Florida Alligator Hunt
Includes Guide, Weapons, Skinning, and One Alligator—Guaranteed!
Overview
Our Florida alligator hunting experience includes a private guide, loaner weapons, skinning, and we guarantee you’ll get an alligator in the size-range your reserve. We hunt on a private reservoir in Venus, which is a small town located in Central Florida. Daytime and nighttime alligator hunts are available seven days a week, year-round, and are perfect for guests who have limited time and are just looking for a few hours to kill—literally! A non-resident or resident Florida Alligator Farming Agent License is required to hunt. The license is issued instantly, visit our licenses page for more details. We welcome all experience levels starting with hunters as young as six.
There is so much to learn about alligator hunting, especially for first-time hunters! We recommend you read this entire page for the most detailed information. You can also use the “page shortcuts” to find what you’re looking for faster! If you need help or have questions don’t hesitate to contact us.
See ya soon!
We have three different alligator size-ranges to choose from. Our 4 to 6 alligator hunt is $800. Our 6 to 9 foot alligator hunt is $1,500. Our 9 to 12 foot alligator hunt is $2,500.
All of our hunting times have been proven successful. 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.
Daytime alligator hunts are a lot more exciting! There is nothing like seeing a wild alligator thrashing in the Florida sun! Nighttime alligator hunting is for experienced hunters only. Hunting alligators at night can be fun, but you can’t see much in the dark.
You will have as many hours needed to complete your hunt. Your hunt is over once each hunter in your party has killed an alligator. How long your hunt will last depends on many different factors such as alligator size, weapons, hunting style, and how many hunters are in your party. On average, you can complete your hunt within two to four hours. Some hunters combine wild boar hunting, fishing, or another of our exciting experiences with their alligator hunt.
No, not at this time. Public land hunts have a lot of restrictions when it comes to where and how you can hunt. Since the properties have not been pre-scouted there is no way for your guide to know where you’ll have the best success—that’s a lot of pressure on him!
Tags are only for public land hunts. If you participate in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s lottery system for public land hunts, the cost of the tag with licenses can add up to over $1,000.00—not including boat rentals or guides!
A $52.00 alligator farming agent license is all it takes to hunt with us—no matter where in the world you’re from! The license is issued instantly! Visit our licenses page for more details.
Yes—and naked too! Our alligators vary from native residents to derelict dog killers and baby eaters brought to us for being a nuisance.
Each hunter is guaranteed one alligator in the size-range they reserved.
Many times a hunter will shoot at an alligator and believe they missed, however, most likely they wounded the alligator, and days later it will float up dead. Snagging not only ensures your success by preventing the alligator from swimming off, but it also is a humane way to hunt.
Growth rates may vary from 2″ up to 12″ per year, depending on the type of habitat in which the alligator is living and the sex, size, and age of the alligator. Growth rates slow down as alligators become older. Male alligators will grow faster and larger than females. Males can grow to approximately 13’+ in length and attain 500+ pounds. Females can grow to approximately 9′ in length and 200+ pounds.
The Florida state record for length is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County. The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10-1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County.
A rifle or bang stick is by far the preferred weapons for alligator hunting. .243 and 30-30 rifles are popular choices. For bangsticks we recommend a 357 magnum for smaller alligators and a 44 magnum for the larger ones.
Experience Walk Through
What's Included
Private Guide
Get hands-on attention from your very own personal guide.
No! Your hunt is completely private. It will just be you, your guide, and anyone else you bring with you.
Yes! Even if you are by yourself, it will still be private.
No! We specialize in large parties so bring your whole crew!
Most of our guides are Florida natives. They’ve been hunting since they were babies and love the outdoors.
Of course—just ask him! However, your guide’s primary responsibility is to keep you safe while you go in for the kill. If you want pictures or videos of you in action, you might want to ask someone else in your party to capture those intense moments so your guide can focus on your safety.
Loaner Weapons
Choose from a variety of loaner weapons such as firearms, knives, and spears.
Yes. Visit out our transporting weapons page for details.
Yes! You will be able to sight in weapons at the hunting grounds.
For logical and safety reasons, not everyone will be shooting at the same time. You can share weapons with your party members.
No. Weapons are kept on-site. Choose when you arrive.
No. You may purchase ammunition when you arrive at the hunting ground.
Loaner weapons are FREE to use. They are included. Really!
Check out our loaner weapons page.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring your weapon. If it doesn’t work out, we have plenty of loaner weapons to use.
Vehicle or Vessel
Kick up mud in a pickup truck or glide along narrow canals on a boat. The type of vehicle or vessel we will use during your hunt is at the discretion of your guide. However, if there is a particular vehicle or vessel you would like to use, we will try to accommodate your request.
Skinning
Receive basic skinning of your alligator from Florida Trophy Gators Inc.
Your guide will transport your alligator to Florida Trophy Gators Inc. after your hunt.
Your head, hide, and meat is typically ready for pick up the following day after your hunt.
Alligators are cold-blooded and require several hours of cooling time before skinning. Typically your alligator is ready for pick up from Trophy Gators Inc. the next day.
One Alligator—Guaranteed!
