Guided Alligator Hunts in Southwest Florida

What To Expect on a Guided Gator Hunt

We start the hunt by locating alligators. Once we've spotted some, we judge the size of each one until we find what our client is looking for. Now comes the fun part! We snag the alligator with a fishing pole and a large treble hook, then bring it in to be taken with your choice of weapon. You are shooting at a four-inch target, so a steady hand and sometimes more than one shot are needed to bring down these tough dinosaurs. You are welcome to bring your own weapon or use one of ours. 

This is a hunt that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!

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Private Land vs. Public Land Alligator Hunting

Hunting Pressure

Hunting alligators on private land comes with far less hunting pressure than on public land. This means the gators here have the chance to grow larger than those on public land. With any public land hunting, you are competing against thousands of other hunters, which not only makes the hunting harder, but it also means you are far less likely to hunt a big alligator. 

Allowed Weapons

On private land in Florida, you can use any weapon to hunt gators! Public land limits you to only using bang sticks, but if you hunt with us on our private gator grounds, you get to choose. Hunters can use a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol/handgun, bow, crossbow, or even primitive weapons like a spear to hunt alligators on private land. For safety reasons, Florida limits this option to daylight hours (bang sticks must be used at night), but most of our success takes place during daylight hours, due to the lack of pressure on our hunting grounds.

Tag Accessibility

If you choose to hunt alligators on public land without a guide, you also have to apply for a lottery tag, whereas private land hunts allow you to hunt whenever you want using our allotted gator tags.

Trophy Expectations

Most hunting outfitters in Florida only hunt public land or small pieces of private land, and many of them don't give you much of an option on the size of gator you hunt. With Southern Outdoor Outfitters, you will be hunting pristine, minimally pressured private land and have the option to shoot as big of a gator as you want! We are one of the only Florida hunting outfitters to offer this kind of hunting. 

Summary: Which is better for alligator hunting? Public land or private land?

With far less hunting pressure and fewer stipulations, it's hard for public land to hold a candle to private land. If you're looking for an unrestricted hunt for monster alligators with guaranteed success, a private land gator hunt is for you!