The "King of the Swamp," Troy Landry, remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in reality television, but his life in the Louisiana bayou has been far from smooth sailing in the last few years. As of December 2025, the gator hunter is navigating a complex personal and legal landscape, dealing with a major health scare, a heartbreaking family crisis, and a serious legal citation that shocked fans and threatened his reputation as an ethical hunter.
The most recent and concerning public development for the *Swamp People* star occurred in September 2024 when he was cited in a sting operation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). This controversy, coupled with his ongoing battle with cancer and the devastating news about his grandson, paints a picture of a man fighting multiple battles both on and off the water, leaving fans constantly asking: What exactly is happening with Troy Landry now?
Troy Landry: Complete Biography and Profile
Troy Landry has spent his entire life in the bayou, becoming a fourth-generation alligator hunter whose fame exploded with the debut of the History Channel’s *Swamp People* in 2010. His signature catchphrase, "Choot 'Em!," is synonymous with the show.
- Full Name: Troy Dale Landry
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1960
- Age (as of December 2025): 65
- Birthplace: Pierre Part, Louisiana, U.S.
- Parents: Duffy and Myrtle Landry
- Spouse: Bernita Landry (m. 1980s)
- Children: Jacob Landry (Son), Chase Landry (Son), Brandon Hotard (Stepson)
- Occupation: Alligator Hunter, Crawfish Harvester, Reality Television Personality
- Known For: Star of *Swamp People* (2010–Present) and *Swamp Mysteries*
- Net Worth Estimate: Approximately $2 Million
Landry’s career is rooted in the family business, which extends far beyond the 30-day alligator season. He is a full-time commercial fisherman, harvesting crawfish, crab, and fish throughout the year, ensuring the Landry family legacy remains tied to the swamp’s bounty.
The September 2024 Gator-Tag Sting Operation: A Major Controversy
In a stunning turn of events that rocked the reality TV world, Troy Landry found himself at the center of a legal investigation in late 2024. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) launched a secret sting operation following an anonymous tip, focusing on improper alligator hunting practices.
Details of the Charges
On September 19, 2024, Landry, then 63, was cited with two major violations. The charges were:
- Improperly Tagging an Alligator: This charge relates to the strict state regulations that require every alligator harvested to be immediately tagged with an official, numbered tag.
- Cutting a Dead Alligator Loose from the Line: This second citation suggests he improperly handled or disposed of an alligator carcass, which is also a serious conservation violation.
The alleged violations are classified as Class Four violations in Louisiana, which carry a steep penalty. For each count, Troy Landry could face up to a $950 fine and a potential jail sentence of up to 120 days. The news sent shockwaves through the fan community, as it directly contradicted the image of the honest, conservation-minded hunter he had cultivated over more than a decade on television. While the citation was issued, the final legal outcome and sentence were still pending or not publicly disclosed as of late 2025.
A Private Battle: Health Scares and Family Heartache
Beyond the public drama of the sting operation, Troy Landry has been quietly fighting major personal battles, showcasing his resilience and the strength of the Landry family unit.
The Prostate Cancer Scare
In mid-2022, Troy Landry underwent surgery for prostate cancer. This was a significant health challenge for the physically demanding hunter, forcing him to take time away from the rigorous schedule of the swamp. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and by April 2024, Landry was back to full-throttle gator hunting and filming for the show, demonstrating a remarkable recovery and his dedication to his life’s work.
Heartbreak Over Grandson Crue
Perhaps the most devastating challenge for the Landry family has been the health of Troy’s grandson, Crue. Crue, the infant son of Troy’s stepson Brandon Hotard, has been battling end-stage liver disease since birth. The condition is severe, requiring Crue to be placed on a transplant list for a new liver. Troy and his wife, Bernita, have frequently shared emotional updates, using their public platform to raise awareness and support for Crue’s fight, highlighting a deeply personal struggle that transcends reality television fame.
Is Troy Landry Still Hunting? Current Status and Season 16
Despite the legal citation, health issues, and family concerns, the answer is a resounding "yes." Troy Landry has not retired and remains the central figure of the *Swamp People* franchise.
The show's structure revolves around the 30-day Louisiana alligator season, and Landry, alongside his sons Jacob and Chase, continues to participate in the annual hunt. The latest season, *Swamp People* Season 16, which aired in 2024, featured Landry hunting at full throttle, proving he is still the undisputed "King of the Swamp."
His continued presence on the History Channel, combined with his other projects like *Swamp Mysteries*, confirms that his career in the bayou and on television is ongoing. The family has also diversified their income, launching a line of branded merchandise and even a mobile app game called "Choot 'Em Angry Swamp," ensuring the Landry name remains a powerful brand in the world of outdoor reality television.
In late 2025, Troy Landry stands as a testament to resilience. He is a man who has faced cancer, a serious legal challenge to his livelihood, and the most difficult of family health crises, yet he continues to return to the bayou, embodying the tenacity of the Cajun spirit that made him famous. While the outcome of his gator-tag citation remains a point of curiosity for fans, his commitment to his family and his life on the water is undeniable.
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