Ron Methvin [Now]: Wiki, Bio, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Kids.

Before he was chasing alligators through Louisiana’s swamps, Ron Methvin was navigating a very different kind of terrain—combat zones in Afghanistan. A military veteran turned SWAT sniper, Methvin’s real-life experience set him apart the moment he appeared on Swamp People in 2012. Calm, precise, and deeply disciplined, he brought a quiet intensity to the screen that quickly made him a fan favorite.

Paired with seasoned hunter Bruce Mitchell, Methvin proved that sharp instincts and steady nerves could make all the difference in the high-stakes world of gator season. For six straight seasons, he battled harsh weather, rough waters, and rising pressure—not just from apex predators, but from the demanding pace of the hunt.

Yet, Methvin’s time on television was only a glimpse of a larger calling. In 2018, he returned to public service, earning his badge as a Louisiana State Police Trooper after graduating from a 22-week training academy. Off-screen, he shares a quiet life in Louisiana with his wife Nicole and their two children—grounded in family, faith, and the same values that shaped his journey from soldier to state trooper.

Early Life and Military Career

Ron Methvin was born on June 15, 1982, in Pineville, Louisiana. Raised in a region where time outdoors is part of daily life, Ron spent much of his youth in the woods and on the water. Hunting and fishing were regular activities in the Methvin household, and they continue to be an important part of his family’s lifestyle today.

Ron attended Pineville High School and made the decision to enlist in the military at just 17 years old. He served in the Louisiana National Guard from 1999 to 2005, advancing to the rank of E-5 Sergeant. In 2003, he was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he put his training and instincts to the test in a high-stakes environment.

After returning to the United States, Ron transitioned into law enforcement. In 2004, he joined the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and later earned a position on the SWAT team in 2006. It was during this time that he received further training as a sniper, developing a skillset that would later serve him well in the Louisiana swamps.

Swamp People Journey: Ron Methvin’s Rise, Challenges, and Final Season

Season 3 (2012)

Ron Methvin made his television debut in Season 3 of Swamp People, which aired in 2012. He appeared in the very first episode of the season, “Gator Gold Rush” (February 9, 2012), where he was introduced as Bruce Mitchell’s new partner. A military sniper-turned-hunter, Ron was dubbed Bruce’s “secret weapon” as they kicked off the 2011 gator hunting season. With word that the swamp was full of gators and prices were high, pressure was on from the beginning.

Throughout Season 3, Ron adapted to the swamp’s unpredictable challenges. In “Monster Marsh,” the pair hunted in the foul-smelling Stinky Bayou and dealt with thick marsh too dense for their boat, while Bruce’s dog Tyler jumped overboard with a large gator lurking nearby. In “Rising Waters,” as Tropical Storm Lee approached, Ron and Bruce explored new, flooded territory. They caught a rare yellow alligator—a sight some locals believed to bring bad luck—before battling sunken logs, venomous insects, and even dodging a tornado while trying to find their way back.

In “Secret Weapons,” Ron and Bruce tested out blood-soaked chicken bait to lure bigger gators and found success, using their unique strategy to increase their catch rate. Ron’s precise shooting and measured demeanor quickly stood out to viewers. At one point during his time on the show—though the exact season or episode has not been publicly confirmed—he gained notable attention for hauling an 11-foot gator into the boat by himself, demonstrating the physical strength and efficiency that defined his presence on Swamp People.

Season 4 (2013–14)

Continuing his role on Swamp People, Ron partnered again with Bruce Mitchell through the challenges of Season 4. The season began under difficult conditions. Due to Hurricane Isaac, the hunting season had a late start, and many areas were still damaged. In “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Episode 2), Bruce and Ron were met with frustration when they found their usual hunting canal blocked by thick Roseau cane. Delays and inaccessibility cut short their first day.

In “Bad Mojo,” Bruce and Ron’s string of misfortunes continued—gear malfunctions, navigation issues, and a damaged family fishing camp all disrupted their progress. The tone shifted by “Waging War,” where they finally caught a strong string of gators and began to bounce back. In “Deadly Chill,” Ron and Bruce investigated signs of a cannibal gator—a predator that had been devouring others in the area—and successfully tracked it down.

