Florida Alligator Hunting Guides
The Alligator Hunt
The great thing about alligator hunting is the diversity. In Florida, you can hunt day or night with a variety of weapons. If you choose to use a rifle, crossbow, harpoon or archery, these prehistoric monsters always make it a challenge! Whether you hunt day or night and regardless of your weapon choice, you will enjoy an adventure of a lifetime!
Florida Alligator Hunting Options
Multi-Night Alligator Hunts (Aug. 15- Nov. 1)
These fully guided wild alligator hunts can only be done at night from boats using harpoons, crossbows, spear guns, and fishing poles. This by far, is the most exciting action packed way to hunt wild Florida alligators. Most people love the boat ride just as much as the hunt. If you like action packed hunting all night with never a dull moment, this is the hunt for you. If you are the laid back type of hunter, ask about our day hunts. Whatever you wish, we can help you check gator hunting off your bucket list!
Alligator Hunting at Night
Although night hunts for Alligators in Florida can be more challenging than a day hunt - adrenaline levels do increase. Spotlights are used to scan lakes and swamps for giant gators and the lack of light creates an eerie excitement to the gator hunt. There is something about the dark waters and what lurks beneath that make this hunt exciting and a little unnerving at the same time. Weapon selection is up to the hunter. We will offer some suggestions and additional details about the hunt before you select a weapon. Night gator hunts normally produce larger gators. Night hunts offer the added benefit of a reprieve from the Florida daytime heat!
Multi-Night Hunt Packages
The Florida Trophy Gator Hunt
- 1 person 2 days/2 nights
- Meals and lodging
- All equipment and tag
- Bang stick only, no firearms allowed
- Average size 8 to 10 feet
- Contact for Pricing
Alligator Hunting Season in Florida
August 15 - November 8th
(private land alligator tags are available throughout the year)
Private land One Day Guided Alligator Hunts / Night Alligator Hunts
The single day alligator hunts are a little more laid back than the multi-night boat hunts. The alligator hunts in Florida are primarily done during the day in lakes or ponds. A crossbow, regular bow, gun, fishing pole, or baited hook is the primary method of harvesting gators on this type of hunt.
Day Hunts
If you are a first time alligator hunter a day hunt may be a good option. The thrill of seeing alligators in the light of day is something all first time hunters should experience. Day hunts are a little less intense as well. You will scan the Florida swamps by boat and when a gator is spotted we will attempt to snag it – that’s when the fight begins. Once the gator is snagged you will have the opportunity to harvest it with your weapon of choice. Rifle hunts allow for longer shots, 25 to 30 yards, and archery, spear or other methods require getting a little closer.
Rifle Hunts
God's Country rifle gator hunts are only available on private land day hunts. This is a great option as rifles allow the hunter the opportunity for longer kill shots. Many hunters will choose to bring multiple weapons on the hunt, the way a hunt unfolds may dictate which weapon is used in the kill shot on the alligator. When you contact us about planning your hunt we will answer questions and give advice to help you choose the best weapon options to make your Florida gator hunt exciting and successful!
Bow Hunting Alligators
As with any hunt, an archery hunt is much more challenging for Florida alligators than some of the other weapon options. Bow hunters will need to be experienced to be successful with this hunt. Shot distances are usually pretty short with archery hunts but a clean shot is necessary whether it’s a night or day alligator hunt. A 60 lb. draw is sufficient and you will need a fishing rig attachment. We recommend practicing precise short shots prior to your hunt.
Email, text or Call for pricing and options
All hunts include transporting your gator to our local taxidermy (If you intend to use your own taxidermy we need to make arrangements before the hunt)
Taxidermy is available. Additional fees apply. Additional meat may be purchased also.
Alligator trapping agent license is required and can be bought at stores or online for $51.50. Purchase here
American Alligator Facts
Florida Alligator Size
Although male alligators in Florida can become quite large, female alligators rarely exceed 10 feet in length. The Florida state record for a gator is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male alligator from Lake Washington and the Florida weight record for an alligator is 1,043 pounds. Our alligator hunts will probably not produce trophy gators of this size, but you never know!
Gator EYE SHINE
The most exciting gator hunts we offer are night hunts, which is partially due to what is known as alligator eye shine. The distinctive eye shine of an alligator is caused by a layer of cells called the tapetum lucidum. The layer is situated behind the photoreceptor cells in the retina and reflects light back, which increases the amount of light the alligator eye can detect. This dramatically improves an alligator's vision in low light conditions, which is why gators are more active at night. There’s nothing like spotting the ghostly eye-shine from a gator in the moonlight – that’s when the hunt begins!
THERMOREGULATION
Alligators are cold blooded and they need external sources, heat & cold, to regulate their body temperature. Florida alligators may maintain their body temperature by moving to warm or cool water areas or basking in the sun on a clear day. In Florida, Alligators become more active at times when temps are 82° to 92°F. Florida alligators often stop eating when temperatures drop below 70° F and they become somewhat sluggish when temps drop below 55° F. During the winter months in Florida, alligators are mostly dormant and can be found in dens or “alligator holes” but they will emerge at times to bask in the sun.
