Alligator Meat

[Leslie Sapp]

The area we hunt (The Suwannee River delta) is like a mini Okefenokee Swamp, full of small lakes and marshy wooded sloughs. Mix in a few thousand deer and dogs during hunting season and it's easy pickings for the gators.

Throughout the course of hunting season, I usually find several deer and dogs floating around while the gators are waiting for them to get tender enough to eat.

 

[StephenWhoDat]

Fun Fact:
Louisiana has a larger population of gators than Florida does. But the Florida Everglades are (is?) the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.

 

[Imissedagain]

Undocumented alien snakes are a real problem in South Florida.
First time I ran into a 15' one, was in '79.
Advised my Northern buddies to never just reach for a golfball in the ruff, and be watchful near ponds, more so where Rattlers live.
When Heron Bay got started, folks wondered what happened to their cats/dogs and Moccs were around.
The Sunrise Police range had nice sized Rattler skins in the trailer/club house, back in the late '70s.

Pic of friends back yard near Clermont. A little red plane lands there. Too old and poor to start flying again so we drive up.

 

[Chuck24]

Have never had alligator meat, and from the sound of the comments, won’t be trying it

 

[Super Trucker]

Back in the 90's several restaurants in south florida severed "gator tail", we had that several times as an appetizer and it was good. I'm not sure I'd buy it as a meal, or go out of my way to get large quantities and freeze it, but as an occasional appetizer it was good.

 

[coltle6920]

Inquiring minds want to know...

If you grew up eating alligator and someone fed you your first chicken would you say it tastes like alligator?

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[oink]

Yes

Just ok. Kinda like chicken but not as good. Rattlesnake is better.

I'd rather not say.

 

[4K2022]

Back in the 90's several restaurants in south florida severed "gator tail", we had that several times as an appetizer and it was good. I'm not sure I'd buy it as a meal, or go out of my way to get large quantities and freeze it, but as an occasional appetizer it was good.

That’s what I was thinking gator bites,,, that’s so 90’s! There’s a new reptile on the menu

“We Cook Your Catch”

 

[AJ]

Had some almost 60 years ago. My Uncle and his friends would get them from the swamps here (yes, it was illegal). He battered it and deep fried it. As I remember it did not taste much different than sea turtles (yes, those were illegal too). My Father and his friend would get them and they were battered and deep fried too.

 

[oink]

No, the sea turtle is much tastier. Pounded out, a light batter, sautéed in butter and finished with browned lemon butter, Some rice pilaf, or maybe just rice with some of the browned lemon butter, finish with some fresh asparagus with hollandaise. Wine of your choice. Been too long, maybe in Mexico?

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have had gator tail, if fresh and soaked in butter milk.

Rattle snake is a little better, in my book but for flavor and tenderness

I prefer Frog Legs, if I don't have any, chicken in hand.

 

[AJ]

I prefer Frog Legs, if I don't have any, chicken in hand.

We have a local Frog Leg Festival Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival Come on down and see all the little frogs in their wheelchairs..........