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A trophy hunter looking to snag a grand kill almost met his maker when the reptile fought back.

Justin Perchalski decided to go out on the rivers just two days into the legal hunting season in Florida when he spotted a potential prize.

Swimming through the swamp close to the 30-year-old and his three male companions was an 11-foot alligator.

The hefty reptile was caught on the end of Justin's line, prompting him to reach over the side of the boat and pull.

Suddenly the scorned gator grabbed his hand and pulled on it hard.

Justin's hunting companions grabbed onto him, keeping him in the boat.

(Image: Facebook)

His brother Ryan told Fox26 : "The alligator made it about a turn-and-a-half with his hand in his mouth before he let go, which is kind of crazy, because typically they don’t let go.”

With the attack over, Justin took off his belt and used it as a tourniquet before driving himself back to the dock.

While his companions had not just been bitten by an alligator, it was decided Justin would drive as he knew the area better.

Back on land he is recovering at the Orlando Regional Medical Center where he is walking and has function in his hand.

“I don’t think he’ll be doing alligator hunting much anymore,” Ryan added.

(Image: Facebook)

“The bones are turned to mush, obviously with an 11-foot alligator.

“One of his radial bones in his forearm is gone. It’s just a freak accident. You do it long enough, something like this is bound to happen.”

Hunting season started last Thursday and continues until November 1.