Later in the season, Ron experienced tension with Bruce in “Breaking Point” after a few missed shots and a failure to reload on time created stressful moments during the hunt. Despite these setbacks, the team stayed focused. By the season’s final stretch in “No Tomorrow”, Ron and Bruce were down to five tags and in a better position to tag out than the prior season. But when Bruce’s dog Tyler became seriously ill, Bruce prioritized the animal’s health over the hunt. With just one tag left, they considered ending the season early—until they stumbled on a snagged gator on the way back. Bruce decided to take it, and with Ron’s help, they closed the season on a strong note.

Season 5 (2014)

Midway through Season 5, Ron rejoined Bruce after missing the early part of the season due to personal commitments. Bruce had started out solo in episodes like “Gravedigger,” citing delays with tags and concerns over his dog Tyler’s health. When Ron reappeared in “Way of the Swamp” (Episode 12), the timing was critical—the season was halfway over, and the pressure was mounting to tag out.

In “Way of the Swamp,” their return was marked by an accident during a gator shot: a fragment of shrapnel hit dangerously close to Ron’s eye. Despite the scare, Ron continued hunting, showing the same resilience viewers had come to associate with his character. He and Bruce pushed forward with renewed energy, aiming to finish strong in the back half of the season.

In “Outer Limits,” Ron and Bruce set a clear target: tagging out early with just 10 tags left. Their efforts reflected the kind of efficient teamwork that had defined their earlier seasons. They hunted through challenging terrain and unpredictable waters, leaning on Ron’s marksmanship and Bruce’s swamp instincts.

By “Metalhead” (Episode 19), the duo found themselves on the cusp of finishing the season. They returned to Creole Bayou—where they had started their journey that year—with a few remaining tags. Their final gator hunt was a meaningful one, as Bruce’s loyal dog Tyler joined them one last time before retirement. The episode, which aired on June 23, 2014, was dedicated to Tyler, who passed away shortly after the season ended.

Season 7 (2016)

Ron continued his run on Swamp People in Season 7, once again partnering with Bruce Mitchell for one of their most emotionally complex seasons yet. In the premiere episode, “High Water Hell” (February 8, 2016), high waters and cold fronts made access to the gators difficult. The situation was especially tough in Hammond, where Bruce was entering his second season without his beloved dog, Tyler. Ron, aiming to lift Bruce’s spirits, surprised him with a new puppy named Gunnar. However, the surprise didn’t go as planned, leading to tension between the longtime partners.

The early part of the season focused on Gunnar’s training. In “The Code of the Swamp,” Ron was determined to get the pup ready to work the boat and fill Tyler’s shoes. Gunnar’s progress continued through several episodes, with key moments featured in “The Party’s Over,” where Ron advocated for giving the dog a second chance, and “Better Late Than Never,” when Gunnar finally got to show his abilities on the hunt.

By “Outer Limits” and “Home Stretch,” Bruce and Ron were back in sync, with Gunnar slowly becoming part of their gator-hunting rhythm. In “End of the Line,” they wrapped up the season pushing hard to meet their tag goals, just like old times. Although their storyline was more subdued compared to some of the more dramatic hunts on the show, Ron’s loyalty, calm attitude, and commitment to the hunt remained central to the team’s success.

Season 8 (2017)

With their partnership still going strong, Ron and Bruce entered Season 8 facing new terrain and fresh challenges. In “Vampire Gator” (Episode 4, aired March 2, 2017), the pair, along with the now-mature dog Gunnar, ventured into uncharted swamp territory. The episode revolved around a massive and elusive gator wreaking havoc in Troy Landry’s area—nicknamed the “vampire gator”—but Bruce and Ron had their own intense encounters navigating unfamiliar waters. Gunnar, more seasoned by this point, played a more active and supportive role in their hunts.

Though Ron’s screen time this season was less prominent than in earlier years, his precision shooting and reliability remained cornerstones of their success. The season continued to highlight the evolving partnership—not just between two hunters, but also between man and dog.

Season 9 (2018)

During what would become his final season on Swamp People, Ron Methvin appeared alongside Bruce Mitchell as shifting dynamics and outside pressures tested even the strongest partnerships. In “Cajun Cartel” (Episode 2), while other teams dealt with internal power shifts and new recruits, Bruce and Ron reached a moment of visible tension. With new personalities entering the spotlight, the duo faced both interpersonal and environmental hurdles.

