Local man bags 12-foot alligator
By Schuyler Kropf
Mark Merting battled this 12-foot, 2-inch gator near Russellville on Saturday, the first day of South Carolina's public alligator hunt.
Kenneth Cordray of Cordray's Taxidermy prepares an alligator for a rug mount. Mark Merting, who captured and killed the 12-foot, 2-inch gator, says he has a game room and he'll be hanging this rug mount on the wall.
Previous story
Hunters learn reptiles can be elusive as they search S.C. waters, published 09/14/08
Summerville resident Mark Merting is among those who can claim bragging rights from the opening weekend of South Carolina's first public alligator hunt in decades.
But he has a lot of bruises and sore spots to show for it.
Merting fought a monster gator Saturday on Lake Moultrie near Russellville, battling the angry reptile for more than 3 1/2 hours of twisting, pulling and rope burns.
"I'm still tired," Merting said Monday.
Using a fishing rod, treble hook and heavy wire test line, Merting and buddy Eddie Dulin hooked the beast from their 13 1/2-foot boat. He'd seen the gator prowling the area before and knew it would be a good prize.
Photo Gallery
Alligator Hunt
South Carolina's new alligator hunting season began Saturday and will run until the second Saturday of October.
But once the critter was hooked, it raced for the bottom, staying down for about an hour. "He just sat there, dead weight," Merting said.
Over the course of the morning, he kept trying to wear down the gator until it became too tired and could be kept up near the surface. The fight wasn't easy. In one instance "he tried to pull me back in," he said.
Eventually, Merting was able to kill the gator by using a pistol and a "bang stick," a cartridge-type weapon on a long stick that's sometimes used to kill sharks with head shots.
"I had both, and it took both," Merting said.
When the duel ended, the big bull measured at least 12 feet 2 inches in length, even with part of its tail missing.
The skinners at Cordray's butcher operation in Ravenel didn't have a scale big enough to weigh the gator, but early estimates were that it was between 600 and 800 pounds.
Merting said he's glad the one-gator-limit season is over for him. "He beat me up pretty good."
Merting plans to turn the animal's large hide into a floor rug, complete with tail, feet and head attached.
The hunt goes through Oct. 11 and is open only to hunters who have secured one of the 1,000 permits distributed in a state-issued lottery.
Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postand courier.com.
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faelady (anonymous) says...
I hope these "hunters" are putting that gator meat to good use and not wasting the life of the animal for (eewww gross) a skin to put out for everyone to see! I'm not against hunting, but not just for sport!
September 16, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
Cordrays, take advantage of this free advertising! Good for you guys! Ok, another clueless question. Will the grocery stores start carrying alligator, can I buy it from Cordrays, or is the meat just processed for the hunters only?
September 16, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ed52 (anonymous) says...
gator meat is $10.00 a pound.
September 16, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
I hope they make some fried gator tail out of this!!! I had to scroll past the picture, I can't stand looking at alligators but gator tail is awesome...if it's cooked right!
September 16, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mdimaio (anonymous) says...
Cordray's Processing is processing the meat from this gator for the Merting family to enjoy. It is all being put to good use! Visit www.cordrays.com for lots more pictures and more information.
September 16, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
The law for these permits clearly says that the meat can't be sold.
September 16, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Catbus (anonymous) says...
I am absolutely offended at what I saw this morning as I sat down with my cop of coffee and quickly glanced at the newspaper. Was this necessary? Did we have to get the visual of the alligator that had been hunted down and killed, then see it split open to use as a trophy....hanging on the wall? What is the point? Is this to promote and encourage every person who thinks that hunting alligators now is the fun "weekend" thing to do? This is pushing this "hunting season" a bit too far. Are we soon going to see this process with all animals? What's next... a video while on the hunt and giving us a first hand look at this cruel experience?
The story is one thing....but the picture is and was not needed...it only infuriates me and othes to see this process. Gators live in the rivers...we go and pluck them out of their habitat...and kill them! Then the story is sensationalized and written with details and the visual of the end result....this grand creature ending up split open and hanging on a wall!
By the way, the comment above regarding the website for cordrays, which not only is publicity, but I am going to assume shows evenmore graphic pictures....it needs to be removed from these comments. I thought that this law was passed to control the population...not to use it as a venue for someone to prove their "manhood" and capture a gator, split it open and then mount it on a wall as a trophy!...and then even more so....the newpaper can't wait to show the lowcountry just how it is done!
