In a state where water skiing, deep sea diving, alligator hunting, spear fishing, boat racing and other potentially hazardous outdoor pursuits are already a way of life, bungee jumping has caught on quickly.

These are generally used on a bangstick for alligator hunting, to secure a line to the alligator to prevent escape.

In 1962 the state banned alligator hunting, and the animal was included on a list in the first Endangered Species Act a decade later.

In the past, immediately following the outlawing of alligator hunting, populations rebounded quickly due to the suppressed number of adults preying upon juveniles, increasing survival among the young alligators.

In the state's first annual alligator hunting season, 64 of the 180 permitted hunters caught an alligator each, said John Bowers, a state wildlife biologist.

Only six of the seven members of this Louisiana Cajun-Western outfit will be onstage tonight; one is staying home to go alligator hunting.

In 1938, Alabama became the first state to outlaw alligator hunting, 39 years before the federal government moved to protect the American alligator from extinction.

In response, the state banned alligator hunting in 1963, a full 10 years before Federal scientists declared the alligator endangered.

Bang sticks are often carried for defense against shark attack, but are legally required for alligator hunting in some areas.

On the Brink of Extinction Faced with possible extinction, the alligator was declared an endangered species in 1967, and alligator hunting was banned.