5 things to know about the Florida Python Challenge: Map for hunt, bounty, how to kill
If you're looking for a way to become $10,000 richer, killing pythons may be it. The 2024 Florida Python Challenge hunt is happening soon. Here are important things to know about the annual snake hunt.
1. Participants have 10 days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible in annual Florida snake hunt
The 2024 Florida Python Challenge begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. Both Florida residents and non-residents can participate as long as they pass the online training module with a score of 85% or higher and complete registration. The registration fee is $25.
A printed or digital copy of each participant's registration email must be with them at all times during the competition.
2. You can't kill a python with a firearm. Here are approved ways to kill a Burmese python
The required training shows participants how to identify Burmese pythons and native snakes, as well as safe handling and humane killing methods. According to competition rules, you can't use a firearm to kill the snakes. Although Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida, anti-cruelty laws still apply to the competition. Therefore, participants are required to use the two-step method outlined below.
- Target the brain: Use a tool such as a bolt stunner, air gun or hammer directly between the eyes and jawbone, where the brain is, to cause the python to lose consciousness.
- Destroy the brain: Immediately and substantially destroy the python's brain and brainstem by "pithing" or inserting a small rod like a screwdriver, pike or pick into the cranial cavity moving it deliberately in several directions.
No guns: Legal ways to kill a Burmese python in Florida Python Challenge
3. There are seven competition locations for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge. See map below
Participants are restricted to these seven challenge areas to hunt their pythons.
- Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area
- Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area
- Frog Pond Public Small Game Hunting Area
- Holey Land Wildlife Management Area
- Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area
- Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area
- Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area
Digital maps can be found by searching "Python Challenge" on the ArcGIS Field Maps app, available on the App store or Google Play store. Hunters can be disqualified for submitting pythons found outside of competition areas or competition dates.
4. Prizes are lot bigger in 2024 for snakes hunted this August
All prizes will be given by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida and will be announced via an awards ceremony.
The participant who removes the most pythons will be awarded an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000. In three separate categories, Novice, Professional and Military, those with the most pythons can win a prize of $2,500 each. If someone is eligible for multiple prizes, they will be granted the highest prize value and the next participant in line will be awarded the lower value prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the longest or most snakes caught.
Read more here: Florida Python Challenge is on! Prizes a lot bigger in 2024 for snakes hunted this August
5. How to submit your python carcass during the challenge
Pythons must be killed humanely and in the spot in which they're captured. Those in the novice category cannot transport live pythons under any circumstances.
The hunted carcasses must be "kept chilled or frozen, and turned in at the nearest accessible Florida Python Challenge™ check station within 24 hours of capture," according to the Florida Python Challenge website.
A completed datasheet highlighting place of capture, humane killing method, etc. must be submitted with each Burmese python.
Ashley Ferrer is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today