Our price includes the harvest of one alligator in the size-range you reserve.
Weapon Choices
Rifle
Rifles are the most recommended firearm when it comes to hunting alligator. An alligator’s skin is like bullet-proof armor. A fatal bullet must enter behind the brain. You must roughly aim in the same direction that the gator’s nose is pointing and shoot at an angle from behind and above the alligator with a rifle.
To Scope or Not to Scope
Scoped rifles help with shooting accuracy. A more accurate shot means a faster and cleaner kill.
Average Shot Distance
50-75 yards
Popular Calibers
.243, .270, .30-30, .30-06
Bangstick
A bangstick is a long pole with a pin that activates a bullet on one end. To use a bangstick, grip the aluminum pole nice and tight, then load the bangstick with ammo. Once the gator is close enough, with its head at least 8 inches underwater, press the end of the bangstick directly onthe “quarter-sized kill spot” on the back of the alligator’s head. Once pressed, it will activate the bullet and kill the alligator. Hunting with a bangstick is the most humane and accurate way to kill an alligator.
Popular Calibers
.44
Handgun
Hunting gators with a handgun requires incredible accuracy. A hunter needs to shoot behind the skull to severe the spine from the base of the skull. It may paralyzes the gator if the shot is too far back in the quarter-sized kill zone. Just about any caliber handgun can take down an alligator, it’s shot placement is really what matters.
Average Shot Distance
10-15 yards
Popular Calibers
.9mm, .22, .357
Muzzleloader
Grandpa wasn’t kidding when he wanted to use a muzzleloading gun for alligator hunting! Using a muzzleloader requires pinpoint accuracy for a successful hunt. Once the smoke clears, you’ll either have a dead alligator, or very angry one!
Average Shot Distance
10-15 yards
Popular Calibers
.50
Longbow
Hunting with a longbow is very effective. you only need enough penetration to get the point thru the alligator’s hide. We recommend bows with a 60 lb. draw weight.
Average Shot Distance
10-15 yards
Compound Bow
A “gator bow” only needs enough power to get the point under the hide of the animal, so most any compound bow in the 30 to 70-pound range can work great.
Average Shot Distance
5-10 yards
Crossbow
Using a crossbow is similar to most other bow hunting methods. Once the alligator is snared, you’ll shoot the alligator with a fishing arrow. Now the alligator is on both the rod and the float line from the crossbow. At this point, many hunters will use a bangstick or other weapon incase the arrow did not finish the alligator off.
Average Shot Distance
5-10 yards
Knife
Using a knife is the most brutal way to kill an alligator. Once your alligator is snagged and close enough to the vehicle or vessel, drive a stout blade between the skull and backbone to sever the spinal cord. For a more savage kill, your guide will hold the alligator’s mouth closed, allowing you to slit its throat.
Not for Beginners
Hunting alligator with a knife is best for hunters who are strong, fast, and in good health with a thirst for blood. We do not recommend this experience for squeamish hunters and guests.
Spear
Connect with your tribal roots on a fully guided spear hunt. Aim for the small area known as the “quarter-sized kill spot” on the back of the alligator’s head. You must drive the spear between the skull and backbone, severing the spinal cord.
Not for Beginners
Experienced hunters with a keen eye are welcome to use a spear on a fully guided alligator hunt.
Location
Hunt alligators on over 70-acres of private reservoir consisting of ponds, canals, and marsh which are prime alligator habitat. Guides pre-scout and monitor the property for alligator activity daily to stay knowledgeable on the best spots.
RGS Venus
In Venus, Florida, the only sounds are the wind rustling through the pines and the singing of birds. Our Venus hunting property is roughly 4,000 acres. Our Venus hunting ground features tall trees, small canals, and alligators. RGS Venus also offers resort-style lodging at Cousin Lee’s Family Ranch.
- What's Nearby:
- Fort Myers: 60 mi,
- Naples: 100 mi,
- Sarasota: 100 mi,
- Tampa: 125 mi,
- West Palm Beach: 110 mi
Address:
1012 New Boot Heel Rd,
Venus, FL 33960
Get Directions
Remember...It's a Size-Range
Cousin Lisa here! I want to take a moment to talk to you about…size.
They all can't be big ones...
Expect the smallest size alligator in your size-range, and you will not be disappointed if you get something bigger! For example, choose the 6 to 9 foot size range if you will be happy with a 6-foot alligator.
It's hard to judge how big it is when you only see the head...
We can’t guarantee an exact size alligator as so little of the animal is showing above water. Your guide will look at the distance from the eyes to the tip of the snout to estimate length. Typically, the longer that distance is, the bigger the alligator will be.
Sorry size queens...
If you have your heart set on an exact size alligator, unfortunately, we are not the right guide service for you. Look for outfitters that price alligators by an exact size instead of a size-range.
Why Book with RGS?
Guaranteed Success
Set yourself up for success with our skilled guides, and private property swarming with alligators. We guarantee you will see alligators!
Quality Assurance
Feel safe! We work only with properties and guides that are friendly, reputable, and meet our quality standards. We pre-vet them all to make sure you always have an exceptional experience.
