Guided alligator hunting in Central Florida runs from August 15 to November 1. With an experienced outfitter, the tags, airboat, gear, and guide are all handled for you, so you can focus on the hunt itself. Most guests book a one to three night trip and stay nearby, which makes it easy to plan from out of town.
At Switchgrass Outfitters, we run guided gator hunts on the St. Johns River near Orlando. To check dates, reach out to our team or call (321) 900-2494.
When is alligator hunting season in Central Florida?
Florida's statewide alligator hunting season begins on August 15 and ends on November 1. Tags are drawn by lottery in May, and they are limited, so popular dates go fast.
The first four weeks of the season are split into quota weeks, and each permit is tied to specific dates and an area. That is one of the reasons booking with an outfitter is easier. We already hold the permits and plan our hunts around them, so you only need to choose the nights that fit your trip.
Late summer in Central Florida is hot and humid, and afternoon storms are common. Hunts take place at night, when the air is cooler and gators are more active along the river.
The St. Johns River is one of the best places in the state to hunt. Our stretch of the river holds a remarkable number of gators, and we generally harvest gators of 8 feet or better, with an average around 10 feet.
How are alligator tags and licenses handled on a guided hunt?
On a guided hunt, we supply the tags. You are listed as an agent under one of our licensed trappers, so you do not need to win a permit in the lottery yourself.
If the tag is not in your name, Florida requires you to buy an Alligator Trapping Agent license, which costs $51.50 and can be purchased anywhere licenses are sold. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, hunters age 15 or younger are not required to have an agent license. You can read the details on the FWC's statewide alligator hunt page.
A dad once called to book a hunt for his son's birthday. He had the dates and gear figured out, but was not sure how to handle the tags. We walked him through how tags work and what was included in the booking, so he knew exactly what to buy and what we would provide.
Questions like his are common. We are always happy to explain the paperwork before you reserve.
What gear and boat does the guide provide?
Your hunt includes the guide, the tags, the equipment, and a six-passenger airboat. You do not need to bring your own boat or specialized gear.
We hunt with crossbows, compound bows, harpoons, or fishing poles, depending on the situation and your preference. Your guide will explain each method before you head out and help you choose the right approach once a gator is located.
The airboat lets us move through shallow marsh and along the river quickly and quietly, reaching areas where gators gather. Because the boats hold six passengers, you can hunt with friends or family on the same trip.
After the harvest, the hide is prepared for the taxidermist. A local processor can skin and package your gator for a separate fee of $20 per foot. A 10-foot gator can yield about 50 pounds of meat. There are no trophy fees. See the full details on our gator hunts page.
What does a typical guided gator hunt look like?
A typical hunt starts in the evening at the launch. Your guide covers safety, the plan for the night, and how each method works before the airboat leaves the dock.
Once on the water, the guide uses spotlights to scan the river and marsh for eyes reflecting back. When a good gator is spotted, the team gets into position, and you make your attempt with the chosen method. Patience matters. Some gators are wary, and it can take a few tries.
Once the gator is secured, it is brought aboard, and the tag is attached. Then it is back to the dock, where the gator is prepared for the processor.
Pricing is simple. One night is $1,500, two nights are $2,250, and three nights are $3,000, each for one gator of 8 feet or more. A non-refundable $300 deposit per hunter holds your spot. Multi-night bookings give you more chances at a larger gator.
Many guests turn a gator hunt into a longer trip. Our wild hog hunts run year-round, with dog hunts, still hunts, and night hunts available. Explore our wild hog hunts to add another day in the field.
Where can out-of-area guests stay during their hunt?
You can stay right at the ranch. Our lodging is open to hunters and non-hunters alike, which makes it easy to bring family along.
Lodging is $125 per person per night and includes basic snacks and drinks and a hot meal each day. There is a grill, a fire pit for s'mores, and a shooting range for sighting in guns or crossbows before your hunt. Private swamp buggy eco tours are also available.
Staying on site also means no long drive after a late night on the water, since hunts run after dark. Pack light, breathable clothing, bug spray, and closed-toe shoes that can get wet, and you will be ready for the river. Learn more about our lodging.
Ready to plan your hunt? Tags are limited, so contact Switchgrass Outfitters or call or text (321) 900-2494 to check availability and reserve your guided alligator hunt.
