Gator?

[glen]

I may have an opportunity to go Gator hunting this year- was wondering what I need to purchase. My wife's uncle said that he has one that he estimates at 14 feet that he has located and on a pattern. He usually gets a few permits every year and has allready taken a big one and he asked if I wanted to attempt this one if he gets the permits. I told him I wanted to try it with a bow instead of my 454 and I think he will be OK with it. What type of setup do I need to look into. I know line - bouys- and some type of gator head but specifics would be nice.

[Rattler]

I did mine by hooking it first. Pulled it out. And then shot it. If you are using a bowfishing method (which would be dangerously scary with a 14'er) Definatel get you some Bouys and 300lb line. Then have your Kill arrow(s) with a BH on hand to put one in the head behind the eyes. Personally I'd hook that one!

PM me if you'd like more info.

[Tommy_V]

14' gator!!! That is crazy big!!! Can't help you, but you gotta show us pics of that thing.

[glen]

I will try and post pictures when he sends them to me. He said that he guestimated from between his eyes to the tip of his nose is 14 inches.
He claims a foot per inch. I know nothing about gators but dont think Ill turn the invite dowm if I get it.

[Leonhogboy]

I don't think the Tarzan Roll is going to work on a 14 footer. Good luck though and can't wait for some pics.

[ccupit]

use a knife to kill it it makes a better story

[Tommyh]

use a knife to kill it it makes a better story

make sure to wear a loin cloth too! The pics will be phenomenal

[Rattler]

Yep that is how ya measure them....I saw mine and said 6'...he was 6'2"

[glen]

He lives in the same neighborhood that had the pic going around a few years ago of the game warden with the gator. And the real story on that gator is it was 13 1/2 long- Ive seen everything from 16 to 22 feet long through differnt internet stories.

[cantexduck]

i would use the rod and line aboce the water 4-5 foot. use a large hook. cable to til of rod tied with light mono line to hang bait(beef heart,whole chicken 4-5 foot above water) if you go after him with bowfishing style then it would be hard to get that close to him unless you bait out a spot and sit and wait right till dark or early morn to get him.

[Randy]

If he is 14ft he is gonna be a record for sure. I know some fellers that killed one around Groveton that was 13' 6" and he ranked at the #6 gator in the nation.

[Hot4huntin]

Glen, that should be a state record if you do it all archery. You will need an open spool for your bowfishing line and bouy or AMS reel with bouy. The float must be 6" x 6" x 8", no less than 8" in diameter if it is spherical. Your line must be 300 lb. test line and attached to your fishing arrow and bouy. Muzzy sells a Gator Getter Kit with 600 lb test, arrow and gator broadhead. Bobby ordered his gear through Sully's. Once you have shot him with the fish arrow and he has the float attached to him then you use your hunting bow to finish him off. You can only deploy one "taking" device at a time. Bobby used his regular hunt set up after we got the line in him. 125 grain Thunderhead to the soft spot in back of the head. Legal hunting times are 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.

I know exactly the spot that you are talking about. There are lots of gators out there. The gator in the pic with Joe was 13'1", I believe. He was a hoss. That big one is going to be a tough one to handle. It should be a fun adventure for you! Good luck!

[Rattler]

Dena,

Who has the state record? At one time David Pratka from El Campo did have it I think with one that was over 14'

[crittergitter]

hope you get her. i love the taste of gator.

here is a link to some pictures of one that is 13'4.

http://www.gatorcountrytx.com/index_files/Page825.htm

a 14 footer will be a hand full

[Huntindad]

Glen,

talk to Rotag. I just bought a bow from him(for a friend's boy). HE has the gator hunting down...