Anna Ribbeck [Swamp People] wiki, bio, age, net worth, husband, kids.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when science meets the swamp, meet Anna Eileen Ribbeck—biologist, archer, conservationist, and breakout star of the History Channel’s hit series Swamp People. Known to her audience as AnnaTheArcher, she’s not just an outdoor enthusiast—she’s one of the standout cast members on Swamp People, a hit reality show that follows Louisiana’s alligator hunters during the state’s 30-day alligator hunting season. The show offers viewers a gritty and authentic look at life in the bayous, showcasing the skill, tradition, and risks involved in managing the swamp’s most formidable predator. Anna brings a fresh, conservation-focused perspective to the series, using her bow and deep understanding of invasive species to educate audiences while harvesting gators in the wild. Her presence bridges generations—mixing science with Southern tradition, grit with grace, and bowstrings with biology.

A proud Louisiana native with deep roots in Mandeville and academic excellence from LSU, Anna has made a name for herself not just in the wild marshes of the bayou, but also on national television and social media. Whether she’s harvesting invasive nutria, bowhunting alligators, or crafting alligator jewelry by hand, Anna turns every experience into education—one that resonates with fellow hunters, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

From classroom lectures to camo-clad swamp hunts, and from conservation talks to fan-favorite TV moments, she embodies a new generation of wildlife advocates. 

This is more than just a story—it’s the rise of a modern-day bayou biologist who draws from both tradition and innovation, fearlessly rooted in the land she protects.—fearless with a bow, rooted in her land, and driven by a mission to protect it.

A Southern Upbringing and Academic Roots

Born in 1993 in Covington, Louisiana, Anna Eileen Ribbeck grew up in the culturally rich and biodiverse environment of Mandeville, a small town on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Her upbringing was deeply influenced by traditional Southern outdoor lifestyles, which instilled in her a lasting connection to nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.

As a child, Anna spent her days playing basketball on local courts, ditch fishing in muddy bayous, and joining her family for crawfish boils—an iconic Louisiana tradition. Surrounded by wetlands, cypress trees, and Spanish moss, she developed an early appreciation for the natural ecosystems that define the state. These experiences not only fueled her curiosity about plant life but also laid the foundation for her future as a conservation advocate and outdoor educator.

She graduated from Fontainebleau High School in 2011 and enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science. At LSU, she excelled academically, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2016. Her involvement in plant science research projects, clubs, and volunteer work reflected her growing commitment to environmental education and sustainability.

In 2015, while pursuing her undergraduate degree, Anna was awarded a scholarship by the Red Stick Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society during its Eleventh Annual Show in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The recognition highlighted her academic promise and engagement in horticultural disciplines.

Discovering Archery and Finding Purpose

Unlike many who grow up with hunting in the family, Anna was introduced to archery in her early twenties by a close friend who knew she’d always wanted to try it. That first experience with a bow was transformative. She began entering local 3D archery tournaments while still at LSU and quickly became known for her precision, discipline, and determination.

After earning her degree, Anna moved to Gainesville, Florida, and spent most of her time at the Bear Archery Factory, where she immersed herself in the world of competitive archery and bowhunting. Her involvement there introduced her to national-level competitions and expanded her technical knowledge of archery equipment. She also completed a certificate in Social and Behavioral Research at the University of Florida and served as a teaching assistant for a plant propagation course.

She also shared her journey and taught others through her website—annathearcher.com—which began as a blog and tutorial space but has since grown into a full-featured e-commerce and personal brand platform.

Bowhunting, to Anna, became a lifestyle centered on self-reliance and sustainability. She now hunts deer, hogs, nutria, turkey, and alligators with her bow, and often says, “Patience is required!”

Master’s Degree, Gator Hunting, and Professional Endeavors

In May 2023, Anna completed her Master of Science in Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences at LSU. Her thesis, titled Louisiana Resident Perceptions Regarding Invasive Aquatic Plant Species and Their Management, was inspired by her direct experiences in Louisiana’s wetlands, where she regularly encounters invasive species while hunting gators. Her academic work emphasized effective communication and management strategies for addressing species such as nutria, water hyacinth, feral hogs, and apple snails—an intersection of professional research and personal lifestyle.

