Bill Booth Wiki Bio (2025): Swamp People Star, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Kids.

From backwoods bows to prime-time battles in the Everglades, William “Wild Bill” Booth has lived a life few could script and even fewer could survive. Raised in the swamps and fields of South Florida, Booth carved out a path that blended grit, skill, and an enduring love for wildlife. Whether crafting arrows as a boy, leading game hunts across 15,000-acre ranches, or standing toe-to-toe with 15-foot pythons on national television, his story is one of transformation—from small-town outdoorsman to nationally recognized conservation figure.

But there’s more to Booth than what the cameras catch. A decorated firefighter, licensed diver, and Coast Guard captain, his credentials run deep. Offscreen, he’s battled personal loss, mentored the next generation, and even bounced back from a 48-stitch injury with trademark humor. This biography captures the full arc of Booth’s journey: his roots, his rise, his relationships, and the resilience that defines the man known to millions as “Wild Bill.”

Early Life and Family Background

William “Wild Bill” Booth was born on February 16, 1965, in North Miami, a city located in South Florida, where he developed an early passion for the outdoors. As a child, he spent much of his time climbing trees, crafting bows and arrows, and exploring the wilderness. By the age of 13, he received his first shotgun and began riding his bike to nearby hunting grounds in pursuit of dove, quail, and deer—experiences that shaped his lifelong love for wildlife and nature.

In 1978, Bill and his family relocated to Bradenton, Florida, where he later attended Manatee High School—a place he humorously recalls as the school where he still holds the record for ‘most paddled student in a year.’ He is the biological son of William John Booth and Gail Booth-Petrie. Bill was raised alongside his younger brother, Scott Joseph Booth, who was born in 1966 and passed away in 2016. Scott’s obituary confirmed the family’s deep roots in Bradenton and revealed a shared love of fishing and the outdoors. Bill has three brothers—Scott (deceased), John, and James—all of whom have ties to the Bradenton area.

Career and Wildlife Expeditions

Bill’s career began in public service, where he spent 20 years as a certified firefighter and instructor, dedicating himself to emergency response and community protection. During this time, he also became a licensed Coast Guard captain and certified diver—credentials that later complemented his work in wildlife conservation and outdoor leadership.

Bill Booth’s professional journey in the world of wildlife began with a pivotal experience in 1988, when he met a taxidermist in North Carolina. The encounter sparked a fascination with the art of preserving animals. Seeing taxidermy as a way to stay connected to wildlife year-round while making a living, Bill set his sights on mastering the craft.

Two years later, in 1990, after returning to Florida, he established Bill Booth Taxidermy, a business that would go on to win multiple national awards. From 1992 to 2003, he served as a professional hunting guide at Hi Hat Ranch, overseeing game expeditions across 15,000 acres of Florida wilderness.

In 2013, Bill co-founded the Cypress Boys, a team competing in the Florida Python Challenge. Alongside conservationist Dusty Crum, their efforts to remove invasive Burmese pythons quickly gained recognition. Their debut season earned second place, and in 2016, the team secured first place, capturing 33 snakes, including a 15.5-foot python that ranked highest in both size and count.

This success marked a turning point in his conservation efforts. With decades of field experience—ranging from hunting with rifles and bows to leading guided expeditions and educating others about wildlife—Bill’s transition into python control represented a natural evolution in his hands-on approach to invasive species management.

Bill also expanded into alligator hunting prior to gaining recognition on television. In late 2024, he acquired a Central Florida ranch, which now serves as headquarters for his outfitting business, Bill Booth Outdoors. His guided gator hunts—often conducted via airboat—blend traditional methods with modern practices, offering clients both challenge and conservation education.

In 2024, Bill spent over 90 days in Montana, where he participated in solo “walkabouts” through remote mountain regions. He tracked elk, deer, bears, porcupines, and birds—sometimes flying small aircraft to reach otherwise inaccessible terrain. These immersive backcountry experiences underscore his adaptability and passion for untamed landscapes.

Bill has also studied wildlife photography under Bob Sisson, a former National Geographic photojournalist. He integrates fieldwork with storytelling, using photography to educate audiences about animal behavior and environmental stewardship.

Television Career

Bill’s high-profile efforts eventually caught the attention of television producers. His most notable television role is on Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, a popular spin-off of the Swamp People franchise that airs on the History Channel. The show follows expert hunters and Florida residents as they team up to eliminate deadly and invasive Burmese pythons that have overrun the Everglades. Bill joined a cast that includes Troy Landry, Chase Landry, Bruce Mitchell, Zak Catchem, Tes Lee, and Cheyenne “Pickle” Wheat—bringing his experience as a python hunter and conservationist to a broader audience. The series showcases his unique blend of field expertise, grit, and environmental commitment.

