Don Brewer's journey from noodling giant catfish in Oklahoma to commanding his own boat in the Louisiana bayou on History Channel’s Swamp People is a testament to grit, guts, and innovation. Best known for his marshmallow-baiting debut and fearless swamp tactics, Don quickly won over fans and earned the respect of fellow hunters. Off the screen, Don is a dedicated family man and entrepreneur, sharing his life and business ventures with his wife, Michelle Austin Brewer, who plays a central role in managing their restaurant, Katt Daddy’s Cove.
Early Life and Introduction to the Outdoors
Don Brewer was born on June 23, 1971, in Canadian, Oklahoma, a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. In 2025, Brewer publicly acknowledged the passing of his mother, sharing a message and photos from her later years. He completed his secondary education at Canadian High School in his hometown before enrolling at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton.
While there is no record of a family tradition in alligator hunting, Brewer’s early exposure to nature played a key role in shaping his practical skills. Through time spent outdoors, he gradually developed an interest in hunting and learned on his own through hands-on experience.
From Oklahoma Backroads to Swamp People
For viewers of Swamp People, Don Brewer may have seemed like a new face when he first appeared in Season 11 of the hit History Channel series. But to those who know the swamps-and the Oklahoma backroads-Don was already a seasoned outdoorsman, ready for the national stage.
Swamp People, the History Channel’s long-running reality series, offers a gritty, front-row look at life in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin, where generations of hunters brave the swamps during a high-stakes 30-day alligator season. Since its debut, the series has introduced audiences to a colorful roster of swamp veterans. Among these larger-than-life personalities, Don Brewer carved out his own path-bringing Oklahoma ingenuity, fresh ideas, and unwavering grit to the swamp.
Read also: Diets of the Stars
Memorable Moments on Swamp People
Don Brewer made his official debut in Swamp People Season 11, Episode 4, titled “Mystery in the Bayou.” Although new to gator hunting, Don’s quick thinking and fearless energy immediately stood out. Paired with veteran hunter Jacob Landry, Don surprised everyone by using marshmallows from their snack stash as gator bait-a move inspired by techniques used on gator farms. Later in the same episode, when their only treble hook got snagged mid-hunt, Don didn’t hesitate to dive into the murky waters and retrieve it-despite the danger of a wounded gator nearby.
Don continued to impress throughout the season. In Episode 6, titled “Friday the 13th,” he and Jacob hit a streak of bad luck but kept pushing through unpredictable swamp conditions. By Episode 9, “One Man Army,” the duo fished deep into West Grand Lake in search of the biggest bull gators. With each episode, Don proved that his instincts and adaptability were just as valuable as experience.
Returning to the Swamp People cast on the History Channel in 2021, Don Brewer quickly built upon his bold debut from Season 11. In Episode 13 (Gators on Ice), Brewer and Jacob faced off with a dangerous gator during a sudden cold snap. Despite the progress, Season 12 ended with a reality check in Episode 16 (Bayou Blowout), where Don and Jacob made a costly mistake that jeopardized their tag-out.
From 2022 to 2024, Don Brewer’s role on the Swamp People TV series evolved dramatically, turning him into one of the show’s standout personalities. In Swamp People Season 13, which began in early 2022, Don and Jacob Landry returned to find their favorite honey hole blocked by trees in Episode 4 (Blast in the Bayou)-fallout from Hurricane Ida. The duo was forced to rethink strategies and navigate a storm-altered terrain. In Episode 9 (Swamp Professor), Don took the helm with a new deckhand named “Black Rambo,” marking a pivotal moment as he stepped into leadership.
