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Can you hunt alligators in Florida with a rifle?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 15, 2026

Private land hunts are one of Florida's most unique experiences. Alligator laws allow hunts with weapons such as rifles, crossbows, harpoons, or archery. No matter which weapon you choose, Florida alligator hunting will always be an exciting and challenging adventure.

What caliber rifle Do alligator hunters use?

Rifles in calibers 243, 270, 30-06 are a great choice and handguns in calibers 357, . 44 and . 45 are best. We provide all licenses and permits for these hunts as well as handle all of the paperwork associated with the alligator harvest.

Why do alligator hunters use a 22?

Most use . 22 rimfires because the sound does not carry so far in the dark.

What are the rules for hunting alligators in Florida?

Alligators may be taken only by the use of artificial lures or baited, wooden pegs less than two (2) inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spearguns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line.

What size gun do they shoot alligators with?

But according to Troy, the . 22 Mag. is the best gator "headache medicine" a swamper can get. "It's the perfect gun," he said.

31 related questions found

How much money can an alligator hunter make?

How much a hunter makes can vary greatly. However, some hunters report that they can earn up to $40 per foot of the alligator.

How much does an alligator tag cost?

Tags are property specific and must be used on the property indicated on the hunter's license. Alligator hunters must also have their license in possession to possess or sell wild alligators, their skins, or parts. Resident Alligator Hunter Licenses cost $25.

How much does a gator tag cost in Florida?

The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags cost $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for nonresidents. The cost for applicants who already have an alligator trapping license is $62.

How much is a gator worth?

Reportedly, Louisiana alligator hunters used to make between $20 – $40 per foot of unprocessed alligator. However, in 2017 and 2018 there was increased competition coming from overseas and this caused gator sales to drop to an all-time low.

How many alligator tags can you get in Florida?

Each applicant may make up to 12 choices on an application in Phase I and II, up to five choices on an application in the Phase III, and one choice per application in Phase IV Leftovers.

What rifle does Troy Landry use?

That's why the Landry family chooses Savage rifles. All three rifles—the Rascal, Mark II and Model 93—feature a rugged synthetic stock dipped in distinctive gator camouflage, as well as Troy Landry's signature and “Choot 'Em” logo.

What gun do you use to hunt alligators in rdr2?

We recommend using a Rifle or a Sniper to hunt this animal. You can craft a Alligator Tooth Talisman at the Fence Shop using it's materials and cook the Big Game meal from hunting it, .

When can you hunt alligators in Florida?

Florida is the alligator hunting capital of the world!

The alligator hunting season runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1 each year. Over 7,000 alligator harvest permits are available this season.

What rifle does Jacob Landry?

Jacob and Troy Landry were on hand to sign autographs for employees at CCI/Speer in Lewiston after touring the plant. The . 22 rifle looked as natural in Jacob Landry's hands in the Diamondback Shooting Range Tuesday in Lewiston as it does on TV when he kills alligators. "Choot 'em, Jacob.

Where do you punch an alligator?

Punch its head

"Don't panic and punch at the animal's head; it's a very vulnerable spot for the alligator," Wasilewski said. "They are looking for easy prey, so they'll usually let go. Make as much noise as possible."

How many tags do alligator hunters get?

3 They Need At Least 50 Tags To Be On The Show

Swamp People devotes most of its screen time to hauling in big alligators, so it makes sense that they would want to focus on well-established hunters. Filming a rookie reeling in half a dozen baby alligators probably does not make for thrilling TV.

How much do alligator hunters make 2021?

It's reported that some get paid up to $40 per foot of the reptile unprocessed. People hunting alligators for sport in Louisiana need to have a license issued from the government. According to Louisiana's state website, a license costs $25 for state residents and $150 for non-residents.

How old is pickle on Swamp People?

The 31-year-old has been on the show since Season 3, and he's been known to get a lot of viewer attention. He was previously married to Chelsea Kinney, and the two share a child named Riley together. It's unclear when exactly the two split up. On her Instagram feed, Pickle showcases how outdoorsy she is.

Can you shoot alligators in Florida?

Alligators are protected under Florida law and FWC is taking those rules seriously. “You do need a permit in order to take alligators,” Tyson Matthews with FWC said. That means you're not allowed to shoot and kill alligators unless you're defending yourself.

How much does Troy Landry make per episode?

Troy and Jacob Landry

Needless to say, they are paid handsomely. According to Business Insider, they each earn $25,000 per episode.

How do alligator hunters get their hooks back?

The bait should be set closer to the water to catch smaller alligators. To increase success, baited hooks should be set in the evening and left overnight during the primary feeding time of alligators. Once swallowed, the hook lodges in the alligator's stomach and the alligator is retrieved with the attached rope.

What is Willie on Swamp People's net worth?

Junior And Willie Edwards net worth: Junior And Willie Edwards are American reality television personalities and commercial fishermen who have a net worth of $500 thousand.

What does Troy Landry own?

Troy has his own alligator hunting and crawfish business. However, he also has some other companies – including a seafood restaurant, gas station, and a convenience store in Pierre Part, Louisiana! He is a father-of-three to Chase, Jacob and Brandon Landry.