Glen Grizzaffe

Alligator hunting in Florida is an ever-growing sport. FWC offers public water permits that must be applied for in May and June. These permits cost $272 and will allow tags for two gators. Once the permits have been purchased, it's time to start thinking about gear. You can research gear on the web or call our friends at The Archery Shop in Tampa.Bow. Crossbow hunting for alligators is also permitted and very exciting.

Cole Grizzaffe (only 3 years old) battled his first gator, about 9 feet long, in the 2010 season. He hunted with his mom, dad and Chris Rivers via airboat on lake Okeechobee. After several hours of riding looking for a really big one (over 12 feet) for Mom, Heather, we decided to break up the monotony. Chris threw his harpoon with a thud and out went the float. We chased the float as it raced into open water and then retrieved it. Cole was hoisting with all his little might as he pulled the gator boat side. Heather helped Cole catch the toothy critter and tape its mouth shut. They then continued by pulling his head in and cutting the spinal cord behind the scull. Once in the boat, Cole couldn't believe how big that the gator was. Glen and Heather could not have been happier to share that experience with him.

Mark Ross went with Glen Grizzaffe on his archery alligator hunt in 2010. They launched at Camp Holly on lake Hell N Blazes and took off in Glen's new airboat looking for 10 foot and larger gators. It did not take long to start seeing their red eyes glowing in the dark. After a few missed attempts, Mark got it dialed in on his first gator that was over 10 ft. long. Standing on the platform, he made a perfect shot and the race was on. With one under his belt, the next two came more easily. Mark had his gators processed for meat and heads sent to taxidermist.

To get some of the really BIG BOYS, it sometimes takes more than a couple of trips, as Bill George found out in the 2010 season. He hunted many nights and also spent countless hours in Glen's airboat to produce the to mammoth gators he finally landed. One of these was right at 12 feet and the other was a monster over 13! If you are lucky enough to get a big gator, don’t let it go to waste. They are good to eat and they also make good trophies. The skins can also be tanned for a variety of interesting uses. There are processors who will buy or clean the gator for you, for a price. To find the processor closest to you, check on the FWC web site.

Glen Grizzaffe of the Archery Shop at 14520 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa can be reached at (813)963-2222 or through the web page www.tampaarcheryshop.com.