Troy Landry Sets 100-Gator Goal as Pickle Wheat Returns Stronger Than Ever: Swamp People S15 E1

In Swamp People Season 15, Episode 1, titled “Cruel Summer,” which aired on January 4, 2024, Troy Landry takes the challenge to the next level—aiming for 100 gators in a single day. With 900 tags to fill and 350 extra tags granted by local landowners, Team Landry is under more pressure than ever.

Mother Nature Pushes Everyone to Their Limits

This season opener doesn’t just follow Team Landry—it showcases how extreme weather and low water levels have reset the playing field across the swamp. With soaring heat and historic droughts, veteran and new captains alike are forced to adapt.

Ashley “Deadeye” Jones returns for her second season as captain with a strategic hit list, while Ronnie Adams and Timmy Aucoin revisit proven spots. Meanwhile, Leron and Porkchop go for a personal best, hoping to beat their own one-day record.

Setting the Bar High

Back in Pierre Part, Troy rallies his crew—divided into two boats led by himself with Pickle Wheat, and another by Jacob Landry and Don Brewer—with a record-breaking goal.

“We need to catch at least 100 alligators the first day. 50 from us and 50 from y’all,” Troy tells them.

It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Early-season hunts tend to yield bigger gators, and Troy knows a strong start could make all the difference over the long haul.

Pickle Returns as a New Mom

Pickle is back after recently giving birth to her daughter, Maemi Rae, on April 25, 2023. The newborn weighed 6 pounds 3.2 ounces and measured 19 inches in length. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the grueling swamp life, she steps back on deck with determination.

“I am a brand new mama of a beautiful baby girl. I’m coming into the new season… I’m ready to go,” Pickle says.

Line After Line, the Hunt is On

The team casts hundreds of baited lines, running them relentlessly throughout the day. By mid-hunt, Pickle and Troy’s boat is still short of the 50-gator goal, but momentum builds.

By mid-hunt, both boats were closing in on the 100-gator goal. Troy and Pickle had already filled most of their boat, and with just a few more catches between them and Jacob’s crew, they knew the century mark was within reach.

Closing in on the Count

As the sun sets, the two boats reunite at Duffy’s to tally the catch. Troy’s team lands 41 gators, while Jacob’s team lands 39—totaling 80 gators for the day. Not the full 100, but still a strong start.

Pickle Proves Herself

Despite her recent return to the field, Pickle earns praise from Troy.

“I was kind of worried… but she did real good,” Troy says. “I was very proud of her.”

Pickle, reflecting on the emotional toll and physical grind, adds:

“Mr. Troy is strong for everybody else… everybody needs that person in their life. And I feel like when we’re out on the boat, I am his rock. He can lean on me, and I can lean on him,” Pickle says.

Their teamwork and drive highlight what it takes to survive—and thrive—on Louisiana’s waters, where the season waits for no one.