Ep 12. Home Stretch

In this episode of Swamp People season 7, the hunters are in the home stretch of the alligator season, and the pressure is on to make every catch count. Troy Landry, his son Chase, and their helpers are hunting in an area they call "the gauntlet," and the number of alligators they catch here could make or break their season. Meanwhile, veteran hunter Bruce Mitchell and his partner Ron Methvin are in a slump, and they need to step up their game if they want to make their quota.

On the first day of the episode, Troy and Chase are having trouble finding alligators in the gauntlet. The water levels are low, and the gators are hiding. After several unsuccessful attempts to lure the alligators out, the Landrys are feeling discouraged. However, they refuse to give up and continue to search for the elusive gators. Finally, they spot a large alligator basking in the sun on the river bank. Troy and Chase make a plan to catch the gator, but it won't be easy. They have to avoid spooking the alligator and get close enough to make a clean shot. Their patience and experience pay off, and they manage to catch the massive beast.

Bruce and Ron are having a different kind of trouble. They are catching alligators, but most of them are small, and they need bigger ones to meet their quota. Bruce is feeling the pressure, and his frustration is starting to show. He snaps at Ron and blames him for their lack of success. However, Ron is not the type to back down, and he challenges Bruce to step up his game. The two hunters make a bet to see who can catch the biggest gator of the day, and the competition heats up.

As the day progresses, Troy and Chase continue to work the gauntlet, and their luck starts to turn. They catch several good-sized alligators and are feeling confident about their chances of meeting their quota. Bruce and Ron are also having a better day, and their bet motivates them to keep pushing themselves. They catch a few more alligators and finally land a big one, much to Bruce's delight.

But the hunters can't let their guard down just yet. Alligator hunting is a dangerous business, and one mistake can be fatal. As the sun sets, Troy and Chase encounter a new obstacle that tests their skills and their nerves. They come across a giant alligator in the water, and it's not happy to see them. The Landrys have to think fast and work together to avoid a potentially deadly encounter with the enormous reptile.

In the final scene of the episode, the hunters reflect on their day and their season so far. Troy and Chase are feeling good about their progress, but they know they still have work to do. Bruce and Ron are back on track, and their bet has brought them closer together. All of the hunters know that the alligator season is almost over, and they need to make every moment count if they want to succeed. With just a few days left, they are all in the home stretch, and the stakes have never been higher.