AK NIMROD

I was high bidder for a LA alligator hunt for 2010. at the Alaska Bowhunters Association banquet last Saturday.
should be exciting.
anyone done this before?
any words of wisdom?

iamyourhuckleberry

Wear black clothing (if you're hunting at night), have plenty of bug spray on hand, and make sure you purchase the right gear for your hunt. Muzzy makes some great gator heads and arrows. A bowfishing rig works well. Make sure the line isstrong enoughfor gators... Practice, practice, practice.

Is your hunt on private land of public? Hope you like the taste of bugs. You'll eat enough if your hunt includes riding on an airboat.

TEmbry

If I ever draw a darn tag in GA I'll let you know.[:@]

In the meantime, get a slotted retriever kit..it will have all you need to boat one.

WV Hunter

LOL...the Alaska bowhunters auctioning off an Alligator hunt [8D]

I don't know nothing about that, but I'm sure it will be fun!That tickled me...still laughing

MeanV2

Yeah! I got a good chuckle out of that myself! Of all the Game I'd Love to hunt in AK

Have Fun! Should be something different for you.

Dan

daveyrock

Heard Gator tastes delicious, next time I'm in Georgia I'm trying some...but I know nothing about hunting them, but I want to, its on the list of things to do before I die...Good luck

Snook384

The Muzzy gator getter kit works very well. They are great eating and do not just take the tail. The leg meat and back meat is MUCH more tender. Also remember that the arrow you will shoot weigh in around 2,300 grains so they drop like a rock. Practice and the 30 yard pin works great at 10 to 15 feet. Also LISTEN to the guy who is guiding you. You can get KILLED doing this and the worst time is right at the boat. Since it is your first time try not to be REALLY picky on size. A nice 8 to 9 foot model will give you a nice head to mount, shoes, belt, wallet, and around 50 to 60 pounds of meat to fly back with. If you do shoot a 12 foot model brother you got your hands full. This is what a 9 foot number looks like.

cptleo1

anyone done this before?
any words of wisdom?

Many times
Piece of cake

Words of wisdom:
Get a really good pair of non-skid deck shoes
A re-curve works better than a compound
LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE
LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE
LISTEN TO YOUR GUIDE
There is no such thing as a 'dead' alligator (Your guide will explain)

Done right it is fun,safe and exciting

You are basically spotlighting them
Most folks use an air boat - pretty cool in itself if you have never been
Your guide will take you to where he figures they live
When you get there he will stop the boat and you start shining the light for eyes
It is not unusual to see 20 or more sets in one place
The wider the eyes are apart the bigger he is
When you see one that looks good you motor over to him (We normally pole the boat like you are flats fishing)
The guide Will keep the light in his eyes, when you get about 6 feet away
This is the first time your heart gets pumping
SHOOT (The Muzzy gator kit works fine)
When you hit him he will go to the bottom and sulk
Your arrow has a line on it with a jug tied to it.
If the jug is not moving around you pick it up and start retrieving line
Your guide will maneuver the boat till you are over the submerged gator (usually in 8' of water or less)
When you get right over him, you will feel dead weight on the end of the line
Some times some twitching
This is the second time your heart gets pumping
You gently pull him off the bottom (He usually won't resist)
When he comes up along side the boat
This is the third time your heart gets pumping
You pop him with a bang stick (broom handle with a .44mag tip on it)
Secure your critter and go look for another one.

There are several more ways to do it but this is the most common and the safest for everybody concerned.

You will have a good time -enjoy

This one was taken in somebodys back yard 5-6 miles from here

AK NIMROD

Thanx for all the info. It is going to be a long time till sept 2010
It gets my heart thumping just reading you guys comments and seeing your pictures.
i already have a slotted retriever so will need to get some heavier line, floatsand 3 of the muzzy arrows.
i'm gathering that broadheads are not used and just a barbed fishing arrow tip
may be a silly question but what is the point of impact you shoot for on a gator.
obviously mammals it is to let the air out of them. seems people tend to shoot more foreward than that
thanx again
Pat

Snook384

Just get the barb in him. Shot placement is not as critical as that on land critters. You really do not need heavy line to get him either. I use regular twine and when we haul him up from the depths (4 feet) we then jab a few more harpoon hooks under his hide. I like to shhot them as they swim away so the barb goes under the tough back hide but with that in mind the last two I shot both were in the head.