Houma hunters in Swamp People

Local hunters make ‘Swamp People’ debut

By Shane ThibodauxThe series, which debuted last fall to a tune of 4.2 million viewers, follows several southeast Louisiana alligator hunters during the month-long gator season. Hunters hail from Pierre Part, Port Sulphur, Bayou Sorrel and the North Shore.

“It's nerve-racking and excited at the same time. You don't know how they are going to put you out there,” Jay Paul said of the edited episode.

Nicholls State University student Tyler Dupre, 21, of Houma, said he can't wait to see a local face on TV.

“I take pride in our Cajun lifestyle and seeing our culture portrayed on national television,” said Dupre, who traveled to a Grand Bois bar last year to try and gain some camera time during filming.

R.J. and his son were selected because producers wanted to showcase a hunting team with a Native American background. United Houma Nation officials put producers in touch with R.J., a tribal member.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Swamp Men on National Geographic Wild and Seminoles Want Pro Alligator Wrestling.

Below:  "R.J. Molinere (left) and his son Jay Paul show off an alligator they caught."