There are lots of exciting big game hunting opportunities in the United States—mountain lions, bears, moose, and, er, Florida iguanas:
[Chris] Whitaker and his girlfriend, Krissy Garcia, had paid $500 to Hunting Iguanas LLC for four hours of iguana hunting in Broward County, where the nonnative reptiles have found a congenial home along canals lined with a lush variety of trees.
"We have people come from all over the United States, all over," said Gene Parker, the company's owner. "And their comment is, this is a sport and a hunt we never even dreamed of. I've got guys that's hunted every animal in North America."
Hated in many neighborhoods for consuming flowers, fruit trees and vegetable gardens, green iguanas have become a business opportunity for several companies that lead guided hunts along South Florida canals. While many residents cheered on the iguana hunters on a recent excursion, the air rifles required several shots for a kill, subjecting many iguanas to lingering deaths.
Oof. "Several shots...lingering deaths..." Not exactly the most sportsmanlike hunting in the world, you have to admit. Especially if you're an iguana.
It is true that these critters are pests known for destroying local vegetation. They're also known for, at times, falling out of trees and hitting people on the head:
So you can get why they're literally in the crosshairs down there.
Still, this isn't a great look:
Whitaker aimed again and fired. The iguana jerked, its tail flicking back and forth.
"His tail's quivering," Randall said. "He's done. Now get him off the tree."
After a couple more shots, the iguana splashed into the canal. Randall scooped it up with a net, and Whitaker administered a coup de grace to the head. He stuffed the iguana into a large black garbage bag.
Sheesh. They can't use, like, normal old .22s or something to get it done a little more quickly? Think of the iguanas, folks.
I mean they should still totally be hunted. Just maybe a bit more decisively.
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
