DIY Gator Hunting | Gun Talk Hunt

Published on October 31, 2020
Duration: 31:14

This video details a do-it-yourself alligator hunting experience in South Louisiana. It covers the legal aspects of draw hunts, the use of a Ruger 57 for dispatching gators, and the extensive, labor-intensive process of cleaning, skinning, salting, and preserving gator hides. The narrative highlights the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory and the practicalities of processing a large reptile, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and safety.

Quick Summary

The Ruger 57 pistol, chambered in 5.7x28mm, proved effective for dispatching alligators during a DIY hunt in Louisiana. Despite its compact size, it offered low recoil and sufficient power for one-handed shots, even after the animal was hooked and brought close to the boat.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro and Timney Triggers
  2. 00:05Gun Talk Hunt Intro
  3. 00:10Timney Triggers Sponsorship
  4. 00:40Timney Triggers Closeouts Explained
  5. 01:19Gator Hunting Introduction
  6. 01:45Location: South Louisiana
  7. 02:16Louisiana Gator Hunting Regulations
  8. 02:38First Time Gator Hunting Experience
  9. 03:29Importance of Sportsmanship and Regulations
  10. 04:03Calling the Game Warden
  11. 04:11Firearm for Dispatch Clarification
  12. 04:41Using the Ruger 57
  13. 05:11Custom Cerakote Gator Theme
  14. 07:02Ruger 57 Modifications
  15. 07:38Optic Weight Considerations
  16. 08:14Navigating Unfamiliar Territory
  17. 08:23Scary Town Encounter
  18. 09:05Edge of WMA
  19. 10:15Gator Hunting in a Boat
  20. 10:34Helper License Rules
  21. 11:00One-Handed Shooting Technique
  22. 11:11Obstacle at Boat Ramp
  23. 12:16Navigating Obstacles with Boat
  24. 13:10Lily Pad and Weed Infested Waters
  25. 13:18Gator Sightings
  26. 13:33Extended Season Due to COVID
  27. 13:53Gator Bait Preparation
  28. 14:22Bill's Pork Butt Bait
  29. 15:22Setting Gator Lines
  30. 15:48Fishing with Zero Bites
  31. 16:06Another Boat Appears
  32. 16:42Pulling the Gator Line
  33. 17:51Encountering a Large Alligator
  34. 18:00Ruger 57 Performance on Gator
  35. 18:03Ruger 57 Caliber: 5.7x28mm
  36. 18:22Ruger 57 First Look Video
  37. 18:44Low Recoil of Ruger 57
  38. 19:16First Gator Shot Grazed
  39. 19:34Targeting the Gator's Spine
  40. 20:01Gator's Reaction to Being Shot
  41. 20:27Effectiveness of Ruger 57 for Gator Hunting
  42. 20:51Eating Gator Meat
  43. 21:08The Work After the Hunt
  44. 21:32Cleaning Three Gator Hides
  45. 21:51Sending Hides to Tannery
  46. 21:59Gator Hide Processing Steps
  47. 23:04Pressure Washing Odor and Mess
  48. 23:45Neighbor's Advice on Processing
  49. 24:22Salting the Hides
  50. 25:25Tagging and Inspection Procedures
  51. 25:48The Smelly Hunting Shirt
  52. 26:52Eating Fried Gator Meat
  53. 27:15Recommendation to Try Gator Hunting
  54. 27:32Gator Population and Regulations Debate
  55. 28:42Gator Misconceptions
  56. 29:18Wrestling Small Alligators
  57. 29:37Adventure of DIY Hunts
  58. 29:43Swamp Environment
  59. 30:02Will Hunt Gators Again?
  60. 30:14Work Involved in Processing
  61. 30:25Selling Gator Hides
  62. 30:49Conclusion on Gator Hunting
  63. 31:03Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearm was used for dispatching alligators in the DIY hunt?

The Ruger 57 pistol was used for dispatching alligators. It was customized with a gator-themed Cerakote finish and chambered in 5.7x28mm, noted for its low recoil and effectiveness even when shot one-handed.

What are the regulations for alligator hunting in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, alligator hunting is a draw hunt requiring a resident license. While shooting at swimming alligators is prohibited, firearms can be used for dispatch once the animal is close to the boat.

How difficult is it to process an alligator after hunting?

Processing an alligator is extremely labor-intensive. It involves pressure washing meat off the hide, skinning, extensive salting, scraping, and re-salting, which can take many hours and result in a strong, lingering odor.

What does alligator meat taste like and how is it prepared?

Alligator meat is often compared to pork and is a common dish in the Southeast. It can be prepared in various ways, with frying being a popular method, often served with a horseradish or mustard dipping sauce.

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