osteoderms, the back skin is not considered very useful and most often is discarded.
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INTRODUCTION Hunters interested in participating in a hunting adventure unlike any other are invited to submit an application and take part in the newest component of the state's alligator management program - the alligator hunting season. The inaugural alligator hunting season will take place September 13-28, 2003, and will allow each selected hunter to harvest one alligator (of at least 48 inches in length). Other aspects of the state's alligator management program include a nuisance alligator agent trapper program and population monitoring activities such as spotlight counts and alligator nest surveys. Dates for the 2004 alligator hunting season are September 11-26, 2004. In the fall of 2001, WRD personnel began putting together the conceptual framework for an alligator hunting season. The regulation proposals included recommended capture techniques, dispatch methods, hunt locations and time of year. The proposed regulations were presented at three public meetings in September 2002 and again at eight public meetings in January 2003. The overwhelming majority of attendees at the public meetings supported the season. The Board of Natural Resources passed the alligator hunting regulations in May 2003. A copy of these regulations may be obtained at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or by calling (229) 426-5267. WRD believes that the alligator hunting season will reduce potential nuisance problems while ensuring the conservation of the American alligator in Georgia and allow hunters to benefit from this sustainable and renewable natural resource.
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ALLIGATORS IN GEORGIA: HISTORY AND BIOLOGY
HISTORY The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a reptile scientifically classified in the Family Alligatoridae. Alligator populations reached their lowest levels by the early 1960's due to a number of factors, however, management and protective actions by state and federal governments in the form of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing allowed the alligator population to increase. They were removed from "total protection" status under the ESA in 1987. The alligator now has a status of "threatened by similarity of appearance" because of its likeness to other crocodilians worldwide that still receive protection. This downlisting allows Georgia and other southeastern states greater flexibility in managing alligator populations.
POPULATION There are approximately 200,000 alligators in the state of Georgia.
RANGE Alligators occur from the southern tip of Texas to the northeastern part of North Carolina. In Georgia they are typically found south of the fall line (which roughly connects the cities of Columbus, Macon, and Augusta). There is no evidence that alligator populations reproduce north of the fall line and any found in these areas have probably been illegally relocated by humans. Alligators usually remain in the area where they were hatched for two to three years and then begin to establish their own range. Females generally have small home ranges while males may occupy a home territory of more than two square miles. Severe drought conditions may cause alligators to move considerable distances in search of suitable waters.
HABITAT Alligators occupy a variety of wetland habitats in Georgia. They are found in marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes in the wild, but also have been found in ditches, neighborhoods, drainage canals, roadways, golf course ponds, and sometimes in swimming pools. During the courtship and breeding season, April to May, alligators prefer open waters. During the remainder of the year, males prefer open and deep waters while females seek out nesting habitat in secluded areas with shallow water and heavy vegetation.
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WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR ALLIGATOR IS HARVESTED
After the alligator is harvested, you must be prepared to do the following: Attach the harvest tag to the alligator's tail. Complete the harvest permit within 24 hours of harvesting the animal. Cool the harvested alligator. Take alligator carcass or hide to a WRD Game Management Office for
validation.
ATTACHING THE TEMPORARY HARVEST TAG You must attach the temporary alligator harvest tag to the alligator carcass within six (6) inches of the tip of the tail (see diagram to the right). The harvest tag must remain attached to the alligator hide at all times until validation of the hide by a WRD Game Management Office. Please note, it is difficult to cut through an alligator's hide, so take your time and be careful not to cut yourself. Also, be sure to clamp your harvest tag across the underside of the tail to avoid jeopardizing the ability to skin the hide.
COMPLETING THE HARVEST PERMIT The alligator harvest permit must be completed within 24 hours of harvesting the alligator. A copy of the alligator harvest permit must accompany the alligator hide at all times until validation by a WRD Game Management Office. Please be sure to read and follow the directions carefully and fill the permit out completely.
COOLING THE HARVESTED ALLIGATOR To maintain meat and hide quality, take necessary steps to cool your harvested alligator to 45 degrees Fahrenheit within four (4) hours after harvest.
VALIDATING THE HIDE All alligator carcasses or hides shall be taken during normal working hours (M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to a WRD Game Management Office, or other designated location, for CITES validation no later than October 15. The temporary harvest tag must remain locked onto the alligator's tail until validation. CITES tags issued by WRD must remain attached to the hide until it is tanned, taxidermy mounted or exported from the state. The possession of any alligator hide not tagged (with either a temporary tag or a validated tag) is prohibited.
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AVAILABILITY OF CAPTURE AND DISPATCH TOOLS Bangsticks and/or gigs: Scuba Shack, Waycross, GA (912) 283-6444 Bud's Bangsticks, FL, (772) 468-7711/www.bangsticks.com/index.htm Beco Products/www.beco-products.com/beco_catalog.htm Snares: Jerry Lee, Alma, GA (912) 632-5755 R-P Outdoors, LA, 1-800- 762-2706/www.rpoutdoors.com The Snare Shop, IA, (712) 822-5318/www.snareshop.com
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TRAITS Alligators can live up to 60 years in captivity but in the wild they rarely live more than 50 years. Male alligators can grow up to 16 feet in length, although 13 footers are rare, and female alligators can grow up to 10 feet. After breeding, females lay an average of 35 to 40 eggs that incubate for about 65 days. Alligators are about eight to ten inches in length when hatched. About 20 percent of the young will survive to maturity, the others fall victim to predators such as raccoons, birds, snakes, otters and other alligators. They grow approximately eight to ten inches per year for the first few years and will reach sexual maturity at about six to seven feet in length. Large alligators can reach weights of over 800 pounds. Alligators are carnivores and will eat almost anything they can catch. During the first few years their diet consists mainly of small prey such as snails, crayfish, frogs, insects and other invertebrates. Depending on their size, larger alligators may eat fish, turtles, snakes, waterfowl, raccoons, beavers and otters. Alligators also feed on carrion and, given the opportunity, they also may eat pets and smaller domestic animals, such as goats and pigs.
BENEFITS Alligators are important in nature. They help maintain the population balance of certain prey species and they help shape and modify habitat. During times of severe drought, alligators are known to dig holes (gator holes) to concentrate water. This helps the alligator survive, and provides a water source to many other species of plants and animals in the area.
NUISANCE ALLIGATORS In 1989, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources initiated a nuisance alligator program that allows licensed agent trappers to capture and harvest specific nuisance alligators greater than four feet in length. A nuisance alligator is one that exhibits aggressive behavior toward humans or domestic animals, shows symptoms of some debilitating illness or injury or inhabits recreational waters intended primarily for swimming. Currently, agent trappers harvest approximately 440 nuisance alligators annually in Georgia.