While pursuing her graduate studies, Anna worked as a social media strategist at the LSU AgCenter, creating content for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. She collaborated with various departments to amplify the AgCenter’s research and community outreach efforts across Louisiana. In 2021, she developed a strategy that helped grow the AgCenter’s social following by over 26,000 people and generated more than 145,000 link clicks to its website. (Source: Anna Ribbeck’s LinkedIn profile)

Professionally, Anna also served as a Pro Staff member for Bear Archery, Inc., where she promoted high-performance bows, participated in events, and provided valuable product feedback. She held marketing director roles at Windmill Nursery, LLC and Bantings Nursery, two of the largest nurseries in Louisiana. There, she crafted promotional strategies, organized events, and guided customers in plant care and selection.

Anna now lives in her home state, where she hunts alligators for a living and continues her digital entrepreneurship through annathearcher.com, blending outdoor education, personal branding, and conservation retail.

Professional Career Overview (based on her LinkedIn)

Position	Organization	Duration	Location	Key Responsibilities
Assistant Communications Specialist	LSU AgCenter	Jan 2020 – Present	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	Social media strategy, content creation, analytics, editing Louisiana Agriculture Magazine
Pro Staff	Bear Archery, Inc.	Oct 2016 – Jan 2023	—	Archery brand promotion, competition involvement, product education, video production
Brand Ambassador	REALTREE	Jun 2018 – Dec 2022	—	Public hunting education, video content creation for Realtree
Marketing Director	Windmill Nursery, LLC	Jun 2018 – Dec 2019	—	Multi-channel marketing, sales collaboration, customer engagement
Marketing Director	Bantings Nursery	Jun 2018 – Dec 2019	—	Rebranding, digital & print campaigns, seasonal marketing plans
Student Teaching Assistant	University of Florida	May 2017 – Aug 2017	—	Plant identification instruction for undergraduates
Horticulture Student Employee	Louisiana State University	Jan 2012 – Dec 2015	—	Greenhouse maintenance, plant propagation, campus landscape management

Anna Ribbeck’s Television Career: Swamp People Cast Member and Wildlife Conservation Advocate

Anna Ribbeck made her television debut on the History Channel’s reality series “Swamp People” during its 14th season, which premiered on January 5, 2023. She joined the cast as a professional archer and wildlife hunter from Louisiana. Ribbeck quickly gained recognition for her role in hunting invasive species in Louisiana, particularly alligators, utilizing her archery skills and extensive field knowledge. Her addition to the “Swamp People” cast marked an important step toward increasing female representation in the alligator hunting industry featured on the show.

Before joining the series, Anna Ribbeck was already well-known in Louisiana’s hunting and conservation community for her work with nutria, a large invasive rodent that causes widespread damage to wetland environments. She has captured some of the largest nutrias in the state and actively contributed to efforts aimed at controlling the nutria population to protect local ecosystems. Her work in this area brought her early attention as a skilled and environmentally conscious hunter.

Before her involvement in “Swamp People,” Anna Ribbeck made a national television appearance as a contestant on the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune” in 2018. Her participation in the program marked her first visit to California and introduced her to a broader TV audience. She has shared her appreciation for hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White and revealed behind-the-scenes facts, such as the production team filming six episodes in a single day.

In addition to her reality television career, Ribbeck is a strong advocate for wildlife conservation, ethical hunting, and sustainable outdoor practices. She promotes full utilization of harvested game—such as deer, turkey, alligators, and nutria—and regularly donates processed meat to local food banks and shelters in Louisiana. Through her appearances on “Swamp People” and her active presence on social media, Anna Ribbeck educates viewers about invasive species management, swamp ecology, and responsible hunting methods.

