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There have been many changes during the 19 years of expanding
alligator hunting opportunities, but one thing has remained constant...
public interest and a group of passionate hunters who were thirsty for
information. Unsurprisingly, in the age of social media, a special
Facebook page was launched for Mississippi alligator hunting enthusiasts.
This created a network of like-minded hunters to share information
about hunting techniques, equipment,
safety items, regulation updates, hunting
photos, processing, and trophy ideas. The
Mississippi Alligator Hunters Facebook
Page (MAHFP) was created by Wade
Robinson of Brandon and Brad Baugh
of Boyle in 2010 and has now grown to
over 4,800 members. The MAHFP is
recognized as a beneficial resource
promoting safety, legal methods,
information on regulation changes,
drawing procedures, and proper care
and use of the resources. It has
created a comradery among alligator
hunters and established a network
of hunters who work together to share information and assist anyone
new to alligator hunting.
Alligator hunting is most often a group experience and offers a unique
way for family and friends to share the outdoors. From pre-school age to
age 82, from as far away as California and Canada, husbands and wives,
mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, grandfathers and grandmothers,
friends and co-workers can share the entire adventure together. Alligator
hunting has also introduced many people
to hunting for the first time ever. In fact,
MDWFP license data indicates that on
average 150-200 alligator hunters each year
are first time hunting license customers.
This is a vitally important statistic in an
era of declining hunting license sales and
hunter recruitment.
Hunters often take pride in the many
traditions like passing down a cherished
shotgun, hunting vest, knife, or pickup truck.
There is also the opening weekend social at
the hunting camp, or even cut shirt tails for
missed shots at deer. Many of these traditions
MISSISSIPPI Woods&Water 9