Ep 3. Open Season

In Life Below Zero season 12 episode 3, titled "Open Season," viewers are taken back to the unforgiving wilds of Alaska to follow a group of people who have chosen to live off the land. In this episode, the hunters of the region have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the annual caribou migration, which they rely on to replenish their food stocks for the winter.

We are introduced to a handful of individuals in different corners of Alaska, each with unique lifestyles and challenges. Glenn Villeneuve, for example, is a wilderness survivalist living alone in the Brooks Range, where he must contend with the harsh climate and limited resources. Ricko DeWilde, on the other hand, is a member of the Koyukon Athabaskan tribe, which has lived in the region for generations. His family has a hunting camp near the Kandik River, which serves as a base for his hunting expeditions.

As the episode begins, Glenn is seen preparing for the upcoming caribou migration. He spends several days scouting the area and tracking the herds' movements, setting up his camp in a strategic location to intercept them. Meanwhile, Ricko and his family are packing up their gear and heading out to their hunting camp, where they will await the caribou's arrival.

As the migration draws near, tensions rise as the hunters become more desperate for a successful hunt. Ricko and his family are running low on food, and they know that missing the migration could mean a hungry winter ahead. Similarly, Glenn is under a lot of pressure, as he has staked his survival on this hunt and is counting on it to carry him through the coming months.

When the caribou finally arrive, the hunters spring into action. Ricko and his family set up a series of traps along the river, hoping to catch some of the herd as they cross. Glenn, meanwhile, spots a large group of caribou from his vantage point and prepares to make his move. The scene is intense, as the hunters must act quickly and decisively to have any chance of success.

Throughout the episode, we also get a glimpse into the daily lives of these hardy individuals. We see Glenn tending to his fire, chopping wood, and collecting berries to add to his diet. We see Ricko's family cooking up a feast of moose meat over an open fire and sharing stories around the campfire.

Life Below Zero season 12 episode 3 delivers a fascinating look at the challenges of living off the land in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The show's cast of characters is diverse and engaging, and their stories are both inspiring and humbling. "Open Season" is a must-watch for anyone interested in wilderness survival, hunting, or the unique culture of Alaska.