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Picou
Lunker
Username: Picou

Post Number: 1385
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 12:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

As with most of my trips lately, nothing seems to be going right and I am always running behind. Wes and I were selected this year for the alligator general hunt as opposed to the archery only alligator hunt we were selected for last year where Wes bagged his first alligator -- all 2.5 foot of it... :-) It was not until Friday that I dropped off two 5 gallon buckets at the slaughter house to be filled with cow blood and I did not buy the chicken until Monday.

We borrowed the same jon boat we borrowed last year -- the same boat I sold to a friend a few years back. I picked the boat up on Sunday night and worked diligently on Monday to get everything together for the 6 hour drive to Port Arthur. I rolled out of Desert around 6:00pm and got caught by trains, road closures, and smoke so thick I could barely see the front of my hood at times. I made it to the Royal Inn just after midnight and was greeted by Wes giving me the single finger salute across the parking lot with a cold miller lite in his hand.

Tuesday came and we headed over to check in, sit through the orientation, and get our compartment assignments. I was shocked to see a picture of a Chevy coming over the levee pulling the same jon boat we had with us. It was a picture that they took when I was on my first hunt out there and it made it into the orientation presentation. :-)

Anyway, we were given our compartment and told to launch and wait for the hunt coordinator. We grabbed our cane poles and re-bar T stakes and did as we were instructed. Upon arrival at the ramp we found the launch area clogged with hyacinth.

murphree_ramp

Once everyone was launched the coordinator told us to follow him. As soon as we got into the Big Hill unit, he told us that our compartment started here and to follow him so he could show us the other boundary. Of course, we were left in the wind and after traveling 6+ miles up the canal we decided to head back to the start and wait for them to come back through after showing everyone else their compartments – assuming they forgot about us. On the way back through some hyacinth clogged up the intake screens so I shut the motor off and we started trolling back towards the beginning. Some time had passed and they came back through to tell us that we stopped too soon. We chatted for a few and they gave us some pointers. Soon we were cranked back up and headed back out to locate the end of our compartment – Big Hill North. It turns out that we got the deep channel that runs through the middle of the J.D. Murphree Big Hill unit (approximately 6 miles of canal and no levee to cross). The task now was to find two spots to hang some chicken. The question was where, it all looked gatory… :-)

canal

Fortunately for us, a decent gator decided to come out and see what these two fools were doing running up and down the canal. We saw him in the same area on 3 different passes so we opted to find a good place to make a set. Once the shoreline was located that was not clogged with vegetation and we could actually get to dry ground the fun began. Wes positioned the boat with the push pole and I started assembling the set. I had halved the chicken at home and tossed the halves in baggies to set in the heat till we needed them. We were instructed to only use a fist sized bait so now I had to quarter this stinky, green chicken and I forgot the latex gloves – NASTY feeling and smelling. Fortunately, I was up wind of where I was cutting the chicken (and Wes was down wind… :-) ) As if the chicken was not bad enough, once the line was set it was time to open one of the 5 gallon buckets of blood that had been out in the sun since Saturday. I popped the lid and the aroma… oh the aroma… to say it was pungent would be a tremendous understatement. Wes positioned the boat so that I could dip the chicken on the #12 hook into the bucket and soak the rope. As I poured the coagulated surface layer out of the bucket, the splash dispersed the rotting smell and filled the air with some of the most rancid odors I have smelled in a while. We still needed to pour half the blood on the shoreline next to the set and this is where I made a huge mistake. I tossed the blood on the shoreline right next to where the line was tied and we still needed to get in there and set the rope… That was probably the worst 5 minutes I have spent in a long time. I think Wes got a nose full and almost added to the chum line…

As we were finishing up with this line, we looked out in the canal and there were 2 decent gators watching us and waiting. We left that set feeling pretty secure that there would be at least 7.5 footer on the end of the line when we returned in the morning. The line was set about 30 - 32 inches off the water and all we had seen were decent specimens. Back down the canal for a 5 mile boat ride through the hyacinth choked waters and time to get the second set up.

We had decided to make the second set closer to the inlet cut and we would set it slightly higher. We found a good looking spot and got ‘er done pretty quickly leaving the set about 36 inches off the water and the area bloodied up well. This one went a lot faster with the exception of the cane pole falling over after we hung the chicken on it… It is really hard to push a slick cane pole into the mud when your hands are covered in greasy, smelly, green chicken goo…

After traveling just over 24 miles up and down that canal we were eager to get off the water to drink some cold beer and go get some food. Of course, we could not get out before having a chat with some extremely entertaining alligator hunters who were staying at the same motel we were at. They were bow hunting also and got to talking about shooting gar. That abruptly lead to the topic of selling the gar for money and other things. One of them started talking about a black woman who would give favors for alligator gar. Wes snapped back – “I’m not sure I want to have anything to do with a woman who would give it up for gar!” and then one of the other guys commented, and I quote… “You pull that gar out of the back of the truck and her legs come open looking like a black cat eating a red bird…..” (Now stop for a moment and imagine the look Wes and I gave each other) We were doing everything we could to maintain composure and told them that we had to get outa there to go eat – walking away choking on our beer.

