Ep 2. Deadly Grounds

In the season 3 episode 2 of Life Below Zero, titled Deadly Grounds, viewers are taken on a journey through the harsh and unforgiving landscape of remote Alaska as they follow the day-to-day lives of six individuals who have chosen to live off the land.

This episode begins with Sue Aikens, who runs the Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost that sits 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Sue is known for her independent and self-sufficient lifestyle, which allows her to thrive in this harsh terrain. In this episode, viewers get a glimpse of the true dangers Sue faces on a daily basis, as she battles the elements to keep her camp running. She must fix her generator, which has broken down, or she will be left without electricity, heat, and water in the middle of winter.

Another protagonist featured in this episode is Andy Bassich, who lives in the wilderness near the Yukon River with his team of sled dogs. Andy is a skilled hunter, trapper, and fisherman. In this episode, Andy is busy preparing for winter by gathering and processing enough wood to heat his cabin. His preparations must be complete before the river freezes, preventing him from reaching the necessary wood sources.

Meanwhile, Glenn Villeneuve, a survivalist, lives in the Brooks Range, where he hunts and gathers for his survival. In this episode, Glenn is on the hunt and must track his prey deep into the forest to ensure a successful hunt. Glenn must also ensure the safety of himself and his dogs in the face of dangerous predators like wolves and grizzly bears.

Jesse Holmes, a dog musher, lives in Nenana and races in the Yukon Quest. In this episode, Jesse prepares his team of dogs for upcoming races and spends long hours training to ensure he and his team are in top condition.

Ricko DeWilde lives with his family in Fort Yukon, where he practices a traditional lifestyle, hunting and fishing to provide for his family. In this episode, he must hunt caribou and salmon to ensure that they have enough food to survive the harsh winters. Ricko teaches his children how to survive in the wilderness while ensuring that they are maintaining their connection to their traditional way of life.

Finally, Chip and Agnes Hailstone, who live in the remote town of Noorvik, must prepare for the coming winter to ensure they have enough food to survive. Agnes is busy preserving the fish and meat they have caught before they spoil, while Chip is preparing traps and snares to catch more game.

Overall, the episode captures the challenges and dangers faced by those who have chosen to live off the land in remote Alaska. From hunting and gathering food, to fixing equipment essential for survival, to facing dangerous predators, the individuals featured in this episode demonstrate the incredible resilience and determination required to thrive in such an extreme environment.