Sunday August 16, 2009, 12:50 am
BELLE GLADE - "Gator meat tastes like chicken," and "Going to get a few of them right now" are some of the jeers tossed at a handful of alligator-hunt protesters holding signs that read: "If you respect them, protect them" and "Ban gator hunt."

Saturday was opening day of the annual Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's alligator harvest. More than 100 hunters gathered at the Belle Glade Marina with their airboats listening to live country music and enjoying food and friends before the sunset. That's when the hunt is on.

All the hunters passed by the seven Animal Rights Foundation of Florida protesters who stood with signs at the road to the marina, about a quarter mile away.

The protest might not change anyone's mind, demonstrators said, but at least it let them know not everyone supports the hunt.

"It's bloody, it's brutal and it's barbaric and it's not necessary," said Don Anthony, animal rights foundation's spokesman. "It's about placating a handful of people who are hunters."

Protesters called the hunt, which runs through Nov. 1, a fundraiser for the FWC by selling hunting permits. The FWC said the hunt is a way to help control a robust population of gators who have no predator.

State officials estimate there are more than 1 million gators in Florida and the annual hunt kills about 7,000.

Protesters are skeptical and say there are more than that killed.

Thousands of permits have been issued in the state, 1,459 for Lake Okeechobee alone, one of the more popular destinations to hunt. The permits cost $272 each and allow two gators per season. Hunting takes place from one hour after sunset to one hour after sunrise.

The animal rights demonstrators' major concern is what they call the inhumane killing of the prehistoric creatures.

"Without having the spinal cord severed and the brain destroyed, alligators can become paralyzed, but remain conscious and alive for hours," Anthony said.

FWC officials say all hunters are trained to sever the spinal cord.

After what can be a 400-pound, 10-foot, alligator is harpooned and brought to the boat, hunters use a firearm called a bangstick to shoot it in the head, said Tony Young, FWC's hunting expert. Then the snout is taped, the gator pulled into the boat and the neck sliced until the spinal cord is severed.

"Believe it or not, hunters are concerned with humanely killing their game," Young said. "There is a healthy alligator population in Florida and one that can sustain a hunt."

In the hunters' camp, long bearded men in camouflage sat around with women and children beside a fleet of airboats and alligator merchandise.

One of the boats had a confederate flag on its tail with the words "Killing Time" around it.

Brad Jachna, 54, came down from the Gainesville area to the marina to hunt in the waters he knows are well stocked with gators.

At night the hunters wear a light around their head, similar to what a miner wears, and it illuminates the alligator's eyes in red. Some nights the lake is so full of red it looks like taillights on the interstate, Jachna said.

Please visit site to read the rest:

Sunday August 16, 2009, 1:51 am
Thank you Raffi.

Sunday August 16, 2009, 7:52 pm
They need to find a new hobby.Totally outragous.Taking their children should be considered child abuse.

Monday August 17, 2009, 12:49 am
Right on Mary Ann - but what does it say about the ethics of the so-called onservationists? It sucks - big time. They don't need the crocodile meat - they can always live of plants. This is a hunt for the sake of boosting neanderthal instincts - wonder what the average IQ of the hunters/family members/authorities are? Bravo to the protesters.

Monday August 17, 2009, 3:29 am
WHEN WILL THESE "HUMAN-BEASTS" FINALLY LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE????

Monday August 17, 2009, 3:39 am
Florida home to beastiality, horse butchers cat mutilators, aligator hunters, and Disneyland Wow!

Monday August 17, 2009, 7:02 pm
i wonder if redneck tastes like chicken.

Friday August 21, 2009, 9:56 pm
What gets me is these slovenly morons are allowed to breed.

Friday August 21, 2009, 9:59 pm
This is a hunt for the sake of boosting neanderthal instincts - wonder what the average IQ of the hunters/family members/authorities are? Bravo to the protesters.

IQ? IQ you say, Eureka...well, there ain't near a brain cell 'tween 'em all...and yes, it is amazing they are allowed to breed. Frightening, isn't it!

Thanks everyone....

Monday September 7, 2009, 1:39 pm
Flagged for language and insult. Thanks everyone for your comments.