Alligator hunters, raccoon wranglers, shrimp trawlers, and crawfish catchers in Louisiana's critter-filled swamps and bayous are increasingly becoming a common sight on television. 

Since the introduction of the History Channel series  ``Swamp People'' in 2010, roughly a dozen other Louisiana-based reality shows have made their television debuts, among them the Travel Channel's ``Girls, Guns and Gators,'' CMT's ``Crawfish Cowboys'' and the Discovery Channel's ``Ragin' Cajuns.'' 

While some shows are far-fetched, partly scripted or have very little to do with Louisiana culture, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne says some are positives for the state's image, capturing aspects of Louisiana's rich lifestyle that can't be found anywhere else. Also drawing production companies to Louisiana is the state's generous TV and film tax credit program.

Dardenne is in New York City, to promote Louisiana tourism and celebrate the success of "Swamp People".  He says in honor of the show, an authentic Louisiana swamp experience has been re-created in the heart of Manhattan's Chelsea Market.  It includes live alligators, turtles and a wide array of vegetation native to Louisiana.

Other Louisiana based shows include:

Cajun Pawn Stars
Bayou Billionaires
Billy the Exterminator
Sons of Guns

(Photo from Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries)