# Behind the Bayou: Swamp People’s Cast Reveals What Fans Never Knew!

*Swamp People*, a reality TV series premiered on History Channel on August 22, 2010, offers a raw look into the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya River Basin. Capturing the 30-day alligator season each September, the show follows hunters as they risk their lives to earn a significant portion of their annual income under strict wildlife regulations.

'Swamp People' Stars Get Brutally Honest About the Risks Viewers Never See — and It's Deadlier Than You Thought

Using a limited number of tags, they must “tag out” before the season ends, supplementing income with other swamp harvests like fish and crawfish. Over time, the series expanded beyond Louisiana to Texas swamplands, gaining massive popularity with record-breaking viewership—Season 2 drew 5.5 million viewers for its finale, a 32% increase from Season 1.

Behind the scenes, however, the cast faced untold struggles. A profound loss struck with the death of original cast member Junior Edwards, who battled colon cancer before passing, as revealed by his son Willie.

His departure in 2015 and return in 2021 made his loss deeply felt, with tributes from co-stars like Ronnie Adams and Ashley “Deadeye” Jones highlighting his legacy as the “King of the Swamp.” Fans mourned, unaware of his health struggles until after his death, showcasing the personal toll hidden from viewers.

Cast Members of Swamp People & Where They Are Now

Legal issues also simmered beneath the surface. In September 2024, star Troy Landry faced citations from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for failing to properly tag an alligator during a sting operation at Lake Palourde. Caught with an untagged dead gator cut loose from his line, Troy received two charges, potentially facing fines up to $950 each and 120 days in jail.

Despite the seriousness, the incident was hushed, with no official comments from Troy, the show, or History Channel. His dismissive remark to reporters about a speeding ticket suggested an attempt to downplay the issue. Surprisingly, Troy’s public image remained intact, bolstered by his active social media presence and title as the new “King of the Swamp.”

Swamp People' Stars Get Brutally Honest About the Risks Viewers Never See — and It's Deadlier Than You Thought

The cast also revealed the extreme risks of their trade. On *The Queen Latifah Show* in 2014, Jacob Landry admitted to near-fatal gator bites and injuries like getting hooked in the leg, risks shared by all hunters but often omitted from episodes to avoid scaring viewers. Liz Cavalier emphasized the danger of facing apex predators capable of flipping boats, requiring years of experience to survive.

Troy Landry expressed initial concerns about filming, fearing the graphic nature of hunts could be misinterpreted as cruelty rather than a cultural necessity for population control and ecosystem balance.

Ultimately, *Swamp People* made a deliberate choice to focus on hunters’ lives, families, and traditions rather than sensationalizing violence. This preserved its mission to honor Louisiana’s swamp heritage, portraying hunting as stewardship and survival.

Despite legal shadows and personal losses, the show remains a celebration of resilience. What do you think about these hidden struggles? Should Troy’s citation have been public knowledge? Share your thoughts!