I was awarded gator tags this year for the first time and am going to hunt lake Istokpoga. I have never hunted gators before but have been hunting/boating all my life. Is there any advise some of you seasoned gator hunters would be able to pass on to me. Is there anybody that may have knowledge of lake Istokpoga and want to share. I am trying to start planning a trip now because I live down in Key West and need to have everything squared away and ready to go when it comes time to making the drive.
I am figuring its like bully netting (netting for lobster at night) and was going to basically use the same method.
my advise make sure its dead if unsure tape it jaw. For your safety use the bang stick under water.
If you are going for the first time, I would highly recommend the class done by the FWC. Here is a link to the 2013 manual. http://myfwc.com/media/2198649/alligator_training_manual_2013.pdf
I learn something new every year. Scouting is important. Let me say that again, Scouting is important. Its like any other form of hunting in that regard. Know that on lakes, especially interior ones, your boat with a regular outboard may get stuck in the weeds. One final bit of advice... Personally, I think it works best with 3 people. 1 to drive the boat / and be the "gofer" for the other 2, 1 to initially get the gator on via snatch, one to get the harpoon in while the other one holds the gator on a snatch hook. Most importantly, be safe. Drop the gator if its not going according to plan. Once the harpoon is in him, wear him down before playing with the bangstick.
DONT LOAD THE BANGSTICK UNTIL JUST BEFORE USE. Thats the big one. Leave it empty. Dont trust the safety pin.
Again, be safe and good luck.
If you are going for the first time, I would highly recommend the class done by the FWC. Here is a link to the 2013 manual. http://myfwc.com/media/2198649/alligator_training_manual_2013.pdf
I learn something new every year. Scouting is important. Let me say that again, Scouting is important. Its like any other form of hunting in that regard. Know that on lakes, especially interior ones, your boat with a regular outboard may get stuck in the weeds. One final bit of advice... Personally, I think it works best with 3 people. 1 to drive the boat / and be the "gofer" for the other 2, 1 to initially get the gator on via snatch, one to get the harpoon in while the other one holds the gator on a snatch hook. Most importantly, be safe. Drop the gator if its not going according to plan. Once the harpoon is in him, wear him down before playing with the bangstick.
DONT LOAD THE BANGSTICK UNTIL JUST BEFORE USE. Thats the big one. Leave it empty. Dont trust the safety pin.
All great stuff right there.
Again, be safe and good luck.
I am figuring its like bully netting (netting for lobster at night) and was going to basically use the same method.
I would strongly advise not trying to net a pissed off alligator. I can tell you how well it will turn out
