Ashley “Deadeye” Jones Wiki Bio, Now: Swamp People Journey, Sobriety, Husband, Kids (2025 Update)

Before she was hauling gators out of Louisiana swamps with expert precision, Ashley Jones was a Mississippi mother navigating loss, rediscovering purpose, and stepping into a world she never imagined for herself. Her journey from first-time deer hunter to fan-favorite on Swamp People wasn’t just about marksmanship—it was about transformation, persistence, and grit.

With no childhood experience in the outdoors, Ashley took her first shot later in life—an act that would not only change her trajectory but also challenge expectations in a male-dominated sport. She quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most recognized female hunters on television, earning respect for her accuracy, composure, and quiet strength.

Her talent and presence earned her a spot on the History Channel’s Swamp People in 2019, where she became a staple of the series across six consecutive seasons. Hunting alongside Ronnie Adams, she brought strategy, precision, and resilience to the gator boat. In August 2024, she officially retired from the show, citing her children’s schooling, Mississippi hunting commitments, and her growing career in real estate as key reasons for stepping away.

In this article, readers will discover Ashley’s full journey—from her early life in Jackson, Mississippi, to her life-changing first hunt, her rise on Swamp People, her heartfelt decision to step away from TV, and her current path balancing real estate, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or just discovering her story, this profile offers a detailed look at one of Swamp People‘s most resilient and inspiring stars.

Early Life and Family Background

Ashley Jones was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi on Nov 25, 1987, and proudly describes herself as a “city girl.” She didn’t grow up poor, but her family didn’t have extra money for elaborate vacations. Most of their outings involved camping trips, which Ashley fondly recalls as some of her favorite childhood memories. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the simple things and inspired her to make family time a priority in adulthood. She now values creating memorable experiences for her own children whenever possible.

Ashley was raised by her mother Cindy, who she credits with being incredibly supportive throughout her life. Her father, known for his sense of humor, passed away in 2021. Ashley has spoken openly about their close bond and the lasting emotional impact of his passing. Her older brother Joe Brumfield served with distinction as an Army Ranger and First Sergeant, completing multiple deployments and earning numerous honors before retiring in Mississippi.

Marriage, Co-Parenting, and Motherhood: Ashley Jones’ Family Life

Ashley Jones is married to Chad Jones, an attorney based in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Before entering law, Chad worked as a geologist, later transitioning into a legal career focused on NFL concussion litigation and personal injury cases. The couple resides in Mississippi with their son, Cooper, along with Ashley’s two children from a previous marriage to Stephen.

Ashley and Stephen share two children—Camden and Addison. Camden, her oldest, was born prematurely in February 2008 at just 23 weeks. He spent significant time in the NICU, and Ashley has often expressed pride in how he overcame those early challenges to grow into a thriving young man. Addison was born in July 2010 and, like her brother, frequently appears in family photos and milestones shared on Ashley’s social media.

Despite their separation, Ashley and Stephen have maintained a positive and respectful co-parenting relationship. In a June 2024 Instagram post, Ashley described Stephen as an “awesome co-parent” and “great father,” noting that he even served as an honorary pallbearer at her father’s funeral. She emphasized that they never needed court involvement, avoided major arguments, and always put their children first through open communication and mutual respect.

Ashley and Chad welcomed their son, Cooper, in December 2015. The family often shares moments together—attending church, enjoying outdoor activities, and celebrating milestones. In September 2024, Ashley posted about a significant spiritual moment: she, Chad, Camden, and Cooper were baptized together, a reflection of their shared Christian faith and family unity.

Chad has played a pivotal role in Ashley’s personal transformation.He introduced her to hunting during a period of deep grief following a miscarriage. That moment in 2014, when he took her on her first deer hunt, would prove to be more than a distraction—it became a life-altering experience.

Ashley later credited Chad not only for his encouragement but for standing by her through personal lows, including her sobriety journey and the growth of their relationship. 

A Life-Changing Hunt: How Hunting Helped Her Recovery

Ashley Jones faced one of the most difficult moments of her life in November 2013, when she suffered a miscarriage around her birthday. She underwent a D&C procedure and found herself overwhelmed by anxiety and emotional paralysis. “I just wasn’t the same,” she later shared. The loss left her searching for a way to process the pain.

In 2014, recognizing her need for healing, Ashley’s husband Chad invited her to join him on a deer hunt. She had never hunted before. But that quiet morning in the woods, though it ended without a shot, sparked something inside her.

“I remember that feeling of missing him (her first buck), but I remember the adrenalin rush. I understood why people get up at 4 a.m. to go hunting. It was really, really cool to me.”

