Ep 3. The Longest Day

In Yukon Men season 4 episode 3, titled "The Longest Day," the residents of Tanana, Alaska are forced to confront the harsh reality of their isolated lifestyles as they struggle to make it through the longest day of the year. With the sun shining for nearly 24 hours straight, the hunters and trappers of Tanana must work tirelessly through the extended daylight hours, desperate to take advantage of the abundant hunting opportunities that Alaska has to offer.

As the episode begins, the people of Tanana are preparing for the summer solstice, which marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. This is a time of great celebration for many in the town, but for the hunters and trappers, it is a time of intense work.

We meet several of the main characters in the episode, including Stan Zuray, a seasoned hunter and trapper who has lived in Tanana for decades, and Charlie Wright, a younger man who is still learning the ropes. Both men are preparing to take advantage of the long hours of daylight to catch as many fur-bearing animals as possible.

As the day progresses, we witness the incredible amount of work that goes into hunting and trapping in Alaska. Charlie, who is running several trap lines throughout the vast wilderness surrounding Tanana, is up before dawn to check his traps and must work constantly throughout the long day to maintain them.

Meanwhile, Stan is out hunting for beavers, which are a valuable source of fur in the area. He faces many challenges, including difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, but he perseveres in the hopes of bringing home a good haul of pelts.

Throughout the episode, we also see the ways in which the people of Tanana rely on one another for support. Whether it's lending a hand with a tough job or sharing a meal together at the end of a long day, the community comes together to help each other out.

As the long day finally comes to an end, the people of Tanana reflect on the hard work they've accomplished and the challenges they've faced. They know that tomorrow will bring a new set of obstacles, but for now they can rest and celebrate the fact that they are able to survive and thrive in one of the harshest environments in the world.

Overall, "The Longest Day" is a powerful episode that gives viewers a glimpse into the incredible strength and resilience of the people who call Tanana home. Through their dedication and hard work, they are able to survive and even thrive in a place that would be nearly impossible for most of us to endure.