Though no dramatic fallout occurred on screen, this season subtly marked the beginning of the end of Ron’s television journey. His measured approach and steady demeanor remained visible even in the background. By the end of the season, fans had little idea that it would be his last appearance—but it was a fittingly low-key exit for someone known more for action than words.

Exit from the Show and Law Enforcement Career

In 2018, Ron Methvin took a meaningful turn in his professional path by enrolling in the Louisiana State Police Training Academy in Baton Rouge—a rigorous 22-week program designed to prepare officers for the demands of frontline public service. The training encompassed emergency vehicle operations, traffic incident management, impaired driving detection, crash investigations, defensive tactics, and leadership development. For someone accustomed to high-pressure situations in both military and hunting environments, it was a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly.

Ron graduated in October 2018 and was sworn in as a Louisiana State Police Trooper. The shift marked a return to the structured, mission-driven life he had long thrived in—from the battlefield to the bayou and now to serving on the roads and communities of Louisiana.

Yet, the new role came with trade-offs. Louisiana’s alligator hunting season, which primarily runs through September and October, overlapped directly with Ron’s trooper responsibilities. The demands of full-time law enforcement made continued participation in Swamp People impractical. As of now, Ron has not returned to the show, and no official announcements have been made regarding a potential comeback.

Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Outdoor Legacy

Ron Methvin is married to Nicole Methvin, and together they’ve built a life rooted in family values and outdoor traditions. While the exact date of their wedding remains private, they have been together for more than 15 years. Nicole, a graduate of Nicholls State University, has a professional background in social work, including time at Magnolia Family Services.

They are proud parents to two children, Braedon and Raylee Methvin, both of whom have grown up immersed in the outdoors. Ron has shared heartfelt moments of their family life on social media—one notable post from January 2018 shows Raylee, beaming with pride, after taking down her first wood duck. Ron had taken her to buy a gun that fit her earlier that day, calling it “another proud papa moment.”

Later that same week, an unusual cold snap brought temperatures as low as 8°F with wind chill, leading to school cancellations across their area. Ron didn’t let the weather go to waste. With his kids home, he organized a spontaneous family fishing day, and they reeled in a sizable haul of redfish. “When school gets canceled, you make the most of it!” he wrote. In a follow-up comment, Ron explained the cancellation was due to local water systems not being built to withstand such freezing temperatures—leaving districts unable to operate schools safely.

Both of Ron’s children continued to make him proud well beyond the duck blind or fishing bank. In 2021, he celebrated as Braedon competed at the NCAA DII XC National Championship with Mississippi College. Meanwhile, Raylee rose as a standout cross-country athlete, eventually committing to the University of Louisiana Monroe. Ron’s pride in their achievements has been clear in numerous posts, always anchored in gratitude for the support system—family, coaches, and community—that helped guide their journey.

Whether he’s in uniform, on a hunt, or cheering from the sidelines, Ron Methvin’s life beyond the screen reflects resilience, responsibility, and a deep-rooted love for the land and the people he calls home.

Net Worth

With a career spanning military service, SWAT operations, reality television, and state law enforcement, Ron Methvin has built a diverse professional background. His estimated net worth is $300,000, reflecting earnings from his time on Swamp People, as well as his role with the Louisiana State Police.

Wiki/Bio Facts

Full Name	Ron Methvin
Birth Date	June 15, 1982
Age	42 years old
Birthplace	Pineville, Louisiana, USA
Hometown	Hammond, Louisiana
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Height	Approx. 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Education	Pineville High School
Military Service	Louisiana National Guard (1999–2005); Rank: E-5 Sergeant
Deployment	Afghanistan (Kandahar) in 2003
Law Enforcement	SWAT Sniper, Lafourche Sheriff’s Office; Louisiana State Police Trooper
Occupation	Police Trooper, TV Personality, Hunter
Years Active on TV	2012–2018 (Swamp People)
Known For	Swamp People, marksmanship, sniper skills
Spouse	Nicole Methvin
Marriage	Married for over 15 years (exact date not public)
Children	Raylee Methvin (track athlete, ULM); Braedon Methvin (NCAA runner, Mississippi College)
Residence	Thibodaux, Louisiana
Net Worth	$300,000
Notable Traits	Sniper precision, calm under pressure, outdoorsman