Harvest Your Own: Alligator Hunts in Orlando, Florida FAQ

Alligator hunts in Orlando, Florida, offer an adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other, putting you face-to-face with the Sunshine State's most famous predator. If you've ever watched swamp hunting shows and wondered if you could handle the challenge, you're not alone. We get calls every week from tourists visiting theme parks who want to trade the mouse ears for a real Florida adventure. At Switchgrass Outfitters, we specialize in guiding both beginners and seasoned hunters through the swamps to harvest their own gator.

This guide answers the most common questions we hear about booking, licenses, safety, and what actually happens when you're out on the water.

What happens during an alligator hunt?

You'll start by meeting your guide at the boat ramp, usually just before sunset for night hunts or early morning for day trips. We provide all the necessary equipment, including snatch hooks, harpoons, bang sticks, and crossbows, depending on the method we're using. Once we launch the airboat or johnboat, we scan the water for eyes reflecting in our lights or gators sunning on the banks.

When we spot a target alligator—usually one that fits the size requirements of your tag—the stalk begins. We move in quietly. If we're using a crossbow or snatch hook, your guide will position the boat for the best shot. Once you have a line on the gator, the fight is on. It takes strength and patience to bring the animal alongside the boat. For safety, the gator is dispatched with a bang stick (a specialized powerhead firearm) before we ever bring it on board.

What gear does Switchgrass Outfitters provide?

We handle 90% of the logistics so you can focus on the hunt. Our packages include:

The boat and fuel
All harvest equipment (harpoons, crossbows, snatch hooks, bang sticks)
Life jackets and safety gear
Coolers with ice and water
Expert guidance on tagging and processing

What should you bring?

While we cover the heavy equipment, you need to come prepared for Florida's unpredictable elements.

Florida Alligator Trapping Agent License: You must purchase this from the FWC before arrival (approx. $52).
Clothing: Wear dark, breathable clothes for night hunts to blend in. Long sleeves help with mosquitoes.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots are mandatory. No flip-flops on the boat.
Bug Spray: The mosquitoes in the marshes near Kissimmee and Lake Toho can be brutal, especially after rain.
Cooler: Bring a large cooler if you plan to transport the meat yourself, though we can recommend local processors.

Do I need a hunting license?

Yes, you need an Alligator Trapping Agent License to participate in the hunt. You don't need a standard Florida hunting license or a quota permit if you are hunting with a guide who already possesses the harvest tags. This agent license allows you to assist in the hunt and take the shot.

You can buy this license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at any local tax collector's office or bait shop like Bass Pro Shops on International Drive [1]. It costs around $52 and is available to residents and non-residents alike.

How does the tag system work?

Florida manages its alligator population through a strict quota system. The state issues a limited number of harvest tags for specific counties and water bodies to ensure the population remains healthy. When you book with Switchgrass Outfitters, we typically provide the tags for the private lands or specific public water zones we hunt. This saves you from entering the competitive state lottery system, which usually happens in May.

Is it legal?

Absolutely. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strictly regulates alligator harvesting. The Statewide Alligator Harvest Program has been nationally recognized as a model for sustainable resource management. We follow every rule in the book, including size limits, legal hunting hours (5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for public waters), and proper tagging procedures immediately upon harvest.

What types of hunts do you offer?

We tailor our trips based on what kind of experience you're looking for and the time of year.

Night Hunts

This is the classic Florida gator hunt experience. We head out into the marshes under the cover of darkness. Using powerful spotlights, we scan the water for the tell-tale red glow of alligator eyes. It's intense. You hear the sounds of the swamp—bullfrogs, crickets, and splashing water—heightened by the dark. Night hunts are generally more productive because gators are nocturnal feeders and are more active after the sun goes down.

Day Hunts

Day hunts offer a different kind of challenge. These usually take place on private lands where we can spot gators sunning themselves on the banks of canals or ponds. It requires more stealth, as gators see very well and will slide into the water at the first sign of danger. This is a great option if you want to see more of the landscape and wildlife, like osprey and wading birds, while you hunt.

Airboat Hunts

For the true "Old Florida" feel, nothing beats an airboat hunt. We glide over the vegetation and into shallow waters that standard boats can't reach. The noise of the fan is loud, so we wear hearing protection, but the vantage point from the raised seat is unbeatable. We often launch near areas like Lake Kissimmee or the St. Johns River marshes, giving you a tour of the real Everglades headwaters while we scout.

