If you think all hunting is boring and slow-paced, you just haven’t experienced alligator hunting yet.

Trying to pull a prehistoric creature only a few feet shorter than your boat, into your boat, can lead to some pretty interesting experiences.

Add in snapping jaws capable of removing limbs, and a swinging tail that can knock a person unconscious, and “slow-paced” isn’t a word that comes to mind.

If it sounds like an adrenaline-pumping experience you’d be into—then your in luck.

It’s that time of year again to register to have your name in the pot for the Georgia 2010 Alligator quota hunt. Hunters have until July 31 to register for the selection and can do so online by going to www.gohuntgeorgia.com and clicking the “Quota Hunt” tab. You’ll have to register an account if you don’t already have one, but then you’ll be able to manage all your Georgia quota hunts easily.

Even non-residents are eligible for Georgia alligator quota hunts with hunters from 42 different states applying in 2008 making up more than 10 percent of the total applicants.

While hunters trying for the first time have little to no chance at being drawn for the hunt, they will still receive one priority point toward a better chance at being selected next year.

Most hunters probably won’t be selected until their third year or better but once one has experienced alligator hunting, he or she won’t want to miss a year.

First-timers will probably want to go with a guide, or at least an experienced hunter. But, after that, they should be able to take one on with just the help of a friend.

It isn’t something anyone would want to try solo because it will take at least two people, but more likely three, to take even a small Georgia alligator. Which makes it an even better idea to find a group of friends and all register for alligator tags. Then after a few years you can use your priority points wisely to ensure at least one person in the group will get a tag.

The person with the tag might be the one attaching the initial line to the gator with a bow or harpoon, but it takes teamwork to harvest a gator and everyone in the hunting party can proudly say they’ve killed an alligator.

If selected, all parties in the hunting boat must have a valid Georgia hunting license, plus an alligator hunting license, which is an additional $50.

But, $50 is really a minimal fee considering what you might pay in other states for a guided gator hunting trip.

Once you’ve acquired your tag and are looking for a guide, try licensed guide Mike Sloan at Wingate’s Lunker Lodge on Lake Seminole at (229) 246-0658.