Want to hunt alligators around the clock in Florida? A big change could be coming
Into hunting alligators in Florida? You may soon be able to engage in this activity at all hours of the day.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is floating a proposal to amend the rules of the state’s Alligator Harvest Program. That means trappers won’t be limited to a night-time harvesting schedule.
If approved, times would be increased from 17 (5 p.m. to 10 a.m.) to 24 hours, and go into effect for 2022, the agency says.
Although night hunts can be “thrilling,” says the FWC, and the time when gators are most active, seven more hours of seeing clearly can be beneficial.
“It’s easier to navigate a boat and work with hunting equipment during the day,” the website says. “Daylight is helpful when supervising youth in a boat or introducing new participants to alligator hunting. ... It also eliminates any concerns about hooking an alligator shortly before 10 a.m. but not being able to land the alligator before the 10 a.m. deadline.”
One of the main issues hunters have with the 24- hour proposal is that meat can spoil during the hottest parts of the day. The FWC recommends keeping the gator out of direct sunlight and placing bags of ice on top of the carcass and covering it with a blanket or tarp. It’s ideal to get the animal under 45 degrees within four hours of harvesting.
Alligator hunting season runs from Aug. 15 to Nov. 1.
To participate in a survey on this matter, go to Research.Net/gatorhuntinput
