The Osceola Swamp Sisters ‘25
Season ‘25 | Episode 16
Aubrey, RaeLynne, Vicki, and the rest of the crew prep their Brownings for some Alligator Armageddon at Osceola Outfitters.
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Outfitter Information
Osceola Outfitters
Hoppy Kempfer
Email: HoppyBoarHog@aol.com
Website: OsceolaOutfitters.com
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Weapon: Browning X-Bolt 2 [6.8 Western]
Ammo: Browning Ammo 6.8 Western [175 gr]
Binos / Range Finder: Cabela’s CX Pro HD Rangefinding Binos
Outfit: Cabela’s SHE
Pack: Alps OutdoorZ Pack
Bug Repellant: Thermacell
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Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Species (Harvested): Eastern Canadian Moose (Alces alces americana)
Sex: Male (Bull)
Average Size
7-10 ft (Trophies are usually 10-12+ ft depending on location)
State Record: 14ft 3.5in, 1043lbs
Central and South Florida produce most of the state’s biggest, thickest bulls.
Anatomy & Kill Zones
Brain Shot: Quarter-sized target just behind the eyes
Spinal Shot: At the neck base
Harpoon/Arrow Targets: Broadside just behinjd the front legs
Skin Thickness: Up to 2” on big bulls, especially around the back and neck.
You don’t get second chances. Shot placement is everything — Especially if you want to keep that hide intact
Habitat & Behavior
Found in lakes, rivers, marches, swamps, and canals.
Prefer slow-moving freshwater but can tolerate brackish water
Nocturnal and highly territorial during mating season
During summer, large males may become very active and vocal, patrolling their turf and pushing out smaller gators
FL Gator Population
Estimated 1.3 million+ alligators statewide
Found in all 67 counties
Gator Senses
Vision: Strong night vision, but limited during bright light
Hearing: Excellent — will react to splashes, calls, or boat noise
Smell & Vibration: Can detect movement from far away through water pressure changes
Big gators are very cautious, especially in pressured areas. Treat them like spooky whitetails with armor
Meat Yield & Quality
Average Edible Yield: 30-60 lbs on a mature bull
Best Cuts (Opinion): Tail, Jaw/Cheeks, & Legs (Legs for Jerky)
Gator meat is high in protein and low in fat — tastes like a mix between chicken and fish, depending on prep.
Trophy & Hide Considerations
A clean kill = A clean hide
Head Mounts, Full Rugs, and Belts/Wallets are common trophies
Tannery work can take 6-12 months, depending on size and detail
Skull bleaching and taxidermy are easier and cheaper than full-body options
Big bulls have battle scars, broken teeth, and torn tails — and that’s part of the story they tell.
Recipe(s)
We’ve got multiple recipes for this episode with gator!
Our dear friend & chef, Doug, made up some phenominal gator recipes with us this week! You’ve gotta give them a go! Watch the video for the recipes:
