FWC opens python captures to licensed hunters on S. Fla. WMAs

[Keith W]

The Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a new policy that will allow licensed hunters to legally take pythons in the Everglades, Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land, Rotenberger and Big Cypress WMAs. The policy will go into effect on Aug. 29, and hunters must follow seasonal regulations and use approved weapons. Details can be found here: http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/09/statewide/News_09_X_Python4.htm

Regulations for each WMA can be found here: Hunting Regulations and Maps for Wildlife Management Areas

[Walt]

Quote "Firearms and traps may not be used. The snakes can be captured with nets and snares and must be killed with a blunt or sharp hand-held device".

Sounds like Crocadile Dundee kind of tactics.

[Keith W]

I think that was for the original pilot program which started on July 17. They were only allowing Reptile of Concern permit holders to participate, and you had to be screened and approved by the FWC. The new policy begins at the end of the month when archery season starts, and all licensed hunters are allowed to participate. I read several other articles from other sources and the general consensus was that weapons and firearms that are approved for a specific season and WMA (archery, general gun, muzzleloaders, small game, etc.) were allowed. This is from the FWC news release:

"To move forward quickly for the 2009 hunting season, an executive order was signed by the FWC to allow hunters on specific areas to take any Reptile of Concern, including Burmese pythons, when the hunters encounter them. The order also will apply to those who have received permits to participate in the alligator hunt program in the specified areas. The FWC will be considering rule changes as necessary to follow up on this order for more long-term measures."

I expect we'll see some clarifications as the season approaches. What I wonder is: are they only allowing the taking of pythons during hunting season? Doesn't that give the pests the rest of the year to rebuild the population? Could be we'll see that there will be an all-year open season where no firearms will be allowed outside the normal hunting season, but other methods will be ok. It's not like pythons are a managed resource like deer.

[yakmaster]

Big Cypress Press Release
Big Cypress National Preserve Announces a Partner With Hunters Program To Help Control Burmese Pythons

On August 28, 2009 Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced the Partner With Hunters program to assist in the control of reptiles of concern, particularly Burmese pythons, within the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. This program is being implemented in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Order Number EO 09-08 establishing special regulations to aid in control of reptiles of concern listed in Rule 68A-6.007(1), F.A.C. which are a threat to native wildlife. The Big Cypress Partner With Hunters Program will allow hunters to take reptiles of concern within Big Cypress National Preserve, provided:

1) Reptiles of concern as listed in Rule 68A-6.007(1)(a)-(f) are taken during established seasons for the taking of game animals and only by persons properly licensed and permitted to take game animals.

2) Reptiles of concern shall not be removed from the areas alive.

3) Persons who take any reptile of concern shall report the take within 36 hours, and shall provide all data requested.

4) Guns are a prohibited method of take for Reptiles of Concern, except when the use of guns to take game on the areas is authorized and only to the extent that guns are authorized.

5) This program will take effect on September 5, 2009 with the start of archery season within Big Cypress National Preserve.

Hunters wishing to participate in this program will be able to receive more information on details at Big Cypress National Preserve wildlife check stations and at the Oasis Visitor Center.

Bob DeGross
Big Cypress National Preserve
Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
239-695-1107 office; 239-695-2259 fax

[Keith W]

I imagine these rules will also apply to the state WMAs. What gets me is that the taking of Reptiles of concern is only permitted during the various hunting seasons. What happens the rest of the year?

[vivian]

How concerned should we be in the backcountry with this overpopulation of pythons. Should we be bringing machetes and rifles on our trips? Would the low shear of a kayak and canoe make it easier for these critters to get inside a boat. Just curious.

[Keith W]

I don't believe the NPS would be too keen on rifles inside ENP :-) On the other hand, concealed carry will become legal in February...

It's not people I'm concerned about, python attacks on humans are rare even in their native habitats. It's the competition with native species for a limited food supply that's so disruptive. Eradication needs to become an all-out effort with as much participation as is safely possible.

[Walt]

quote "It's the competition with native species for a limited food supply that's so disruptive. "
When a baby bird falls out of its nest, an aligator will have an easy dinner. The snake doesn't have to wait for that misfortune. The snakes can climb up into the mangrove canopy and help themselves.
Baby snakes are on the menu for many predators down there, but there's nothing to keep the adults in check. I fear that many bird species and even aligators could quickly become endangered species again (if not already).

[Keith W]

Take a look at what happened in Guam when the brown tree snake was introduced into their environment:

Unchecked for many years, the snakes caused the extinction of nearl...

Pythons are a semi-arboreal species, but they are still capable of doing quite a bit of damage. We need an open season on these pests. The FWC offers free training classes on gator hunting with harpoons and bangsticks, which is a fairly up-close and dangerous way of taking them. They could offer similar classes on the taking of pythons without guns.