No Hidden Fees
Our transparent pricing lets you know what’s included in your experience—and what isn’t. When it comes to the outdoors there are enough surprises creeping up on you—hidden fees shouldn’t be one of them!
Know Before You Go
We’re looking forward to your visit at Ron’s Guide Service. Please read through this important and helpful information about your experience, including arrival times, what to bring, and more.
Requirements
- Every hunter must have an Alligator Farming Agent License. Visit our licenses page for more details.
- Hunters must be at least six years old.
- Non-hunters must be at least three years old.
- Guests under age 16 years must be accompanied by a person age 18 years or older.
- Helpful services and access options are available for guests with mobility disabilities.
- Guests should be in good health. Some experiences may not be appropriate for guests with health conditions.
Booking Your Experience
- Every guest must be reserved prior to arrival.
- Use our easy online booking system or call us at 863-866-7667 to submit your reservation deposit.
- We accept all major credit cards for reservation deposits.
- Reservations are not confirmed until a reservation deposit has been paid.
- If time allows, We are happy to accept last minute reservations. Please call us for reservations less than 24 hours in advance.
- You will receive a booking confirmation email with important details about your experience once your reservation deposit is made.
Choosing a Date
- We offer daytime and nighttime* alligator hunting seven days a week, year-round.
- Many of our experiences sell out during winter holidays and spring break.
- *nighttime availability is based on weather and activity.
Arrival Times
- Daytime Alligator Hunt: 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM
- Nighttime Alligator Hunt: 8 PM – Only available for 4 to 6 foot or 6 to 9 foot ranges.
Experience Length
- Due to the nature of hunting we can’t precisely know how long your experience will last.
- Our alligator hunts typically last 2 to 4 hours.
- Your hunt is over once every hunter in your party has had the opportunity to hunt an alligator.
What's Included
- Private guide.
- Skinning.
- Loaner weapons.
- Vehicle or vessel.
What's NOT Included
- Alligator Farming Agent License. Visit our licenses page for more details.
- Gratuities. If you would like to tip your guide most tips range from 10% to 20% of the price of the service provided.
- Ammunition. Ammunition is available for purchase at the hunting meeting location.
- Professional meat processing. For example, vacuum sealing, sausages, etc.
- Shipping services.
- Taxidermy.
What to Bring
- Alligator Farming Agent License.
- Your balance due in cash.
- A 40-qt. cooler or larger.
- Ice (two standard size bags).
- Drinking water.
- Bug repellant.
- Weapons (if you are not borrowing any of ours).
- Ammunition (if you are not purchasing from us).
What to Wear
- Pants such as jeans.
- Comfortable shirt.
- Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or boots.
- Camouflage is welcome, but not necessary.
The Day of Your Experience
- Each hunting location is different so it is important to follow any special directions provided in your booking confirmation email.
- All guests are required to sign a standard hunting waiver upon arrival.
- Hunt occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
- Please leave rude behavior at home. If any of our staff feels you are being disruptive or disrespectful you will be asked to leave.
- No alcohol of any kind is allowed to be consumed on or prior to your hunt. If you are unable to come sober, please don’t come.
Sighting In
- Hunters will be able to sight in weapons at the hunting meeting location.
After Your Experience
- Your guide will transport your alligator to Trophy Gators inc. shortly after your hunt.
- Florida Trophy Gators inc. will perform basic skinning of your alligator.
- Alligators are cold blooded and require several hours of cooling time before skinning. Your head, hide, and meat are typically ready for pickup the following day.
- If you’re in a hurry, Florida Trophy Gators inc. has a variety of trade in programs for alligator meat and hides. Contact them directly for details.
- Florida Trophy Gators inc. provides free taxidermy preparation for hunters using their taxidermy service. If you use a taxidermist other than Florida Trophy Gators inc. they still provide taxidermy preparation for an additional cost.
- Ice is only available at our Lakeport and Lorida locations.
- We recommend a 40-60 qt cooler when it comes to transporting your meat and at least two bags of ice.
- Never put meat in plastic bags or leave it in a hot car.
- If you would like your alligator meat packaged pretty like what you would find in a grocery store visit our butchers page for an extensive list of butchers who offer professional alligator meat processing.
- Meat not taken will be donated to local food programs.
Guarantee Policy
- We guarantee each hunter will see and have the opportunity to hunt an alligator in the size range they reserved.
- Our per hunter rate includes the harvest of one alligator.
- Our Guarantee policy does not apply to poor shots. Your guide will make every attempt to retrieve an animal that was shot at and wounded.
Cancellation Policy
- If you wish to change or cancel your booking, you must notify us by calling 863-866-7667 at least 24 hours prior to your experience.
- Reservation deposits are non-refundable. If you need to cancel your experience your reservation deposit will be treated as a credit on your account and will expire one year from the cancellation date. Please read our terms and conditions for more details.
- Credit can only be applied to reservation deposits and not a balance due.
- If one or more, but not all, of the members of your booking group cancel, no allowance or refund will be made for any part of your booking not used or taken. The reservation deposit from the canceled member of your booking group cannot be used as credit towards the balance due. The spot can be filled by another person or remain as credit on the lead name’s account and expires one year from the date issued.