Troy Landry and Pickle Wheat’s High-Stakes Hunt in Deadwood’s Danger Zone- ‘Swamp of the Giants’

In Season 14, Episode 4 of Swamp People, titled Swamp of the Giants, and aired  January 26, 2023, the competition intensifies across Louisiana’s treacherous bayous. Troy Landry—long known as the King of the Swamp—and his trusted deckhand Pickle Wheat make a daring move by heading into Deadwood, a saltwater-damaged stretch of swamp that is as dangerous as it is promising. Deadwood, north of Bayou Cocoa Tree, is filled with rotting trees left behind by a historic hurricane surge, posing serious hazards to any hunter who enters.

Meanwhile, the heat is on elsewhere in the swamp. Ashley and Anna aim to knock Troy off his throne in his own backyard, Daniel Edgar’s strategy falls apart under pressure, and Leron and Porkchop bring in reinforcements to stay in the race.

Troy’s Strategy in a Swamp Full of Danger

Troy knows Deadwood well. It’s deep, remote, and filled with trees killed by saltwater years ago. But those dead trees? They’re not just spooky—they’re dangerous. Troy warns:

“If you bump them with your boat, they can fall in your boat.”

These rotting giants could come crashing down at any moment, especially when setting lines or navigating tight turns. But to Troy, the potential reward—huge alligators hiding where few hunters dare to go—is worth the risk.

A Big Win on the First Line

The gamble pays off early. On their first line, Troy and Pickle hook an 11-foot alligator—a real swamp monster. Troy calls it:

“That’s your big one.”

Pickle follows up with excitement:

“The kind we’re looking for.”

Catching such a giant on the first pull proves why Deadwood is still part of Troy’s game plan. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the scariest places hold the biggest payoffs.

Day Two: Trouble in the Lily Pads

But not everything goes as planned. On the second day, the mood shifts. Their boat struggles through thick lily pads, and visibility is poor. After a lot of effort, they only catch a seven-footer—not a bad gator, but small compared to their goal. Troy’s frustration is clear:

“It’s definitely not worth the time and the trouble it took us to get in here.”

This setback shows just how unpredictable Deadwood can be. One big catch doesn’t guarantee success, and the energy spent navigating the swamp might not always be worth it.

Deadwood: The Swamp’s Memory and Warning

As they move through the swamp, Troy points out a cone nailed high on a dead tree. It marks the flood level from 1973—when water stood 20 feet higher than it does now. It’s a chilling reminder of nature’s power.

Pickle jokes that she’s “on a mission to kill me,” but underneath the humor is a real sense of danger. Every tree could fall, every turn could be a trap. It’s not just about hunting—it’s about surviving the hunt.

Final Take: Worth It or Too Risky?

This episode of Swamp People proves that Deadwood is as deadly as its name. But it also shows why Troy and Pickle are one of the top teams in the swamp. They’re not just chasing gators—they’re navigating nature’s rawest edges with experience, guts, and trust.

Elsewhere, Ashley and Anna make a bold push, Leron and Porkchop look for support, and Daniel Edgar’s struggles remind us that even veterans face setbacks.

For viewers, it’s a wild ride and a clear message: big rewards often hide behind the biggest risks.