Mountain Men

Mountain Men is a captivating, reality-based television series that originally broadcasted on the History Channel, starting in 2012. The primary focus of the show is to portray survivalists who have chosen to step away from the hustle and bustle of urban and suburban life, living instead in the remote wilderness areas across the North American continent. The series takes viewers on a journey through the hardy, rugged lives of these ‘Mountain Men’, highlighting their daily struggles, triumphs and the profound resilience required to survive in these unforgiving terrains.

One of the central figures of this riveting series is Eustace Conway, a man of inherent naturalism who has spent a significant part of his life nurturing the environment and learning how to coexist with the wild. Born in 1961 to an adventurous family in South Carolina, Conway abandoned the contemporary, creature comforts of society to live in a teepee in the Appalachian Mountains by his late teens. This intimate relationship with nature led Conway to establish and manage the Turtle Island Preserve in Boone, North Carolina, a 1,000-acre eco-education center. The show gives viewers an intricate view of Conway’s life, explaining his reason for adopting such a lifestyle and demonstrating incredible feats he accomplishes mostly on his own.

Mountain Men portrays Conway’s life and works in detail, starting from his waking up at dawn and working throughout the day - hunting, fishing, logging, and handling his horses. It demonstrates his self-taught, mostly old-fashioned skills of crafting necessary survival equipment along with sustainable farming and log construction. Each episode unfolds various aspects of Conway’s lifestyle– the thrill of living in the wild, the calm waters of introspection, and occasional encounters with potentially dangerous wildlife.

The series also features other noteworthy survivalists who have chosen a similar off-grid lifestyle in different parts of North America. These include R. Tom Oar, a former rodeo cowboy residing in Montana's secluded Yaak River Valley, and Marty Meierotto, flying to Alaska's harsh interior for a living as a trapper. The series also explores their daily lives, showcasing their unique survival and bushcraft skills essential for their respective harsh environments.

Mountain Men offers an authentic perspective on the wilderness lifestyle, showcasing not only the physical strength but also the mental endurance needed to live in such unforgiving landscapes. It exposes viewers to the surprises and uncertainties of these remote regions where danger lurks at every corner. Whether it is a sudden change in weather, wild animal attacks, or unforeseen accidents, viewers can share the intense experience of living on the edge with these Mountain Men – testing their physical mettle, evolving survival instincts, and resilience.

Furthermore, the series offers a profound environmental message emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature. It is not so much a story of what these men can take from nature as much as it is a tale of what they give back to it and how they’ve crafted lives to accentuate this symbiotic relationship. They demonstrate a deep respect for the environment and a philosophy of sustainable living, showing that it is possible to live well without exploiting natural resources and heeding the call for a better, greener world.

In essence, Mountain Men is a unique, reality-based television series that goes beyond being mere entertainment. It challenges the viewers literally to 'get their hands dirty', provokes thought about our relationship with nature, and inspires a deeper appreciation for those who dare to live on their own terms. It is a testament to the profound human spirit, indomitable willpower, and deep-rooted harmony with nature that makes these individuals the true embodiment of Mountain Men.

Whether you are a seasoned explorer who is thrilled by the wilderness or a casual viewer who enjoys survivalist shows, Mountain Men, starring Eustace Conway since 2012, is bound to fulfill your quest for thrill, adventure, and deep-seated wisdom about life and survival in the wilderness. Tune in for inspiration, adrenaline, and a renewed appreciation for the natural world and our place within it.