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South Florida
Alligator Hunts
Come face-to-face with one of nature's most formidable predators. Everglades Adventures runs thrilling, fully guided alligator hunts on Florida's famous public waters and on expansive private lands — true fair chase, all night long, with every license, permit, and CITES tag handled for you.
Everglades Adventures offers two distinct ways to chase a trophy Florida gator. Join us on the storied public waters of Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades during the official statewide harvest, or book a private-land hunt on large, free-range properties where the challenge of genuine wild game awaits. Whichever you choose, our expert guides ensure a safe, ethical, and unforgettable adventure — and we handle all the paperwork, tags, and processing through our sister company, Alligators Inc.
Public Waters
Trophy Alligator Hunts on Florida's Public Lands
Guided hunts during Florida's statewide alligator harvest program, running August 15th through November 1st each year — an unforgettable adventure in South Florida's most famous public waters.
Prime Locations
Lake Okeechobee & the Everglades
Our public-water hunts take place in some of South Florida's most famous locations, focusing on designated harvest areas known for robust alligator populations and scenic beauty — an ideal backdrop for your hunt.
- STA-5
- Lake Okeechobee West
- Lake Okeechobee South
- Everglades WMA-WCA-3A
Public Water Permits & Pricing
Alligator hunts in public waters require specific permits, including CITES tags essential for the sustainability of alligator populations. These tags — issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — are mandatory for all hunters. We guide you through the entire permit process so you meet every legal requirement for a successful, compliant hunt.
Client Tags — Two Under 8 Feet
For two alligators under eight feet, harvested on your own client tags.
Client Tags — One Under 8 & One Trophy
For one alligator under eight feet and one trophy gator on your client tags.
Client Tags — Two Trophies
For two trophy alligators harvested on your own client tags.
Our Tags — Per Trophy Gator (if available)
Trophies only, hunted on Everglades Adventures tags when available.
Our Tags — Two Trophies (if available)
Two trophy gators hunted on our tags, subject to availability.
Techniques & Legal Hours
24/7 Hunting on Public Waters
Legal hunting hours for public-water hunts are 24/7, allowing for all-night hunting adventures. The initial shot is made with a compound bow, recurve bow, crossbow, or harpoon, and the harvest is completed with a bang stick. Firearms are not permitted on public water hunts.
- Bows need a minimum 35-pound draw weight
- Fishing reel attachment with 200-lb-test retrieval line
- Bang stick used for the final harvest
- No firearms on public water hunts
Full-Service Hunt
Comprehensive Hunting Support
As part of our full-service experience, we provide all necessary equipment for your hunt at no additional charge — including bows, fishing rigs, bang sticks, and refreshments such as bottled water and soft drinks. We also handle every aspect of alligator processing through our sister company, Alligators Inc., ensuring your harvest is managed professionally and responsibly.
Private Lands
Fair-Chase Alligator Hunts on Private Land
An unparalleled, free-range hunt on expansive private properties in South Florida, where the excitement and challenge of genuine wildlife hunting awaits.
Ethical & Sustainable — True Fair Chase
Everglades Adventures alligator hunts are conducted exclusively on large private lands in South Florida, ensuring a fair-chase experience. We do not hunt behind fences or within enclosures, and we never use alligators caught in the wild and placed for hunters. Our hunts are all free-range, meaning we only target wild alligators on open lands. We do not use drugs or refrigerants to make the alligators lethargic.
Expert Guides & Comprehensive Licensing
When you choose Everglades Adventures, every detail is handled — from securing all necessary licenses and permits to managing the paperwork for the alligator harvest. Our experienced guides ensure a safe and successful hunt, providing the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of alligator hunting.
Day or Night
Flexible Daytime & Nighttime Hunts
Whether you prefer the calm of an early-morning hunt or the exhilarating challenge of a nighttime adventure, we cater to every preference. Use rifles or handguns during daytime hunts, or embrace the thrill of nighttime hunts with a recurve, compound bow, crossbow, or even a fishing rod — culminating with a bang stick for a secure harvest.
- Daytime: rifles or handguns permitted
- Nighttime: bow, crossbow, or fishing rod for the initial shot
- 200-lb-test retrieval line, bang stick for final harvest
Private Land Packages
Select the trophy size that suits your hunt. Standard hunts target alligators measuring 6 to 8 feet, trophy hunts pursue larger gators of 8 to 10 feet, and mega trophies challenge you against behemoths over 10 feet long. Processing is available to all clients through our sister company, Alligators Inc.
Standard Alligator Hunt · 6–8 Feet
One full day of hunting for one person. Processing not included but can be added.
Standard Trophy Hunt · 8–10 Feet
Two full days of hunting for one person, plus one night's lodging and meals. Client also receives the processed gator hide and head.
Mega Trophies · Over 10 Feet
Challenge yourself against the true giants of the Everglades. Mega-trophy pricing scales with size:
Mega Trophy · 10–11 Feet
Free-range trophy gator in the 10-to-11-foot class.
Mega Trophy · 11–12 Feet
Free-range trophy gator in the 11-to-12-foot class.
Mega Trophy · 12–13 Feet
Free-range trophy gator in the 12-to-13-foot class.
Mega Trophy · 13 Feet & Up
The ultimate Florida giant — 13 feet and beyond.
Alligators Inc.
Licensed In-House Processing
We provide alligator processing services for our clients through our sister company, Alligators Inc. — licensed and inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Your harvest is handled professionally, from field to finished hide and meat.
From the Field
Recent Gator Hunts
Public & Private Hunts
Book Your South Florida Gator Hunt
Public-water tags and private-land dates fill fast during the August-to-November harvest. Reserve your spot and let's put you on a trophy gator.