Ep 7. Training Day

In Mountain Men season 3 episode 7, titled "Training Day," viewers are taken on a journey to the wilderness where they explore the lives of those who have chosen to live off the grid. This episode focuses on the challenges that come with surviving in the wilderness, and how these men and women have learned to overcome them.

At the heart of this episode is the idea of preparation. For those living in the wilderness, being prepared is key to survival. This is especially true when it comes to the winter season, which can be incredibly harsh and unforgiving. As such, each of the individuals featured in this episode is shown undertaking various preparations to ensure they are ready for the coming winter.

One of the primary storylines in this episode follows Tom Oar, an experienced mountain man who has been living off the grid for decades. As the winter approaches, Tom must ensure that his traps are in good working order so that he can catch enough fur to provide for himself and his wife, Nancy. In order to do this, he heads out into the wilderness to check his trap lines and make any necessary repairs.

Another storyline focuses on Eustace Conway, who has been living in the wilderness since he was a young man. Eustace is a well-known figure in the region, and his knowledge of the land is unparalleled. In this episode, we see him preparing for the winter by harvesting timber and building a shelter that will keep him warm during the cold months ahead.

Meanwhile, Marty Meierotto is busy preparing for the upcoming trapping season. As one of the younger mountain men featured in the show, Marty has a lot to learn from the more experienced hunters and trappers. In this episode, he meets up with fellow trapper Charlie Tucker to learn some new trapping techniques that he can use to increase his success rate.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also introduced to a number of other wilderness dwellers, including Rich Lewis, who is preparing for the winter by stocking up on firewood, and Preston Roberts, who is working on building a new structure that will serve as a gathering place for his community.

Despite being focused on the practicalities of living off the grid, "Training Day" also takes time to explore the deeper meanings and motivations behind this lifestyle. For many of these individuals, their decision to live in the wilderness is not just a matter of survival, but a way of life that is deeply connected to their values and beliefs.

This is illustrated through the story of Eustace Conway, who speaks passionately about the need to live in harmony with nature and the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and skills. Throughout the episode, he demonstrates his skill and expertise in everything from building a fire without matches to making his own buckskin clothing.

Overall, "Training Day" is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who have chosen to live off the grid. The episode offers plenty of practical advice for survival in the wilderness, but it is also a celebration of the freedom and connection to nature that comes with living on the land. For those interested in exploring the challenges and rewards of this lifestyle, this episode of Mountain Men is not to be missed.