The momentum continued in Swamp People Season 14 (2023). In Episode 6 (Pirate Cursed Gators), Don and Jacob ventured into a notorious pirate swamp, facing the unknown with bold determination. Cold weather tested their limits in Episode 12 (Flash Frozen Gators), where Don brought back his bait invention to attract reluctant gators.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
In Swamp People Season 15 (2024), Don Brewer’s swamp legacy hit new heights. In Episode 5 (Come Hell or Low Water), he and Jacob navigated deep bayous during a historic drought, confronting a bloodthirsty cannibal gator. In Episode 9 (Gator Stakes), a friendly wager with Anna put Don and Ashley in a race for gator count supremacy. Though Don kept the bet secret from Jacob, a streak of bad luck raised the stakes. Then in Episode 14 (Boom or Bust), Brewer revealed a new gator-hunting invention he believed could transform the trade-a classic Brewer move.
In Swamp People Season 16 (2025), Don Brewer stepped up to his most challenging role yet. In Episode 1 (Racing the Storm), Don took command of his own boat, a major milestone in his swamp career. Under the looming threat of powerful storms and Troy Landry’s high expectations, Don faced immense pressure with a greenhorn deckhand by his side. By Episode 5 (The Aftermath), Hurricane Francine had devastated much of the bayou, and Don-now teamed with Calum-found themselves navigating a dangerous sinkhole while racing to fill tags.
In Episode 9 (Catch and Cook), Don Brewer was under immense pressure after being called out directly by Troy Landry for falling short in size and quantity of gators. Early attempts yielded disappointing results-smaller “bait bandits” that barely measured six feet. Frustrated by wasted tags and time, Don tapped into his problem-solving mindset until they rolled out a new knot-tying technique-hoping to land bigger gators and reclaim their standing in Troy Landry’s eyes. The stakes heightened in Episode 11 (Swamp Showdown), where Don and Calum went head-to-head with other Landry crews, hunting in the unfamiliar terrain of Coulon Creek. In Episode 13 (Silent Assassins), Don and Calum encountered suspected poachers tampering with their lines, forcing them to think fast and adapt their tactics. Season 16 solidified Don Brewer’s evolution from a marshmallow-wielding greenhorn to a seasoned captain facing down hurricanes, saboteurs, and expectations.
Life Beyond the Bayou
Don Brewer doesn’t stop when the cameras do. Off-screen, his life is just as action-packed. Bitten by raccoons, skunks, snakes, and beavers (yes, really), he wears his scars with pride. When he’s not wrangling gators, Don is running businesses back home in Oklahoma. He owns Katt Daddy’s Cove, a popular bar and grill located on Lakeshore Drive in Eufaula. It’s not just a place to eat-it’s a community hangout filled with darts, pool tables, karaoke, and Texas Hold ’Em poker nights. As a Master Plumber, he takes pride in the trade, often posting updates from job sites on social media.
From Mudcats to Swamp People: A Television Journey
Long before he became a regular on Swamp People, Don had dipped his toes into television. Don’s first major TV spotlight came with History Channel’s Mudcats (2012-2013), a series that explored the intense, muddy world of hand-fishing. While Don may now be best known for his gator hunting on Swamp People, his real foundational skills lie in hand fishing.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
In one standout moment, Don dominated the Okie Noodling Invitational Championship with a 54.80-pound catch-bringing his tournament total to over 105 pounds. These feats cemented his legacy in the hand-fishing world and earned him both respect and admiration from fellow noodlers and viewers alike.
Family Life
Don Brewer has been married to Michelle Austin Brewer since May 4, 2019. They live in Newalla, Oklahoma, while Michelle is originally from Canadian, Oklahoma. Though they don’t have children together, their life is filled with love, fun, and everyday adventures. Don often refers to Michelle as his “ride or die” and isn’t shy about showing his appreciation for her. Michelle has shared similar love and admiration for Don over the years. In a touching post from 2018, she reflected on a year full of memories-starting businesses, traveling, welcoming a grandchild, getting a puppy, dressing up for the holidays, and just enjoying life together.