This is not news...where are the stories on conservation and protecting our natural habitats in the lowcountry? Okay....so you have a story on the little turtle being released back to the ocean after rehabilitation at the SC Aquarium...but then a couple of days later...we get to see the gator split open?
We live in a grand place....there are many stories to tell....let's try to make them positive influences...please!
September 16, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Catbus (anonymous) says...
One correction to my comment...I mentioned....."the comment above regarding the website for cordrays.....this comment was posted earlier this morning...I was referring to that particular comment.
September 16, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Sounds like some one has a delicate constitution. Try channel 56 on Comcast. They hunt all the time on there.
It's a channel to cull the population and if a story comes out about them having a rough and tumble adventure, so what. Now go and prune your petunias then lament about the fly killed by the spider.
September 16, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Catbus
If you are so "offended" by real Americans exercising their right to express their truly American heritage of hunting wild game, then perhaps you would be more comfortable in say San Francisco or New York City.
To most southerners, reading stories of successful hunts involving bagging LEGAL trophies is a "positive influence". I will not only show the story to my son, but I will take him to view (with delight) the trophy.
While positive conservative moral family values decline, it is comforting to read a story not involving murder, rape, child abuse, or thievery.
September 16, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
Seeeing as we are at the top of the food chain, we have the right to hunt other animals. I am 100% against hunting for sport only..as long as the food is eaten then it is not a waste of an animals life... I mean you don't hear about the lions in Africa holding gruop meetings to save the gazelles :) If they are hungry, they eat. Such is life.
September 16, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"you don't hear about the lions in Africa holding gruop meetings to save the gazelles :) "
*snicker*
September 16, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pluffmuddy (anonymous) says...
Catbus, why don't you tell us how you REALLY feel! It's obvious you have no connection to real history--to the time when most people lived off the land and trapped and hunted for their family's welfare. Gators were regularly harvested for their meat and hides, and to protect people, livestock, and pets from becoming lunch. I suggest you visit a slaughterhouse where cows, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, etc. are processed to have a little more realistic look at reality. Or did you think meat "comes from grocery stores"? Get a clue...
September 16, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I couldn't have that alligator skin on my wall. I'd be selling it to Chanel or some other company that would make purses, shoes and belts out of it. You could probably make some good money that way.
September 16, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
Catbus,
Regardless of how anyone feels about hunting or why some hunt the wildlife population would be much worse off today without the hunters and fishing sport. I am not talking about the culing the herd theory though I believe it. I feel safe in saying that fees, licences, taxes, purchase of land and habitat for wildlife paid and done by sportsman have protected more wildlife then the likes of PETA and other organizations like it. Organizations like PETA talk and feel good and go after Monastaries where they know they just want a peacful life. Sportsman just do it.
One could say that sportsman only do this to kill. That has some truth and you can not understand the most basic of natural instincts that come in to play on a hunt. But, I again feel safe in saying that true sportsman genuinly respect wildlife and the environment. No matter the motive wildlife is better off from hunters then feel good organizations.
One finale note, slob, pig hunters and fisherman are not sportsman. They are just slobs and pigs.
September 16, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
BTW...they sink when you shoot them. So I have been told.
Many years of protecting these prehistoric creatures has led to an abnormal increase in their population. Nuisance gators are often dumped in outlying creeks where people now populate as well. I think the season on hunting alligators is a fine idea. I believe the regulations should even be a little more lenient on how these monsters can be killed.
September 16, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"I couldn't have that alligator skin on my wall. I'd be selling it to Chanel or some other company that would make purses, shoes and belts out of it. You could probably make some good money that way."
See Iceman, if I said that I would have been labeled a girly girl. The first thing I thought of when I saw that hide was 'damn belt, shoes, bag and dammit a funky gator coat!'
lolol
September 16, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
eyfig, you sound like my daughter. LOL
She would want to eat the gator tail while wearing it's hide. Don't even start with the purses. She owns them all.
September 16, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
OMG! That pic is something else. You go Mr. Merting with your bad a**!!!
September 16, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
eyfigueroa, I used to work for Saks Fith Avenue when I was in college so that's the first thing that comes to mind. Alligator skin costs a fortune so he could make a pretty penny on that.
A 12-footer is big for this area. Have you ever been to the Everglades?
September 16, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
"A 12-footer is big for this area."
Yes, but I live on the Cooper river and I can tell you it is not unusual.
