GXT67 GMRS Walkie Talkie Helps Keep Conservationist Safe
Kym Clark, a conservationist and wildlife enthusiast based in Florida uses Midland's GMRS walkie talkies to stay safe while in the most remote, off-grid locations.
She opens up about her experience and how GMRS walkie talkies are integral to her outdoors work.
Exploring the Everglades
Clark has always enjoyed exploring the outdoors and for the last several years, that's taken her to Everglades National Park.
“I’ve always been into wildlife photography and hiking. About a year and a half ago, I was in Everglades National Park with a group. While we were driving down the main highway in Everglades National Park, a huge Burmese python crossed in front of my car. We stopped, got out, we did not have weapons, we were not trained to remove 18 or 20-foot pythons. I filmed it and it went viral.”
She said she received criticism for not doing more to remove the Burmese python, but felt she reacted as best she could.
"We did everything correctly. We pinned the location and notified authorities. From that day on, I decided I wanted to be able to remove them. I got trained on hunting by someone who has done this for over 30 years," Clark said.
Learning to hunt
After this incident, Clark was determined to learn how to best respond to Burmese python encounters when in the Everglades. So, she began training with a hunter who had been removing these invasive snakes for over 30 years.
“I have been hunting with him since training and I’ve had a lot of opportunities to remove Burmese pythons from the Everglades since that day."
While she knows removing these snakes from the Everglades is the right thing for the environment, hunting them often brings up mixed emotions.
“I find it gratifying that I’m able to give back to the Earth, to society in some way. It’s always bittersweet having to euthanize pythons, but I have to use logic rather than emotion when I do that. I know that it’s saving thousands of native wildlife by taking out each python.”
Invasive species
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Burmese python is an invasive species in Florida, found primarily in and around the Everglades. The FWC said these snakes represent a threat to the native wildlife. The FWC also said members may capture and humanely kill these snakes.
Clark said learning about Florida's ecosystem has been eye opening.
“I’m learning a lot about invasive species, how they affect Florida’s ecosystem, the consequences about exotic species being released into the wild, how it impacts the balance of the ecosystem. I find that it is incredibly important to spread the word that we should not be releasing exotic pets into the wild."
She said she hopes to bring awareness to the issue by sharing her experiences on social media.
“It’s very shocking if you go to Everglades National Park right now, I would challenge you to find a land mammal. I have not seen a land mammal there in years. That includes rabbits, raccoons, and deer. It’s one of the best national parks in the United States and there are no more land mammals because of the pythons."
GMRS walkie talkies off grid
Understandably, hunting Burmese pythons is incredibly dangerous, something top of mind for Clark.
“We are very often in remote areas that can be dangerous. Burmese python hunting takes place at night so it’s usually very dark and flooded. We don’t have cell phone coverage.”
Clark turns to Midland's GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Two-Way Radio - GXT67 Pro for reliable communication in the most remote areas like the Everglades.
“Midland has the best reputation in the industry. When getting equipment for safety, it’s important to have equipment you trust."
She credits the GXT67 GMRS walkie talkies and its packed features with helping her feel safe while hunting in such an off-grid location.
“It has so many different features that are very useful to us. It’s durable, waterproof, it has a long battery life which is really important when we’re out all night. We can’t run the risk of having the battery die on us. We love the IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating because we get wet. We’re in sub-tropical terrain so at any given point, we can be stuck in downpours. We also have to get in the water and walk through water to get to the place we’re going."
Just recently Clark was out by herself riding her bike when she encountered a python attacking an alligator and knew her GXT67 GMRS walkie talkie provided another layer of safety. She was able to to free the gator with peace of mind.
“When I see that, I’m going to do whatever I can to take that python out. Sometimes I’m alone, but I had the GXT67 with me so I felt ok."
She recommends the GXT67 for all of those spending time outdoors in locations without cell phone service.
“I think everyone exploring the outdoors should have a two-way radio if they are in remote areas as we are. You need to be able to communicate in case of an emergency."
