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| Pete Rogers with his South Carolina Alligator |
In South Carolina the alligator must be restrained prior to dispatch. This can be accomplished by many legal methods. Harpoon, bow and arrow, crossbow and snatch hook are the most popular. I was prepared with three of the option mentioned above minus the crossbow.
As fate held it, the alligator of the South Santee were elusive to some degree. We did see a lot of alligators, but looking for my self imposed 9 footer was proving to be a bit of a challenge. Opening weekend we spent almost twenty hours looking for a suitable 'gator. It would take an extra trip to get my gator.
Hunting with Marshall French, head guide at Duck Bottom plantation out of Horatio, SC proved to be the perfect set up. Few outdoorsmen are as accomplished as Marshall. I believe he could catch fish in a parking lot if needed. And kill ducks or deer in the desert. If it can be had, he is the man to get it done.
After almost twelve hours of hunting, we spotted a candidate, as we approached, I launched a snatch hook over his back and the fight was on. I have been fortunate enough to catch a lot of fish in my life, and many have been pretty big, but nothing compares to hooking into an alligator. After a thirty-five minute fight the 'gator surfaced for air and I placed a ,38 caliber bullet into his brain to end the battle.
My 'gator measured eight feet, just shy of my self imposed minimum, but it was a fine specimen. And one I am truly proud of. I got the call today from the taxidermist - my skull mount is ready, I cannot wait to get it and place it prominently in my home.
If you have the chance to hunt 'gators, I highly recommend it. Its different from any other outdoor adventure I've done, and one I definitely want to do again.
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