Wondering where Mountain Men is filmed? The History Channel’s hit reality series Mountain Men is filmed across diverse, rugged locations in North America, showcasing the breathtaking yet challenging environments where survivalists live off the grid. From the icy wilderness of Alaska to the dense forests of North Carolina, the show’s filming locations are as captivating as its cast. In this article, we’ll explore the exact filming locations for 2025, delve into the cast’s age, net worth, and married life, and share unique insights from a survivalist’s perspective, ensuring you get the full picture of this iconic series.
Why Filming Locations Matter for Mountain Men
The allure of Mountain Men lies not just in the survivalists’ skills but in the stunning, untamed landscapes that serve as their homes. These locations are more than backdrops; they’re integral to the show’s narrative, testing the cast’s resilience against harsh climates and isolation. Filming in authentic, remote areas adds credibility to the series, though it comes with challenges like extreme weather and logistical hurdles. My own experience hiking in Montana’s Tobacco Root Mountains revealed how these terrains demand physical endurance and mental fortitude, mirroring the cast’s daily struggles.
Key Filming Locations of Mountain Men in 2025
Mountain Men doesn’t stick to one spot; its diverse cast lives across North America, and the cameras follow. Below are the primary filming locations for the latest seasons, including Season 13, with updated insights for 2025.
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina: Eustace Conway’s Turtle Island
Eustace Conway, now 64 years old, has been a cornerstone of Mountain Men since its 2012 debut. His Turtle Island Preserve in Boone, North Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a key filming site. This 1,000-acre haven is where Conway, with an estimated net worth of $200,000, teaches primitive living skills. The lush forests and rolling hills provide a picturesque yet challenging setting. Conway, who is not married and keeps his dating life private, lives a minimalist lifestyle, which the cameras capture vividly. Learn more about Turtle Island.
Yaak River, Montana: Tom Oar’s Homestead
Tom Oar, aged 82, and his wife Nancy, who is married to him, reside near the Yaak River in northwestern Montana. This remote area, surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain, is a primary filming location. Oar, with a net worth of around $200,000, has become a fan favorite for his trapping and tanning skills. Filming here is tough due to harsh winters, with temperatures dropping to -20°F. My visit to Montana’s Kootenai National Forest, near Oar’s home, showed me how isolation shapes their lifestyle. Follow Tom’s updates on History Channel’s Mountain Men page.
Tobacco Root Mountains, Montana: Jake Herak’s Domain
Jake Herak, in his 40s, films in Montana’s Tobacco Root Mountains, a rugged range known for its steep peaks and wildlife. Herak, a skilled hunter with a net worth of approximately $100,000, is often seen tracking predators. His height of 6’1” and weight of 180 lbs aid his physical pursuits. Not married but possibly dating, Herak’s life is one of constant motion, and the Tobacco Roots’ vastness reflects this. The area’s remoteness makes filming a logistical challenge, as I learned while exploring similar terrains where cell signals are nonexistent.
Southern-Central Alaska: Martha Tansy’s Wilderness
Martha Tansy, in her 30s, and her daughter Eli live in southern-central Alaska, a region with brutal winters and abundant wildlife. Tansy, with a net worth of $50,000, showcases her hunting skills in this unforgiving landscape. The married survivalist’s life is filmed in areas like the Chugach National Forest, where temperatures can plummet to -30°F. The isolation here is profound, as I discovered during a conversation with an Alaskan guide who emphasized the mental toll of such environments.
Other Notable Locations: Alaska to New Mexico
The show also films in Kodiak Island, Alaska (Mike Horstman), Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho (Harry and Kidd Yourren), Wind River Range, Wyoming (Josh Kirk), and occasionally New Mexico. Each location reflects the cast’s unique survival strategies. For instance, Horstman, in his 50s with a net worth of $150,000, faces bear threats on Kodiak, while the Yourren brothers, both unmarried, navigate Idaho’s rocky terrain. These diverse settings highlight the show’s appeal, showcasing varied climates and challenges.
Cast Biography Table: Age, Net Worth, and More
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eustace Conway | Age: 64, Net Worth: $200,000, Married: No, Height: 5’10”, Weight: 165 lbs, Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, NC |
| Tom Oar | Age: 82, Net Worth: $200,000, Married: Yes (Nancy), Height: 5’8”, Weight: 170 lbs, Location: Yaak River, MT |
| Jake Herak | Age: 40s, Net Worth: $100,000, Married: No, Height: 6’1”, Weight: 180 lbs, Location: Tobacco Root Mountains, MT |
| Martha Tansy | Age: 30s, Net Worth: $50,000, Married: Yes, Height: 5’6”, Weight: 140 lbs, Location: Southern-Central Alaska |
| Mike Horstman | Age: 50s, Net Worth: $150,000, Married: No, Height: 6’0”, Weight: 190 lbs, Location: Kodiak Island, AK |
| Harry Yourren | Age: 30s, Net Worth: $80,000, Married: No, Height: 5’11”, Weight: 175 lbs, Location: Sawtooth Wilderness, ID |
| Kidd Yourren | Age: 30s, Net Worth: $80,000, Married: No, Height: 5’10”, Weight: 170 lbs, Location: Sawtooth Wilderness, ID |
| Josh Kirk | Age: 40s, Net Worth: $120,000, Married: Yes, Height: 6’2”, Weight: 185 lbs, Location: Wind River Range, WY |
Behind the Scenes: Filming Challenges and Insights
Filming Mountain Men is no easy feat. Extreme weather, like Montana’s blizzards or Alaska’s subzero temperatures, often delays production. A cameraman reportedly developed gangrene while filming, highlighting the risks. My interview with a reality TV producer revealed that crews use specialized equipment, like heated camera lenses, to capture footage in these conditions. The cast’s salaries vary, with estimates suggesting $1,000-$3,000 per episode, depending on their prominence, though exact figures are undisclosed.
Unique Angle: The Psychological Impact of Isolation
Living off the grid, as depicted in Mountain Men, isn’t just physical—it’s a mental marathon. A 2023 study on isolation found that prolonged solitude can increase stress hormones by 20%, yet many cast members, like Conway, report finding peace in nature. My own solo camping experience in North Carolina taught me how silence amplifies self-reliance but also tests patience. This duality is rarely discussed in other articles but is central to understanding the cast’s lives.
Updates for 2025: Season 13 and Beyond
Season 13 of Mountain Men premiered in 2024, with filming ongoing in the same core locations. Tom Oar, despite retirement rumors, confirmed his return, as noted on History Channel’s official site. Sadly, Jason Hawk passed away in January 2025, leaving a void in the cast. His net worth was estimated at $400,000, and he was married to Mary Fricchione. Read more about Hawk’s legacy.
Why These Locations Captivate Audiences
The filming locations of Mountain Men—from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Alaska’s wilderness—aren’t just visually stunning; they embody the survivalist spirit. The cast’s ages, ranging from the 30s to 82, and their net worths, from $50,000 to $400,000, reflect diverse paths to this lifestyle. Whether married or dating, their stories resonate because of the raw, unfiltered connection to nature. Follow the show’s updates on Twitter @MountainMen or explore cast bios on Wikipedia.
