A large alligator can sell for $500 or more. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Most nuisance alligator trappers have other sources of income. A Florida dog whose rescue went viral has a new job. Under the South Florida Water Management Districts python program, hunters earn $8.46 to $15 per hour to hunt the invasive snake, plus bonuses based on length. But the once self-sustaining industry where trappers sold the skins to pay for their efforts has been shattered, in part, by the caprice of the fashion industry and ire of animal rights activists, according to hunters and a leading wildlife ecologist. The alligator was. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Ray is a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) licensed and contracted nuisance alligator trapper (NAT), bear response contractor (BRC) and crocodile response agent (CRA). Consider it an exclusive group of fearless people on call ready to face a gator. usually receive an average salary of thirty-three thousand three hundred and ten dollars on a yearly basis. Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today's job market. Captains of fishing boats and hunters and trappers must be licensed. Answer 15: The best time of year to trap alligators is during the alligator hunting season which runs from September to October. Alligator trappers make a very good living. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. Fans watched as members of this fiercely independent community struggled to preserve their way of life in the Atchafalaya Basin. In 2016, SNAP received 16,094 nuisance alligator complaints, and issued 12,799 permits to capture them. All rights reserved. Lil' Snappers. People interested in becoming nuisance alligator trappers should: To apply for a trapper position, complete the Nuisance Alligator Trapper application. How many alligators does the average alligator trapper catch in a year? Each hunter is issued a set amount of tags that must be attached to the alligators they catch. The agency said the goal of this role and its nuisance alligator program is to be proactive. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. FWC Licensed and Contracted Nuisance Alligator Trapper, Bear Response Contractor and Crocodile Response Agent. Hunters and Trappers have the highest average income in the following However, in 2017 and 2018 there was increased competition coming from overseas and this caused gator sales to drop to an all-time low. (Amr Alfiky/Associated Press) When Frank Robb was called in to catch a rogue alligator in a Chicago park, he . How much does an alligator trapper license cost? Florida has set the example for how to do something sustainably, Mazzotti said. So, how much do they make? Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com Strange Florida newsletter, sent every Friday. Cast member Glenn Guist reportedly earned a net worth of $700,000 from Swamp People. Reports say that Terral Evans is a millionaire as a result of the show. Ray the Trapper Ray Simonsen, Sr. raythetrapper@gmail.com (239) 410-2408. While not enough to make a living, an increase would help pay for gas, said Robb Upthegrove, a Plant City resident and FWC contract trapper. At least an increase in stipend might help us offset our fuel costs., People want pristine gator skins, not ones with scars. Hunters and Trappers tend to make the most in the following Please update your application on an annual basis to maintain an active application for consideration should a need arise. GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes. Mazzotti fears the nuisance alligator program could collapse without better pay for trappers. have the best average compensation in Alaska, where they can get average pay scales of just about $50,560. Home/Contact Us. Now, he said he makes $10 to $25 depending on length. Stan T.June 21, 2021Career, SalaryLeave a Comment. They can make around $100000 a year sometimes more. Get to know more about Ray the Trapper, a FWC nuisance alligator trapper in Collier County through his biography and photos. I missed my true calling as a gator hunter on Swamp People. Ty :). [TRENDING: Fla. works to stop catastrophic pond collapse | Naval mine washes ashore in Fla. | Surfs up: Dogs ride the waves]. Copyright 2023 Recruiter.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Part of the blame for the tanking wild gator hide market is the fashion appeal of pristine skins that come from gator farms. How is the salary? But to nab them, she has to make more than 1,000 house calls where someone has complained about a nuisance gator. industries: In general, they earn less within the industries below: Employers, learn how Recruiter.com's OnDemand solutions can help you hire. How long is an alligator trapper license valid for? "It's been harsh," said Julie Harter, an FWC-licensed. BRANDON, Fla. (WFLA) An alligator that's been living in the Lumsden Reserve neighborhood with its mouth taped shut since December has finally been captured and relocated. How much does an alligator skin sell for? Answer 12: An alligator trapper license in the United States is valid for one year. Median salaries of all workers in this occupation ranged from roughly $39,170 per year, or $18.53 per hour to over $79,870 per year, or $38.40 per hour. Hunters and Trappers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz, How Much Do Hunters and Trappers Make in 2021 (including Starting Salary). Harter, a 57-year-old retired teacher who also works full time helping special needs adults, said she catches about 200 alligators per year. Another dent in the market was made by animal rights activists promoting the use of fake hides, said University of Florida wildlife ecology professor Frank Mazzotti. top of page. Average salary. Meet Julie Harter. Swamp People have the tags necessary to allow them to make hunting gators their job, which takes up 30 days of the year. Learn how your comment data is processed. She catches at least 200 . The American alligator is listed by the U.S. Get started with a free resume review. