TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT (Florida) 18 February 07 Florida wants your help nabbing gators - Veteran trapper's retiring; state's hiring (Jeff Burlew)
Wanted: Alligator trapper.
Must have experience trapping the pugnacious and sometimes dangerous reptiles. Must own or be willing to buy the necessary equipment, including a boat, snares and harpoons. Good customer-service skills preferred.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking an alligator trapper to work in Leon, Gadsden, Jackson and Jefferson counties. Applicants must live in one of those counties so they can respond when alligators prowl into places they shouldn't be.
"Sometimes we do have emergency calls or calls where (trappers) have to get there as quickly as possible," said Blair Hayman, assistant coordinator of the Florida nuisance-alligator program.
Since 1978, Tony Hunter of Gadsden County has been trapping gators in the area. His son, Michael Hunter, has been helping him since he was a boy. However, Tony Hunter, 53, is fighting cancer and is resigning from the job. His son hopes to take over. The state is accepting applications from anyone qualified.
Tony Hunter said he appreciates all the community support he's received since being diagnosed last year.
"I've certainly known a lot of people through (trapping)," he said. "It's been a heck of a great ride."
Alligator trappers make money through the sale of alligator hides and meat and other products. The Fish and Wildlife Commission also pays trappers about $30 a gator until that fund is depleted. Most gator trappers have other sources of income.
The state has 28 alligator trappers who handle more than 18,000 nuisance calls a year. Most of the calls are in Central and South Florida. But Northern Florida sees its share. Last year, Leon County had 223 complaints of nuisance gators.
Florida wants your help nabbing gators