Alligator hunting
Alligator hunting is the capture and killing of gators. With the appropriate licenses and tags, the American alligator can legally be hunted in the Southeastern United States. The states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas all distribute alligator hunting licenses.[1][2][3][4][5]
Methods
There is no single method of alligator hunting. Depending on the circumstances, hunters commonly use a combination of the following:[6]
- hook and line
- bow and arrow
- gig and snare
- firearm
The use of a hook and line is the most common method. It involves securing a sturdy hook and line to a tree or pole in the ground. The hook is commonly baited with fish or chicken quarter. After the bait is taken, the hunter returns to draw in and dispatch the gator.[7] Allowed methods of hunting vary by state, in South Carolina an alligator must be captured before being killed with either a handgun or bangstick.[8] A bangstick is a specialized underwater firearm fired only when in direct contact with the target.
History
Historically, unregulated hunting has led to dramatic decreases in alligator populations. In 1973 the American alligator was listed as endangered under the
Products
The main products of alligator hunting are
References
- ^ "MDWFP Alligator Program".
- ^ "Georgia Alligator Hunting Program". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-13.
- ^ "Florida Alligator Hunting Program". Archived from the original on 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2015-03-13.
- ^ "Alabama Alligator Hunting Program". Archived from the original on 2015-03-17. Retrieved 2015-03-13.
- ^ "Changes in Regulations for 2018-2019".
- ^ a b "Alligators in Texas" (PDF). tpwd.texas.gov. Texas Parks and Wildlife. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ "Alligator Hunting". lagatorprogram.com. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ "South Carolina Alligator Hunting Guide (2009)" (PDF). SC Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-28. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
- ^ "American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis" (PDF). U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
- ^ "Alligator Hunting Guides and Outfitters Trips and Guided Hunts". Hunting Trips R Us.
- ^ "General Alligator Information". Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
- ^ "Numbers of Alligator Skins Taken and Their Uses During 1 800 - 20 1 0 in Louisiana" (PDF). Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana. Retrieved 27 February 2015.