ESTIMATING ALLIGATOR LENGTH: The length of an alligator can be estimated by determining (in inches) the distance between the center of the skull (between the eyes) and the nostrils. This number then can be translated into feet to give an estimate of the entire length of the animal. For example, if the measurement on the top diagram was eight inches, one can estimate that the entire animal is approximately eight feet long.

8 inches 8 feet

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HUNT APPLICATION PROCESS
Georgia's alligator hunting season has been designated as a quota hunt where a limited number of hunters will be allowed to harvest one alligator (of 48 inches or greater length) each from a designated hunt zone. This will allow the Department to closely regulate the number of animals harvested.

Hunters will submit quota hunt applications (available at all WRD offices, license agents and on the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com) to the WRD Special Permits Office by 4 p.m. on July 31. On the application hunters will select (in order of preference) the hunt zone of their choice. A random computer drawing will select the applicants for each hunt zone. Each selected applicant may hunt only the area for which they were chosen and may harvest only one alligator. No person under 12 years of age may apply for an alligator hunting permit or accompany a permitted alligator hunter during a hunt. The selected hunter may have as many assistants or helpers as desired. The permittee or his assistants may hunt and take alligators as provided in the harvest permit, but only in the presence of the permittee.

Selected hunters will receive this booklet, an alligator harvest permit and temporary alligator harvest tag by mail. Permits and tags are not transferable and must be in possession while hunting.

Hunters not selected for a hunt will receive a rejection notice by mail. Rejection notices should be retained by the applicant for submittal with future applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to maintain rejection notices for future use.

