The Everglades have always been Jake and Stevie's playground. Growing up very close to each other, these two cousins spent countless days and nights fishing, hunting, and exploring the vastness of the 'glades. But these weren't leisurely trips – they were driven by a restless spirit and a thirst for knowledge. As avid hunters and lifelong outdoorsmen, they'd talk to biologists, researchers, anyone who could teach them more about this unique ecosystem.
Then came the pythons. As these invasive giants disrupted the balance of the Everglades, Jake and Stevie realized their skills had a new purpose. What started as a few hunts quickly became a mission. Through perseverance, grit, and a hefty dose of competition, they honed their python removal techniques. Records fell – first big catches, then multiple state records, including the 6th longest python caught in Florida. With each passing year, the Glades Boys perfected their craft, and in the summer of 2023, they struck gold with their capture of the longest Burmese python recorded in history (19 ft). It's not about the records for them, though. It's about protecting the wild heart of their home, inspiring others, and proving that adventure and conservation go hand-in-hand.
Growing up as a native Floridian, I've always had an unrelenting drive to experience new outdoor adventures alongside my cousin Stevie. Whether it was fishing, hunting, camping, or hiking, Steve and I learned it together. Shortly after my college career began at The Ohio State University, I set my sights on a new endeavor: hunting pythons in the Florida Everglades. My ambition for python hunting soon became my greatest passion, as the experience was not only enjoyable but also extremely rewarding knowing that I was doing my part to help save the glades.
These days, I want to share the thrill of the hunt with anyone willing to learn. I know that I alone cannot solve the python invasion plaguing our state, which is why I've made it my mission to amass an army of new hunters who are eager to face the problem head on. If you are reading this now and feel like you are up for the challenge, go ahead and book that tour so I can show you why I became addicted to python hunting in the first place. There's nothing quite like your first experience going hands-on with Florida's most formidable predator.
I was born and raised in Naples Florida and have been an outdoorsman for as long as I can remember. The Everglades and southwest Florida is my home. My cousin (Jake) and I have done everything from hunting to fishing to lobstering, and decided that pythons were the last frontier of Florida wildlife that we had to tackle. To my surprise, pythons were probably the most exciting animals I have ever dealt with. Since 2021 when I caught my first python, python hunting has become my favorite outdoor activity. As exciting as catching these snakes are, I find no greater thrill than watching people catch their first python, and look forward to being your tour guide
{stephengauta@gmail.com
or Jakewaleri@gmail.com}
{239-695-6880}
Naples, Florida