Hunters battle, bag giant alligator | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

A 12-foot, 3-inch alligator was harpooned after a night hunt at Dr. Lester Sitzes Bois d’Arc Wildlife Management Area near Hope, Arkansas, ending an intense two-weekend statewide alligator season opener. Ricky Hamilton of Hope drew a permit and brought his grandsons—Kai (23) and Kason (19)—along with friend Hunter Robinson. The group used a bright light to scan Bois d’Arc Lake, where alligators surface with only their heads visible and their eyes glow ruby red. After identifying a large target by its eye spacing and bubble trail, they battled it in shallow water, relying on constant pressure from the boat.