(EMAILWIRE.COM, August 14, 2008 ) West Palm Beach, Florida -- If you’ve ever wanted to know what a Florida gator hunt was all about and why the annual event is a model for game management programs around the country, consider going to this years kick off party. This year is the 5th Annual Alligator Harvest Celebration at the Belle Glade Marina on the east end of Lake Okeechobee, on Aug. 15th, from 5:00pm till mosquitoes carry you off. We have a great time socializing at this event. The animal rights activists / protesters used to run the show but for the last 3 years they were nowhere to be found.

Over 150 people came out to try some gator dirty rice, gator fritters, gator gumbo, fried gator, fried frog legs, deviled eggs, pasta and potato salad and homemade desserts. The best part, it’s free. Big Ed’s Butcher Shop, Froehlicks Gator Farm and All American Gator donated all gator products. The public was excited to join us as we were keeping the anti-hunters home where they belong.

There are raffle prizes donated by local businesses such as Jeff Leserra Enterprises and John Walker Taxidermy. At dark members of the group start heading out on Lake Okeechobee for opening night of alligator season.

FSCA really want the media and public to know they’re invited. It’s important for them to know about ethical harvesting and the need for game management for a sustainable species, which is what this hunt is all about. In fact, there are plenty of alligators on Florida’s waterways and lakes. The alligator management program is run by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligator populations aren’t endangered, on many water bodies where FWC allow the harvesting of alligators. There are increasing gator populations and FWC would actually like to arrest that population increase.
Every hunter who has a permit is allowed two tags and may harvest two alligators. About 75 percent of the tags are filled each year. The key to FWC management is monitoring efforts; they do statewide monitoring and set most of our quotas based on those population inventories.

FSCA would like to thank Todd Hallman, event chairman (call for more information 561-346-6663) and other members of the club and anyone else who has participated to make the 5th Annual Gator Kickoff party a huge success. Also we would like to thank All American Alligator, John Walker Taxidermy, Big Ed's Butcher Shop, and Froehlichs Gator Farm for sponsoring this awesome event. This was the last chance to enter the big gator shootout, which is sponsored by the Central Florida trophy hunters. They also sold last minute gator harvesting equipment along with Jeff Leserra Enterprise, Glades Airboat and Buggy Association provided iced tea for everyone. I know it's a weeknight but this is one event you don't want to miss. See ya’ll there on August 15th, 2008.

About FSCA
The Alligator Harvest Celebration is sponsored by the Florida.Sportsmen’s Conservation Association. A group of conservationists and hunters based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Our goal is to unify and build upon individual strengths of a diverse group of people who share a common interest in protecting and restoring the unique natural resources of our state so that we, and the generations to follow, can enjoy its economic, social, recreational, ecological and aesthetic benefits. It is out intent to work towards the restoration of our natural areas while promoting legitimate public use of these areas. Through cooperative efforts with all 5 Florida Water Management Districts, Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other private and state agencies, we can accomplish these goals. Key areas include: environmental protection and enhancement, habitat restoration, wildlife preservation and water quality protection.

Contact Information:
Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Associa
Bishop Wright
Tel: 561-662-6808
Email us