‘Swamp People: Serpent Invasion:’ Who Is ‘Hillbilly Dave?’
Swamp People: Serpent Invasion recently debuted its fifth season. In addition, it introduced a new face among those taking on serpents: Hillbilly Dave. Many fans are wondering just who this new python is.
Hillbilly Dave Knows Where A Python ‘Jackpot’ Can Be Found
Swamp People: Serpent Invasion is a spin-off of History Channel’s Swamp People. Coming out in 2020, it features figures like Troy and Chase Landry, Bruce Mitchell, Cheyenne “Pickle” Wheat, Zak Catchem, and Bill Booth teaming up to fight invasive pythons in the Everglades. The series notably serves as Swamp People‘s third spin-off, after Outback Hunters and Swamp Mysteries With Troy Landry.
The series recently debuted its fifth season earlier this month. On January 2, 2025, the series premiere, “Jackpot,” introduced viewers to a new figure: Dave Hackathorn, also known as “Hillbilly Dave.”
In the episode, Zak and Aaron Crum team up with Dave, who promises to take them to the titular python “jackpot.” This could lead to the crew finding a massive number of snakes.
However, the guide has one stipulation before he takes them for a trip on his boat. They need to wear blindfolds, presumably to keep the area’s exact location a secret. Ultimately, the two decide to trust the expert and tag along.
With his recent introduction, many fans have become curious about the mysterious “Hillbilly Dave.” Prior to his appearance on the series, Hackathorn recently spoke with The Marietta Times, talking about his journey to becoming a python hunter.
Swamp People: Serpent Invasion Fans Might Be Seeing Quite A Bit Of Hackathorn
Addressing his nickname, Hackathorn noted, “I’ve been called that for a long time.” According to the publication, he is the owner of Straight Up Tree Service.
Hackathorn and his wife, Chris, go to Floriday every January and February during the pythons’ breeding period. He has said that the Florida Everglades was part of the appeal of becoming a python hunter. At this time, he has around eight years of the experience in the python hunting game.
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As the publication noted, the pythons are native to Asia and many escaped into the Everglades from pet stores following Hurricane Andrew. In Florida, they threaten various wildlife, including raccoons and bobcats. Hackathorn added, “Now, they’re going after alligators.”
Hackathorn revealed Swamp People: Serpent Invasion contacted him to join. As he shared, “The TV show needed help. So they contacted me to help them out.”
Hackathorn also teased that fans could be seeing more of him: “I was told I’m going to be in the first episode of the season. I don’t know how many episodes I’m going to be in. They told me they were going to try to get me in as many as possible.”
Did you see “Hillbilly” Dave Hackathorn on Swamp People: Serpent Invasion? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
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