South Carolina Alligator

After three years of applying and getting the denial notice in the mail. I finally drew my alligator tag for South Carolina's limited draw alligator season. I couldn't sleep as I anxiously awaited opening day which was held the first Saturday in September for the month long season. 

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. 

SCOPe Excellence in Craft Awards

Last week I attended the annual South Carolina Outdoor Press Association's annual conference that was held in Myrtle Beach, SC.

One of the highlights of the conference is seeing other communicators from across our state, many of whom are legends in their prospective fields. Sharing and learning from these masters is a great experience.

At the annual banquet, our President, P.J. Perea handed out the Excellence in Craft (EIC) awards. During this years awards, I was honored and humbled to receive four awards. Two 2nd place awards and two 1st place awards.

My 1st place awards were for Electronic Media for a story entitled "Accessing your Stand" which I wrote for Elliott recreational properties

The other 1st place was for my recently self published book that is titled after this blog "Times Well Spent: Ramblings From a Sportsman's Life"

The second place awards were for a Magazine Short feature of 1000 words or less for a story entitled "Protect that Nest Egg" that appeared in SC Sportsman magazine in January of 2012
The other 2nd place was for Magazine Feature of 2000 words or more for a piece entitled "Chasing Royalty" That also appeared in SC Sportsman in February of 2012.

To say I was shocked is an understatement. To be in this group of esteemed writers and win these was a very humbling experience. That has fueled my passion even more. To attempt to capture in words what we as outdoors people see and feel and convey that to others is a driving force for me. I hope that as I continue in this venture, I will grow, and get better as a communicator of all things outdoors.

Footnote: My book is undergoing a "re-design" at this moment and will be available in hardback shortly after the first of the year. pre-orders are available by contacting me directly at;
peterogersoutdoors@gmail.com