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) is administered by FWC's Division of Hunting and Game Management, Alligator Management Program. Average hourly wage. It is thought that fewer people are out hunting, which has led to a below-average alligator harvest in recent years. Want a new opportunity where you can earn a higher salary? With more online . By Timothy Fadek and Jeff Costello. Topping the list is Hawaii, with Nevada and Massachusetts close behind in second and third. I was born and raised here in Florida. The estimated base pay is $182,087 per year. Alligator sales in Louisiana dropped to an all-time low due to increased competition from overseas. A 13-foot alligator, named Godzilla, was captured in Sugar Land, Texas, Sunday by Christy Kroboth, who works for the Houston-based Gator Squad. Answer 7: Alligator meat can sell for around $5 a pound. A pillar of Old Floridas swamp economy is drying up as prices plummet for wild alligator hide a market downturn with repercussions for trappers as well as the states swelling suburbia. Generally, there is not enough work to make nuisance alligator trapping a full-time job, and the income earned from the sale of alligator products may not be enough to support an individual or family. How much does a permit to trap alligators cost? Have something to tell us about this article? READ: FWC: 85-year-old woman dies after apparent alligator bite in St. Lucie County. Bradley Weidenhamer, 10, who died after he was attacked by a 400-pound alligator on the Loxahatchee River in 1993. The state of Florida pays 'alligator trappers' to deal with rogue gators at $30 a pop here's what it's like to be one. >>RELATED: Woman who fed vultures and alligators behind her Palm Beach County home fined $53,000. Between 1948 through 2019, 413 people in Florida have been bitten by an alligator with 25 deaths. Instead, the FWC operates the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, where people call to report a suspicious gator. The show also features the swamplands ofTexas. Are you an aspiring hunter or trapper? All The average Accountant I salary in Walnut Creek, CA is $70,347 as of November 23, 2022, but the range typically falls between $63,984 and $77,454. According to BLS, the highest paid Hunters and Trappers are in the states of HI, NC, AZ, CA and IL. His entertaining animal outreach events showcase his deep respect for these creatures and help to promote safety and conservation. LIST | SLIDESHOW; Photos; 1 of ; PHOTO BY: Timothy Fadek/Redux. Answer 3: The average alligator trapper in the United States catches around 30 alligators a year. Swamp People: How Much Do the Alligator Hunters Make From the Show. You know youre from Florida when the sight of an alligator swimming in your pool on a Friday morning is what you call a great start to your weekend.. >>RELATED: Gators, like sharks, make for good Florida news, but little menace. careers. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building To learn more about becoming a contracted nuisance alligator trapper and to apply online, visit MyFWC.com/Alligator and click on the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. To put your alligator trapping skills to the test, apply by April 14. Also available for privately contracted work (other nuisance wildlife) and wildlife education programs. Have sufficient time to efficiently respond to permits to remove nuisance alligators. >>RELATED: Alligator enjoys a beach day and Florida state park, Its a lot of repeat calls back and forth and back and forth, Harter said. Contact Ray the Trapper to learn more about his work. Its employees work to address alligator threats in developed areas while conserving alligators in their natural habitats. Hes said to have a net worth of $2 million and earns $30,000 per month from the show. To be considered,. For the past eightyears, Ray has been on call day and night, trapping alligators, crocodiles, and black bears as requested by FWC. Enter your information below, and we'll quickly reach out to discuss your hiring needs. Ray holds a Class IICaptive Wildlife License, which allows him to transfer larger alligators live to a facility that is licensed to accept live alligators. We wanted to make it easy for our readers to compare the salary of Hunters and Trappers to all the other careers out there. Kramer remembers earning $60 a foot for wild alligator hide at the peak of the market. Can anyone share insight into attorney salary trajectories at Fragomen? 