'Mountain Men' Full Cast List: Meet Jake Herak, Josh Kirk and rest of the stars of History wilderness show
Roughing it out in the great outdoors is something people often dream about -- to be able to give up the modern life and live off the land. While this may sound great in theory, living in the wild is not for the weak-willed.
For a broader understanding of what it truly takes to call the wildness home, tune in to History's 'Mountain Men'. A reality show that follows the people who live off the land, the show offers you a glimpse into the lives of Tom Oar, Eustace Conway, Jake Herak, Josh Kirk and the rest of the cast of the show.
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As per the official synopsis, "Winter is loosening its grip on the mountains of North America. But that doesn’t mean life here is getting any easier. As the thaw begins and rivers start to swell with raging runoff, new opportunities open up for the mountain men to stockpile supplies, grow their own food and fortify their homesteads. But this spring… They’re digging deep like never before. The mountain men and their families are masters of independence and living off the land. But even they are preparing for a changing world- one where the ultimate test may be who can brace for the worst in America’s wilderness."
Tom Oar
As per his official bio, "In the heart of Montana’s secluded Yaak River Valley, Tom Oar has made a home for himself far removed from the hustle of modern life." When it comes to braving the outdoors, no one does it quite like Tom Oar. The outdoorsman has settled down in Montana’s secluded Yaak River Valley, along with his wife, Nancy, where they survive by trapping meat, harvesting and tanning hides.
Recently, there was talk about Oar finally retiring with his wife Nancy, with the couple possibly moving to Florida, as reported as Distracify. However, there has been no official news about the same, so don't be too surprised if you see your favorite cowboy back in action, doing what he does best.
Eustace Conway
Eustace Robinson Conway IV is a naturalist and a star on the show 'Mountain Men'. Conway owns 1,000-acre Turtle Island Preserve in Boone, North Carolina. Conway left home at the age of 17, when he began living in the woods. He later went to hike the Appalachian Trail. As with most 'Mountain Mne', Conway lives a life of self-sufficiency, while living off the land entirely, fending for himself.
As per his official History bio -- "On a regular basis, Eustace must contend with poachers, scavengers, illness, bad weather and the countless other struggles inherent to the life of a mountain man." Conway believes that the younger generations stand a lot to learn from a rugged way of life "The young people are less and less capable every year," he said, while talking to GQ. "The most incapable people that have ever existed on the face of planet Earth in the last three million years of human existence. Period.”
Jake Herak
Born and raised in Montana, Herak began his journey living off the land when he was a teenager. Over the years, he developed on of the most sought out, yet dangerous skill sets, seeing that Herak is known to be quite pro-efficient at hunting mountain lions, ensuring the region's safety and helping in keeping their numbers under control.
As per his official bio, "In his first professional season, Jake and his team of walker hounds ran off a staggering nineteen mountain lions. But it’s a job he’s still learning how to perfect as he builds a name for himself. And every winter brings new and deadly challenges."
Mike Horstman
When it comes down to living out in the wild, it's always unique skill sets that one must depend on or develop, in order to brave it all. For Horstman, who lives alone on Kodiak Island, he knows the and like the back of his hand, seeing that he has lived here for over 40 years.
Although his remote coastline cabin on Eagle Harbor ensures he rarely gets visitors, Horstman spends most of his time fending for himself. However, Horstman does make his livelihood in the most interesting way possible, seeing that he is a brown bear hunt for just 11 weeks a year.
As per his official bio, "The rest of his time is spent carving out a subsistence living from his natural surroundings… Where rogue storms can blow in at 100 mph and 3,500 brown bears hibernate on a hair-trigger."
Josh Kirk
A homesteader, hunter and ranch manager, what Kirk does is not for the faint of heart, seeing that he handles American bison. Kirk has made it his life's work to rehabilitate the species, seeing that it was nearly wiped out. And if there is one thing Kirk can tell you, it's that combined with the unpredictable terrain of the great outdoors, these wild and intelligent animals are not to be trifled with. Kirk works alongside his wife Bonnie, and daughter, Eden. In an interview with Wyoming News TV, Kirk spoke about how he was meant for the great outdoors.
"So I’m originally from Georgia. I came to Wyoming to ranch bison. I grew up off-grid, self-sufficient, living off the land, farm to table, that was my lifestyle. I’ve been a hunter, trapper, survivalist from the time I was born," he explained.
"And for me, to live the old lifestyle, to live the lifestyle of a mountain man, to ranch these bison, to protect them from predators, to keep them safe; and do that, and put food on the table, for me that’s euphoria. I call it touching the earth," he added while talking about how he is passionate about his work.
Kidd and Harry Youren
The Youren brothers call the Sawtooth Range home, seeing that they were born and raised in the wilds of Idaho and come from a long line of frontiersmen that goes back to pioneer days. The duo is determined to spend their lives in the mountains, and they do so by running cattle, hunting meat and more, living a life full of hard work and danger.
As per their official bio, "they can be found far from civilization clearing trail, running cattle, navigating whitewater, hauling supplies or hunting down meat to fuel all of the above. It’s a life beset with toil and danger, but the Youren brothers wouldn’t have it any other way."
Martha Tansy
A single mother and a designated hunter of the native Athabascan people who inhabit the mountains of Southcentral Alaska, Tansy plays a very important role in her community. Along with her daughter Elli, the two are responsible for harvesting wild game for their community. A former Army veteran, Tansy is as tough as nails and an expert marksman.
Tansy definitely has all the skills needed to survive in the outdoors, seeing that she is also a pro when it comes to off-road driving. As per her official bio, "Elite off-road driving and mechanic skills allow Martha to venture deep into the backcountry in pursuit of moose, caribou and other big game. The harsh environment, weather and predators put her skills and grit to the test every day, but with so much at stake, Martha refuses to back down no matter what the bush throws her way."
Season 10 of 'Mountain Men' premieres on Thursday, June 3, at 8/7c on History channel.