I must admit, it was completely down hill from there and although the steaks were great at the Texas Roadhouse and the beer was cold, having been out in the 100+ degree heat had truly taken its toll on us. I was sound asleep before 10:00pm that night

The morning came with great anticipation and we were out of the motel room by 6:30 and headed to the WMA to hook up and head out (they let us leave the boat at HQ). As we came through the cut and made the turn towards the second set we were elated to see that the bait was down. We opted to make the 5 mile run and check the first set since it was the one we were the most concerned about someone else checking. When we got in sight of the set we saw the bait was down and we were getting excited. The closer we got the pole though the more worried I got because I could see the rope tangled on the cane pole and when we got near the bucket I could see a lot of line still in the bucket. I was worried that the gator took the bait and after trying to swim off the line snagged and he let go. Once I cleared the snag and the line moved about 3 foot I was relieved. Wes guided the boat while I pulled in the rope and removed the vegetation from the line. As long as I could see the rope on the other side of the weeds it was not spooky to reach down and remove the weeds. It was those times that I could not see the rope coming out that it was kind of un-nerving removing the weeds. We finally got closer to the end of the line and the gator took off swimming. His fight did not last too long and soon I had him at the boat, splashing and thrashing while Wes loaded the snake charmer .410 to dispatch our set 1 gator. I was holding the head out of the water and Wes was lining up the shot and the rope began to slip out of my hands and just as the head slipped into the water Wes fired. The splash was tremendous and the gator went limp. I looked at Wes and he was slightly doused.

wes_wet

It was time to fill out the paperwork while the gator lay on the bottom to “bleed out a bit”. We pulled him up and his eyes were still open. We could not bring ourselves to haul a potentially live gator into the boat so I slapped him on the nose and he blinked. We decided that another shot was in order so I loaded up and Wes propped his head up with the paddle. This blow was the final one and the eyes slowly closed. A couple of high fives and we picked up the pole, stake, bucket, and rope to head over to set 2 and see what we had.

set_2

Since this set had Wes’ name on it I manned the push pole once he had the rope in hand. We were elated to see that all 100 foot of rope was out of the bucket and the rope was moving. Wes grabbed on and immediately started pulling in line while I slowly pushed the boat down the rope. We had far less vegetation to clear on his line and when he got to the end of the rope, Wes was greeted with a wide open pissed off gator mouth pointed straight towards him. About the time he saw the gators gapping mouth full of teeth, the gator thrashed on the rope and Wes quickly got off the front edge of the boat. For the next 20 minutes were pulled around, back and forth as this very healthy, angry alligator thrashed and splashed in an attempt to get free of the rope. At one point the entire body was stretched out next to the boat and he rolled and slapped his tail within inches of the boat. We knew it was a good gator but the few times we had seen his head we could never see it long enough to estimate his size. Wes held onto the rope as the gator yanked us around, me racing from one side of the boat to the other with the shotgun to get a death blow into this reptilian fire engine. Every time he came up, he was looking us square in the eyes as if to dare one of us to get out of the boat. Wes would try and get his head turned and he would thrash, splash, and take off on another run ripping rope out of Wes hands until he could get his grip back on it. Finally, the position was good and I held the snake charmer about 6 inches from the spot and pulled the trigger, ending the battle.

How’s this for a look of relief and satisfaction…

wes_after_set_2

Once the paperwork was filled out we had to figure out how to haul this bigger gator into the boat without flipping us over. We pulled the head into the boat and taped it off before trying to haul the rest of the gator over. I grabbed the snout and a leg and Wes reached over trying to grab a leg for leverage. I am straining to get this gator over the side of the boat telling Wes to grab a leg and pull while he is telling me that he cannot get the leg. Somehow we get this beast into the boat and sit down to catch our breath and exchange some more high fives.

wes_gator_boat

Wes filled out the remaining paperwork and we picked up the set and headed in to check our gators and head to the skinner.

wes_gator_hanging

It was at this time that we realized why Wes could not grab a leg and help pull him into the boat – he was a stubby…

On the table
wes_gator_table

Wes’ 9’3” 172 pound alligator
mike_wes_gator

My 7’11” 103 pound alligator
mike_gator_hanging

mike_gator_table

Wes and I have been on a lot of hunts together. We have had some really great hunts and some really horrible ones. This hunt is one of those that we will be telling stories about when we are old and… well… he will be grey and I will be bald… :-) We had a great time despite the heat and the impending hurricane. This one is now in the books and next time we're shooting for the 200 pound 9.5+ footer…

This hunt was... DYNOMITE... Most definately one to remember I had a great time Wes, can't wait to do it again...