What began as a gesture of support grew into a personal turning point. In a 2020 Facebook post, Ashley reflected,

“I didn’t have a way to release the energy in me… I got to experience some of the coolest things in the woods that year.”

Nature gave her space to breathe—and something consistent to hold onto when everything else felt uncertain.

“I didn’t realize at the time how important it was to have something just to fall back on when I got overwhelmed,” she wrote.

Hunting brought structure, focus, and a sense of control. It didn’t erase her pain, but it helped her manage it.

In that 2020 post, she acknowledged that healing was ongoing:

“Of course that didn’t cure me forever,” she wrote. “Some days I don’t care to get up… Sometimes my anxiety gets so worked up I feel like I’m having a heart attack. However, now I’m able to focus on a long-term goal and that’s calming.”

At the time, hunting had become a steady outlet—one that helped her manage emotional waves with renewed focus and purpose.

As Ashley began to heal, her confidence grew. She transitioned from deer to hogs, and eventually to alligators. Her skill and steady nerves earned her the nickname “Deadeye” from Chad.

That first year in the woods was more than an escape. It marked the beginning of recovery, discovery, and a new way forward—one that continues to shape who she is today.

Big Break: From Gator Hunt to Swamp People Star

Ashley Jones’s path to national recognition began not in front of a camera, but deep in the swamps of Mississippi, on a hunt that would change her life. She set out with her father for what she would later describe as “the hunt of a lifetime”—a grueling three-hour battle with a massive alligator. Unlike in Louisiana, Mississippi requires hunters to first snag gators with rod and reel and then snare them before taking a shot. That extra difficulty, Ashley noted, is what makes it true hunting: “I always say it’s fishing gators in Louisiana but hunting gators in Mississippi.”

The moment the gator surfaced and exhaled, she recalled, it looked like something out of a prehistoric world. That image stayed with her—and so did the photo she posted afterward. It wasn’t long before it caught the eye of veteran Swamp People cast member Ronnie Adams.

Curious and impressed, Ronnie arranged a hog hunt with Ashley and her husband Chad through his charter service. During that trip, Ashley made a shot that left a lasting impression—hitting a moving hog from a boat, with the pigs running. Both Chad and Ronnie were floored, cheering her on in disbelief. That moment, more than any résumé or application, sealed her potential.

When the producers of Swamp People reached out to Ronnie in search of new talent, he knew exactly who to recommend. Thanks to his endorsement, Ashley soon found herself on the cast of the long-running History Channel series.

That one photo, that one hunt, opened a new chapter for Ashley—transforming a Mississippi mother and hunter into a nationally recognized figure, known not just for her skill, but for her heart, grit, and determination in the wild.

Ashely is one of the best marksmen on Swamp People also known as Dead-Eye, a nickname owing to her incredible shooting skills. She forms a dynamic duo with Ronnie Adams, who holds the line while she takes care of the sharpshooting.  Ashley is calm and collected on the gator boat and can finish the job in half the time and with fewer bullets than anyone else. She also enjoys hunting other animals, such as wild hogs, turkeys, and deer, in her spare time.

Holding Her Own in the Swamp People Journey (2019–2024)

Ashley “Dead-Eye” Jones made her television debut on Swamp People in Season 10. The long-running History Channel series, which chronicles the lives of Louisiana alligator hunters as they brave unpredictable waters during the 30-day gator season, offered Ashley a formidable platform to prove herself. From her very first appearance in 2019, Ashley stood out—not just as a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, but as a sharp-shooting, cool-headed force in her own right.

Over the course of five years and more than 50 episodes through 2024, Ashley became one of the show’s most consistent and visible figures. Her reliability, marksmanship, and calm under pressure stood out in a cast filled with seasoned swamp veterans. Across numerous hunts and challenges, she steadily built a track record of success—solidifying her place in the landscape of Swamp People through skill and experience.

Television Debut and Early Impact (Season 10)

Ashley Jones’ journey in Swamp People began in Season 10, where she joined the cast as a newcomer alongside Ronnie Adams. From the outset, she was seen participating in high-risk hunts and learning the ropes in a swamp environment traditionally navigated by seasoned male hunters. Her early outings included expeditions into the wild and gator-heavy Cemetery swamp—an area known for being particularly dangerous and thick with large alligators. One of their first missions together took them deep into this treacherous zone, setting the tone for what Ashley would bring to the team: precise shooting, level-headedness, and the grit to endure the swamp’s harshest tests. As the season continued, Ashley and Ronnie responded to community threats and even ventured into remote territory near Dead-End Bayou, where they engaged in a friendly side bet while tracking elusive giants. These formative episodes laid the foundation for Ashley’s evolving reputation as a capable and fearless swamper.

