What's the best place to shoot an alligator?

Aim for the center of the spine directly behind the skull plate, where the back of the alligator's head almost meets its neck.  Takedown request View complete answer on myfwc.com

Can a 9mm kill a gator?

You can kill an alligator with a single well placed shot to the brain using a comparatively small . 22 there's no need to go crazy with a whole magazine of 9mm or 5.56. But yes, a dozen 9mm bullets would kill a medium sized alligator.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

What kind of gun will kill an alligator?

A guy that owned the resort and a friend would illegally go out at night with Ruger Mark II with a can on it and shoot and kill good sized alligators with it. So definitely either 9mm or 10mm will work with the right shot placement.  Takedown request View complete answer on reddit.com

What is the best time of day to hunt alligators?

Morning hunts are recommended in the summer as it tends to get warmer later in the day. Afternoon hunts are recommended during the winter months when it's colder in the morning.  Takedown request View complete answer on ronsguideservice.com

Where do hunters shoot alligators?

To kill an alligator with a . 380, you simply shoot it just behind the rectangular hard plate on top of the head. A bullet from just about anything placed here—in an area about the size of a golf ball—ends all of the excitement immediately.  Takedown request View complete answer on gundigest.com

Gator Shot Placement. Is hunting alligators on you Bucket List? Well let's take a closer look.

Can a .22 kill a gator?

Alligators are hunted with 22s but only because those who are hunted that way have been trapped by a hook inside their mouth and basically can't escape. They have a small area behind the skull that isn't armored and the brain is located underneath. A 22 long rifle can kill an alligator.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

What size bullet do I need to kill an alligator?

223 for large ones. I have hunted gators for 35 years and I am a nuisance alligator hunter In Louisiana. The best caliber to choot 'em with is . 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR).  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

What caliber gun do swamp people use?

The caliber most commonly used, . 22Win Magnum, is a fairly small caliber projectile, which necessitates precise shot placement. If I was using a handgun, I'd probably select a . 357 magnum with a six inch or greater barrel.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

Can I kill a gator on my property?

It's a third-degree felony under Florida law to kill or injure an alligator. It's also a felony to capture and keep an alligator or its eggs unless you have a special alligator trapping or farming license from the state.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

What is the best defense against an alligator?

If you are attacked or bitten, fight back. "If an alligator bites you, the best thing to do is fight back," the FWC says, "providing as much noise and resistance as possible. Hitting or kicking the alligator or poking it in its eyes may cause it to release its grip.  Takedown request View complete answer on tcpalm.com

Is alligator skin bulletproof?

Alligators are not bulletproof. While their tough, scaly skin provides some protection, it is not impenetrable. Alligators can be injured or killed by bullets, just like any other animal.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

What kills alligators the most?

Juveniles: Small alligators are eaten by a variety of predators including raccoons, otters, wading birds, and fish; however, larger alligators may be their most significant predator. Adults: Cannibalism, intraspecific fighting, and hunting by humans are probably the most significant mortality factors.  Takedown request View complete answer on myfwc.com

What is the best bait for alligators?

The most commonly used baits are chicken quarters or beef melt.  Takedown request View complete answer on netsandmore.com

Why do alligator hunters use a 22?

22LR doesn't do much damage to the gator, which preserves it's value of skin and meat, they also tend to shoot it at very close range, obviating the need for a long-range rifle. Remember that one of the hunters used what appeared to be a Ruger Blackhawk for those close range shots.  Takedown request View complete answer on calguns.net

What is the best weapon to kill an alligator?

What is the best weapon to hunt alligators with? Crossbow: The best thing about the crossbow is that it's powerful and accurate, with a range of up to 50 yards. This weapon choice is great for Florida alligator hunting at night but make sure you have strong enough arrows!  Takedown request View complete answer on vintageisthenewold.com

Will one shot kill an alligator?

Many people who are trying to deal with an alligator will look to shoot the alligator, but this is a solution that is really only suitable for a good marksman. Although the alligator may make for a large target, it can move very quickly, and it is important to have a well placed shot to kill the alligator in one shot.  Takedown request View complete answer on wildlifeanimalcontrol.com

Will a 12 gauge slug kill an alligator?

Properly aimed, a 12 gauge slug will stop pretty much any animal on the planet. Shot placement is the important factor. Regardless of your choice of weapon, the most effective shot will be into the heart/lung area. A frontal shot square in the sternum is deadly, but requires extraordinary precision.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com

How illegal is it to kill an alligator?

With the appropriate licenses and tags, the American alligator can legally be hunted in the Southeastern United States. The states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas all distribute alligator hunting licenses.  Takedown request View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org

Can a knife kill a gator?

With the top of the alligator's head facing up, use a sharp knife to sever the spinal cord by cutting across the body between the back of the head and first vertebra. To ensure the alligator is dead, insert a metal shaft into the brain cavity to pith and destroy the brain.  Takedown request View complete answer on myfwc.com

Where in the head do you shoot an alligator?

An alligator has one vulnerable spot for a shot, at the back of the head where the spinal cord can be hit behind the thick skull. After shooting the gator with a . 410 shotgun, Cory Moore used a Bowie knife to ensure the spinal cord had been severed.  Takedown request View complete answer on ms-sportsman.com

What do they do with killed alligators?

To make matters worse alligators are tormented and killed for amusement and profit. The alligator is the only animal in Florida that hunters kill in expectation of a financial reward. The skin and flesh of dead alligator's is commonly sold to processors who wait at the docks for hunter's boats to return.  Takedown request View complete answer on arff.org

What if you shoot an alligator?

Alligators and crocodiles are pretty resilient. They have a small brain and the location to hit them in the body is fairly small. But the often are not moving fast, which means with careful aim it is possible to kill one with a single shot.  Takedown request View complete answer on quora.com