September 16, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
Catbus this is necessary to keep the out of control Gator population down in SC. (Just recently a gator made its way into a lady's kitchen in Florida because there are so many of them. We don't want that to happen here.) As far as the photos, people want to see photo's along with a story. Majority rules. Sorry but you have the choice not to read the paper if the photos upset you. I understand your point, as I also was disturbed about the cruelty of it all. Plastering the poor animal up like a trophy shark which I am also against killing made me sad. I have the answer to all of this for people who don't like them...since the ocean belongs to the shark, and the lakes belong to the gator's... STAY OUT OF THEM...feet belong on land!!
I am currently crusading about the cruel treatment of horses sold by the USA to Mexico for slaughter and then sold to foreign countries for food. I couldn't even watch the video without getting sick. Then again, we had the news on the chicken farms and mistreatment of them, like cutting their beaks off so they couldn't peck each other because they were so cramped in cages...etc. This world we live in today is only out for one thing... the almighty dollar. Animal cruelty, Internet child pornography,and more crap these days are horrible. Its Sodham and Gamorrah all over!! And people now are saying that Barack Obama is the ANTI-CHRIST...who knows... Those in search of money, don't care who or what gets damaged in the process of getting it. It's sickening. One can only hope that its true that you reap what you sow and I will pray for all their souls.
God Bless America!!
September 16, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
katrenavantassle, They did a special on the slaughterhouse industry once and showed how inhumane the cattle are treated and I felt like I was going to be sick. I had to turn the tv off. Did you ever read Fast Food Nation?
September 16, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
P eople
E nthusiastically
T asting
A nimals
People eat animals. In order for that to happen, animals must be killed.
katrena,
I'm still trying to comprehend your post. Man, you are all over the place.
September 16, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Liberal anti-hunters won't be satisfied until ALL hunting and fishing is abolished. One way to expedite that is to keep the socialists in control of Congress and elect their messiah as President.
September 16, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pluffmuddy (anonymous) says...
If you've ever eaten a hamburger or a piece of chicken, you ARE a part of the processing system as it exists today. Get over it, become a vegan, or raise and slaughter your own meat so you can decide for yourself the most humane way to put meat on the plate. Otherwise, qwitcherbitchin...
September 16, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I know! LOLOLOL
Dude is going to put that hide on a wall?!?!?
what a waste. I say blow up a pic, frame it and give me the hide.
September 16, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
sc4peace..LMAO!!!
Horsemeat>beef
September 16, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
annmacdonald (anonymous) says...
This is disgusting, it's a shame that this killing was glorified and the innocent alligator portrayed as a "monsterous beast". The detailed report of how the alligator fought for it's life was heart wrenching. It's enough to make me not look at this completely red-neck hillbilly paper again!
Shame on your Post and Courier. How about some real news?
September 16, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
One finale note, slob, pig hunters and fisherman are not sportsman. They are just slobs and pigs.
Tc1, just curious... why do you feel this way? I have never been pig hunting (and in pig hunting do you mean wild boar?), but I always thought guys that killed them usually used bow and arrow or cross bow and stalked their prey. That sounds like hard work and sportsman like activity. I have gone fishing before and it is a lazy sport, but that is when I fish. However, I have seen the fishing shows where they fight a blue marlin for hours and that also looks like it is done by sportsman. Just curious, not battling I swear!
September 16, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Wow, you almost had me shedding years! But really, "innocent". Come-on.
"The detailed report of how the alligator fought for it's life was heart wrenching"
Give me a break! Which Hollywood movie scene is this from?
September 16, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
I can't believe how big that alligator skin is. I'm looking at a nice pair of Bally's right now and they're going for around $600. You could make some Ferragamo and Gucci's with that as well. Nordstrom has great wallets, shoes and belts in their mens department.
September 16, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
Schuyler Kropf Yes, I totally agree, THAT is a redneck name if I have ever heard one.
geez
September 16, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
im4usc (anonymous) says...
Posted by annmacdonald on September 16, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is disgusting, it's a shame that this killing was glorified and the innocent alligator portrayed as a "monsterous beast". The detailed report of how the alligator fought for it's life was heart wrenching. It's enough to make me not look at this completely red-neck hillbilly paper again!
Shame on your Post and Courier. How about some real news?
And what, Ann, is your definition of "real news"? I guess if it doesn't have to do with Iraq, Afghanistan, gas prices, murder, rape, or the upcoming elections, then it has no place.
The accompanying photos? If no photos ran, then it'd be...Why did they run the story without a photo? What kind of reporting is that?