In “Bringing the Heat” (Season 10, Episode 6), Ashley faced one of her earliest tests as temperatures reached 98°F with stifling humidity. When Ronnie showed signs of heat exhaustion, Ashley took over running the lines—a demanding role typically handled by the lead. Her first gator of the day was a massive 11-footer. She advised Ronnie to prioritize safety, even telling him to let go of the rope if necessary. Her leadership, physical strength, and poise under pressure marked a milestone in her growth as a swamper.

From there, Ashley’s role in the show deepened with each season. She wrangled gators on foot, pulled through flying carp attacks during nighttime hunts, and introduced clever tactics—like secret baiting methods—to outsmart cunning reptiles. Her approach was methodical and cool under pressure—qualities that would carry her through some of the swamp’s most chaotic moments. Whether deploying secret weapons, chasing legends like the Phantom gator, or improvising during unpredictable weather, Ashley consistently proved herself as more than capable.

Resilience Through Injury and Setbacks (Season 11)

In Season 11, the stakes intensified. Ashley and Ronnie were physically attacked by a breeding bull gator in “Raging Bulls.” Later, in “Return to Froggy Bayou,” she reunited with Troy Landry and Terral Evans at a buyer station in Pierre Part—despite recovering from a recent gator-inflicted hand injury. When she found her honey hole blocked by felled trees and fresh sawdust, clear signs of poacher sabotage, Terral helped her regain access. Ashley then hunted with Troy, showing her mastery of every step—tying, baiting, pulling, and shooting. An aggressive gator reopened her wound mid-hunt, but she powered through to land the kill. Her affirmation of “Ashley Mae” at the end was more than just a name—it was a declaration of identity and capability.

Even when faced with bad luck—like the infamous banana in “Bad Banana”—Ashley kept hunting. She stepped up when Ronnie was down, and even ventured into new hunting zones by airboat in “Deadeye Driver,” a challenge she overcame with steely resolve. In “One Man Army,” Ashley and Ronnie discovered that gators weren’t the only nasty surprises lurking in the swamp—highlighting the unpredictable dangers they face each day. In “Casanova Gator,” her judgment was put to the test as she questioned Ronnie’s bait choices, yet still performed with her usual efficiency. During “Swamp on Fire,” one of the hottest days of the season, Ashley pushed through intense heat as Ronnie once again struggled with symptoms of heat stroke. Despite the setbacks, she tried to fill the boat and keep their hunt going.

Ashley’s resilience reached a new threshold in the season finale, “Final Showdown,” when she fell ill and left Ronnie to hunt alone. Her absence was a rare moment in a season otherwise marked by consistency, endurance, and unwavering effort. All these moments solidified Ashley as the true anchor of the team.

Solo Mastery and Swamp Resilience (Season 12)

In Season 12, Ashley Jones took on what would become one of the defining moments of her swamp journey: a full day of gator hunting completely on her own. With Ronnie Adams sidelined and recovering from a hospital visit due to severe heat exhaustion, Ashley set out alone—determined not just to keep their season afloat, but to prove she could rise to the occasion.

From the outset, she acknowledged the physical toll the day would demand. Hauling in massive gators without backup isn’t just a challenge—it’s a test of endurance. Yet she approached her first line with laser focus, successfully shooting and hauling in an eight-foot, 250-pound gator. As the day unfolded, tangled lines, shifting terrain, and aggressive gators kept pushing her limits. One particularly intense trial came when she solo-handled a 350-pound gator, eventually overpowering it and loading it into the boat by herself.

Throughout the hunt in the Lake Verret Spillway, Ashley narrated her experience with a mix of strategic reflection, fatigue, and humor—at one point even impersonating Ronnie to lift her own spirits. The hunt culminated in her landing a second 350-pound gator on her final line. Regardless of whether these events unfolded in a single episode or across several, her solo effort became an instant hallmark of her growth. She had pushed beyond her physical limits and established herself as a capable solo hunter.

By day’s end, Ashley had filled the boat with ten large gators. Reflecting on the grueling effort, she admitted it was “definitely not a one-man job”—but she had done it anyway. It was a proud but humbling moment that underscored her resolve.

Ashley and Ronnie later reunited for a long run into the Cemetery, revisiting one of their earliest—and most dangerous—hunting grounds. In “Black Clouds,” as storm surge and dangerous winds swept across the swamp, the duo pushed past the weather to score outside the seawall while others stayed ashore. In “To the Rescue,” they eliminated gators disrupting dredging work, helping protect local infrastructure and workers—a testament to how their hunts had become both personal and community-focused.