Bill Booth’s Journey on Swamp People: Serpent Invasion

Bill Booth made his memorable debut in Season 1, Episode 1 (“Man vs. Snake”), which aired on March 12, 2020. He was introduced as the only full-time professional python hunter on the team, joining forces with Troy and Chase Landry, Bruce Mitchell, and Zak Catchem. The group formed an elite task force combining gator-hunting instincts with scientific methods and cutting-edge technology. Booth’s calm, methodical approach quickly proved indispensable as the team tackled high-risk zones like the Everglades Triangle and an abandoned Cold War rocket silo.

By Season 2 (2020–2021), Booth had cemented his role as a core member of the team. He ventured into even more remote terrain, including episodes like “Outlaw Country” and “Gators and Ghost Towns,” where his use of drones, thermal scanners, and scent-tracking dogs highlighted his evolving tactics.

In Season 3 (2023), Booth partnered with Tes Lee, forming a dynamic duo that tackled extreme conditions, emotional trials, and ecological challenges. Their teamwork was featured in episodes like “The Snake Pit,” “Snakin’ Ain’t Easy,” and the season finale, “The Final Battle,” which aired on April 27, 2023. Together, they targeted breeding females in secluded island chains—critical work for controlling future python populations.

Though Bill did not return for Season 4 (2024–2025), his role in shaping the show’s conservation narrative remains significant. His appearances helped highlight the seriousness of Florida’s invasive species crisis and offered viewers an authentic look into the world of professional python hunting.

His additional on-screen credits include:

• 2012 – Pythonathon (National Geographic)
• 2013 – Infestations (Oasis Network)
• 2015 – The Wonderlist (CNN)
• 2017 – Ozzie and Jack’s World Detour (A&E)
• 2017 – Pilot episode on Food Network
• 2018 – Nat Geo Explorer documentary

Today, William “Wild Bill” Booth resides in Bradenton, Florida, and continues to work as a hunter, guide, taxidermist, and TV personality. He is a member of Safari Club International (SCI) and is known for using both rifles and bows in his hunts.

Personal Life

Bill Booth has maintained a low public profile when it comes to his personal life. He resides in Bradenton, Florida, and while there is no public confirmation of a spouse or children, he is known to have close familial ties. Booth is the uncle of Skyler Booth, the daughter of his late brother Scott Booth. He frequently shares heartfelt moments with Skyler on social media, expressing pride in her academic accomplishments and referring to her as someone he deeply protects and supports—once writing that he “might not be her dad but [he’s] the next best thing.”

Bill’s bond with his late brother Scott Joseph Booth, who passed away on September 17, 2016, at 5:55 p.m., remains a central emotional anchor in his life. Bill has publicly shared tributes to Scott, including photos, reflections, and even a tattoo on his arm with the number “555” to commemorate his brother’s memory. He has often said he lives his life to honor Scott’s legacy.

In addition, Booth has spoken fondly about Franziska Stanford, a young woman from Germany whom he has known since childhood. Describing her as “like a daughter,” Booth has maintained a close bond with her for nearly two decades, highlighting his strong commitment to extended family and mentorship. These relationships reflect his values of loyalty, care, and connection—extending beyond bloodlines into meaningful lifelong bonds.

Injury and Recovery

In October 2024, Bill Booth sustained a significant facial injury after being bitten by a 15-year-old bird dog belonging to a friend. The incident occurred while Bill was walking up a porch stairway and leaned over to pet the dog, a familiar animal he had interacted with many times before. The dog, startled or confused, bit Bill directly on the face, resulting in a serious wound.

Bill required 48 stitches to repair the damage to his nose and septum. He later shared a photo on social media, revealing the extent of the injury and expressing gratitude to the medical team who treated him. True to his resilient spirit, Booth took a light-hearted approach to the accident, joking about the timing just before Halloween and reminding others to be cautious around animals’ faces—even ones they trust.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

As of 2025, Bill Booth’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 to $1 million, earned through a combination of television appearances, professional hunting expeditions, and his long-running taxidermy business. His outfitting company, Bill Booth Outdoors, generates income from guided alligator hunts, wildlife photography projects, and private land management. With a growing presence in outdoor media and a loyal clientele base, Booth has established himself as a respected figure in Florida’s conservation and hunting economy.

Wiki Bio Facts Table

Field	Details
Full Name	William “Wild Bill” Booth
Nickname	Wild Bill
Date of Birth	February 16, 1965
Age (2025)	60 years old
Place of Birth	North Miami, Florida, USA
Current Residence	Bradenton, Florida, USA
Profession	Hunter, Taxidermist, TV Personality, Guide
Known For	Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, python and alligator hunting, taxidermy
Business	Bill Booth Outdoors
Years Active	1990–present
Parents	William J. Booth (father), Gail Booth-Petrie (mother)
Siblings	Scott Joseph Booth (deceased), John Booth, James Booth
Education	Manatee High School, Bradenton, FL
Military/Service	Certified Firefighter & Instructor (20 years), Licensed Coast Guard Captain, Certified Diver
Net Worth (2025)	$500,000 to $1 million
Notable TV Appearances	Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, Pythonathon, Infestations, The Wonderlist, Ozzie and Jack’s World Detour, Nat Geo Explorer