A special thanks to the hunt staff for all the assistance and direction they provided us – resident biologist on the left and hunt coordinator on the right. Thanks guys for putting on a great hunt.

hunt_staff

(Message edited by admin on September 23, 2005)
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Bigun
Crappie
Username: Bigun

Post Number: 599
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 7:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Awesome recap and way to go guys!
It really is a snook!!!!
Charles
Moderator
Username: Charles

Post Number: 466
Registered: 7-2004

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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 7:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

WOW! Nicely done fellas!
Simek
Minnow
Username: Simek

Post Number: 59
Registered: 1-2005


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 7:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great story Mike. Thanks for putting in the effort to tell the tale. I can't wait to hear the redbird story first hand. I think I know that lady . . . .
Wes
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Username: Wes

Post Number: 132
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 9:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Great write up Picou. The hunt was a blast. Looking forward to the next one. This hunt was a lot easier then the archery alligator hunt we went on last year. We really lucked out with the compartment we got.

Picou, you forgot to mention about you having to check the sex of your gator and getting him a little excited
Chicken
Bluegill
Username: Chicken

Post Number: 135
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Congrats to both of y'all and one heck of a story
"I'm tellin ya, there aint no such thang as bein too drunk to fish!"-Dale Moser
Wildman (Unregistered Guest)
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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Wow, that is a hell of a story! Great job you two
Wildman
Minnow
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Registered: 9-2005

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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 12:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Ok, I registered.
Richard
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Username: Richard

Post Number: 40
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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 2:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Sounds like a blast! Congrats on the gators guys.
Don't ever shave drunk!
Redneck88
Bluegill
Username: Redneck88

Post Number: 171
Registered: 2-2005

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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

cool story,sounds like yall had fun,i wouldnt mind trying that but talking ym dad into it is another story.
"If it aint got whiskers throw it back."
"I'd rather be fishing than talk to you right now."
Wes
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Username: Wes

Post Number: 133
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 4:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Cody, your dad would be all over a trip like this. Tell him to get off his butt and put ya'll in for the draw hunts next year.
Redneck88
Bluegill
Username: Redneck88

Post Number: 172
Registered: 2-2005

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Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 7:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

youre probably right lol.
"If it aint got whiskers throw it back."
"I'd rather be fishing than talk to you right now."
Picou
Lunker
Username: Picou

Post Number: 1389
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 10:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Most definately you need to kick him in the butt Cody...

Welcome Wildman...

Good thing we got our gators, with the storm pounding the Port Arthur area it may have relocated a bunch of those gators with the rising water. I would think there is a chance they will not have a hunt there next year. I sure hope all the folks at the WMA got outa there in plenty of time.
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Texfisher
Crappie
Username: Texfisher

Post Number: 375
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Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 7:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Way to kick off the hunting season with a couple of trophy gators. Now bring on some trophy bucks.
If you're richer than me I think we're related. If you're poorer than me I know we're related.

My bass club webpage http://texbass.8m.com/

Hawlin_bass
Bluegill
Username: Hawlin_bass

Post Number: 153
Registered: 1-2005


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Posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 - 12:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

cool story! I don't think I would have to worry about bringing in buckets of blood. After getting a whif of that nasty ole yard bird and feeling that mushiness, I would have had plenty of chum!!!! Good job on the gators! What are you guys going to do with them? keep the skin/head and flesh out the tail?
Picou
Lunker
Username: Picou

Post Number: 1391
Registered: 8-2004


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Posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 - 12:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I just spent the last 5 to 6 hours de-boning, removing the fat, and packaging both gators. I am flat wore out now......

These things do not yield the meat like a deer... I bet there is not 45 pounds total from both gators (minus the 1.5 lbs we already ate :-) )
Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
Sturm1022
Crappie
Username: Sturm1022

Post Number: 437
Registered: 1-2005


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Posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 - 8:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

that is sooooo cool. i really want to get one w/ a bow
was it difficult working with the folks in charge?
my fat fingers cant spell

I'll probably turn into a floating turd and Picou will break the knob off my post counter immediately. ATW 2/10/05

Keith
Minnow
Username: Keith

Post Number: 66
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Posted on Monday, September 26, 2005 - 9:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

What? You didn't take your 'gators down to the local bucher shop just to see their reaction when you told them you had an animal you needed processed?

Congrats, sounds like fun it was more fun than it smelled.
Atthewall
Crappie
Username: Atthewall

Post Number: 400
Registered: 11-2004


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Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 11:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

SON!!!!!!

Congratulations to both of you on one fine Coonie style lizard hunt. Dang they are good sized.

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