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Thread: Florida pilot program for python hunt

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    3,310

    Default Florida pilot program for python hunt

    Press Release: Florida Python Hunt

    This Press release was written by Shawn Heflick and Andrew Wyatt. This morning it was submitted to the Associated Press, Washington Post, The Orlando Sentinel, ABC News and FOX News.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Pilot Program For Python Hunt

    Wilmington, NC July 16, 2009- The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) supports a bounty on Burmese Pythons. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been working very closely with key reptile experts in Florida to develop and implement a pilot program for permitting a select group of 20 Florida reptile experts to participate in a trial program that will allow permitted experts to hunt Burmese Pythons on FWC and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) areas. All participants must possess a valid Florida Reptiles of Concern permit and meet criteria laid down by FWC. Each Burmese Hunt Permittee will be allowed 5 additional hunters to accompany them into the field. Permitted individuals must carry GPS units and digital cameras, and supply data to FWC within 36 hours of capture. They will also be required to attempt to capture any other non-native species they come across during their hunts and call for permission from land managers into restricted areas before going into the field. Permitted individuals are free to take the specimens or euthanize them on site at their discretion.

    FWC has worked very hard to step up and develop this program. They have worked very closely with the Florida Reptile Community in the development of this permit/program, and are eager to be part of the solution to this problem. Florida reptile experts spear-heading this effort with FWC are Shawn K. Heflick, Greg Graziani and Michael Cole.
    The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) supports and applauds this effort by FWC and the Florida Reptile Community in taking concrete pragmatic steps in addressing the issue of feral Burmese Pythons in South Florida. USARK supports Senator Bill Nelson’s call for the US Dept. of Interior to open federal land where the epicenter of the population resides and is encouraging that this pilot program be considered as a model for a Federal Bounty Program. In a letter dated June 17, 2009 to Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar USARK pledged $10,000 to this proposal.
    USARK President Andrew Wyatt added, “It is time all interested stakeholders work together to address this issue. The reptile community has been unjustly cast as the villain being accused as the source of the introduction of Burmese Pythons, when a genetics study commissioned by SFWD points away from this likelihood. We are not the source, but we want to be part of the solution; and we are putting our money where our mouth is. We have more expertise with Burmese Pythons than all other stakeholders combined and now we are bringing this expertise to bear in addressing this problem in South Florida.”
    USARK is a science and education based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles. We endorse caging standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and an integrated approach to vital conservation issues. Our goal is to facilitate cooperation between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are our primary concerns





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  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Auburn,CA
    Posts
    68

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    I wish I was in florida to help catch those buggers.People really suck to let their pets go no matter what animal it is.What do they do with the pyhtons after they are caught???..Axe
    0.1 Black & White Argentine Tegus
    0.1 Kahl Super Sunglow Red Tail Boa
    1.0 Het for Snow Red Tail Boa
    1.1 Pastel Ball Python,
    1.0 Butter Albino Corn Snake
    0.1 Russian Tortoise (RIP Terdis)
    1 Sulcata tortoise (RIP Jr.)
    1.1 dogs
    1.2 cats
    rat's

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    662

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    I very well think they kill the snakes after they are caught instead of releasing them back to their home in Asia.
    1.0.0. English Budgie (Peanut)
    1.0.0. Red-Eared Slider (Rocky)
    1.0.0. Bearded Dragon (Gomek)
    www.youtube.com/SnakeEyes223

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Central FL
    Posts
    4,349

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    Releasing them in Asia would be weird...CITES issues, imports/exports, not to mention the balance of nature over there. People can't really dump a number of predators on their ecosystem.

    My husband says there will be a new influx of python boots and belts. There's really nothing else to do with them. They won't make good captives because they are grouchy and normal coloration.

    Hey, I have a permit...anyone want to go hunting? (just kidding)
    Laura R (FL)
    1.0.0 Colombian Tegu
    1.4.0 Argentine B&W Tegu
    1.2.0 Red Tegu
    1.2.0 B/WxRed Tegu
    1.0.0 Green Ameiva (yet another teiid)
    7 other lizards
    1 little gator
    3 FL box turtle
    1 Sulcata tortoise
    16 snakes
    5 fuzzy pets
    4 little frogs
    a bunch of creepy bugs
    and a partridge in a pear tree

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