Map for hunting, bounty, how to kill

If you’re looking for a way to become $10,000 richer, killing pythons might just be the answer. The 2024 Florida Python Challenge hunt is coming up soon. Here are some important things to know about the annual snake hunt.

1. Contestants have 10 days to kill as many Burmese pythons as possible during the annual snake hunt in Florida

The 2024 Florida Python Challenge begins at 12:01 p.m. on Friday, August 9 and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 18. Florida residents and non-residents are welcome to participate as long as they pass the online training module with a score of 85% or higher and complete registration. The registration fee is $25.

During the competition, each participant must carry a printed or digital copy of his/her registration email with him/her at all times.

2. You can’t kill a python with a firearm. Here are approved ways to kill a Burmese python

The required training teaches participants how to identify Burmese pythons and native snakes, as well as safe handling and humane methods of killing them. According to the contest rules, you may not use a firearm to kill the snakes. Although Burmese pythons are not protected in Florida, anti-cruelty laws still apply to the contest. Therefore, participants must use the two-step method described below.

1. Focus on the brain: Use a tool such as a bolt gun, air gun, or hammer directly between the eyes and jaw (where the brain is located) to knock the python unconscious.

2. Destroy the brain: Immediately and thoroughly destroy the python’s brain and brain stem by inserting a small rod, such as a screwdriver, pike or pickaxe, into the cranial cavity and deliberately moving it in different directions.

No weapons:Legal Ways to Kill a Burmese Python in Florida Python Challenge

3. There are seven competition locations for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge. See the map below

Competitors are only allowed to hunt for pythons in these seven challenge areas.

• Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area

• Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area

• Frog Pond Public Small Game Hunting Area

• Holey Land Wildlife Management Area

• Rocky Glades Public Small Game Hunting Area

• Rotenberg nature management area

• Southern Glades Nature and Environment Area

Digital maps can be found by searching for “Python Challenge” in the ArcGIS Field Maps app, available in the App Store or Google Play Store. Hunters may be disqualified for submitting pythons found outside of contest areas or contest dates.

4. Prices for snakes hunted in August 2024 are much higher

All awards are presented by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida and will be announced at an awards ceremony.

The contestant who removes the most pythons will receive an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000. In three separate categories, Novice, Professional, and Military, those with the most pythons can each win a prize of $2,500. If someone qualifies for multiple prizes, they will receive the highest prize value and the next contestant in line will receive the prizes with the lowest value. Prizes are awarded for the longest or most snakes captured.

Read more here: Florida Python Challenge is on! Prizes much bigger in 2024 for snakes hunted in August

5. How to Submit Your Python Carcass to the Challenge

Pythons must be killed humanely and at the place of capture. Those in the novice category are not allowed to transport live pythons under any circumstances.

According to the Florida Python Challenge website, carcasses must be “refrigerated or frozen and delivered to the nearest accessible Florida Python Challenge™ checkpoint within 24 hours of capture.”

A completed data sheet must be submitted with each Burmese python, stating the place of capture, humane killing method, etc.

Ashley Ferrer is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Burmese Pythons in Florida: Challenge Prizes, Hunting Rules, Bounty, Map