Is alligator hunting ethical?

Yes, regulated hunting is a key part of conservation. The FWC estimates there are 1.3 million alligators in Florida. Without population control, alligators can overpopulate, leading to more dangerous interactions with humans and pets, especially in growing areas like Winter Garden and Lake Nona.

By harvesting mature alligators, we help maintain a balanced ecosystem. Plus, we use the entire animal. The meat is a lean, healthy protein source (fried gator tail is a local favorite), and the hides are used for leather goods. We respect the animal from the start of the stalk to the final processing. Nothing goes to waste.

How much does an alligator hunt cost?

Pricing varies based on the size of the alligator you are targeting and the location of the hunt.

Standard Trophy Hunt (6-9 feet): These packages typically range from $1,500 to $2,500. This is the most common hunt for visitors.
Monster Gator Hunt (10 feet+): Targeting a giant requires more time, patience, and access to specific private lands. These hunts start around $3,000 and can go up depending on the size guarantee.
Meat Hunts: Sometimes available for smaller gators (under 6 feet), usually starting around $800.

What is included?

Our packages are all-inclusive regarding the hunt itself. You get:

Professional Guide
Boat and Fuel
All Equipment and Weapons
Tags (unless you drew your own)
Refreshments on the boat

Not included:

Processing fees (skinning and meat packaging usually costs $30-$50 per foot).
Taxidermy (costs vary wildly based on what you want done).
Gratuity for your guide (15-20% is industry standard).

How physically demanding is it?

You don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need a basic level of fitness. Pulling a 300-pound animal alongside a boat takes some muscle. You also need to be able to move around a boat safely. If you have back issues or balance problems, let us know in advance so we can accommodate you or suggest a more stable boat option.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather, but prioritize protection.

Summer (Aug-Oct): It's hot and humid, even at night. Wear lightweight, breathable long sleeves and pants. Earth tones or camo are best.
Cooler Months: If you're hunting private land year-round, winter mornings can drop into the 40s. Layers are your friend.
Rain Gear: Florida storms pop up fast. A light rain jacket is essential.

Is it safe?

Safety is our top priority. Our guides have spent thousands of hours on the water. We conduct a safety briefing before every launch. We never bring a live alligator into the boat that hasn't been properly secured.

Expert Advice from the Guides

Listen to your guide. That's rule number one. When we say "freeze" or "pull," do it immediately. Lines can get tangled, and gators can roll unexpectedly. Keeping your hands and feet inside the boat at all times is non-negotiable.

Emergencies

We carry First Aid kits and have direct communication lines to emergency services. We hunt in areas we know well, with established extraction points if something goes wrong.

Where can I stay nearby?

Since our hunts often launch near the headwaters of the Everglades or private lands in Central Florida, you have plenty of options.

If you want to stay close to the luxury and dining of Orlando, look at the Dr. Phillips area. It's known as "Restaurant Row" and is about a 30-45 minute drive to many of our boat ramps. The Grand Bohemian Hotel or the Drury Inn & Suites are solid choices.

For a quieter stay closer to the lakes, Windermere offers some boutique rental options, or you can find fish camps and cabins near Lake Kissimmee if you want the full outdoor experience.

While you're here, you aren't far from Gatorland on Orange Blossom Trail. It's a great place to visit before your hunt to see just how big these animals get up close in safety.

Ready to book your adventure?

If you're ready to experience the real Florida, book your alligator hunt with Switchgrass Outfitters today. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during the public harvest season (August 15 – November 1).

Contact Switchgrass Outfitters

Phone: (321) 900-2494
Website: switchgrassoutfitters.com

Special Offer: Book your 2024 hunt before July 1st and receive a 10% discount on trophy processing fees.

The Bottom Line on Gator Hunting

Alligator hunts in Orlando, Florida, provide a connection to nature that you can't get from a roller coaster. It's primal, exciting, and contributes to the conservation of our state's ecosystem. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with gator tail or hang a trophy mount in your office, Switchgrass Outfitters has the experience to get you on the gator of a lifetime.

Sources:

[1] American Alligator
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/alligator/

[2] Statewide Alligator Harvest Program
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/