Getting the Hogs Out of the Big Country- "American Hoggers"
By: Josh Berry
Updated: October 25, 2011
Hog hunting is just a sport for most hunters, but one Big Country family is in the national spotlight for the work they do, helping farmers and ranchers control the hog populations destroying their land and crops.
The new A&E series "American Hoggers" centers around the Campbell family in Early. The show had its premiere last Wednesday night.
Now the family that calls Early home has their life, which has been centered around hunting for years, in the middle of a new hit series all about their family.
Hog hunting, and just plain hunting for that matter has been a way of life for the Campbell's.
When Krystal Campbell just wanted to tell some people about a bear she caught, there happened to be a television network listening.
She said, "Low and behold, somewhere in California they were looking for a family who hog hunted."
From there it turned into a weekly show on national television about Krystal Campbell's family.
"Definitely wasn't expecting a TV show," Krystal laughed.
When the family had a chance to show what they do on TV, they took it to shed some light on the problems we're facing here in Texas.
"I wanted them to show how the farmers and ranchers were up against the wall because of the drought," explained self proclaimed 'Professional Hunter,' Jerry Campbell.
The drought, coupled with a hog problem is what drives this family business.
Jerry's son Robert added, "Not only is the drought taking its toll... but then you have the hogs to worry about."
It's always been a professional business for Jerry Campbell.
"Next June will be 53 years... I've caught everything you can catch... bear, mountain lion," Campbell trailed off about all the things he caught.
Hunting has been a dream of his since grade school. When Jerry told a teacher he wanted to hunt when he grew up, "She said 'Oh Campbell get real.' Well, I got real. I've been a professional for [a while]."
The family also realizes that bringing something like the production of this show to Early and the Big Country, helps out local economy.
"Yeah they had a high dollar budget that they spent right here," Jerry said about expenses of the production crews.
Robert added, "We're bringing a lot of money to the local economy. You know, Brownwood, Early, a couple of the little small towns around here."
Momma said she knows best. Kathie Campbell was on board for the show knowing it would provide a rare opportunity for her kids.
"It's been a family affair their whole life. It's a good opportunity for them," Kathie said.
The family business stretches beyond just the people too.
Jerry said, "If you haven't got no good dogs... you ain't got anything else."
According to the kids, it also gives dad a chance to shine.
After making sure Jerry wasn't around, Robert said with a chuckle, "Dad likes the camera a lot. But he's good at it though. He's a character, he always has been."
After watching the show for the first time last Wednesday, it may be weird for the Campbell's to see themselves on TV, but they know what they're trying to get across.
"It's different but it's really not that big of a deal. To me it's a hog problem that needs to be addressed, not us," said Robert.
You can follow the Campbell's on A&E Wednesdays at 9.
The new A&E series "American Hoggers" centers around the Campbell family in Early. The show had its premiere last Wednesday night.
Now the family that calls Early home has their life, which has been centered around hunting for years, in the middle of a new hit series all about their family.
Hog hunting, and just plain hunting for that matter has been a way of life for the Campbell's.
When Krystal Campbell just wanted to tell some people about a bear she caught, there happened to be a television network listening.
She said, "Low and behold, somewhere in California they were looking for a family who hog hunted."
From there it turned into a weekly show on national television about Krystal Campbell's family.
"Definitely wasn't expecting a TV show," Krystal laughed.
When the family had a chance to show what they do on TV, they took it to shed some light on the problems we're facing here in Texas.
"I wanted them to show how the farmers and ranchers were up against the wall because of the drought," explained self proclaimed 'Professional Hunter,' Jerry Campbell.
The drought, coupled with a hog problem is what drives this family business.
Jerry's son Robert added, "Not only is the drought taking its toll... but then you have the hogs to worry about."
It's always been a professional business for Jerry Campbell.
"Next June will be 53 years... I've caught everything you can catch... bear, mountain lion," Campbell trailed off about all the things he caught.
Hunting has been a dream of his since grade school. When Jerry told a teacher he wanted to hunt when he grew up, "She said 'Oh Campbell get real.' Well, I got real. I've been a professional for [a while]."
The family also realizes that bringing something like the production of this show to Early and the Big Country, helps out local economy.
"Yeah they had a high dollar budget that they spent right here," Jerry said about expenses of the production crews.
Robert added, "We're bringing a lot of money to the local economy. You know, Brownwood, Early, a couple of the little small towns around here."
Momma said she knows best. Kathie Campbell was on board for the show knowing it would provide a rare opportunity for her kids.
"It's been a family affair their whole life. It's a good opportunity for them," Kathie said.
The family business stretches beyond just the people too.
Jerry said, "If you haven't got no good dogs... you ain't got anything else."
According to the kids, it also gives dad a chance to shine.
After making sure Jerry wasn't around, Robert said with a chuckle, "Dad likes the camera a lot. But he's good at it though. He's a character, he always has been."
After watching the show for the first time last Wednesday, it may be weird for the Campbell's to see themselves on TV, but they know what they're trying to get across.
"It's different but it's really not that big of a deal. To me it's a hog problem that needs to be addressed, not us," said Robert.
You can follow the Campbell's on A&E Wednesdays at 9.