No where in the story do I see the term "monstrous beast" as you cited, but if I came face-to-face with it, I'd sure call it that.
It'd be nice to have a daily paper that only printed stories that YOU consider news. Why don't you call the night editors and ask them what's running the next morning so they can leave out what you don't like?
September 16, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChasCarolinaGirl (anonymous) says...
Yes, an alligator that huge is not necessary. Good for you Mr. Merting!
I would be happy without alligators around at all. Then maybe I wouldn't have to worry about where I allow my lab to go swimming! :)
And Ann ~ Are you the type to pull a cow to the edge of the water to feed to these "innocent alligators"? You are crazy!
September 16, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffy1 (anonymous) says...
RE: katrenavantassle
I completely agree with you. As perhaps the only vegetarian right wing Republican who deeply cares for animal rights, I am always horrified at the level of acceptance of cruelty to animals that is glorified in these posts. If you are truly interested in stopping the sale of horses to Mexico for food, please take note of the following bill. Everyone that cares for horses need to contact Henry Brown, who has a good record on animal rights. Please see attached letter:
Congress is back in session for just a few weeks and we need your help once again to gain support for the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008. As with the earlier bill -- the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R.503/S. 311) -- the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008 (H.R. 6598) will prohibit the sale and transport of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption, including horses being shipped to Mexico and Canada.
This is one of our last opportunities to move this legislation before the Congress completes its work before the election, so it's essential that we build up support now and get H.R. 6598 over the finish line.
We're off to an amazing start with this new bill, and we can't let up now. Your Representative, Henry Brown, is a co-sponsor of H.R. 503. Please urge Representative Brown to also co-sponsor H.R. 6598 before time runs out!
TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite phone call to Representative Brown at (202) 225-3176 to ask Rep. Brown to co-sponsor the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.
When you call, you will speak to a staff member who can pass your message along to your legislator. Please be polite and professional, and leave your name and address so it is clear that you are a constituent. You can say:
"Hello, my name is [your name] and I live in [your town]. As a constituent, I'm calling to urge Representative Brown to co-sponsor H.R. 6598, the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, a new bill to prevent horses from being cruelly slaughtered for human consumption. Thank you."
After making your call, please send a follow-up email to Representative Brown in support of protecting horses from slaughter. And don't forget to tell your friends and family how they can take action, too.
Thank you for all you do for animals.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
September 16, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
annmacdonald (anonymous) says...
Dear im4USC
The words monstrous beast were not used verbatim in the article but the articles biased insinuation that the alligator was a quote, "beast", "monster" and "angry Reptile" were used. This innocen commonly misunderstood creature was unfairly portrayed as a something out of a horror movie. I was unable to find any adjectives that described Mr. Mark Merting in article. I have a few to suggest but I will refrain form including them as not to offend anyone.
To answer your question of what do I consider news? Yes, the topics you suggested would constitute as news in my opinion. Pardon me for not finding an ill written, biased article regarding a man who went out in a 13.5' boat to murder an innocent creature breaking news. I imagine if the alligator had attacked or God forbid(!), bitten off one of Mr. Mertings limbs, that the slaying of the alligator by DNR would have also made the front page of our local news. Don't worry, I don't buy the Post and Courier, you can have your local paper and it's "breaking news", I will stick to BBC Amercia for the "real news".
September 16, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
I still wouldn't mind some alligator tail and hot sauce...lol
September 16, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
im4usc (anonymous) says...
Posted by annmacdonald on September 16, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear im4USC
The words monstrous beast were not used verbatim in the article but the articles biased insinuation that the alligator was a quote, "beast", "monster" and "angry Reptile" were used. This innocen commonly misunderstood creature was unfairly portrayed as a something out of a horror movie. I was unable to find any adjectives that described Mr. Mark Merting in article. I have a few to suggest but I will refrain form including them as not to offend anyone.
To answer your question of what do I consider news? Yes, the topics you suggested would constitute as news in my opinion. Pardon me for not finding an ill written, biased article regarding a man who went out in a 13.5' boat to murder an innocent creature breaking news. I imagine if the alligator had attacked or God forbid(!), bitten off one of Mr. Mertings limbs, that the slaying of the alligator by DNR would have also made the front page of our local news. Don't worry, I don't buy the Post and Courier, you can have your local paper and it's "breaking news", I will stick to BBC Amercia for the "real news".
I guess you missed the part of the article that indicated that this was part of a Public (LICENSED) Alligator Hunt?
