That picture looks staged. The gator appears to be on a wire held taut by someone on the right of the picture. And the ripples in the water don't look right.
About month ago I baited and snagged a 3 footer from my neighbor's pond so that our dogs would not be in future danger. As these suckers grow a foot they triple in handling difficulty. Had no need to kill it, which I don't think you can anyway without tags.
Little guy got a trip in the p/u truck to the Neches, where I am sure he is enjoying his new home.