Anna Ribbeck’s Journey in Swamp People Season 14

Anna Ribbeck stepped into the spotlight on Swamp People during the Season 14 premiere, titled “Gator War,” which aired on January 5, 2023. As the season opened with high waters and mounting challenges across the Atchafalaya Basin, Anna made her first appearance, introduced by the History Channel as a dynamic new face in the world of alligator hunting. Described as an archer and hunter born and raised in South Louisiana, she was portrayed as a force to be reckoned with—armed not only with skill but also a relentlessly positive attitude.

In her official biography, the network highlighted her expertise in hunting both alligators and nutria, noting that she had captured some of the largest nutrias in the state. It also emphasized her commitment to sustainability: Anna believes in consuming everything she harvests, whether it’s deer, turkey, or alligator. This introduction set the tone for a season that would see Anna proving her capabilities alongside the show’s seasoned veterans.

While Anna Ribbeck was introduced to viewers in the season premiere, she gradually took on a more visible hunting role as the season progressed. In Episode 4, “Swamp of the Giants,” she teamed up with Ashley Jones to challenge veteran hunter Troy Landry in his home territory. Although her screen time remained limited, this early partnership offered a glimpse into her composure, growing field presence, and adaptability in the field.

By Episode 5, titled “Pickle’s Secret Weapon,” which aired on February 2, 2023, Anna was shown aiming at swamp monsters using her bow and arrow. This moment highlighted her archery skills and offered a clearer look at her growing presence in the field.

Episode 8, titled “Gators from the Grave,” saw Anna and Ashley return for a nighttime hunt near a local graveyard—an area rumored to bring bad luck. The two hunters overcame the eerie setting with focus and teamwork, capturing key gators to advance their standing.

In Episode 15, “Big Gators or Bust,” Anna faced the dual pressure of end-of-season expectations and interference from poachers. Despite these challenges, she stayed determined and worked closely with Ashley to locate some of the largest gators of the season. Her performance solidified her position as one of the season’s most promising new cast members.

Throughout Season 14, Anna Ribbeck’s screen time grew significantly, reflecting the producers’ recognition of her skill set and growing popularity. She brought a fresh dynamic to the series while staying true to its roots of grit, tradition, and conservation.

Anna Ribbeck’s Journey in Swamp People Season 15

Anna Ribbeck’s return to Swamp People in Season 15 marked her second consecutive season on the hit History Channel series, further solidifying her status as one of the show’s emerging fan favorites. Season 15, which premiered on January 4, 2024, brought unprecedented challenges to the Louisiana swamps, including record-low water levels and soaring temperatures that forced even veteran hunters to innovate their strategies.

In Episode 2, “Double Trouble,” Anna Ribbeck and Ashley Jones faced a significant equipment mishap—they forgot their rifle bullets. Forced to rely on a five-shot pistol and Anna’s trusted compound bow, the duo demonstrated quick thinking and adaptability in the face of adversity. Their resourcefulness under pressure helped maintain momentum during the crucial early days of the season, highlighting their synergy as a hunting team.

In Episode 4, “Cypress Clash,” Anna and Ashley pushed deeper into unfamiliar territory behind a locked gate. Their determination to outmaneuver Mother Nature amid rising temperatures and dwindling gator activity emphasized their readiness to take calculated risks. This episode reinforced Anna’s growing confidence and her role as a strategic partner on high-stakes hunts.

Episode 6, titled “Down to the Wire,” featured Anna and Ashley answering a call for urgent help when aggressive alligators invaded a local swimming hole. This high-stakes, community-centered hunt showed Anna stepping into the role of a problem-solver beyond traditional tag counts. It reinforced her real-world hunting skills and her commitment to protecting both people and ecosystems.

By Episode 9, “Gator Stakes,” Anna brought an extra dose of competition to the swamp, initiating a friendly wager with fellow hunter Don over which team would land more gators. Though she kept the bet secret from her captain, Ashley, the lighthearted challenge underscored Anna’s growing camaraderie within the cast and her comfort in the high-pressure world of swamp hunting.

