Florida’s Python Challenge began as a loosely planned scramble in the Everglades, an experiment in incentive-based extermination, a novelty that in subsequent years would help spawn reality TV shows, attract a rock star and entice celebrity chefs .
On Friday, more than a decade after the first Python Challenge was held, the event will launch another 10-day swamp safari that is more streamlined than in the early years and carries a bountiful $10,000 grand prize.
While some experienced hunters have called the challenge “hokey,” they acknowledge it keeps worldwide attention on Florida’s invasive Burmese python problem and musters hopeful hunters from throughout the country.
“The Python Challenge has a cult-like following,” said Marshall Jones, whose family owns Mack’s Fish Camp in western Broward County. “People travel from far and wide to come to it. They camp in tents, bring their RVs, all to catch one of these elusive slithering monsters.”
Jones will act as a guide this year to hunters participating in the challenge. He has 17 people signed up, and they will hunt in multiple teams.