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April 29, 2005
SPORTSMAN'S QUEST Alligator on the prowl
His name is Eric Hall, and with a new forestry degree in hand, has moved to Pahrump to work with Pacific Regeneration Technologies. They produce 180 million seedlings a year for reforestation projects, primarily to be planted in the Pacific Northwest. When not working in the nursery, Eric slays alligators; at least, that's what he did while at home in Rosepine, La. One of his adventures particularly caught my interest. Let's see what you think. He and his dad were fishing from a small 10-foot johnboat and catching some nice-sized bass and bluegill on an old main stream pond, created by the meandering Angelina River. They had seen several alligators as they drew up on the pond, but that didn't seem threatening and I guess it's just something one takes for granted down in that country of sloughs and bayous. The deep, cold, black water was lined with Spanish Moss-covered Cypress trees. Ideal bass, and alligator, water. Again, something one must take for granted down in those parts. I've dreamed of just this kind of place, where the bass bite on anything and the possibility of crossing paths with a huge alligator is palpable. Doing it in a 10-foot johnboat was not, however, a part of my dream, and I don't think it was part of Eric's and his dad's plan either. It happened rather quickly. Perhaps drawn by the trophy-size fish slapping the water, a 10-foot alligator came from the deep like a submarine surfacing, then rolled just inches from the boat, causing it to rock as water was splashed into the small boat and on the two fishermen. Luckily, or perhaps with regional foresight, Eric had brought along his Smith & Wesson, .357 caliber pistol. With one shot he quickly placed a round between the alligator's eyes, it rolled again, spun, throwing more water into the boat and sank, this time like a submerging sub. When the excitement of the moment, and the adrenalin, had subsided, they were able to use a grappling hook to snag the creature which now lay on the bottom. It came up easily, but unsure of whether it was dead or just stunned the father and son team quickly tied its mouth shut, roped its tail and brought it into the boat. Yes, the 10-foot johnboat with several inches of water in the bottom; again, this was not my idea of a good thing to do. But, as before, I guess that's the way it's done down there. I wonder if this isn't some type of Louisiana population control, along with emigration to Pahrump of course. They managed to get it to shore, with all hands and legs intact - theirs I mean. They skinned its tough leathery hide from its bones and I was told the tail meat made one of the finest meals. How's that for an exciting "fishing" trip? By the way, they caught their limit of bass and bluegill. Welcome to southern Nevada, Eric. We'll have to go find you a couple rattlesnakes for your next adventure - I have a good recipe for them too. If you have an interesting story, I'd like to hear it. Contact me at: www.dansimmons@usa.net. Updates • Anyone interested in volunteering to develop the Pahrump Chapter of Ducks Unlimited can attend a backyard party, to be held June 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5701 South Alicia Street in Pahrump. This will be a very casual, poolside event. For more information contact Carole Woodbury at carolewoodbury@starband.net. • The Western States Hunting Instructor Rendezvous will take place this weekend in Las Vegas at the Silverton-Bass Pro Complex. If you have an interest in participating, I am sure you will be welcome. For more information give Bass Pro a call at 702-730-5201 or contact NDOW representative John McKay at 702-486-5127 extension 3501. • The Kiwanis Club of Pahrump Valley is still selling raffle tickets for an African Safari for two, which will include food, lodging, guide, and two impala trophy fees. The drawing will be held at the annual Kiwanis auction. For more information contact Marianne Murphy at 751-1084. Recipe of the Week After enjoying this "'Gator Tale" I look forward to trying Eric's Gator Tail recipe. I guess you could substitute chicken, but it just wouldn't offer the same excitement, or taste. The first thing you will have to do is go wrestle yourself a gator. Cajun 'Gator Tail Meat: 2 pounds alligator tail meat, cut into cubes Batter: 1 1/2 cups milk; 1 cup flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 tbs Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning (Cajun); 1 tsp cayenne Combine all ingredients for batter, add extra milk if batter seems to thick; dip each piece of meat in batter and place in 370-degree oil until crisp and lightly browned. |
