Best Places To Go Hunting For Alligators

By Mark Bell


The southern part of the United States is renowned for its large gator population. Every year, lots of licensed hunters converge at various private and public lands to harvest alligators for many economic reasons. The following places are prime spots for hunting for alligators.

Starting off the list is Louisiana. For many hunters, the state is some sort of paradise thanks to its abundance of lush swamps. Many of the swamp systems in the state are primarily fed by the local Atchafalaya River. This river has the largest measured drainage basin in America.

Up to 30 percent of the basin consists of marshland, with the remaining 70 percent being forested. The marshes provide a lot of food for fish, hence favoring a booming fish population. In turn, the fish provide food for the gators, meaning hunters in the area stand a greater chance of bagging huge gators as compared to other locations in the country.

There is hardly a seasoned hunter who will not have a conversation without talking about Florida. It is home to the St. Johns Marsh which lies south of its feeder, the St. Johns River. Any hunter can get a good catch in the area as there is no shortage of gators. The St. Johns River is far larger than all the rivers in Florida. Many experienced hunters love the location because the local authorities issue licenses that permit as many as 500 hunts in the river annually.

Texas is home to Victoria County, another location worthy of mentioning. The county is situated right by the coastline of Texas as you head to the southeast side of the city. The location has seen a number of large gator captures through the years.

Every month, at least 500 disturbance calls are made to the local wildlife office by homeowners. Texan gators have grown to develop little fear for humans and therefore occasionally venture into homesteads and public pools. If you are not a seasoned hunter, catching one may be a hectic job.

Another splendid site is the Bayou Pierre River. It is a river that courses Eastwards away from the Mississippi. The area has long harbored large ferocious gators. The Pierre River also has a record for hosting the largest male gator ever captured in open waters. When the gator was measured, it was found to weigh 686 pounds and was fourteen feet long.

Alabama hosts a large gator population too. While many associate Lake Eufaula, found locally, with duck hunting, few know of its alligator population. Some few years back, one alligator attempted to sink a hunting boat by biting into its side. The hunter eventually caught it and thrust the area into the limelight once they told their story to news outlets.

As much as your upcoming hunt may sound exciting, you should strive to abide by the rules of the local jurisdiction. Licensing is a key part of this. Without a license, you may end up paying a fine or serving jail time. Also remember some habitats are protected, so stick to areas that you have researched on.




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