We worked alongside the Mid-Coast Sea Turtle Rescue Response Team (https://midcoast-tmn.org/turtle-rescuerecovery/).
Mother Nature was pushing her cold breath down our necks for days leading into the Christmas season. Christmas day and the days after were a critical time for the federally protected mammals. Sea turtles are cold-blooded, meaning that they cannot regulate their body temperature. As water temperatures decrease, so do sea turtle's body temperatures. When the water temperature drops to a critical point, sea turtles become lethargic, float to the surface, and often wash ashore. If they are not rescued and warmed up, they can die from hypothermia.
In 2021, there was the largest sea turtle rescue ever during a winter freeze, where around 5,000 sea turtles were rescued from freezing in Texas.
Volunteer properly handling turtle and removing from the freezing waters and transferring into the boat, so they could be transported to rehabilitation centers.
Along the Middle and Lower Texas Coast we really need to -pay attention to the lower-than-normal tides. Airboats are the most advantageous and critical pieces of machinery a rescuer can have to get close to the turtles. These vessels are worth their weight in gold when you can position your airboat right next to a 100-pounder. The little turtles are so cute, and everyone wants them for pets, but you cannot, because of the strict laws protecting them.
There is a program and class you must attend to be on the “permit to handle wild sea turtles” list. Years past, when some of us went out to rescue sea turtles, we handled them the best we knew how, piling in a ton of them in my bay boat. Big no-no. None the less, they were saved.
Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Airboating Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra March - April 2023-utgaven av Airboating Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Poker Run to Help a Friend
A few of my friends reached out to me, the manager at Jolly Gator Fish Camp, needing help to raise money for Eddie aka \"Peanut\" Scott for a kidney transplant. We jumped into action. With not much time, we planned an airboat poker run for October 5, 2024.
OSCEOLA AIRBOAT ASSOCIATION 2024 STOMP THE SWAMP
Stomp in the Swamp event on September 21, 2024, at Joe Overstreet in Kenansville, Florida, was a blast. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the day to enjoy the music, raffles and BBQ.
A Hidden Gem on the Platte River
Nestled deep in the heart of Nebraska, lies one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets, the Platte River.
The Beauty After the Storm
We all know in Florida it is too often a battle of not enough water so can't ride areas or they are closed or too much water and areas and/or boat ramps are closed. Well after two back-to-back hurricanes (Helene and Milton), there is certainly no shortage of water.
Stepping Up to Help Those in Need
Normally, Capt. Joshua Mattson owner of Airboat and Gator Charters out of Tedder's Fish Camp in DeLeon Springs, Florida, would have been doing tours all last month on the St. Johns River on his Diamondback airboat. They do eco airboat tours and provide gator hunts, fishing and bowfishing charters.
Finally Able to Alligator Hunt with my Lifelong Friend
Several years ago my lifelong and good friend Robert and I were having a conversation when the topic of hunting came up.
Three Generations Hunting Together
It took three years for this hunt to finally happen, as things in life sometimes can change our plans.
Nothing Beats a Good Challenge
Each year I lead guided trips in some of the most pressured gator waters in southern Georgia and use only archery equipment and my airboat to accomplish it. I love all things archery and a good challenge. I have owned airboats all my adult life and travel across the U.S. competing in bowfishing tournaments.
We've Come A Long Way Since Our First Gator Hunting Adventure
When I first met Amanda, she had never been on an airboat before, and I had never even driven one.
Tagged Out for 2024 Gator Hunting Season in Florida
Along with being a professional photographer for weddings, graduations, family portraits and more, I am also a mother of a great family. Together, we enjoy boating, fishing, airboating and hunting.