23 recommendations for Alligator Plumbing from neighbors in Castro Valley, CA. By 1975, it was costing the FWC $250,000 per year to respond to nuisance alligator complaints, according to a 1989 report cited by the Fourth Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference. Just as its tail contacts the truckbed, the alligator snaps its head back, apparently . Possess personal communication capabilities, including a cell phone and email. The estimated additional pay is $53,933 per year. Usually, alligator hunters work freelance and dont make any money until they have an alligator to show. Animal Outreach. So . The FWC decides whether the gator poses a risk and will then assign a trapper that it contracts with and licenses. Be able to supply any equipment necessary to take alligators (truck, boat, snares, hooks, etc). It has been such a positive story and that success story would be jeopardized.. How much does an alligator meat sell for? A seven-foot alligator sent a Florida woman to the hospital Tuesday after biting her in the leg, according to a local report. Assume personal liability for health, welfare and safety of themselves and their trapping agents. Project a positive image to the public and media. Wild gators are more likely to have scars or hides tarnished by weather. What Is The Difference Between A Crocadile And An Alligator. Font Size: An alligator living with its mouth taped shut in a Florida neighborhood since December has finally been captured and will be relocated. Answer 2: Alligator trappers in the United States make around $12 to $15 per hour. Entry-level Hunters and Trappers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $19,170 to $24,930 per year or $9 to $12 per hour. We know the Swamp People stars can bring in some alligators. When trappers are needed, applications submitted within the last 12 months for the specific area of need are considered. The price of alligators has gone up in the past few years because of increased competition from overseas. The average salary for a Shareholder is $142,130 per year in United States, which is 39% lower than the average Littler Mendelson salary of $236,020 per year for this job. He can be also seen on local tv channels, hoping to raise awareness regarding his job as a trapper. Fish and Wildlife Service under its Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance classification because it looks so much like the American crocodile, which is federally listed as threatened. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hiring a contracted nuisance alligator trapper for Sarasota County. The alligator hides are used in a variety of luxury goods such as shoes, belts, suitcases and leather. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Answer 10: Yes alligator trappers in the United States need a license. Top headlines: 11-year-old Winter Park boy dies from flesh-eating bacteria after . Thoughts on Wilson Elser? We looked into how much alligator hunters make, plus the salary that the Swamp People cast make while filming the show. Salary. Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart P.C. Answer 5: The average alligator trapper in the United States sells around 300 alligator skins a year. Upthegrove recently sold five alligators for $233. A Florida school named after Everglades State Park experienced a small portion of what the wetlands has to offer when a small alligator appeared on the school's playground. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392 . Comp and culture? His hobbies include shooting, archery, fishing, scuba, and working on projects around the home. For 40 years, state-contracted nuisance alligator hunters have answered the call to wrangle the iconic reptiles when one gets too close for comfort. Answer 13: A permit to trap alligators in the United States cost around $250. He's said to have a net worth of $2 million and earns $30,000 per month from the show. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Estimated $28.7K - $36.4K a year. They do it because their daddies did it, because its a lifestyle, because its a public service. Yes, there's what's called a kill spot right behind the edge of their skull, where nature has left a spot where they're not covered by their scutes. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper will get dispatched to . That year, 535 gators were harvested by trappers. A Rehabilitation Director in Walnut, CA gets paid an average income of $163,094. For the past 12 years, audiences have been fascinated by the Louisiana residents featured on the History Channel show, Swamp People. The show began by following the proud descendants of French Canadian refugees who settled in the swamp region of Louisiana in the 18th century. For me, its family tradition. In addition alligators can be found in difficult to reach places such as swampy areas with thick vegetation. The FWC emphasizes that income earned from being a nuisance alligator trapper may be insufficient to fully support an individual or family, adding that most trappers have additional sources. Here we go again! Julie Harter, 55, is a teacher, a grandmother to six and an alligator trapper. News4JAX rides along with trapper during alligator mating season Aaron Farrar , News4Jax reporter Published: May 12, 2022, 6:00 AM Updated: May 12, 2022, 12:32 PM FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. One of the shows most popular cast members, Troy Landry is said to earn the most from being on the show. The female alligator is being taken to Gatorama Inc. in Palmdale, Florida, according to the contracted FWC trapper. If you are interested in becoming an alligator trapper it is important to have a good understanding of the animals and their behavior. Hello swamp friends! I know people who are sitting on hundreds of hides.. Massachusetts beats the national average by 10.0%, and Hawaii furthers that trend with another $3,587 (12.6%) above the $28,486. However, to be eligible for the job one must be prepared to handle any size alligator. Trappers must be careful when handling alligators as they can be very aggressive. However some trappers also work during the fall and spring. Please enter a work email. Your email address will not be published. Lane Graves, 2, died in 2016 after he was snatched from the shore of a Disney World resort by an alligator. But are they also raking in some dough from the show? Trappers aren't allowed to relocate the alligator. However moving to a higher paying state like HI doesnt guarantee that you will make more because the expenses at HI might be much higher than where you are currently living at right now. