'Gator hunting

[GTRS Fiero]

I have not done this in ths US, but apparently it's legal done there somewhere.  Anyone tried it?  Dunno that I want to eat 'gator meat, but maybe hunting them would be fun.  In other countries, they came after me--usually at inopportune times.

[Fierofool]

Florida, Louisiana and Texas all have gator season.  There's a tv series about the gator hunters.  Camera crews go out with them as they hunt and bag gators.   

I've had alligator meat at some Florida restaurants when my sister lived in Tampa.  It's actually pretty good.  Seems each restaurant has a different recipe for their coating, but all were good.  Sometimes a little chewy, though. 

[GTRS Fiero]

Yeah, don't like chewy.

Gator season is fine, but like deer season: no guarantees of finding a good one.  Maybe 18 feet would look good.  Maybe those restaurants would take the meat.  The soup kitchens used to take meat, but not anymore.

We caught a boatload of those jumping carp.  I don't usually eat fish, so we tried donating.  Some people did take the fish, but I guess no more fishing.

[Fierofool]

There's an apparently good market for alligator.  The many teams on the tv show make their living on them.  I'm sure the hide is also a valuable commodity.  Watching some of the Game Warden shows, a Gator Head is much sought after. 

Carp are very boney.  Lots and lots of fine bones throughout the meat.  They are bottom feeders and I'm told can taste like mud.  They are on the low end of freshwater fish.  They are cleanup fish.  They clean up all the waste on the bottom of the lake and stream.  Similar to what Talapia are used for in the fish farms, then sold for consumption.  Only difference is that Talapia aren't as boney. 

[GTRS Fiero]

Gar are better.  Bones right down the middle.

I would not part with the hide--just the meat.  Personally, I do not care for the meat from gators, turtles, or mussels.

I have a bear rug.  A gator would be nice.

[pgackerman]

Um, you know you don't use a gun, right?  Bang stick or spear.  At least that use to be the rules in Florida. 

[Fierofool]

I don't think the Swamp People show has ever been in Florida.  The Louisiana and Texas people sure use guns. 

[GTRS Fiero]

I do know how, yes.  Did not have a gun in other countries.

Using the gun sortof takes the fun out of it, huh?

[montegut]

Definitely use guns down here in Louisiana when hunting. Would be more dangerous and hard to kill any other way.

[GTRS Fiero]

I've used a machete.  It was what I had.  Not sure if it lived or died.  It went back to the river.  I climbed a tree and rested.  Call me a wuss, but I was exhausted.  A machete is not the proper weapon.  The blade is too flexible, and too short.  Something more pointy is needed.

A spear would work.

[pgackerman]

I do know how, yes.  Did not have a gun in other countries.

Using the gun sortof takes the fun out of it, huh?

Probably something about missed shots bouncing across the Everglades for miles.

[GTRS Fiero]

Some countries do not allow guns.  Whomever made those laws should get out more.  Go visit 'gator-land.

[Donster]

BBQ Gator Ribs! Awesome! Wish we could get gator meat or gator sausage over here! 

[GTRS Fiero]

Head to Borneo.  The gators will come to/after you.  Gator hide makes great boots.  Try not to damage the hide too much with your knife.

[GTRS Fiero]

BBQ Gator Ribs! Awesome! Wish we could get gator meat or gator sausage over here! 

You can't get 'gator meat there?  Illegal?

I think we can get just about anything here, except Cuban cigars.