Five Year Old Boy Bags Texas Sized Alligator

Alligators in Texas can get BIG!

We all know that alligator hunting is not for the faint of heart, but one Texas boy got more than he expected. As in a huge Texas sized alligator! There are hunters who go a lifetime dreaming of that big kill. Then there’s Simon Hughes, who helped nab a beast of an animal on an East Texas hunt — while still in the first grade. The 5-year-old boy from Goodrich was part of a hunting crew that recently killed an 800-pound, 12-foot-6-inch alligator that has wildlife experts shaking their heads.

The reptile, whose size is at a state record level, is now at the taxidermist waiting to be mounted. Simon’s family, meanwhile, is fielding calls from CNN and Good Morning America to feature his exploits. Simon learned to drive all-terrain vehicles and shoot firearms when he was only 4. So he was primed and ready to go on an alligator hunt this past weekend with his father, Scott Hughes, a sixth-generation rancher, and hunting guide Chuck Cotton. Continue reading Five Year Old Boy Bags Texas Sized Alligator

Brazos Bend State Park Turns 25!

An alligator crosses the road at Brazos Bend State Park 

Scores of visitors turned out for a day of pleasant weather and numerous activities this past Saturday at Brazos Bend State Park, as the 5,000-acre park celebrated its 25-year history as a flagship recreation destination near the Houston metro area. Park staff—both past and present—were acknowledged, as was the Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization, which contributes hundreds of service hours each year. Along with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith and State Parks Director Walt Dabney, dignitaries on hand included two state legislators. “I think Brazos Bend is a wonderful jewel that we need to preserve,” said Senator Joan Huffman of Houston, adding “it’s a wonderful getaway within a short drive for people in the city, so they can just come out here and enjoy nature.”

Representative Dora Olivo of Rosenberg said, “I think Brazos Bend State Park represents the tranquility, beauty and peace that we all need for our lives. The birds, the trees, the leaves rustling—this park is a chance to really appreciate nature, and it’s a chance to protect the beauty and sacredness of nature as well, not only for those of us now, but also for future generations.”

One Reason To Not Feed Alligators

One Reason To Not Feed Alligators

Feeding wildlife, especially alligators, is a bad idea. Why? First, some human foods actually harm the digestive systems of wild animals. Although this probably will not be the case with alligators, fed alligators will soon become hooked on handouts, can become concentrated around artificial food sources, and will lose there fear of humans. Continue reading One Reason To Not Feed Alligators