OT Arkansas alligator hunt

[okieboater]

This story made the local channel 8 KTUL Tulsa News this evening 5 oct 2010.

http://www.wral.com/news/national_world ... vid1076424" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Note that the clip is from WRAL.COM an Arkansas Station.

[Karla]

Where did they find the gator?

[rbbruce]

That gator was taken on a private farm in southeast ark. I was visting with a guy that was hunting with the group the previous night. I asked how they did it. Normally they slip up on them at night, noose em with a rope and treble hook and haul them in. The big one they noosed and had to subdue with gun fire.

[AR-Nimrod]

Karla

http://www.kfsm.com/kfsm-pg-nwa-big-all ... 026&ref=nf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I told yall there were big gators in that area. This is very close to Moore Bayou and some of the other proposed water trails around the White River NWR.

[DeBo]

During the late 1950s, excessive hide hunting, loss of wetlands and general ignorance caused great concern for the alligator’s survival. In 1967, the U.S. Department of the Interior listed them as an endangered species throughout their range.

Federal and state law enforcement and the resiliency of the species have allowed it to recover in much of its range. Alligator populations are growing again in Arkansas thanks to increased protection and the restocking program conducted by AGFC. From 1972 to 1984, over 2,800 sub-adult alligators were released in suitable habitat considered to be the state’s historical range for the species. Eighty percent were released on private land by request.

Successful reproduction has been documented in six counties previously void of alligators. Today’s trend in Arkansas’s alligator population indicates a stable to slightly increasing population, but there’s still concern for this reptile in our state.
Arkansas’s alligators are protected by state and federal laws.

In 2008, after much pressure from hunters, the first permits were issued for hunting. Hunting is strictly controlled with each hunter assigned a certain area and allowed one kill. No shooting at a distance is allowed. The alligator must be captured and dispatched. This year 47 permits were issued.

The Endangered Species Act imposes a penalty up to $10,000 for illegal activities involving alligators. If you encounter an alligator in the wild, leave it alone and simply enjoy the opportunity to see it. This amazing animal deserves our protection as much as eagles, bats and other forms of wildlife.

I really wish no one wanted to kill them. They are still very much on the borderline in Arkansas. And this big one; he was over 30 years old, and I will never have a chance to see him! It’s very sad to me.

[JTarver]

It still never said why they killed the animal. It appears as though they were hunting it for sport only (judging by the taxidermist bear rug analogy). If it were a nuisance animal, it couldve been tranqilized and relocated using almost the same methods.
I agree with Deb, it's really sad they killed such a beautiful creature. Human indifference never ceases to disgust me.
If you've never gotten to be close to one of these animals, it's an incredible experience. I can only imagine one this size in person.

Joe

[SteveGabbard]

Last year Arkansas G&F started a limited season. I think about fifty permits are given and each permit is for a specific area designated by the state. In addition to using the hide, the meat (esp the tail) is very tasty.

[DeBo]

....In 2008, after much pressure from hunters, the first permits were issued for hunting. Hunting is strictly controlled with each hunter assigned a certain area and allowed one kill. No shooting at a distance is allowed. The alligator must be captured and dispatched. This year 47 permits were issued....