Uh, so you don't buy the P&C, just read the website? Yep, makes a lot of sense.
Probably best to stick to BBC and the "doom and gloom". No worries about reading all the redneck local news.
Oh, and just where is "Amercia". Even rednecks can spell our county's name.
September 16, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Lol @ CB..I haven't been fishing in ages. I miss going too. But I am so terrified of 'gators!! (Not to eat them but I digress)
September 16, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
"Posted by riddiksgirl on September 16, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One finale note, slob, pig hunters and fisherman are not sportsman. They are just slobs and pigs.
Tc1, just curious... why do you feel this way? I have never been pig hunting (and in pig hunting do you mean wild boar?), but I always thought guys that killed them usually used bow and arrow or cross bow and stalked their prey. That sounds like hard work and sportsman like activity. I have gone fishing before and it is a lazy sport, but that is when I fish. However, I have seen the fishing shows where they fight a blue marlin for hours and that also looks like it is done by sportsman. Just curious, not battling I swear!"
-----------------------------
riddiksgirl (and cb),
That line was apparently completely MISUNDERSTOOD. The slobs and pigs I was refering to are the ones who leave their garbage all over the forest and waters and who take all of the fish and game they can get in their vehicle and boat. The ones that the anti sportsman like to hold up as why the rest of us shouldn't be aloud to do anything but bird watching. Nothing wrong with birdwatching! I have been hunting, fishing and boating all my life but it appears I conveyed the opposite of what I intended.
Hope this is clearer.
September 16, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
BTW I have never been pig hunting either but I did have a wild one chase me off my deer stand and up a tree years ago!
September 16, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
""Hello, my name is [your name] and I live in [your town]. As a constituent, I'm calling to urge Representative Brown to block H.R. 6598, the Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, a new bill to prevent human beings from making decisions on their own and further giving government too many powers in the day to day life of citizens. Thank you."
After making your call, please send a follow-up email to Representative Brown in support of allowing people to make lawful decisions of their own. And don't forget to tell your friends and family how they can take action, too."
COLDBEER!!! HIGH FIVE!!!
September 16, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CaptPete (anonymous) says...
I guess their are not enough things for these backwards local rednecks to do. If he had fallen out the boat and got chomped this would have been a cool story.
September 16, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moephishwater (anonymous) says...
like I always say...
How many of you hunters would want to put your dead granny's head on the wall (maybe even a solid wood mount!!!)????
September 16, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountryborn (anonymous) says...
Re: some of the other posts
I'd love someone to explain how "murder of an innocent creature" is not considered news, but war, rape and murder is... It's somehow less barbaric to read about the atrocities of humans than the hunt of an animal???
We have protected alligators so well, that now there are such high numbers that they're becoming public threats. I think most people would agree, I'd rather the extra alligators go than my children or me! Alligators in this area no longer have natural predators, so something must be done to carefully control their population.
As much as some people would like to think so, animals are not in the same category as people. Therefore hunting an animal is nowhere near murder...
September 16, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountryborn (anonymous) says...
Meant to add... SC is apparently holding onto its title of most violent state for a second year. That is violence against people, mind you, so perhaps that should get more attention and concern then legal hunting of animals...
September 16, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
annmacdonald (anonymous) says...
Dear iam4USC....
Sorry that in my haste and disgust that I had a few typos in my last post. I am assuming that you work for the Post and Courier and are used to crossing your T's, dotting your I's, and proofreading everything countless times.
For your information, my office receives the P&C and it sits on our kitchen table each and every day. I read it while making a coffee this afternoon and to be frank I couldn't help but see the article as it was right there on the front page. It's not the first article I have seen front and center glorifying an alligator's death. No there was the article months ago where they guy had his arm bitten off and well what do you know that alligator was killed. That man should have been the one that suffered after taunting an innocent animal that was minding it's own business. Oh yes, and then there was the alligator at James Island Park(I believe he was called Big Al) that was killed after being found too tame. He was shot with some rednecks arrow...and was put to death because of it. If I do catch a glimpse of the P&C at work, believe me it's not enjoyable...but sadly it is the only paper in Charleston and at my office. Honestly, I don't know why I should expect more from a city where the majority of the population is backwards, closed-minded and has absolutely no regard for animals or their rights. A population that hunts without considering it's ramifications, the profound effects it has on our environment. Yes, Iam4usc, I am aware that this was a public licensed alligator hunt, but I in no way advocate the way that it was glorified and smeared across today's news.
