Gator hunting questions???

saltwatercowboy23

Hey everyone, I am planning on applying this year for gator tags and wondered if Yall can help me out. I know how the application process works but I haven't seen when the application period begins, anyone know what he starting date is? I tried looking it up on myfwc but must have overlooked it. My other question was are there any particular areas to stay away from? I know some sections have certain rules on ways of hunting them (boat or no boat, etc) but does it say the sectional rules anywhere on the website? I have some ideas on how to get them and have a couple boats to use for the hunt if we win a permit. Hoping that one of my friends or me can pull some tags this year. Thanks for any help.

DONY 1

http://myfwc.com/license/limited-entry-hunts/application-periods/

huntsflorida

I can answer any questions you have. Contact me at 239-564-0342.

Fish Addict

DONY 1 wrote: »

http://myfwc.com/license/limited-entry-hunts/application-periods/

FWC still hasn't updated their website yet.. those dates are for last season. Hopefully they will update in the next few weeks

Bite 1

Hearing all kinds of options for next permit apply. When post it who will interpret it? Shouldn't be complicated. Know they are working on a fair system for all. Whatever that may be. What are they looking at?

mikefm58

Check this out:

http://www.myfwc.com/media/3008836/alligator_new_process.pdf

Phase 1 application period starts April 20th.

bgeorge

They are still targeting the 20th. This year we should continue to expect issues. People are still going to have people put in that have not intention of purchasing permits in order to push to phase 3 where you have a chance at getting multiples. They are not going to put the extras in for the areas that they are targeting but for areas that they would hunt at $69 for two tags. Now they have 20 choices of permits to tie up.

This will continue to happen until they make it so that no one can get extra permits before someone who is willing to pay full price for their first one.

The draw process should go smother with fewer system hang ups because it will reduce the surge.

Bite 1

Hearing all kinds of options for next permit apply. When post it who will interpret it? Shouldn't be complicated. Know they are working on a fair system for all. Whatever that may be. What are they looking at?

Red Fish

bgeorge wrote: »

They are still targeting the 20th. This year we should continue to expect issues. People are still going to have people put in that have not intention of purchasing permits in order to push to phase 3 where you have a chance at getting multiples. They are not going to put the extras in for the areas that they are targeting but for areas that they would hunt at $69 for two tags. Now they have 20 choices of permits to tie up.

This will continue to happen until they make it so that no one can get extra permits before someone who is willing to pay full price for their first one.

The draw process should go smother with fewer system hang ups because it will reduce the surge.

Wow, 20 choices!? I only have about 2 counties to hunt.

mikefm58

With Phase 1 ready to start next Monday, anyone know when the application worksheet and unit descriptions with quotas will be put up on FWC's website?

bgeorge

It is now on the fwc page for alligator. http://myfwc.com/media/3020470/AlligatorWorksheet2015.pdf
http://myfwc.com/media/3020467/AlligatorMapandHarvestAreas2015.pdf

Panhandler80

In the drawing... Would it do me any good to list my number one pick in spots 2-19? It may not even be an option online, but depending on how they sequence unit / tag allocation per phase / applicant selection, it potentially could.

Gone_Fishing

bgeorge wrote: »

The draw process should go smother with fewer system hang ups because it will reduce the surge.

Phase 3 should go smoother. Unless Brandt/RLIS screws it up. Maybe 50/50 bet.

The new Phase 4 will be like the old Phase 3.

I like the fact that Phase 3, if you are picked, you pay. I don't know why we can't do that in Phase 1, but I think it will be an improvement for the majority of the hunters.

jpatz18

Panhandler80 wrote: »

In the drawing... Would it do me any good to list my number one pick in spots 2-19? It may not even be an option online, but depending on how they sequence unit / tag allocation per phase / applicant selection, it potentially could.

Not sure im understanding your question, Ill answer your questions the best I can.

Putting your #1 choice for all 20 isnt going to greater your chances. When they pull your name, the computer goes thru your choices if say your #1 pick is taken it goes to you #2 pick and so on. Once your name is chosen the computer goes thru your 20 choices all at one time looking for an open area.

If you do not want to make 20 choices simply dont. You should not have to fill out all 20 choices. Putting the same entry will not help. But hey if you want do it!

plumber1969

Where do you live or want to hunt? I could give you some advise on the Northeast part of the state.

saltwatercowboy23

I'm in Northern Palm Beach County but have family in Jacksonville so could gator hunt out of there.

plumber1969

The hunting in Duval county isn't very good. Nassau, Clay and other surrounding counties have better opportunities. Guana has some absolute monsters in it and that is close to Jacksonville, but it does have a few restrictions you will need to read about. Last year the water was extremely high in the river but we managed 4 out of 6 tags. Air boats are not very effective up here due to these gators being very wary of loud noises and we are generally hunting deep open water in the rivers and creeks which can be over 30 feet deep. The creeks are hard to hunt due to the submerged debris but thee are some big gators in all of our creeks up here.

If you get drawn up here shoot me a message and I will do what I can to point you in the right direction.