Michelle also has three children from a previous relationship, and she often shares her pride in them. In February 2024, she celebrated their birthdays with a photo, mentioning her son Dasyn turning 21. Later that year, in August, she posted about her daughter Jilyenne McIntosh starting her sophomore year at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Don is also a proud father. From his earlier marriage to Christine Brewer, he has two daughters-Katie Brewer and Shelby Echelle. He shares a close bond with them. On Shelby birthday in 2021, he wrote, “Happy birthday honey. You will always be daddy’s little girl,” along with several pictures of their time together.
The Essence of Don Brewer
Through a combination of swamp hunting, television, and small business ventures, Don Brewer has carved out a respectable living. With his hands in everything from alligator lines to plumbing pipes, Don’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and good old-fashioned hustle.
The life of a swamp hunter is far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. For those who call the bayous home, it is a way of life, a deep connection to the land, and a heritage passed down through generations. Don Brewer embodies this connection. While specific details about his personal life are often kept private, his actions on the show and his interactions with the swamp reveal a man deeply rooted in his environment. He understands the rhythms of the water, the behavior of the alligators, and the challenges of the unpredictable terrain. Don’s role on Swamp People often includes the essential work of boat captain, making certain the team can navigate the treacherous swamps and navigate the dangers that are abundant. He may also be found hunting, and participating in the vital preparation work that goes into the process of catching alligators. He is, above all, a team player, always willing to contribute to the collective effort.
The heart of any successful gator hunting expedition beats with the steady pulse of a reliable boat and a skilled captain. Don excels in both capacities. He’s a master navigator of the maze-like waterways, a labyrinth of shallow channels, hidden logs, and treacherous currents. Don’s command of the boat isn’t limited to steering. He understands the mechanical intricacies of his vessel, the importance of maintenance, and the need for constant vigilance. He’s also responsible for ensuring the safety of his crew, making split-second decisions in challenging situations, and reading the environment to anticipate potential dangers.
Beyond the mechanical and navigational aspects, Don’s ability to interpret the water itself is remarkable. He knows where the alligators are likely to lurk, the best routes to follow, and the subtle signs that reveal their presence. This innate understanding comes from years spent immersed in the environment, studying the creatures and the habitat in which they thrive. While much of Don’s time is dedicated to the essential job of boat captain, he’s also a skilled gator hunter. This role requires a combination of patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the alligator’s behavior. Don’s knowledge of the animal is apparent in his approach, the way he positions himself, and how he executes the hunt. The art of gator hunting is not a violent endeavor, but rather a calculated pursuit. Don doesn’t rely solely on brute force; he employs strategy and precision. He studies the alligator’s patterns, anticipates its movements, and patiently waits for the opportune moment. Don’s commitment to the hunt goes beyond skill. He respects the alligators, acknowledging their power and the challenges they present. This respect is reflected in his actions, from the way he approaches the creature to the efficient and humane manner in which he dispatches it. While the dramatic hunts often take center stage, there’s a great deal of work that goes unseen. Don plays a crucial role in all of this, demonstrating how dedicated he is to the team’s success. Don is often seen working behind the scenes, offering advice, lending a helping hand, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This collaborative spirit is an integral part of his character. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Don’s quiet strength and consistent loyalty are truly remarkable. He rarely seeks the spotlight, preferring instead to focus on the task at hand. However, his presence is felt deeply by his fellow cast members. Don’s loyalty is evident in his unwavering support of his team. He celebrates their successes, offers encouragement during challenging times, and always has their backs. His commitment to the collective good fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Don’s impact extends beyond the practical. He helps to maintain a sense of balance and perspective. He is a reminder that hard work, integrity, and quiet dedication can be just as powerful as any grand gesture. Over the many seasons of Swamp People, Don has been featured in a variety of notable moments. Consider the times when he has skillfully navigated treacherous waterways, deftly avoiding unseen obstacles or rescuing a boat from a precarious situation. His calm demeanor under pressure has saved the team from countless setbacks. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, there are the smaller, quieter moments that reveal Don’s true character. The words of encouragement, the shared laughter, and the quiet moments of reflection.