1. Using a rifle in the FLA gator harvest is a commercial method. The regular hunter typically uses a bangstick/harpoon or less common wooden peg/dowel technique.. LA has different rules, IIRC.
2. 7 foot is hardly worth the work, I've seen bigger iguana's in the Keys.
Never had a rifle when I hunted 'em. IIRC, firearms were not supposed to be in the skiff. And yes, the FLA wildlife officers check tags, arms, permits, etc while you're out there.
There is a reason Amos Moses only has one arm!
WOW
From your link:
Carefully and quickly grab the side of the jaw and apply enough pressure to keep its mouth completely shut. Then wrap the snout tightly and securely with electrical or duct tape. With the top of the alligator’s head facing up, use a sharp knife to sever the spinal cord by cutting across the body between the back of the head and first vertebra.To ensure the alligator is dead, insert a metal shaft such as a flathead screwdriver into the brain cavity to pith and destroy the brain. When you see the alligator’s eyes close tight and retract, it is dead. Now it is safe to pull the alligator’s body into your boat...