Today, 05:29 AM
Firearms are not permitted in the Florida Python Challenge because there is no established firearm season, at this time.
Can I shoot a Burmese python in Florida?
That restriction doesn't apply to your own property, however, provided that firing a firearm on your property (or someone else's, with permission) doesn't violate any local regulations.
To keep the population down, Burmese pythons can be captured and humanely killed on private property or on FWC-managed lands all year round, with no bag limit, provided you follow area regulations on firearms.
What does 'humanely killed' mean?
Nonnative reptiles in Florida are not protected, except by anti-cruelty law.
"There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure nonnative reptiles are killed in a humane manner," the FWC said. The agency recommends a two-step process from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Step 1: There must be immediate loss of consciousness.
A captive bolt, firearm or air gun must be used to shoot directly to the brain.
Step 2: The brain must be destroyed.
The python must be unconscious.
A small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, must be inserted into the cranial cavity and twisted to ensure the entire brain is destroyed.
Burmese pythons must be killed in a humane two-step process that ends in the snake's brain and brainstem being destroyed after it is rendered unconscious.
"The AVMA recommends a firearm with a muzzle energy of 300 FPE for animals weighing up to 400 lbs and 1,000 FPE for animals over 400 lbs," the FWC said.
Pythons must be humanely killed onsite at the time of capture. Live transport of pythons is not allowed.
![[Image: 74335866007-wpb-florida-pythion-challeng...&auto=webp]](https://www.gainesville.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/07/09/NDNJ/74335866007-wpb-florida-pythion-challenge-step-2.jpg?width=660&height=505&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Can I shoot a Burmese python in Florida?
That restriction doesn't apply to your own property, however, provided that firing a firearm on your property (or someone else's, with permission) doesn't violate any local regulations.
To keep the population down, Burmese pythons can be captured and humanely killed on private property or on FWC-managed lands all year round, with no bag limit, provided you follow area regulations on firearms.
What does 'humanely killed' mean?
Nonnative reptiles in Florida are not protected, except by anti-cruelty law.
"There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure nonnative reptiles are killed in a humane manner," the FWC said. The agency recommends a two-step process from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Step 1: There must be immediate loss of consciousness.
A captive bolt, firearm or air gun must be used to shoot directly to the brain.
Step 2: The brain must be destroyed.
The python must be unconscious.
A small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, must be inserted into the cranial cavity and twisted to ensure the entire brain is destroyed.
Burmese pythons must be killed in a humane two-step process that ends in the snake's brain and brainstem being destroyed after it is rendered unconscious.
"The AVMA recommends a firearm with a muzzle energy of 300 FPE for animals weighing up to 400 lbs and 1,000 FPE for animals over 400 lbs," the FWC said.
Pythons must be humanely killed onsite at the time of capture. Live transport of pythons is not allowed.
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