Pickle Wheat’s Shocking Swamp Secret: When the Hunter Becomes the Hunted – Or Just Plain Done?

Louisiana’s swamps are no place for the faint-hearted.

They teem with peril, mystery, and some of the toughest alligator hunters you’ll ever meet.

Among them, Pickle Wheat has carved out a name for herself—not just as a hunter but as a symbol of grit and tradition.

Born Cheyenne Pickle Wheat on September 21, 1995, in the heart of Louisiana’s marshlands, Pickle’s life has been entwined with the swamp since her earliest days.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in the culture of alligator hunting, Pickle’s connection to the swamp runs generations deep.

Her great-grandfather was one of the pioneering gator hunters in St. Bernard Parish, and her grandfather played a pivotal role in shaping her skills and values.

It wasn’t just about hunting—it was about respect for the land, sustainability, and a profound understanding of the fragile Louisiana wetlands.

From childhood, Pickle was immersed in swamp life.

Long days fishing, camping, and learning the ropes of alligator hunting alongside her family forged her into a resilient and skilled outdoorswoman.

But Pickle wasn’t just a hunter; she was also a businesswoman, working at Wheat’s Custom Noises—a family enterprise specializing in duck and turkey calls.

This blend of commerce and culture helped her embrace the swamp’s customs while honing her perseverance and teamwork.

Her upbringing in a close-knit community, where practical skills often trumped classroom lessons, set the stage for her future success.

When Pickle burst onto the scene in Swamp People Season 12, she was one of the youngest but most seasoned hunters.

Her combination of technical prowess and deep-rooted tradition quickly earned her respect from fans and fellow hunters alike.

Yet, despite her rising fame and undeniable talent, Pickle Wheat’s story took an unexpected turn.

After making headlines and captivating audiences, she suddenly disappeared from the show.

The swamp’s whispers grew louder—had she quit?

Was there a scandal?

Or was there something more personal behind her absence?

To understand, one must look beyond the hunting gear and television cameras.

Pickle’s personal life has been as compelling as her professional one.

Fans followed her romantic journey closely, from her brief but well-publicized relationship with fellow hunter Chase Landry to her present partnership with Joshua Kips, a New Orleans-based emergency medical technician.

Though her split with Chase was never publicly detailed, both maintained a respectful friendship, focusing on their shared passion for the swamp and the show.

Her relationship with Joshua brought a different dynamic—balancing the wild swamp life with the stability of an EMT’s world.

Their love blossomed, culminating in the birth of their daughter, My, in April 2023, marking a new chapter in Pickle’s life.

Motherhood introduced new challenges and priorities.

Pickle juggled the demanding roles of hunter, television personality, and parent with remarkable grace.

Joshua’s support seemed integral to this balancing act, helping her navigate the complexities of family and career.

Fans admired her openness about these struggles, finding inspiration in her ability to embrace both the highs and lows of love and life.

But what about the swamp?

The brutal reality of alligator hunting is not for the faint-hearted.

It demands physical strength, mental toughness, and an intimate knowledge of the marsh.

Setting traps, baiting hooks, and tracking massive, aggressive gators requires skill and nerves of steel.

Pickle’s reputation stemmed from her fearless approach and her ability to remain calm under pressure, qualities that earned her admiration in the swamp and beyond.

Her hunting process is meticulous.

Hunters use bait—usually fish or chicken—tied to heavy hooks, then wait patiently for a gator to bite.

Once hooked, the real challenge begins: hauling the beast from the murky waters, often deep into the swamp, where the gators can weigh hundreds of pounds and fight fiercely to escape.

Pickle’s expertise shines during these moments.

Her precision in delivering a humane kill shot prevents dangerous struggles, ensuring safety for both hunter and animal.

It’s a delicate dance of power and respect, and Pickle performs it with unmatched skill.

Yet, beyond the swamp and the spotlight, Pickle’s heart remains tethered to her family and heritage.

She often credits her father and grandfather for instilling the values and work ethic that define her.

These familial bonds are more than just background—they’re the foundation of her identity and her approach to hunting.

Her success on Swamp People opened doors beyond gator hunting.

Pickle has expressed interest in expanding her horizons, whether through launching businesses related to outdoor expertise or collaborating on projects that celebrate Louisiana’s culture and environment.

Her fans eagerly await her next move, knowing she carries the swamp’s spirit wherever she goes.

Despite growing fame, Pickle remains committed to educating others about the Louisiana wetlands—their unique challenges and breathtaking beauty.

She embraces her role as a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

For her, preserving the swamp’s customs while adapting to changing times is not just a job but a duty.

Her lively and warm personality endears her to fans worldwide.

Through social media, she shares glimpses of her life beyond hunting—moments with family, outdoor adventures, and candid reflections.

This authenticity makes her relatable and beloved, a rare combination in the reality TV world.

Pickle Wheat’s story is a compelling blend of tradition, ambition, and resilience.

Surviving and thriving in the unpredictable Louisiana swamps, she embodies the spirit of the land while forging her own path.

Her journey highlights the delicate balance between honoring heritage and embracing new opportunities.

Louisiana’s alligator industry, which generates millions annually, depends on hunters like Pickle who combine environmental stewardship with economic success.

This sustainable approach supports local communities and preserves vital wetland habitats, showcasing a model for responsible wildlife management.

Alligator hunting is more than a profession in Louisiana—it’s a symbol of the state’s toughness and resourcefulness, a tradition celebrated through festivals and embraced by generations.

Pickle Wheat stands as one of its most compelling representatives, a young woman who carries the weight of history on her shoulders while navigating the challenges of the present.

Her sudden disappearance from Swamp People may have left fans wondering, but the truth behind Pickle Wheat’s journey is far richer and more complex than any TV storyline.

It’s a tale of survival, family, love, and the relentless pursuit of identity in a world where the swamp is both home and battleground.

In the end, Pickle Wheat’s secret isn’t just about why she vanished—it’s about what she’s fighting for, and how she’s redefining what it means to be a hunter, a mother, and a woman in the wild heart of Louisiana.