YOU CAN APPLY TO HUNT PYTHONS

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YOU CAN APPLY TO HUNT PYTHONS WITH SHOTGUNS IN FLORIDA



by Brad Smith

Actually, don't think of this as a hunt. It's more of an eradication to help the Everglades.
Pythons have become a pretty big problem down in the Everglades. Since they've taken such a strong hold in the swamp, populations of small mammals have almost collapsed. On top of that, these pythons also feed on alligators, deer and birds, all of which are native to the swamps. Now, Florida is set to take applications for specially trained people to hunt pythons with shotguns to help swing the tide.

"We've gotten to the point where we've realized that this is a significant problem that requires us to be open-minded and flexible in the way that we approach it," Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades National Park, said in an interview.

There are currently 40 paid snake hunters who hunt pythons in the Everglades. Remarkably, they earn anywhere from $8.25-$15 an hour, plus an additional $50 for each python. They also get $25 for every foot of length beyond four feet, as well as a $200 bonus for each nest. This new shotgun initiative will bump the number of hunters to 120.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, Florida will soon be taking applications. To be eligible, you must have snake-catching experience and pass a training class.

[glenn57]

snakeskin boots...…...

[Rebel SS]

Snakeskin Cowboy......

[LPS]

That sounds like a blast to me.  Get an air boat and go shoot some snakes that shouldn't be there in the first place.  They should have been doing that 20 years ago instead of after it is too late as most government agency's do. 

[Rebel SS]

Ya, they swallow yappy smurfs in one gulp!   

[Steve-o]

What a mess.  Once they got breeding in there, you ain't never goona get 'em out.   

They're goona bump the number of hunters UP to 120.   

Seems like next to nothing for a 7,800 square mile swamp.   

Good luck.

Oh, yeah, and count me out.  These images from my childhood made a lasting impact.  I'll be waiting in the jeep.

[Rebel SS]

Hope you have mutual of Omaha.