Hunting a brackish water marsh
 

Just got on a section of Miami property and was wondering how many of you hunt with dogs in a marsh with alligators. We have seen a few this summer but hit an 8 footer in the canal 40 yards from the pond. It was a monster. I know I will not hunt my dog during teal season but will all the gators be hibernating by big duck?

We hunt marsh with alligators and we don't have many problems with gators during big duck. By time big duck rolls around its cold enough that the gators won't be very active and they won't be out. Just don't hunt with your dog during teal season.

Find out who has the tags for your marsh. Explain that you need the gators out your runs and ponds. If you're lucky he may even invite you when he runs his lines! Most alligator hunters love to rid your hunting ponds of gators.

How can you find out who has tags for your area? We have a nest in one of our ponds. We just let that pond sit last season.

What about when you have a mild weathered hunting season? I've had to shoot alligators in December and January to keep them from getting the dog. It's always a chance you take whether it be teal or big duck season.

The landowner can tell you who has the tags ( ie Vermillion corp, Miami corp etc).

Wyatt Thats You

Yup

I hunt a brackish marsh and have never had a problem with gators during big duck season. Now if we have a couple of days in a row when the temps. get into the 60's at night I get cautious. No long retrieves and if we have to go into the grass I am right there with her. Now days I am more concerned about hogs on a grass retrieve than a gator.

My thoughts exactly. I've got more $$$ in my labs than a duck is worth to send one in the grass. I may just let them do close retrieves and hunt them in Holly Beach a bit more.

I would give up the lease immediately! Let me know. I can help get you out from under it and recoup your money.

I may be able to help you out next year. I am thinking of subletting out some blinds. It's a lot of work getting all three blinds ready for hunting.

Where you hunting? We have some big gators out during teal season. Haven't seen any during big duck season in 4 yrs.

Let me know if you do too