How to Trap Pythons for the State of Florida
- 1). Make sure you qualify to receive a license from Florida's Python Permit Program. You must be 18 or older and a Florida resident. You also must own a digital camera and GPS device; provide proof of your experience capturing wild snakes, especially the larger variety including constrictors; and exhibit knowledge of the proper means to humanely kill wild snakes. You must already be a licensed hunter with a wildlife management area permit.
- 2). Click on the link in the Resources section and print out the special permit application for hunting non-native species. Fill out the form, including detailed answers to questions about how you would trap and euthanize any pythons you catch.
- 3). Send the completed and signed application by fax or mail according to the instructions at the bottom of the application.
- 4). Wait for your permit to arrive in the mail. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission representative may have additional questions for you to answer before granting your request.
- 5). Confine your trapping expeditions to the following state-controlled WMAs: Holey Land, Southern Glades; Rotenberger; and Everglades/Francis Taylor.
- 6). Conduct hunting and trapping operations at each WMA, at least twice during the permitting period -- a condition of the license.
- 7). Euthanize any non-native reptiles discovered in your expedition, including their eggs, in a humane way outlined in the materials that came with your license. No firearms can be used to euthanize a python.
- 8). Follow Florida's reporting requirements for hunting pythons: photograph and notate the GPS location for every snake euthanized; document the stomach remains of each snake; report all captures within 36 hours. Every
- 9). Contact the FFWCC authorities at the dispatch office for the particular WMA you're visiting, each time you visit a site. Give the ranger or office attendant the number of people in your party, approximate location, your vehicle description, how long you plan to stay and a cell phone on which you can be reached.