Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
Alligator hunting season officially opens on Monday, Aug. 15. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule change in May of this year extending the hours when alligator hunting is allowed, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., to 24 hours. This change will help the activity be more accessible to new hunters who may not be comfortable hunting in the afternoon hours. It will also assist those whose schedules may not allow them to hunt in the afternoon.
According to FWC, legal methods for alligator hunting include: fishing rods using a weighted treble hook; fishing rods using artificial lures; hand-line snatch hooks; hand-held catch poles or similar devices, and bang sticks, the only firearm allowed to use for alligator hunting. When participating in Florida’s statewide alligator harvest program, bows, crossbows, pre-charged pneumatic air bows, gigs, harpoons, spears and spear guns may be used.
If one would like to catch and release an alligator, they are welcome to do so. However, this activity is only permitted when using snatch hooks and handheld devices with adjustable catch loops such as catch poles. When using any other method of take, never attempt to capture an alligator that you do not want to keep.
Killing humanely is part of an alligator hunter’s ethical obligation. The best way to deliver a quick, humane kill resulting in a swift loss of consciousness is to use a sharp knife to sever the spinal cord. To ensure the safety of the hunter, a catch loop should be tightened around the snout to prevent the mouth from opening. For more information about alligator hunting, visit myfwc.com