DESIGNATED HUNT ZONES

ZONE Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
Zone 4 Zone 5

COUNTIES OR OTHER AREA
Clay and Quitman Decatur and Seminole Bryan, Chatham and Liberty (excluding the Bradley River, Cane Patch Creek and Rush Creek areas within the boundaries of Ossabaw Island Natural Heritage Preserve) Brantley, Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Wayne and Long Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area

NUMBER OF PERMITS
AVAILABLE 10 50 50
60
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Bangsticks: Bangsticks are a safe and effective tool for humanely killing alligators that are attached to a restraining line. Bangsticks or power heads, typically used by divers to kill fish, discharge a firearm cartridge upon contact. For a humane kill, the shot should be centered immediately behind the skull cap and angled toward the brain. It is recommended that the bangstick be used in compliance with the manufacturer's safety recommendations. When killing an alligator, the bangstick should be discharged below the waterline to reduce the potential for aerial dispersal of bullet and bone fragments. Keep in mind that to legally dispatch an alligator using a bangstick, it must be attached to a restraining line using methods such as those described above.
WARNING A bangstick is a firearm under the laws of Georgia, and should be treated at all times with the respect due such a device. While these materials are offered to familiarize participants with the appropriate and safe use of a bangstick, WRD cannot warrant that such use will be safe under all circumstances, nor is this brief introduction intended as a substitute for the degree of experience and knowledge necessary to safely utilize such a device. In the event you choose to utilize a bangstick to harvest alligators, you should select a model, which the manufacturer deems appropriate for such use, and should, at all times, comply with manufacturer's safety recommendations and specifications for use.
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CAPTURE AND DISPATCH TOOLS
Snares: Wire snares attached to a restraining line that is loosely mounted (using a small rubber band or piece of tape) to the end of a pole are most commonly used to secure the alligator once it has been harpooned or snagged and brought under control near the boat. Snares also may be used as an initial capture technique. Snares must be hand-held or attached to a hand-held device and cannot be left unattended.
Harpoons and Gigs: Harpoons or gigs may be used for attaching a restraining line to an alligator. Harpoons or gigs consist of a penetrating point such as a straightened fish hook, detachable dart, fish gig or spear point that is attached to a restraining line. The harpoon point is typically mounted on a pole, arrow shaft or spear and is thrown. A gig (a pronged instrument with a metal or wooden pole) is jabbed.
Diagram of a commonly used harpoon point.
Snatch Hooks: Snatch hooks may be used for attaching a restraining line to an alligator. A snatch hook is a weighted treble hook that is attached to a restraining line. The hook is either hand-held or used in conjunction with a long, stout fishing rod and reel and heavy line. The hook typically is cast over the alligator or over the area where it last submerged. The hook is then retrieved until it makes contact with the alligator, at which point it is set with a strong pull. The line should be kept tight until the animal tires, as the hook often falls out of the alligator if the line is allowed to go slack.
Handgun: Any caliber handgun may be used to dispatch a captured alligator. Rifles are not allowed to be used as a dispatch tool and may not be in possession while hunting alligators. Alligators may not be shot until captured and restrained.
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PREPARING FOR THE HUNT LICENSE REQUIRMENTS Hunters and hunting assistants 16 years old or older must possess an alligator hunting license ($50) prior to hunting alligators, in addition to a valid hunting license (i.e. 1-day, 7-day, season or combination hunting license). Lifetime and honorary license holders are exempt from this requirement. A Wildlife Management Area (WMA) license is required if hunting on a WMA. Persons accompanying a permitted alligator hunter and actively participating in the hunt (i.e. operating the boat, holding a spotlight or otherwise assisting in the search, capture or dispatch of an alligator) also must meet these license requirements. Possession of a valid license is not required to complete and submit an application. PRE-HUNT TIPS Familiarize yourself with the information contained in this booklet. Make plans to attend one of the three pre-season voluntary training sessions
