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| Category: | NORTH AMERICA |
| Page Views: | 769 views |
| Last Update: |
3 year(s) ago | | Added on: | November 12, 2008 |
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Latin Name:
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Alligator mississippiensis
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Physical Characteristics:
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Adult male gators grow between 13 to 15 feet in length and can weigh up to 1000lbs, but much larger specimens have been recorded. Females are smaller and grow about 10 feet in length.
The Alligator has the strongest bite of any animal in the world. They propel themselves very quickly in the water using their large tail, but are generally slow on land, however they can cover short distances very quickly if required to do so. Depending upon the water they live in they vary in color from being a dark olive green to nearly black, the under belly side is a bit lighter.
Alligators are not fussy about what they eat and as they grow larger will prey on bigger animals if given a chance. They eat fish, frogs, birds, rats, mice and so on when young, but move on to bigger prey as they get larger. Deer, wild hogs, snakes and even Florida panthers have been taken by Alligators.
Over time Burmese Pythons have been released into the Florida Everglades where they now compete with the Alligators. There have been quite a few encounters recorded between these two large predators and the outcome does not always favor the Alligator! Often times it is a fight to the death with no winners.
Unprovoked human attacks happen from time to time and it is prudent to be careful when near the water in Alligator country. They are not however as dangerous as African Crocodiles.
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Distribution:
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Alligators favor the warmer southern climate of the Unites States and thrive in states such as Florida, Carolinas, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas.
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Hunting Method:
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Unlike hunting a crocodile in Africa which requires quite a planned operation, Alligator hunting is typically a rougher affair. Alligators are most often hunted at night from a boat. They are harpooned or shot with a bow and arrow to which a line is attached. A bang stick is then used to kill the crocodile. A bang stick is a stick with a chamber at the end that takes a pistol bullet when struck against the Alligator it fires the cartridge.
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The Shot:
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If the opportunity comes up to shoot an Alligator during the day. A brain shot as is the case in a crocodile would be recommended. This shot will anchor the Alligator and prevent it from jumping back into the water. A steady rest is highly recommended. It is also important to ensure that your rifle is accurately set to the approximate distance that your shot will be taken as you need to be dead on target.
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Calibers:
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A good soft nosed bullet from a 7mm or 30 caliber rifle should do the trick. Bigger is better as it will provide more shock if the shot is slightly off. Lighter recoiling rifles are proffered as they can be shot more accurately by most hunters and it is important to be able to place your shot.
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Ammunition:
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A regular factory load or hand load shooting a soft nose bullet is what’s needed. It is more important to find a load that shoots accurately in your rifle as the target is small for the range you will typically be shooting at.
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Selecting a Trophy:
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A good trophy is measured by length from nose to tip of tail. Males being larger are more sought after. Anything over 12’ and above is considered a good trophy. A professional Alligator hunting guide can tell the size of the gator by the distance between the eyes, which is often all that’s visible in the dark.
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Taxidermy:
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Apart from a full mount, the top skin also makes a good mount. Like with a crocodile skin the animal in two halves. The top half makes a fine mount, this can be mounted with the jaw open or closed and the softer bottom half of the animal can be used to make hand bags, belts, boots, etc.
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