Troy and Pickle Brave the Boneyard in Swamp People S15 E6: “Down to the Wire”

In Swamp People Season 15, Episode 6, titled “Down to the Wire,” which aired on February 8, 2024, the gator season enters a turning point as the hunters find themselves adapting to sudden shifts in alligator behavior. With time running out and conditions remaining extreme, crews across Louisiana scramble to secure their remaining tags.

This episode follows up the low-water chaos of Episode 5 (“Come Hell or Low Water”) with continued drought pressure and a range of unique strategies from each team. Gators are now acting unpredictably—forcing both experimentation and risk-taking.

Troy Landry and Pickle Wheat: Trouble from the Start

Troy Landry and Pickle Wheat return to an infamous spot near Big Four Bayou known as The Boneyard. While the area promises big gators, it’s also a minefield of submerged cypress logs and invisible hazards.

Right from the outset, Pickle is skeptical of returning to the Boneyard. She voices her concerns openly as they attempt to maneuver through the cluttered terrain:

“Where are you going? Back up! It’s not worth coming here.”

Despite the pushback, Troy insists. Past success lures him back to the Boneyard, though the water is now three feet lower than normal, making hidden stumps and logs unavoidable. Their boat continually scrapes bottom, and even Troy admits, “We’re running into them.”

Gators Amidst the Danger

Despite navigation issues, Troy and Pickle land a 10-foot alligator early in the episode, followed by another large catch that proves the area still holds promise. But the risks continue to mount. From hitting submerged obstacles to getting stuck on logs, every move feels like threading a needle through a minefield.

The situation worsens when they become stuck again, prompting a frustrated Pickle to say:

“Of course we’re stuck… I already hate this place.”

Still, they press on, bringing in more gators, including an 8.5-footer and a final massive specimen that nearly bites during the boat-loading process.

Battling the Boneyard’s Obstacles

The tension is constant. Even after successful catches, there’s little relief. Logs block access to lines, and the boat has to be carefully maneuvered to avoid propeller damage or worse—a hull breach.

Pickle remains vocal about the dangers, repeatedly urging Troy to adjust course. But as the captain, Troy sticks to the plan:

“Once you commit to hunting a certain area… you gotta stick with it.”

Ultimately, the episode shows the duo completing their hunt in the Boneyard with nearly a full boat.

“We did good in the Boneyard again… Time after time, we always do good here,” Troy reflects.

Other Teams Adapt Bold New Tactics

Joey Edgar and Zak Catchem swap roles to test new techniques. Joey uses Zak’s fishing rod, while Zak takes on Joey’s treble hook. The goal? See who can pull the biggest bull.

Ashley “Deadeye” Jones and Anna Diaz respond to a community call for help. Aggressive gators have invaded a local swimming hole, forcing them into a high-stakes removal mission.

Leron and Porkchop adopt two conflicting baiting strategies—each hoping to prove their approach is more effective. Their internal rivalry adds a layer of competition amid the pressure.

Ronnie Adams races to fill his final tags before attending his long-awaited college football hall of fame induction. But as the day wears on, setbacks jeopardize his plans.

Mid-Season Pressure Mounts

As Swamp People Season 15 nears its midpoint, the dangers shift from just environmental to strategic. Hunters are pressed to evolve quickly, or risk leaving valuable tags unfilled.

For Troy and Pickle, the Boneyard once again proves fruitful—but also reminds viewers why it’s one of the most feared and respected locations on the map.