The legend Shelby Stanga is a reality tv star and a presenter who never ceases to amaze his fans.
Also known as ‘The Swamp Man,’ he claims he learned things from nature and calls swamps and forests his home.
Let’s know more about him below.
Shelby Stanga Quick Facts
| Full Name | Shelby Stanga |
| Nick Name | Shelby |
| Birth Date | January 17, 1960 |
| Age | 64 years old |
| Birth Place | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Not Disclosed |
| Father’s Name | Not Disclosed |
| Mother’s Name | Not Disclosed |
| Biological Siblings | Not Disclosed |
| Half Siblings | N/A |
| Height | 5.9 feet (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Shoe Size | 12 US Size |
| Hair Color | Salt & Pepper |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Body Measurement | Not Disclosed |
| Physique (Figure) | Muscular |
| Married | Yes |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Partner | Donna Graff |
| Son | 1 son |
| Daughter | 1 daughter |
| Profession | Swampman, Reality TV Star |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Social Media |
Did Shelby Stanga Die in an Accident?
So, a couple of years back, there was this big stir
News broke that Shelby had died from an injury while filming Ax Men.
It blew up for a few days, you know, all over the headlines.
Turns out, Shelby did have an accident, but thankfully, he did not die.
Fans got pretty worked up at the show’s producers, since this wasn’t the first time wild rumors about a cast member’s death had spread like wildfire.
But folks eventually settled down, figuring the show’s known for pulling these dramatic stunts now and then.
Could’ve been just a publicity trick, right?
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Who Is Shelby Stanga & Why Is He Famous?
Shelby is a talented reality TV personality and a presenter.
Way back when he was a kid, Shelby had his sights set on breaking into television, and guess what?
He pulled it off quicker than anyone expected.
Swamps and jungles have always been his thing, so he’d spend his spare time poking around in them, honing those survival skills.
Today, Stanga has achieved recognition as a reality TV personality, featuring prominently in shows such as “Ax Men” and “The Swamp Man.”
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Shelby Stanga Married Life, Wife Kids
Shelby Stanga, the Ax Men star, has been hitched to Donna Stanga since the early 2000s.
They’d been dating for ages before finally saying “I do.”
Donna’s a Jehovah’s Witness, and they even appeared together in an episode about it.
Shelby and Donna Have Two Children
Shelby and his wife live a happy and serene life together in a comfortable house in Louisiana near lake Pontchartrain.
The couple actively avoids media attention and chooses to maintain a low profile regarding their marriage and family.
As a result, Donna often comes across as having a softer image compared to Shelby, leading many to perceive her as someone who is not tough.
However, Donna’s actions defy this perception. She has undertaken tasks that most people would shy away from or find challenging.
From jumping into waters to retrieve logs, to skillfully maneuvering the boat, to camping under an umbrella in the swamp (quite impressive), and occasionally even outperforming the Swamp Man himself, in fishing endeavors.
In essence, Donna emerges as the true Swamp Queen, demonstrating resilience and capability in various aspects of their swamp lifestyle.
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Shelby Stanga Early Life, Parents
Shelby Stanga, the survival pro, came into the world on January 17, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He’s a Capricorn, and right now, he’s 64 years old.
His mom took care of him solo starting when he was 9.
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Career
Shelby landed his first gig at 16.
He couldn’t get enough of swamps and forests, always out there exploring.
People caught on and started asking him to haul wood and logs back from the swamps.
That’s what kicked off his wood-logging days as a teen.
Fast forward to 2006, and he stepped onto the TV scene with Man vs. Wild.
Producers from another show liked what they saw and gave him a shot at his own gig.
That’s how he hit it big as the tree logger on Ax Men, which kicked off on the History Channel in 2008.
By 2009, he was part of the Ax Men crew, and over three seasons, that show really boosted his name.
Later, his popularity sparked a spin-off called The Legend of Shelby the Swamp Man.
He stuck with it for 10 seasons and 163 episodes, wild, huh?
But then he walked away because the producers stiffed him on pay they’d promised.
After that, he took a nice long break from the spotlight.
Still, he roared back in 2018 with The Return of Shelby the Swamp Man, taking on crazy wilderness challenges and showing off his grit and know-how once again.
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Why Was Shelby Arrested In 2014?
Here’s something not everyone knows, Shelby got arrested in 2014.
Word is, he chopped down a cypress tree that belonged to his neighbor, maybe getting a bit too eager with that ax.
Since the cypress has been Louisiana’s state tree since 1963, the neighbor didn’t waste time calling the cops.
Funny enough, this all started brewing back in 2011 when the neighbor first pointed fingers at him.
Cops nabbed Shelby on a Monday in 2014, but he was out by Tuesday.
They slapped him with a felony theft charge over it.
He’s never spilled the beans about it publicly, so most folks reckon it’s water under the bridge now.
Shelby Stanga Net Worth
Shelby had an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025.
His huge part of his net worth is from his career in television reality shows.
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Where Is Shelby Stanga In 2025?
In 2025, Shelby’s still knee-deep in his logging work, tearing it up in the Louisiana swamps where he’s made his name.
He’s also pitching in with local community stuff, staying a big part of the area.
He and Donna are still kicking it near Lake Pontchartrain, keeping their life quiet but full of meaning.
Social media’s part of the mix now too, with fans catching glimpses of what he’s up to through posts from friends and family.
No signs point to new TV projects or big career shifts this year, so it seems like he’s happy sticking with what he’s always loved.
Love Shelby Stanga! Any upcoming tv shows for Shelby & Axmen?!
I think he is awesome we all should be like him I eat strange things myself and like fast things boats/Bikes/ cars
Shelby stinks. Hope you packed a lunch
Speak for yourself. This guy lived 3 of your life’s. Bud out
I would love to meet him in person is possible?
