Ep 11. Fall Feast

In Alaska: The Last Frontier season 1 episode 11, entitled "Fall Feast," the Kilchers are preparing for winter by gathering and preserving as much food as possible before the harsh weather sets in. The episode follows the family as they hunt for moose and caribou, fish for salmon, harvest vegetables from their garden, and forage for wild edibles like berries and mushrooms.

Atz Sr., the patriarch of the Kilcher family, leads a hunting party into the woods to track a moose. His sons Atz Jr. and Eivin join him, along with their neighbor, Ivan. The hunt is grueling, as the men battle through dense forest, steep terrain, and cold rain. Eventually, they spot a moose and take careful aim before firing their rifles. The animal falls, and the group sets to work processing the meat into steaks, roasts, and ground meat.

Meanwhile, Atz Jr.'s wife, Jane, is busy preparing the family's garden for winter. She and her daughters dig up potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, and then can and preserve them for later use. Jane also visits a nearby river to fish for salmon, which she will smoke and store in the family's smokehouse. The salmon run is strong, and Jane catches several large fish before heading back home.

Eivin and his wife, Eve, take their children out foraging for wild edibles. They gather mushrooms, which Eve sautés in butter for a tasty side dish, and also find a patch of blueberries, which they will use to make jam. Eivin also sets up a trap to catch a beaver, which they will use for meat and pelts.

As night falls, the Kilchers gather together for a fall feast, celebrating all the food they have gathered and prepared. They dine on moose steaks, roasted potatoes, pickled vegetables, and smoked salmon, all of which have been sourced from their own land. The meal is a testament to the family's self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of Alaska's harsh environment.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn about the history and culture of the Kilcher family, who have lived off the land in Alaska for generations. They face many challenges, including isolation, dangerous wildlife, and extreme weather, but they are determined to live a life free from modern conveniences and reliant only on their own hard work and ingenuity. "Fall Feast" is a tribute to their way of life and the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.