Second year hunting

[devildog]

This is my second year to hunt gators. I'm from Alabama and we can't use some of the methods described like baiting so my first hunt last year was great but no gator. I have learned a few things and am looking forward to August. Couple of questions?

1. I carried an old beater shotgun last year in the event that I got my gator. What's your opinion on that? I don't want to spend a lot of money on new gear. Just had to get a new trolling motor.

2. What is your opinion about the best gator getter? Bow and arrow, harpoon, or snatch hook and why?

[admin]

For your question on dispatching gators, If you are allowed to use a shotgun no problem. I would use slugs. Even buckshot is a pain when you or someone else cleans it. You will be shooting above the water so you may end up with a few things flying around. Be safe.

The best way to catch the gator depends largely on what kind of location you are able to hunt, and if using a boat what kind you have. We have been sucessful in using a trolling moter to get right up on them to harpoon them. If the vegitation will allow you to use a rod and hook it is a great way to keep track of them. If the gator is out swimming arround we will use the trolling motor to get in casting range and try to get the hook on them. We have used a bow. It will allow you to reach out a little bit but is not as easy as you may think. You can not see pins very well and seems to be in the way from time to time. Last year we took a someone out that used a recurve that he shot without sights and he did quite well. He stuck at least eight gators without any problems.

Last year we set up a crossbow to try but never used it. For most of our 1st timers I use a spear gun with a modified tip to accept our harpoon dart. It easy to point and can reach out. It has allowed us to take people out with severe physical limitations and let them put in the first dart.