Ep 1. Close Calls

In the first episode of season 3 of Mountain Men, titled "Close Calls," viewers are taken on a journey through the lives of several men who live off the land in some of the most remote and rugged parts of North America. The episode highlights the inherent dangers of their way of life as they navigate through treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and harsh weather conditions.

The episode introduces viewers to three main cast members: Marty Meierotto, Eustace Conway, and Tom Oar. Marty is a trapper who lives in Alaska and relies on his skills to provide for his family. Eustace is a survivalist who lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and runs a primitive skills school. Tom is a mountain man who lives in Montana and has been working as a tanner and fur trader for over 30 years.

Throughout the episode, these men are shown facing various challenges and close calls. Marty, for example, finds himself struggling to break a trail through deep snow in order to reach his trap lines. He faces challenges not only from the difficult terrain but also from a pack of wolves who seem to be following him. He must quickly adapt to the situation and find a way to outsmart the wolves before they catch him off guard.

Meanwhile, Eustace finds himself in a perilous situation when he is caught in a sudden storm while trying to cross a river. The water level rises rapidly, and he is forced to abandon his horse and seek shelter on a small island. He must use all of his wilderness skills to start a fire, build a shelter, and stay warm in order to survive the night.

Tom, on the other hand, faces a different kind of challenge as he attempts to catch a mountain lion that has been preying on his neighbor's livestock. He sets up a trap and patiently waits for the lion to take the bait. However, as he approaches the trap, he realizes that he may have underestimated the strength of the animal and finds himself in a dangerous situation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to other characters who are living off the grid in their own unique ways. For example, a family in Alaska must work together to build a new cabin before winter sets in, while a couple in Idaho relies on their horses to transport them through remote backcountry in order to hunt for food.

Overall, the episode provides an interesting and often intense look into the lives of those who choose to live off the land. It highlights the inherent risks and dangers of this lifestyle while also showcasing the resilience and perseverance of these individuals in the face of adversity. Through their stories, viewers are sure to gain a new appreciation for the beauty, challenge, and unpredictability of life in the mountains.