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The season begins on the first Wednesday of September and lasts for 30 days. If your contact information changes, you may submit another application with the current information. An alligator Sport Hunter License costs $25 for Louisiana residents and $150 for non-residents. According to the job description, trappers typically make house calls to remove gators about 4 feet long found in pools or garages. The 43-year-old woman was out walking her dog near a lake in Palm . How much do alligator trappers make per hour? How many alligator skins does the average alligator trapper sell in a year? Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Other Services (except Public Administration), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services. Ricky Kramer, a trapper whose area includes Palm Beach County, said he catches about 400 nuisance gators per year. Its a whole lot of leg work and sometimes you go out and there isnt even an alligator, its a frog.. The estimated total pay for a Shareholder at Littler Mendelson is $236,020 per year. My tax lady asks me every year why Im doing this, but I like trapping. , Learn How to State Your Case and Earn Your Raise, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips, A Guide to Negotiating the Salary You Deserve, How to Prepare for Your Interview and Land the Job. At first glance, the requirements seem simple. I got out of the Army in 2006 for 90 days and noticed a job opening for alligator trapping. Join our hunter or trapper Career Community today! Nuisance alligator trappers are primarily compensated by their marketing and sale of alligator products (hides and meat) from nuisance alligators taken. Your email address will not be published. Before, you could make that off of one, he said. Similar to any other job, their salary will increase as they gain experience. Brian Wood, 62, owner of All American Gator in Dania Beach, started buying nuisance gators from trappers in the late 1980s. Similar to any other job, their salary will increase as they gain experience. It is set on the Atchafalaya Basin, in Louisiana, where the cast members take to the swamp and hunt alligators during the 30-day season. Privately Licensed as a nuisance trapper, Ray also responds to calls for other wildlife situations. Ray resides in Naples with his wife of 18years, their 8 rescued dogs, 3 rescued cats and even 2 rescued bunnies! Alligator trapping is a dangerous job. Done correctly, it brings benefits to ecosystems and makes people safe.. Occasionally, the hunters catch alligators as big as 12 foot, which proves to be quite the struggle to get into the boat. A federal judge placed a temporary hold on the ban that Louisiana officials said would devastate Louisianas lucrative alligator product industry., PETA says the writing is on the wall to ban exotic skins. Its been harsh, said Julie Harter, an FWC-licensed nuisance trapper, about the drop in prices. Trappers also may receive a small expense reimbursement from the FWC for each alligator taken. Florida alligator expert Frank Robb holds Chance the Snapper on Tuesday in Chicago. Alligator trappers make a very good living. According to the job description, there is an opportunity for a promotion or tuition. Answer 14: A permit to trap alligators in the United States is valid for one year. They can make around $100000 a year sometimes more. The hunters often profit from their meat and their hides. Shizuka Matsuki, 47, was killed in 2018 when she was attacked by an alligator while walking her dogs in Davies Silver Lakes Rotary Nature Park. But, remember, not every alligator hunter stars on a famous reality show like Swamp People. So, how much does the average (non-celebrity) alligator hunter make? Alligator Adventure/Animal Staff. My dad started with the program as one of the first trappers, said Kramer, 50. How many alligators does the average alligator trapper sell for meat in a year? But the increase in gators and influx of humans wanting to live on former swamp land meant more human-reptile interaction. This position will entail the husbandry of Alligator Adventure's animal collection including birds and non venomous reptiles. Hunters and Trappers hunt and trap wild animals for human consumption, fur, feed, bait, or other purposes. Last year, 8,972 nuisance alligators were removed statewide by FWCs 103 contract trappers. This occupation has now been updated to Fishing and Hunting Workers. The FWC pays trappers a $30 stipend to catch a nuisance alligator. Hearing about that $2 million net worth may be enticing. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWCs toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. How much does the average alligator trapper make in a year after expenses? What are the main expenses for alligator trappers? The job requires providing care, custody, and control for all incarcerated inmates. by Brandon Gobel, photos by Timothy Fadek, AARP, March 2, 2018. