Poor Magnificent Alligator Gars

[Sarcosuchus]

Are these Alligator Gars released? Some don't appear so to me...hurting this awesome fish, for what? To prove they have won something? A champion? Does that supposed to be something meaningful? It's not like they eat the fish for food do they? Maybe I'll just break into their houses, hunt them down and take pictures to prove I have achieved something..

Sorry for my trash talk, I just don't like them being treated for some unnecessary lust / temptation...And it is ridiculous to see these guys who hunt Alligator Gars with a passion, even with arrows, spears...and then give Hi5s to their buddies, hugging each other, shaking their heads like they have achieved something so truly valuable and meaningful as they talk about how they love Alligator Gars....love? A Lover would be like Steve Irwin, out of all the killings, he would protect, aducate, make people think, feel and create habitats to watch them swim in their territory. Now that's beauty, but this is a waste.

It's their own personal lust! I'm sorry, to me a life is a life, if they do it for food, then so be it, but to hurt and drag and kill for an illusion? I am sorry...and don't tell me how animals in the wild sometimes kill for fun...we humans evolve and are beyond such thinking. I'm done.

 

[cockroach]

i know exactly what you mean. those are awe inspiring

 

[WeeNe858]

most of them are released.. they take em outa the water for 15-20 min and then put them back in

 

[Koji]

darn.....

 

[sauroid]

some look bloody.

 

[sandtiger]

I can tell you at least a few of those fish were most likely released because I know where the pictures come from and typically when they are in the water with the fish that means the fish were let go.

How badly does this one grind your gears?

 

[ancientfishfan]

First, let me say that I truly do appreciate your concern. I just think it's much more emotional than factual in this day and age. Now on the subject of poachers I agree (with the exception of killing them). Also regulation has made a huge difference in how you need to feel about these pictures IMHO.

I do believe that same "lust" causes you to keep them as pets/prisoners.

You can eat gars. Just not the eggs from what I understand.

Hunters and fisherman contribute tremendously to regulation and preservation. Tons of money, time, politically, etc. Catch and release is becoming more popular every day. They may have a bone to pick with you for your lack of actual contribution to these causes.

It is perfectly healthy for there to be a calculated amount of predation on a population. You haven't discouraged me one bit from acting upon my predatory instinct in a responsible manner. Obeying the laws and regulations that apply.

I don't know what was involved in catching those gars since I've never gone for them. I can tell you the trophy fish I've gone for are not something you just go out and do one day. You spend LOTS of money and time to get there. Why can't you understand the emotion that is involved with someone taking years and years to master a craft they enjoy to get to the point where they can achieve something that few can? It's not like a UFC fighter walking into a bar and beating up a cripple then doing a victory dance. Much more complicated and difficult than you will probably ever imagine.

 

[ancientfishfan]

In time of extreme drought you have to kill off large numbers of grazing animals in a herd to allow the herd to survive. Understandable right?

So if life is life should we do the same to humans? Would you be alright with that?

I think all life is precious. I just don't buy into the whole life is life thing. I may just be biased because I'm human.

 

[Miguel]

You are right, of course, Ancientfishetc...but nonetheless it is painfull to watch those fish strung up..

 

[MrFisher]

most of them are released.. they take em outa the water for 15-20 min and then put them back in

i agree, i use to live in Florida and we never kept any , it's not like people eat them much