August 22, 2010
Alligator season begins with illegal hunting warnings
LAKE WASHINGTON — Just one week into alligator hunting season and Fish and Wildlife officers are already receiving reports of illegal hunting.
Officers said hunters have been taking too many gators, using illegal methods to catch them and traveling into restricted waters.
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Many hunters use crossbows, guns aren’t allowed.
Wildlife officials said they’ve seen an increase in people using illegal floating devices with bait attached to catch the wild animals.
Now they’ve added extra patrols, they’re stopping boats and asking for permits.
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Hunters said it’s the meat they want, especially the tail.
“It’s low fat meat,” Johnson said.
But that meat could get you in trouble if you’re caught breaking the rules. Fines cost up to $500 and possibly 60 days in jail.