Ep 2. Bloodlines

In the second episode of Yukon Men's seventh season, titled "Bloodlines," the residents of Tanana continue their struggle to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. With winter fast approaching, subsistence hunters must gather as much food as possible before the frozen rivers and snow-covered forests make it nearly impossible to travel.

At the center of the episode is Stan Zuray, a longtime resident of Tanana who is hailed as one of the best hunters in the region. As he prepares to go on a moose hunt, he talks about the importance of hunting to his family and the community as a whole. "It's in our blood," he says. "It's our way of life."

Stan is joined on his hunt by his son, Joey, who is carrying on the family tradition of subsistence hunting. The two of them navigate the rugged terrain of the Alaskan wilderness in search of their prey, with Stan sharing his vast knowledge of the land and the animals that call it home.

Meanwhile, another member of the community, Charlie Wright, is struggling to provide for his family after his boat's engine dies. Without a way to navigate the rivers, he is unable to reach his hunting grounds and is forced to rely on his meager supplies. Although he is skilled at trapping and fishing, he knows that his family will struggle to make it through the winter without more substantial provisions.

As the days pass, both Stan and Charlie face unexpected challenges. Stan's hunt takes a dangerous turn when a moose charges at him, leaving him shaken and unsure whether he will be able to track the animal down. Meanwhile, Charlie's attempts to fix his boat's engine are thwarted by a series of setbacks, leaving him feeling increasingly desperate.

As the episode draws to a close, the community comes together to help Charlie in his time of need. Several of his neighbors offer to take him out on their boats to help him catch enough fish to feed his family, and he is heartened by their generosity. "It's a good feeling to know you have people who care about you," he says.

In the end, both Stan and Charlie are able to provide for their families through their hard work and perseverance. The episode serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations that the residents of Tanana face every day, as well as their unbreakable spirit and determination to survive.