Swamp People Star Troy Landry Faces Charges in Alligator Hunting Sting Operation
Troy Landry, star of the popular TV show Swamp People, has been charged with two counts of “failing to tag an alligator upon taking” in a recent sting operation conducted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The reality series follows a group of alligator hunters in the swampy region of Louisiana, with Landry being a well-known figure among the cast.
The 64-year-old alligator hunter was allegedly found hunting without the required alligator tags in Lake Palourde, located in St. Mary Parish, as reported by local news station WAFB. These alligator tags are essential for licensed hunters to harvest alligators in the state and are specific to the hunting area, with the number of tags issued based on the estimated alligator population in that particular region. The tags must be attached to the alligator until processing is completed.
According to the incident report, the department received a tip about individuals hunting in the area without proper permits. Subsequently, two agents were dispatched to investigate and witnessed Landry, accompanied by two others including an unidentified cameraman, in the vicinity by boat.
Although Landry had a hunting permit for the property, it was revealed that he did not possess the correct alligator tags for the area in question. Additionally, Landry admitted to releasing a dead alligator from his line before the agents approached him. The agents later discovered the deceased alligator floating in the water, with the same line linked to the others used by Landry.
As a result, Landry has been issued two citations, each carrying a potential fine of up to $950 and a prison sentence of up to 120 days. One citation is for improperly tagging an alligator, while the other concerns the handling of the dead alligator. When approached by WAFB for comment, Landry declined to discuss the charges, comparing it to being issued a speeding ticket the previous month.
Known as the “King of the Swamp,” Landry is recognised for his hunting prowess in Louisiana, consistently exceeding the tag limits set for alligator hunting in the region. With a family background in fishing and seafood distribution, Landry, along with his sons Jacob and Chase, leads a team of hunters to help manage the alligator population in the area each season.
The Independent has reached out to the History Channel for their response to the situation.