Ashley’s performance throughout Season 12 highlighted not just her solo resilience, but the strength of her enduring partnership with Ronnie. Whether battling the elements, taking on community threats, or facing down physical strain, she met every moment with focus, empathy, and sheer determination. Whether facing weather threats, physical setbacks, or community dangers, she handled each task with discipline, empathy, and determination.

Leadership and Tactical Growth (Season 13)

Season 13 marked a powerful turning point in Ashley Jones’ Swamp People journey, beginning with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida—a Category 4 storm that devastated communities and left lasting scars across the swamp. Ashley and Ronnie were directly affected by the storm’s destruction, which disrupted their hunting grounds and jeopardized their season. In the episode “Nothing but Bulls,” the Landry family stepped in to support them during their recovery, highlighting the deep bonds within the swamp hunting community.

Despite the challenges, Ashley returned to the water with unwavering resilience. She didn’t just resume the hunt—she doubled down. In “Battle of the Sexes,” Ashley stood shoulder to shoulder with Pickle in a competitive showdown against Troy and Ronnie. For Ashley, it was more than just a friendly rivalry; it was a moment of professional validation. Her sharp shooting, efficient line work, and quick decision-making made it clear—she was no longer just Ronnie’s deckhand. She was his equal, if not a leader in her own right.

Ashley’s presence remained steady in “Blast in the Bayou,” where she and Ronnie encountered a dangerous gas leak while tracking gators near an underwater pipeline. The high-risk situation called for calm, calculated action—qualities Ashley delivered with quiet authority. Her composed response highlighted her adaptability, courage, and the ever-present danger that hunters face far beyond just the gators.

In “Secret Sauce,” Ashley and Ronnie endured punishing heat under a 105°F advisory in the Biloxi Marsh. The memory of Ronnie’s previous medical emergency wasn’t far from Ashley’s mind. Taking initiative, she devised a heat-management strategy—alternating roles so that she handled every other pull while Ronnie conserved energy and focused on shooting. Her execution was flawless, delivering clean kills on two massive 11-footers. The effort demonstrated not just her physical strength, but her growing role as a strategic partner and a trusted leader in crisis. In one of the swamp’s most unforgiving seasons, Ashley didn’t just survive—she commanded respect and steered her team through adversity.

Proven Authority in the Swamp (Season 14)

Season 14 brought new dynamics and heightened expectations for Ashley. In the opening episodes, while Troy Landry and others wrestled with rising water levels after a record flood season, Ashley partnered with Anna to challenge the top hunters on their own turf. In “Swamp of the Giants,” Ashley and Anna set their sights on dethroning Troy in his backyard—a bold move that underscored Ashley’s growing confidence and leadership.

In “Flying Gators,” Ashley once again entered a competitive challenge, facing off in a battle of the sexes alongside Ronnie. Their teamwork and precision reflected their longstanding dynamic, but Ashley’s independent instincts continued to shine through.

After a tough loss, she and Anna regrouped and headed to the graveyard in “Gators from the Grave,” an area steeped in ominous lore. Despite the eerie surroundings and high pressure, Ashley remained composed, leading the team to solid catches.

In “Pickle’s Holiday,” Ashley focused her attention on land gators—creatures known for their aggressive behavior and difficult retrieval. Her calm under pressure and pinpoint marksmanship were evident throughout. Then, in Season 14, Episode 11 titled “Gator Lightning,” Ashley stepped fully into the role of captain while hunting alongside Anna, showcasing composed leadership under mounting pressure. With a dangerous storm rolling into Violet, Louisiana, Ashley made the strategic decision to stay close to home and maximize their time on the water. Her priority wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about keeping her crew safe.

On their first line, Ashley and Anna hauled in an 11-foot gator, setting a strong tone for the day. Despite the looming threat of lightning and downpour, Ashley stayed focused. She navigated through buried lines, thick marsh mud, and aggressive gators, even coordinating a perfect shot under tense conditions. Her clean, efficient kills earned her continued praise as “Dead-Eye Jones.”

What made this episode a standout in Ashley’s journey wasn’t just the successful catch, but her awareness of both the physical and psychological stakes. She openly weighed the risks of continuing in the storm, choosing to balance ambition with safety. Even when the size of some gators fell short of expectations, Ashley kept her priorities clear and her execution sharp—leading with both head and heart.

Throughout Season 14, Ashley’s leadership, tactical instincts, and emotional control set her apart. Whether challenging seasoned legends or maneuvering through cursed swamps and brewing storms, she maintained her role as one of Swamp People’s most dependable and unshakable hunters.