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. After multiple attempts to capture and relocate the alligator from a retention pond failed, authorities successfully caught it on Thursday, WFLA reported. Sign up in our career community today! A post shared by Swamp People (@swamppeople), WATCH SWAMP PEOPLE ON HISTORY EVERY THURSDAY AT 9/8C, AND GET FREAKY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK, Screenshot: Swamp People: Daniel Tags 13-Foot Gator Nemesis Grand Noir (Season 8) | History YouTube. Louisiana filed a lawsuit in December against California because of a ban on importing and selling alligator products that was scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1. (239) 410-2408. The show takes place during the most important time of year for swamp residents: alligator-hunting season. The prospective trapper would join the statewide nuisance alligator program. Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time. Of the 6,020 fish and game wardens working in the United . If you live in Central Florida, alligators can show up anytime, anywhere. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program occasionally needs new or additional contracted nuisance alligator trappers. The estimated additional pay is $53,933 per year. Salaries vary greatly across the range of cast members. As major designers and retailers including Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, H&M, Victoria Beckham, and others are banning exotic skins, the writing is on the wall: It's 2020 and time to find a line of work that doesn't involve killing of wildlife and trying to peddle their unwanted skins, said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. Of that number, 8,036 were killed . However, in 2017 and 2018 there was increased competition coming from overseas and this caused gator sales to drop to an all-time low. Its an estimated annual hike in the stipend budget of $390,000 an 85 percent increase from the previous earmark. Generally, there is not enough work to make nuisance alligator trapping a full-time job, and the income earned from the sale of alligator products may not be enough to support an individual or family. Positive place? Answer 11: An alligator trapper license in the United States cost around $100. >>RELATED: Shes an avid surfer aware of shark danger, then she got bit by a gator. Have a record of adherence to fish and wildlife regulations and have no criminal history. Its a lifestyle now.. Contact Ray the Trapper to learn more about his work. I love what I do. However, if you own your own hunting grounds then you can breed as many gators as you wish. February 17, 2023 12:59 PM ET. Its unclear what some of the other cast members salaries include. In 2020, the Louisiana alligator hunting season was extended to 60 days, and ended in late October in both east and west zones. This listing provides federal protection for alligators but allows the state to manage alligator populations. His passion for animals extends into his fur-family and seeing the transformation in saving these pets from their past neglect, abuse and abandonment. Trappers captured the 10-foot-long alligator after it killed Gloria Serge of St. Lucie County on Feb. 20, 2023. He visits local schools, homeowners associations, and even attends local fundraisers with his little buddy Spike the alligator! Most often, this allows to alligators to enjoy a live release at a farm where they breed and live their lives in a natural habitat. Despite the dangers alligator trappers can make a very good living. Answer 8: The average alligator trapper in the United States sells around 1500 alligators for meat a year. She's a Grandma and an Alligator Trapper See how the Florida woman catches gators at least 200 a year. Our focus is always on each client's specific needs and providing exceptional work in each home. Less than $20 $40 per foot of unprocessed alligator, Louisianas east zone opens on the last Wednesday of August, while the west zone opens on the first Wednesday in September, 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Curtis Robinson, Alligator Trapper, Morriston, Florida. $34340 per year. Featured Schools Salary rank Salary rank D Make the right impression on employers and get better job offers. Entry-level hourly wage $9 to $12 per hour Entry-level Hunters and Trappers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $19,170 to $24,930 per year or $9 to $12 per hour. We compared the salary of all careers then we gave them a rank of A, B, C, or D depending on where their average salary sit in comparison to other careers. When I went back in the service, it never left my mind that there's a job out there to catch alligators. The trapper is then permitted to sell that animal to a farm or have it processed for its hide and meat, and keep whatever they make in sales. Another simple way to increase your salary as a Hunter and Trapper is to move to a higher paying state. Start the day smarter Notable deaths in 2023 . Between 2009 and 2018, the average number of alligators taken per year was 7,324. The market really started to decline three years ago and its progressively getting worse, said Wood, who no longer buys the nuisance gators. Answer 9: The main expenses for alligator trappers are the cost of gas the cost of bait and the cost of licenses and permits. Median pay: How much do Fishing and Hunting Workers make? He paid up to $40 per foot and resold the skins to fashion giants such as Hermes, Gucci and Prada. To put your alligator trapping skills to the test, apply by April 14. The contracted nuisance alligator trapper removed the 9-foot 6-inch alligator on January 21st and transferred it live to a farm. With up front standardized pricing, our clients will always know what to expect before work ever begins. When a Florida Fish and Wildlife trapper tried to put this gator in the back of a pickup truck, the animal made a last-ditch effort to escape.