In Episode 15, “Ice Cold Gamble,” Anna and Ashley took on the season’s final cold snap by targeting a secluded bayou rumored to be teeming with giant gators. Their perseverance in frigid conditions, combined with tactical planning, showcased their resilience and determination to make every tag count—even as the season neared its close.

Anna also played a part in Episode 16, “Legacy on the Line,” the Season 15 finale, which aired on April 25, 2024. With a record-breaking 900 tags on the line and gators going dormant due to a lingering cold front, the pressure was immense. Anna supported her team in their final push to meet the target, helping maintain the show’s streak of never failing to tag out. Her contribution on the final day solidified her role as a dependable asset to the Swamp People cast.

Anna Ribbeck’s Journey in Swamp People Season 16

Following the conclusion of Season 15, Anna Ribbeck’s longtime hunting partner Ashley Jones did not return to the show. In Season 16, Anna was paired with seasoned hunter Bruce Mitchell, marking a new chapter in her television career. This transition brought a fresh dynamic to her role, as she adapted to Bruce’s veteran style while continuing to grow as a formidable presence in the swamp. During the season, Anna was even seen teaching Bruce how to use a Muzzy bowfishing bow, demonstrating her confidence and leadership in the field. Their evolving partnership blended Anna’s precision with Bruce’s deep swamp instincts, making for a memorable and instructive pairing on the show.

Anna Ribbeck continued her run on Swamp People in Season 16, which premiered on January 2, 2025, amid a season dominated by powerful hurricanes and extreme weather. Her return marked three consecutive seasons as a cast member, showcasing her consistency and resilience in high-pressure environments.

In Episode 2, “Snapping Back,” Bruce Mitchell welcomed Anna back to the boat, this time as his new hunting partner. Together, they adjusted to the looming threat of hurricane activity and began the season with determination.

In Episode 3, “Chaos Before the Storm,” Anna and Bruce battled a cannibal alligator that had invaded their honey hole. Their effort to manage a high-risk predator ahead of Hurricane Francine showed Anna’s readiness for complex, high-stakes challenges.

By Episode 4, “Hurricane Francine,” Anna and Bruce were seen navigating treacherous waters in search of giants. The rising storm levels tested their gear and their nerves as they hunted in increasingly shallow and risky terrain.

In Episode 5, “The Aftermath,” following the destruction of Hurricane Francine, Anna and Bruce returned to a remote honey hole. Despite facing low water levels and navigation hazards, they stayed focused on bagging large gators to recover lost time.

In Episode 6, “Feeding Frenzy,” Anna and Bruce dealt with boat breakdowns while hunting a new and promising area. Their perseverance through equipment failures underscored Anna’s problem-solving mindset and field leadership.

During Episode 7, “Bayou Broiler,” amid record heat, Anna and Bruce were forced to offload their monster haul early to prevent spoilage. This practical decision highlighted Anna’s understanding of environmental management and swamp logistics.

Anna was briefly absent in Episode 9, “Catch and Cook,” due to a serious infection in her thumb, leaving Bruce to hunt solo. Her absence emphasized her importance, as Bruce had to push himself to compensate for the missing teammate.

By Episode 10, “New Partners, New Threats,” Anna returned to the swamp, rejoining Bruce on the boat while still recovering from her injury. The pair adjusted their strategy to accommodate her healing hand, further proving Anna’s determination and grit.

In Episode 12, “Tree Breakers,” Anna and Bruce hunted in a hidden trench, using Bruce’s swamp instincts to track and land massive gators. Their coordinated approach demonstrated Anna’s evolving mastery of the terrain and species behavior.

In Episode 13, “Silent Assassins,” Anna used her bow and arrow during a stealth hunt, embracing a silent-but-deadly approach. This episode stood out as a highlight of her archery precision and showcased her deepening partnership with Bruce Mitchell.

Anna’s performance throughout Season 16 added depth to her growing legacy on the show. From weathering storms to recovering from injury and executing complex hunts, her contributions cemented her as one of the most versatile and committed hunters in the Swamp People cast.