September 16, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wood_floors (anonymous) says...
Coldbeer...YOU ROCK!!!
Spoken like a true southern fisherman (I should know, I'm married to one)...Hope to see ya on lake soon with a big, fat juicy gator on its way to Cordrays...
Happy hunting!!!
September 16, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pluffmuddy (anonymous) says...
"Hello, Rep. Brown, I jest dunno whut tuh doo... I wuz corrallin' all dese ole run-down horses to keep 'em frum being turnd inter stakes 'n doggie fuud, and alongst comes dis granpappy uv a gater. He only had the one good eye, an he mustuh bin twinny foot long.
Wellsir, dat eye commenced to glowin' a darrk red, and I kin tell he's awantin' somethin. Whin I seen him eyeballin dose po horsies, he put on a devilish grin, and i kud tel he wuz gettin' hawngry fer some flikka. Whin I seed them shinie teef, i wuzznt ubout ta let im get a tast o' me, so I hi-tailed it back to the barn. Well, befo I kud turn 'round good, I herd this chompin sound, and th' next thing i knowed, dat pasture didnt have nuttin in it but a bunch uh hooves, and one fat gater.
My kwestyun is dis...Iffin I kill dat gater and fry 'im up for vittles, will I go tuh duh jailhouse fer eatin horsiefide gater meat??? Pleze lemme knoww soon, cuz my granny lives wid us, and she ain't too quick. I sho don't wanna go tuh duh jailhouse fer bein' no cannabull.
yore hummbull cornstitchyooent, Bocephus."
September 16, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brutus1 (anonymous) says...
CaptPete stated, "I guess their are not enough things for these backwards local rednecks to do." Most of these "local rednecks" are not from around here. How do you know which "rednecks" are from here? Do they have a wife beater shirt saying "I am a local redneck"? And yes I am going to say it, "If ya dont like it, you can leave." But first I would like to extract my foot out of you butt. No one asked your sorry behind to come here. I am done with you sir.
September 16, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hairy1663 (anonymous) says...
Yep! I'm waiting for a Redneck/Hillbilly haters season. They need a good thinnin' out, they're getting way to over populated and if were not careful they'll start eating their young.
September 17, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffy1 (anonymous) says...
What is sad is that people not only tolerate cruelty, they actually laugh at it. Here is the latest example of abuse: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4... which I am sure some of the morons will laugh at, but hopefully it will make some people stop and think about what they are suporting. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"- a quote wrongly attributed to Edmund Burke, but a true statement nonetheless.
September 17, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blondjes (anonymous) says...
as long as they eat it and the animal is not going extinct, i'm fine with it, but if he just hunted it to put on his wall, that awful
September 17, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
im4usc (anonymous) says...
Posted by annmacdonald on September 16, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"I am assuming that you work for the Post and Courier and are used to crossing your T's, dotting your I's, and proofreading everything countless times."
Nah, I don't work for the P&C. Wish I did, though. That would be an awesome job! Except I'd put sports on the front page.
"Honestly, I don't know why I should expect more from a city where the majority of the population is backwards, closed-minded and has absolutely no regard for animals or their rights."
So, the state licensed deer hunts (also due to overpopulation) that take place in Maine, Colorado, Iowa, NY (state), to name a few, are due to backwards, close-minded Yankees?
"No there was the article months ago where they guy had his arm bitten off and well what do you know that alligator was killed. That man should have been the one that suffered after taunting an innocent animal that was minding it's own business."
http://www.charleston.net/search/?q=A...
Witnesses say Bill Hedden, 59, was SNORKELING in the lake at the Short Stay Navy Outdoor Recreation Area when the gator attacked around 3:45 p.m.
Good thing you don't work for the P&C, either. Can't just write what suits you, have to stick to facts.
"For your information, my office receives the P&C and it sits on our kitchen table each and every day."
Next time that happens, back away...slowly...
September 17, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ericshuns (anonymous) says...
Wayne Pacelle needs to meet the business end of a "bang stick" .
September 17, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
catbutt (anonymous) says...
I have to comment on the reference to that past article where that fella got his arm bitten off in Lake Moultrie. Snorkeling in a lake, that he knows has a large alligator population is a dumb*** move. Can you imagine what that alligator thought that guy was with his mask and flippers? Probably scared the crap out of the poor sucker....and that could be considered taunting.
Not that I am against hunting gators, I just think it's kind of sad how they sometimes get the short end of the deal.
September 17, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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