on alligator capture, dispatch and handling methods. Visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call (229) 426-5267 for more information on available classes. Purchase your hunting equipment and become familiar with it in advance. Obtain maps of the zone you will hunt and familiarize yourself with the area. Determine who will accompany you for the hunt (i.e. select a guide if desired)and ensure that everyone has appropriate licenses. Determine who will handle each responsibility during the course of the hunt (i.e. drive the boat, snare, dispatch, etc.). If you plan to hunt on private property, you must obtain written permission from the landowner to be on the property and have it in your possession while hunting. Develop a plan on how you are going to cool the alligator as quickly as possible once it is harvested. Keep your hunting permit and tag in a safe place. Replacements will not be issued. CHECKLIST: WHAT YOU NEED Alligator harvest permit, temporary alligator harvest tag, alligator hunting license, hunting license and WMA license (if applicable). Written permission from landowner if hunting on private land. Boat and required life jackets (WRD encourages all hunters to wear a life jacket while participating). Lighting equipment. A light (no greater than 12 volts) may be used. Preferred capture equipment: snare, gig, harpoon or arrow. Restraint equipment: snare for neck and snare for snout. Preferred dispatch equipment: handgun or bangstick. Knife to cut into alligator's tail to insert the temporary alligator harvest tag. Preferred cooling method. Processing plans.
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ALLIGATOR CAPTURE AND HARVEST TECHNIQUES This section will discuss and review effective and legal capture and dispatch methods for harvesting an alligator.
IMPORTANT NOTE: SAFETY There are several effective techniques available for capturing and harvesting alligators. Keep in mind that while these techniques have proven effective in alligator harvests, there is an element of danger involved with the process. The techniques, equipment and practices described only are provided to demonstrate practical techniques that agent alligator trappers have used in conjunction with the nuisance alligator program. Hunters should be aware that many experienced agent alligator trappers, using similar techniques, have been bitten and some seriously injured. You are urged to use extreme caution when handling alligators. If you are inexperienced in handling alligators, WRD encourages you to obtain the assistance of an experienced guide and plan on attending one of the three voluntary training and orientation sessions.
All effective alligator hunting techniques have a few common elements. Alligators are invariably hunted after dark (although some hunters use
snatch-hooks on animals during twilight hours). A light no greater than twelve (12) volts may be used. Alligators are located at night by their reflective eye-shine, which is a characteristic red glow. Alligators should be approached quietly keeping the beam of the spotlight directly in or just above their eyes.
CAPTURE METHODS Alligators must first be captured alive prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to kill an unrestrained alligator. In order to capture an alligator, the hunter must first secure a restraining line to the animal. Several methods may be used to attach a restraining line to an alligator, including handheld snares, harpoons, gigs, arrows or snatch hooks. It is up to the individual hunter to decide which method will work best.
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Once the restraining line is attached, the alligator should be retrieved with moderate pressure applied to the line. It is important to note that pulling too hard on the restraining line will often cause it to pull loose. A snare should be cautiously attached to the alligator once it is adjacent to the boat. It is best to use a snare that has been attached to a pole with either a rubber band or a piece of tape so that it will "break-away" upon pulling the snare secure around the animal's neck. Alligators typically thrash when the snare is applied, but should calm down after they tire from struggling.
DISPATCH METHODS Once the alligator has been captured and brought adjacent to the boat it may be dispatched. The animal may be killed with the use of a bangstick or a handgun (any caliber). To use a bangstick, the hunter should first allow the alligator's head to go below the water's surface. The hunter should then discharge the bangstick at the base of the skull. The animal also may be dispatched by discharging a handgun at the base of the skull. Both the bangstick and the handgun should be aimed at the brain, angled slightly forward from the rear of the skull. Hunters should note that the improper placement and discharge of the handgun or bangstick can occasionally only knock the alligator temporarily unconscious. NEVER ASSUME THAT ANY ALLIGATOR IS DEAD.
NOTE: No firearm, except a bangstick or handgun, may be in possession while handling alligators.
Using the snare, carefully pull the alligator's snout up against the side of the boat (to the edge of the gunnel) and press the top of the snout closed with a stick to secure. Never place your hand or foot next to an alligator's jaw because they can snap sideways very quickly and cause serious injury. A rope (tossed or guided by a stick rather than your hand) can be used to temporarily secure the jaw. Once this temporary method is applied, the jaw should then be completely secured by wrapping it several times with high quality duct-tape or electrical tape. As a final measure, the spinal cord should be severed at the base of the skull before placing the alligator in the bottom of the boat. Remember, the jaws should always remain taped shut when handling or transporting an "apparently" dead alligator.
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