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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by Cro on May 29, 2009
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Regulated Alligator hunting has proven to work fairly well. Folks buy a liscense, and a certain number of gators are harvested for the meat and hide each year.
What was once a endangered animal has been brought back to being overpopulated in many areas, thus the need for a hunting season.
The folks who hunt alligators are not wild rednecks (for the most part) who are killing every critter they see in the swamps. They have to win a lottery of sorts to get a gator liscense, and there are far more folks wanting liscenses than liscenses are available.
In many ways bounty hunting in the Everglades could be similar. A required liscense from Game & Fish. Check in Stations where they bring in the python to collect the bounty. And ticket anyone who shows up with something other than a python. With a bit of planning and regulation, it could work well. It does not have to be a bunch of drunken rednecks chasing snakes.
If a bounty cleans up the Florida snake problem, it should go a long way in stopping more legislation from happening. Right now, they are pointing to the Glades and saying "see, snakes are a problem - we should pass more laws against them." But, if the problem is cleaned up with a bounty hunt, then they will not be able to say that anymore.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by tigers9 on May 29, 2009
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Hey Cro, actually I was not in the market for new gun, I already have 45 cal long shot and 45 auto.I just went to buy ammo for my guns and rifle and saw this gun and had to have it.
Seriosuly, do you think hunters would pay for tags to hunt pythons?
Z
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by Cro on May 29, 2009
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"Seriosuly, do you think hunters would pay for tags to hunt pythons?"
Sure they will.
A nicely tanned 15 foot long, two foot wide python skin makes a heck of a wall decoration for a trophy room.
They pay to hunt alligators, deer, water fowel, fish, etc.
They pay $120.00 a day for safe rides at Disney.
They will pay for the adventure of hunting pythons.
Florida just needs to keep in mind that some folks will just want a bounty, and some folks will want a trophy. The folks who want a trophy should be able to send the skin off to a taxidermist and keep it if the want.
Just keep the permit price reasonable.
If you build it (a bounty system), they will come.
If you build it (a hunting system), they will come.
Both will solve the problem in the Glades.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by brandonsthaman on May 29, 2009
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John,
I don't really like the idea of hunting them for sport.. I mean what's sporting about a large sluggish snake? You could walk right up to it and do the coup de grâce from 2 feet away...
Do you think the type of hunting that you're referring to would spread to other snakes? Eastern Diamondbacks maybe? I'm sure some people would rather see their skins on the wall than on the snake...
IDK, I was just thinking about this as more of a scientific thing as opposed to a commercialized blood sport...
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by Cro on May 29, 2009
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Brandon, I agree that there is lots to not like about the whole situation, but, as Joe and others have said, getting rid of the pythons in the long run will probably help prevent Legislation like HR 669 from getting worse, and in the long run, should help herpers.
I really do not care if they do it as a hunt, or as a bounty, both will work. A bounty is probably best, as it will bring money to the local economy. I just suggested hunting as one alternative. The folks in Florida will have to decide what is best for the resources they have available with Game & Fish.
There is also not much sport in shining a alligator at night, and shooting it between the eyes. But, that is the legal way they do it. And folks pay for the right to do that.
I bet a lot of Seminole who live near the Glades will find a bounty system a great way to make a few extra dollars.
One thing Florida could do, to prevent abuse of the program, would be have a lower bounty on smaller, non breeding size snakes, and a larger bounty on larger, breeders. That way, you would cut down on cheats who want to buy snakes just to make a few bucks on a bounty. Arn't legitimate snakes allready pit tagged or micro chipped in Florida anyway ? Or, did that legislation not pass ?
As far as the Eastern Diamondbacks, they are protected in Florida, so, if some nitwhit kills one, write him a citation and charge him a few hundred bucks in fines. That will end that behavior very quickly once the word spreads.
This actually could be used by Florida herpers as a positive message, if they were to put out info that say most snakes are benificial, however, invasive animals are different, and we, as concerned snake keepers are doing our part to help fix the situation, and helping protect native wildlife, etc, etc. Is there a South Florida Herp Society ? Could be a good opportunity for them to take advantage of. Would take leadership and advertising.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by pictigaster1 on May 29, 2009
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On a side note florida panthers are not florida panthers they added dozens of texas mountain lions to the glades to stop inbreeding years ago.
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by EK on June 4, 2009
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I have no problem with people killing burmese pythons, but as already mentioned-most hunters are going to shoot every snake they see. This could devistate native species.
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by Cro on June 4, 2009
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Sloane, are you saying that in Florida you need a permit to keep a Eastern Diamond-backed rattlesnake, BUT it is legal to kill them ? If that is the case, it find it a bit strange. Does that apply to other venomous snakes, also ?
If that really is the case, it could be easily changed and attached to the Bounty Legislation.
As far as the idea that Burmese Python hunters will shoot any snake they see, I do not believe that will happen.
The permitted folks who hunt alligators in Florida do not shoot all the snakes they see while they are hunting alligators. Why would folks who are hunting Burmese pythons shoot other types of snakes ? Especially, if they knew they would pay a fine if they were caught doing that ?
Most folks who buy a Burmese Python hunting permit will probably be Yankee Tourist, who are going to hire a Seminole with a air boat to take them out looking for pythons. The Seminole will not allow them to ruin his business by breaking laws.
Not all southerns are red neck throwback hicks wanting nothing more than to murder animals, although a few of those folks do exist. And Dueling Banjos does not start playing on all radio stations once you cross the Mason / Dixon line.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Python bounty proposed
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by ChuckHurd on June 4, 2009
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I do reptile relocation thru our local herp society. www.TriStateHerp.com I can not even keep count of the calls I have responded to that were rattlesnakes, copperhead, and cottonmouths, only to arrive and find rat snakes, garter snakes, and brown snakes. I don’t know what in the world makes you think people seeking to shoot and kill snakes are going to be enlightened enough to tell a 6 foot burm from a any large native snake. If they are given the green light to shoot and kill Burmese pythons, they will shoot and kill any snake they see.
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