Is there a regular time for “the return of shelby the swamp man” that airs on dish network?
Love love swamp.man Shelby! Would love to meet him!!
I love Shelby even husband and my aunt we forward ax men until we find him if he isn’t on one then we go to one that does
Hey shelby read this ! I would love to hold that cousin a yours by his upper lip called a twitch whilst you n me get your raft [email protected] 660 619 3759
I would like to get Specific info. on the Green Helmet Light unit Shelby Uses while Driving his Boat thru the Swamps. It seems to be an aluminum Cone , with Bright LED’s and a black wire probably connected to a Battery Pack, or his Boat Battery. Any Ideas? Please Answer Back with the Brand or Where to Purchase The Light Unit, Thank You, Wm. Watson. Los Angeles, Calif.
Google coon hunting lights. You’ll find everything you ever want
Usually on Saturdays, Ax Men is on I believe from 12:00 noon into the evening. I watch it on channel 41-6, Defy TV. I love Shelby. He is so crazy and funny! I hope that I can watch The Swamp Man.
I love to watch Shelby The Swamp Man. He is down to earth and funny. I watch from Reno NV on DEFY TV also.
Hello Shelby I love watching all your shows and you are just so down to earth
So I hope you will give us more of your shows for my lifetime anyway because I’m 70 and I could live out the rest of my life watching your shows lol
Oh love to watch Shelby…he’s the best..
This guy is great, I am a logger in the north woods of Michigan and he is for real no bs from Shelby I have been down there in Louisiana and it is beautiful keep it up big buddy we need people like you in this world
We luv yu Shelby!!!!! We live in Oregon n watch yur show all the time! Yu just make us laugh a lot n get a kick out of the way yu do things !!! Barefoot n funny !!!!
We luv yu Shelby!!!!! I am from Louisiana n luv watching yur show!!! Take care n keep on login’!!
Hey Shelby~
we watch yur shows faithfully when they come on and we have laughed at some of the things you do … yu are quite a character and amazing! We luv to watch yu fire that BIG gun as well as drive the BIG water bug !!! yu make the show so enjoyable and we would luv to meet yu someday if we ever get back to Louisiana! My home town is New Iberia and I have family in N O …Baton Rouge… Houma… Youngsville… Lafayette and Broussard !!! I now live in Oregon and miss my home town but hope to get back there someday and see all my relatives!!! Well, Bless you n yur family and be safe and keep on getting those nice logs~
Love this Guy! I laugh when I watch him and I always talk back to him! Lol someone I would love to meet him and his wife! She has to be a patient woman! 😆
Yea Shelbly so funny he makes laughs so hard my head hurts an tears runing out my eyes , I mussel dive for 27 years an love driveing boat fast on water an at night , but I tell people all time I love get out him on his jet boat hang him for couple weeks , keep on keeping on big logs Shelby an turtle soup papa .!an I’ve never watch comedy show that funny Shelby.
I luv ya Shelby. I’m 56 and on disability. I have beat 3 cancer’s. You are on my bucket list for sure. I would luv to meet you more than anyone. Thanks for the laughs. You could make a happiest day of life. Luv y’all Cindy
Thats a good one papaw. Shelby you kick that swamps butt everytime. I always enjoy listening and watching you. I,m from Kentucky so I can relate to shooten up crap with my family and friends everytime we head to the mountains. O boy keep on loggin and livin large. Thank you for helping me pass the time while I heal from my surgery (s). You have been a blessing.
Miss you Shelby!! You’re never far from my thoughts, but not on any TV programming that we have around here in WA. Me and my hubby say That’s a good one Pawpaw all the time. Wish only the best for you and yours.
Shelby i love your show its very educational and funny you need your own reality show youre very entertaining i wish you wouls mention my name on the show as your friend that you wanna give a shout out too
Thanks for being
A great entertainer
Your friend angie himes
Love watching your show swamp man you deserve your own hour long show on tv you make us laugh and your very educational to trees and animals of the swamp just mention me your friend angie himes on the show please ive watched you forever enjoy all your episodes
i would love to have contact with Angela his logging partner,she’s someone id like to partner up with, really..
Is Shelby going to have another show?
Shelby Stanga is now 41 years old and is married. She was arrested in 2016 for DUI and hit and run. Her net worth is unknown.
I live in Florida and my husband and I are going on a vacation of a lifetime and really would love to meet Shelby and Donna Stanga while we are in Louisiana! Is this possible? I also want to go to the store (treasures) !! Love you Shelby and Donna Stanga!
I don’t know what to put down for the web site so sorry!!!!
We would absolutely LOVE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to Meet You … Sir!!!
Connie Jo
Shelby is what a real man should be. This new generation needs to watch your shows and learn how to be a man.
Shelby, we have a mutual friend! Vic Thulin! I worked at Pineville Gun Shop, Pineville NC, and we fixed you up with grips for you revolver! I think it was a 44 Mag. Much love for you and Donna!
Best regards,
Tena Cribb
We think alot of you round here my friend love to meet you I’m just a old boy from back in the hills in majestic ky holler back at us .
Shelby
When I have a bad day I watch you. You are a great person. I wish you and your family the best. I love you Willy.
You girls keep him on his toes.
I would give anything to meet all of you
Best Always
Ida Carson
SHELBY,
You are needed in Florida for Serpent Invasion. You would ROCK!!!
did Shelby really pass away
I/we hope Shelby is still alive. If so my husband and I would love to meet him and his close family. We are usually home bodies but my husband wants to take me on a vacation soon and he wanted for us to come to Louisiana in hopes that we might meet him and yall.