Hello everybody,
I hope I am not offending anyone with this post, but I think a fairly unique opportunity is developing and some jewelry makers may be able to find a creative outlet for it.
Here's the part that might offend some and I apologize before hand if it does. I am one of a relatively small group of people who has been LEGALLY chosen to harvest up to two alligators this year. There are areas across the southeast where the alligator has become a problem that simply must be managed. That means that either they will be slaughtered by game officials or, as our state has done, a very controlled and limited season has been opened for us to assist in the harvest.
However, with the economy in the state that it is in, the usual market to the tanneries, boot makers, and luggage makers is not there this year. We will either be finding other ways to make use of our good luck, ourselves, or we will be selling them to other outlets, like possibly yourselves.
Prices are way down this year -- so far down that there is virtually no traditional market for the smaller gators that we are required to harvest first and a very limited market for the larger ones. Alligators have some unique features. In addition to their hide, teeth, and a few claws, they have an armor plating across their backs called scutes. These things are hard as bone and very lightweight. Depending on the size of the gator and the location on its back, the scutes are various sizes. Some may be suitable as ring settings, earrings, pendants, hair clasps, or bracelets.
This may not be your style, but I'm figuring that a few of you may want to explore this. I can't speak for all the hunters, but if you are interested in acquiring a whole hide or possibly just the scutes, please shoot me an email with your contact information and I will make it available to the rest of the guys (and gals). I can't quote any prices because the alligator will belong to the permit holder who captures it and the worth will be determined by your negotiations with them.
Now, bear in mind that we are not businessmen in this field. We are just a group of good ol' southern boys who love the outdoors and hate to see any part of our harvest go to waste. We will be making use of the rest of the alligator in some way or another, but we're not artisans and we can't eat the hide. So this may be an opportunity for you to get some rare leather at a good price to experiment with.
Again, If I have offended anyone, that was not my intention.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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