So how do you go from being a Homecoming Queen in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio to becoming the Python Huntress in South Florida? Amy Siewe has quite an interesting story that went from her from being a realtor in the Midwest, down to Naples, Florida, where she now hunts pythons in the Everglades. And you can go with her...
In 2019, Amy was a successful realtor in Indianapolis, making a 6 figure salary and on the side - breeding snakes. While pursuing her passion for the reptiles, she learned about the python problem in the Florida Everglades so she, along with her partner Dave Roberts, came to South Florida and went on a python hunt where she caught a snake.
Within 6 weeks, she sold off her client list, rented a room in Miami, and moved to Florida to hunt pythons.
After relocating to South Florida, Amy worked for the state's Python Hunting program for 4 years before deciding to go solo as the Python Huntress. She says "it was not a plan, it just happened." As Amy explained why she does the job, she stressed that she doesn't like killing the pythons, but it is necessary to protect the ecosystem of the Everglades from this invasive species. It's a job that needs to be done.
"In 3 years a python eats 200 mammals and birds by the time it grows to 10 feet." And it's those native animals that are being eradicated from the Everglades by the pythons that she hunts.
Python Huntress Guided Hunts
Amy's business is part of the "tourist adventure" genre, and as she says "business is booming." The old adage of Naples, Florida is that when you come here to visit it involves going to the beach, shopping, and restaurants. And for most people, that's enough. The Python Huntress provides something a lot more active, but not just anyone can go on a hunt with her.
Amy provides information about the hunt on her Python Huntress website, with rates starting at $1,800 for the night, but she won't take bookings online. She wants to talk to people first to make sure they're able to keep up, so you'll need to pick up the phone. She told me that before she'll take someone on a hunt she needs to know that they're in good shape. This is not a spectator event. "It's a very physical hunt," she remarked.
Attire is very specific as well. "Long sleeve lightweight shirt, or short sleeves plus a jacket, outdoor or hiking pants, hiking boots or tennis shoes. Jeans are NOT recommended because it will be hot and you will be getting in and out of the truck bed. Please make sure your ankles are covered."
According to Amy, we're still in the 'Summer Hunting Season', which lasts until the end of October, where part of the hunt can consist of driving down the road and watching closely. "In the summer we're catching them just off the roads as they cross towards the canals. That's where the truck comes in with the Snake Deck."
Hunting In The Everglades
Riding in the truck with the Python Huntress is only part of the evening. Being out in the Everglades can involve hiking into the woods, marshes, and even using boats. But while talking with Amy, there was another thing on my mind.
Being a Southwest Florida resident myself, there was the question I needed to ask, and that was 'What about the bugs?" Amy replied that bugs - are actually a good thing. "The worse the bugs, the better the hunt, it could be the humidity and the temperature. Not sure. But if there's lots of bugs, it's usually a good hunt."
