GUNNING FOR GATORS (Guns & Swamp People)

tactical-life ^ | Mar 17, 2013 | Jay Langston

[JoeProBono]

[HonkyTonkMan]

This thing reads like a joke.

1. Using a rifle in the FLA gator harvest is a commercial method. The regular hunter typically uses a bangstick/harpoon or less common wooden peg/dowel technique.. LA has different rules, IIRC.

2. 7 foot is hardly worth the work, I've seen bigger iguana's in the Keys.

Never had a rifle when I hunted 'em. IIRC, firearms were not supposed to be in the skiff. And yes, the FLA wildlife officers check tags, arms, permits, etc while you're out there.

[spintreebob]

Laz, Let’s hear your take on this.

Clearly the ATF should become the Bureau of Alligators, Tobacco and Firearms. The Alligator division should be well funded to give grants to academics to study the impact of alligator farts on global warming... and the endangered species threats of a global warming that puts Florida and Louisiana under 100 feet of sea water. Clearly we need massive funding to find out what we do not know. We need funding that teaches school children that alligators are their friend. We need alligator awareness training.

We need to ban athletic teams that use derisive phrases like GATOR to de-humanize alligators.

[JoeProBono]

[HonkyTonkMan]

I hear ya - like I said, the boys in LA hunt a little different. I think the guy in the story was using a rifle to hunt down in St. Cloud FLA. Just a little different style of hunting - the non-commerical hunter will likely pass on a 7 ft in hopes of a larger catch - state only gives 2 tags anymore!

For reference, I could tell you where to find a bait shop with a picture of a 17ft from Lake Monroe. Two hunters laid next to it, head to toe + head to toe and the gator was still bigger! State wildlife officer did not measure so it's "unofficial", but the pic is proof enough for me!

[Trumpet 1]

Seriously, If there was a nuclear war and everyone had to go back to a Stone Age existence, I imagine the swamp people would just keep on living like it was just another day in the woods. Those people know how to hunt.

[JoeProBono]

LA Alligator Hunting Regulations Overview

Firearms Firearms (except shotguns) may be used to dispatch alligators while on hook and line (see Fishing Method above) or to harvest free swimming alligators. Harvesting free swimming alligators with firearms may increase chances of losing alligators. Extreme caution should be used when harvesting free swimming alligators to ensure that alligators can be retrieved once harvested. Alligator hunters should practice firearm safety at all times and pay close attention to ricochet hazards. Harvesting free swimming alligators may not be permitted if hunting on public lands or public lakes.

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/alligator-hunting-regulations-overview

[mad_as_he$$]

I would like to have a beer with Mr. Troy or Ms. Liz. Different way of life from most of M’erica, but they are a unique individuals. Dated a full Cajun woman for a while. Interesting family, especially for a white Yankee transplant.

[CincyRichieRich]

I could see using a .40 or .45, but if you shoot in the head, .22 wouldn’t damage the skull if you were keeping it. If however you were shooting for the Cajun “chicken” meat and hide and didn’t care about the skull, then a .45 means he won’t keep swimming after you shoot him.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Back in the 1960s people were bawling about how gators were being wiped out. They were even on the endangered species list. Now they are everywhere.

[45Auto]

I use the Landry CCI .22 WMR Maxi Mag in my Brandes .22 WMR AR upper. Really nice unit; consistently accurate giving 5 round strings at 50 yards (from sand bags) well under 0.5 inch, (some in the 0.3” range).

[JoeProBono]

Coconuts in Fort Lauderdale has something special on the menu: alligator ribs.

[Hot Tabasco]

consistently accurate giving 5 round strings at 50 yards (from sand bags) well under 0.5 inch, (some in the 0.3” range).

Hunting gators from sand bags? How is that possible?

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[DUMBGRUNT]

There is a reason Amos Moses only has one arm!
WOW

From your link:
Carefully and quickly grab the side of the jaw and apply enough pressure to keep its mouth completely shut. Then wrap the snout tightly and securely with electrical or duct tape. With the top of the alligator’s head facing up, use a sharp knife to sever the spinal cord by cutting across the body between the back of the head and first vertebra.To ensure the alligator is dead, insert a metal shaft such as a flathead screwdriver into the brain cavity to pith and destroy the brain. When you see the alligator’s eyes close tight and retract, it is dead. Now it is safe to pull the alligator’s body into your boat...

[Eagles6]

Is the 7.62x53R the little brother to the 7.62x54R?

[HonkyTonkMan]

That's the truth! If we ever got invaded, the swamp boys would run circle around the attackers. Remember the Legend of Wooley Swamp -- " If you ever go back into Wooly Swamp son you better not go at night
There's things out there in the middle of them woods
That'd make a strong man die from fright"

[45Auto]

Its also hard to measure groups unless the gator is absolutely still!

[archy]

Firearms (except shotguns) may be used to dispatch alligators while on hook and line (see Fishing Method above) or to harvest free swimming alligators.

Well, all righty, then!