362 ALLIGATORS KILLED IN SC DURING 2008 HUNTING SEASON

I can’t say I’ve ever been gator hunting or that I even know anyone who has been gator hunting. But apparently someone in South Carolina is out killing the giant reptiles, because reports are that nearly 400 of them were “taken” in 2008. Yes, “taken” is a polite way of saying they met their maker.

Numbers from the Department of Natural Resources show 362 alligators were taken in 13 counties. Initial figures shortly after the season ended last fall indicated about 190 gators were taken.

About 1,000 hunters received permits for last year’s gator hunt. Wildlife officials had expected between 20 and 30 percent of them to snare a gator.

Most of the alligators were taken along the middle and south coasts, but the biggest alligators were found in the Midlands where 45 gators of at least 10 feet were taken in the hunt. [AP]

I can’t imagine gator hunting is a very difficult thing. Every time I see them on television or in pictures, they’re just laying around. So basically, as long as you pack a light lunch and a pellet gun, you’re going to kill a few of them every time you go out.