Florida water district weighing plan to pay hunters to kill pythons

By Chris Eger

Irula tribesmen from India are helping Florida conservation officials remove invasive Burmese pythons. A pilot program by the South Florida Water Management District could see paid hunters added to the task on district-managed land. (Photo: Ed Metzger/University of Florida)
A water district in South Florida will hear a plan this week to hire area hunters to take care of invasive Burmese pythons infesting remote swamps and islands.
As reported by the Miami Herald, the South Florida Water Management District on Thursday will weigh a two-month pilot program in which hunters will be paid both by the hour spent on the job as well as a bonus for each of the huge snakes bagged.
The plan is backed by the indigenous Miccosukee Tribe, who has enduring rights on the district’s land for hunting and other purposes.
“The only way we are going to solve this problem is with the public help. Of course there will need to be strict controls on access. But I think it’s a great idea,” said Truman Duncan, the tribe’s water resources director. “Our Wildlife Officers only patrol Tribal lands. That leaves the majority of the Everglades with very little protection.”
Among the hunters already employed by the district is Bobby Hill

Source: Guns.com