Veteran Wisdom and Relentless Focus (Season 15)

By Season 15, Ashley had cemented her place as a veteran swamper. That season saw historic droughts, record heat, and high tension as the teams raced to fill tags before time ran out. Ashley faced a moment of misjudgment during the full moon, but her recovery was swift and solid. Drawing on a tip from Troy himself, she tracked giants and held her own while many around her struggled. Her final days that season were marked by the same resolve and sharp focus that brought her into the swamp five seasons earlier.

Departure from Swamp People

In August 2024, Ashley Jones officially announced her retirement from Swamp People in a heartfelt Facebook post. She explained that after years of missing the first month of school with her kids due to filming, she reached a point where she could no longer justify the sacrifice. “Prayed and cried but this is it,” she wrote, making it clear the decision was hers and came from a place of deep reflection and personal conviction.

Ashley cited several factors that led to her departure: her desire to be more present for her children during the school year, her commitment to fulfilling Mississippi hunting tags, and the demands of her growing real estate career with KeySource Realty. With so much going on—including helping run her family’s law firm—continuing full-time filming simply wasn’t sustainable.

In her message, she expressed gratitude to the Swamp People production team, her castmates, and the Louisiana community that embraced her as one of their own. She offered special thanks to Ronnie Adams, who first suggested her to producers, and longtime cameraman Brent Meeske, who had been with her every season.

Though stepping away, Ashley left the door open for future guest appearances and emphasized her hope that fans would continue supporting her through her social media, real estate career, and other ventures beyond the swamp.

Life After Swamp People

After stepping away from Swamp People in 2024, Ashley Jones entered a new season of life centered around family, wellness, and building a business. No longer bound by filming schedules, she leaned into her role as a licensed real estate agent with KeySource Realty in Mississippi—helping clients find homes while remaining deeply rooted in her local community.

At the same time, Ashley remained a visible and engaging figure online. Her social media presence continues to serve as a space where she shares updates from her hunting excursions, connects with fans, and celebrates personal milestones. She also participates in meet-and-greet events, staying actively involved with the outdoor community that helped shape her public identity.

In May 2024, Ashley opened up about one of her most personal victories: her sobriety journey. Celebrating 14 months alcohol-free and 40 pounds lighter, she reflected on how removing alcohol from her life helped her rediscover her values and reclaim her energy. “I stopped drinking 14 months ago and never looked back. It was hindering who I was as a person and I was tired of having a habit I wasn’t proud of,” she shared in a candid Facebook post. More than just a lifestyle change, the decision was deeply rooted in her desire to show up fully for her children and choose them every single day.

Ashley’s physical transformation—visible in her recent social media updates—served as a visual testament to the changes she made in her life. By March 2025, she proudly celebrated two years of sobriety, noting not only the emotional clarity it brought but also the visible health benefits. Comparing photos from her journey, fans could see her renewed glow, slimmer frame, and radiant smile—markers of both inner healing and outer transformation.

Net Worth

Beyond the screen, Ashley is a TV personality, businesswoman, and hunter. Her primary income stemmed from her appearances on Swamp People, where recurring cast members are compensated per episode depending on experience and prominence—typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per episode. She also operates a branded merchandise line featuring hunting-themed gear, apparel, and accessories, which she promotes via social media and public appearances.

In 2024, Ashley expanded her career by becoming a licensed real estate agent with KeySource Realty in Mississippi, where she began helping clients buy and sell homes and properties. While earlier reports speculated she supported her husband’s legal firm, there is no public confirmation of her having an operational role at The Jones Law Firm.

The combination of television work, merchandise sales, and real estate commissions has contributed to her estimated net worth of over $300,000, with strong prospects for future growth as she builds her real estate career.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Ashley Brumfield Jones
Nickname	Deadeye
Date of Birth	Nov 25, 1987
Age	37 years old
Place of Birth	Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status	Married to Chad Jones
Ex-Spouse	Stephen
Children	Camden, Addison, Cooper
Profession	Hunter, TV Personality, Real Estate Agent
Years Active on TV	2019–2024
Net Worth	Over $300,000
Hair Color	Red
Eye Color	Hazel
Height	5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight	Approx. 119 lbs (54 kg)
Build	Medium
Known For	Swamp People (History Channel)
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Editor’s Note :This article was originally published on September 26, 2024, and was extensively updated on April 2, 2025, to reflect Ashley “Deadeye” Jones’ retirement from Swamp People, her sobriety and health journey, her real estate career, and newly verified personal details from her public posts.This updated profile includes fresh insights on her early life, family, on-screen milestones, and post-television path—making it the most comprehensive and accurate biography of Ashley Jones currently available online.