When it comes to bow hunting, there isn’t much that John Brown of Chester hasn’t done. He is recognized as one of the most decorated turkey hunters in the Midwest, but this past August he got out of his comfort zone and went hunting for something much larger—400 pounds larger.
Back on August 19-20, Brown was invited by a friend to do some alligator hunting in Jupiter, Florida.
“My friend is a well knowledged alligator hunter and he put me on several spot-n-stalk opportunities throughout the evenings,” said Brown. “Honestly it was one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I have ever experienced. To be in the water anywhere from ankle to waist deep staring at gators that would sometimes swim straight towards you was just amazing.”
Brown remembers every second of the hunt as if it happened mere hours ago.
“As the gator closed the distance I drew my bow and my friend hit him with the light, it was then that he stopped, motionless in the water for what seemed like an eternity,” said Brown. “Finally, when he started to turn to his right and swim I let the heavy gator arrow fly. As soon as the point buried into him, the gator shot straight up out of the water to his front shoulders like he was being shot out of a cannon. My friend then immediately emptied the 25 yards of line from the retriever reel and I grabbed the float from the end of the bow as the fight was on. I almost let go of the float several times in fear of him breaking the line or pulling me in.”
Brown continued to fight and once the alligator came back up for air, he finished him off with a second arrow.
“It was definitely the most powerful animal I have ever put an arrow in,” added Brown. “I never dreamt an animal that size would have that much power. The power of these lizards is nothing short of amazing and to feel them demonstrate it first hand is impressive to say the least. I have a new respect for alligators.”
Brown’s gator measured out to be nearly 10 feet in length and just over 400 pounds.
“I have grilled numerous gator steaks and must say it is very tasty. I would describe the taste as in-between chicken and pork cutlet. The hide is also very beautiful. Definitely a trip that I wouldn’t mind doing again.”