Anna Ribbeck Net Worth

As of 2025, Anna Ribbeck has turned her passion for bowhunting and the outdoors into a successful and meaningful career, with a net worth of over $200,000. Her journey started in college, where she began hunting animals like deer, nutria, and alligators using a bow. That passion grew into much more over the years.

Today, Anna works as a social media strategist at the LSU AgCenter, where she uses her skills to promote agricultural and outdoor content.

Anna also runs her own brand called “AnnaTheArcher.” Through her website, she sells signed photos, handmade jewelry, alligator-themed souvenirs, and outdoor apparel. She connects with fans by offering personalized video messages on Cameo and accepts bookings for events and appearances.

In addition to her business, Anna is also a cast member on the TV show “Swamp People,” where viewers can watch her in action hunting alligators in the Louisiana swamps. Whether it’s on television, online, or in person, Anna continues to share her love for the outdoors and inspire others through her work and storytelling.

Personal Life: Relationship with Ry Smith, Shared Outdoor Passions, and Family Status

Anna Ribbeck is in a relationship with Ry Smith, and they share a strong connection through their love for the outdoors. They first bonded over their mutual interest in archery and hunting, and that shared passion has grown into a meaningful part of their lives. Over time, they’ve taken part in outdoor events together, including the Nutria Rodeo in Louisiana, which focuses on controlling invasive species.

Ry is active in many of the same areas as Anna—he helps with bowfishing, preparing wild game, and managing invasive plants. He’s also been part of community projects like cleaning wetlands. These activities closely connect with Anna’s own work in conservation and environmental science.

In January 2025, Anna shared on social media that Ry was visiting his family in Pasadena, California, when wildfires forced them to evacuate their home. Thankfully, everyone was safe. In July 2024, they appeared together at the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, where they promoted Anna’s handmade products and introduced fans to their beagle, Lucy. In March 2025, Anna shared that Ry had picked up archery and they had become an “archery couple,” practicing together and supporting each other’s skills.

Anna and Ry often appear together in videos and social media posts, where they show what it’s like to live close to nature and work on real conservation efforts. As of now, they do not have any children.

Physical Traits

Anna Ribbeck’s exact height and body measurements are not publicly confirmed, but based on her public appearances and social media posts, she has a tall and lean build that supports her highly active outdoor lifestyle. She has long wavy hair, naturally brown with a prominent silver streak at the front, often styled in a top bun or left flowing. Her eyes are brown.

Anna is frequently seen in rugged, practical outfits—camo shirts, rubber boots, and caps—whether she’s out bowfishing, hunting, or foraging. Her style blends function with personality, reflecting her background as both an outdoorswoman and a communicator. She also shows a softer side in her handmade jewelry and warm, natural smile, which enhances her approachable and confident on-screen presence.

Anna Ribbeck Wiki Bio: Key Facts Table

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Anna Eileen Ribbeck
Born	1993, Covington, Louisiana
Hometown	Mandeville, Louisiana
Education	B.S. in Horticultural Science, M.S. in Plant Environmental & Soil Sciences (both from LSU)
Profession	Biologist, Bowhunter, Television Personality, Conservationist
TV Debut	Wheel of Fortune (2018)
TV Series	Swamp People (joined Season 14 in 2023, continued through Season 16)
Known For	Archery-based gator hunting, invasive species management, wildlife education
Website	annathearcher.com
Social Media	Instagram (@annathearcher), YouTube (Anna The Archer)
Signature Look	Camo attire, hunting boots, cap, bow in hand
Conservation Work	Nutria removal, invasive plant research, sustainable hunting
Previous Roles	Social Media Strategist (LSU AgCenter), Pro Staff (Bear Archery), Brand Ambassador (Realtree)
Business	Sells signed photos, gator skulls, jewelry, and apparel through annathearcher.com
Fun Fact	Has a signature silver streak in her brown hair and a background in horticulture
Ethnicity	White/Caucasian (as publicly identified)
Nationality	American
Marital Status	Unmarried (as of latest public information)
Boyfriend/Partner	Ry J. Smith