Liz Cavalier joined Swamp People in 2011 during Season 2. Also known as the “Gator Queen,” Cavalier was Troy Landry’s childhood friend and a seasoned alligator hunter in her own right. As Landry’s hunting partner and shooter for most of the season, Cavalier quickly became a fan favorite. Thanks to the viewers’ positive reception, Cavalier became a series regular in Swamp People Season 3, where she set out on the swamp in her own boat.
Liz’s presence on the show was a welcome break from the otherwise male-dominated world of gator hunting. Seeing her complement and sometimes even outshine Landry’s skills on the swamp proved that anyone with grit and determination could become a gator hunter. It’s true that Cavalier’s experience made her one of the highest-paid cast members on Swamp People, but money was never her motivation.
Liz Cavalier’s Deep Connection to the Bayou
During an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show, Cavalier talked about why she decided to pursue one of the most dangerous careers of all time. According to the Cajun swamper, she didn’t choose the job for the thrill or bragging rights. Turns out that Cavalier comes from a long line of gator hunters, and she took it upon herself to continue her family’s legacy. During her time on the show, Cavalier would often talk about accompanying her father on his hunting trips when she was a young girl.
After they would return home with the day’s haul, her mother would teach her how to cook alligator meat along with other swamp delicacies. This upbringing naturally helped the reality star develop a deep connection to the land and all the creatures that inhabit it. “My momma was giving me bottles in the boat,” added Cavalier, while talking about how entrenched she was in this kind of life right from the start.
The Hunters Are the Caretakers of the Swamp
Cavalier confessed that while gator hunting is her primary means of earning a living, what’s more important to her is passing down her family’s traditions. When asked why she chose to appear on Swamp People, the reality star talked about the importance of representing her people’s way of life. According to Cavalier, the show is a way to share Louisiana’s history and swamp culture with the rest of the world.
To the outside world, gator hunting might come off as a reckless and even harmful career. However, Liz and her fellow swampers know the importance of managing gator populations in the swamp and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. The hunters on the show have to follow strict regulations during the hunting season, which include bag limits and size restrictions. This goes to show that they aren’t mindlessly hunting gators for sport. In fact, their job is what keeps the land safe for all its other inhabitants.
‘Swamp People’ Is a Reflection of Liz Cavalier’s Authentic Cajun Lifestyle
The reality star shared that she took the same approach with her daughter, Jessica Cavalier, who appeared on the show from Season 4 to Season 6. According to Jessica, as hard as it is to get those heavy gators on the boat, she is determined to show her mettle to her mom. The young hunter admitted that, as difficult as it is, she, too, has a responsibility to ensure that her family’s traditions are carried on generation after generation. As unconventional as it sounds, this is the life that swampers willingly choose for themselves out of respect for their land and the desire to make sure the world sees the honest reality of what they do.
It’s not just about the hunt, though, because Swamp People is also one of the most authentic portrayals of Cajun culture at its best. During the same appearance on The Queen Latifah Show, Cavalier and her costars shared some of their favorite Louisiana food with the host. These swamp delicacies stood as a testament to the hunters’ respect toward their land. Cavalier explained that everything the swampers eat comes from their land, and that after a hunt, no part of the game ever goes to waste. From fried frog legs to gator jambalaya, these dishes are a true representation of the sustainable lifestyle gator hunters swear by.
Swamp People is available to stream on Hulu.
