Ricko DeWilde Wiki/Bio, Age, Net Worth, Family Wife, Children.

Ricko DeWilde is an Alaskan Native, wilderness expert, and former reality television star best known for his appearances on National Geographic’s Life Below Zero. A proud Koyukon Athabaskan and lifelong advocate for Indigenous culture, Ricko was born into a large family and raised in the remote Alaskan wilderness outside the village of Huslia. His upbringing—rooted in subsistence living, traditional skills, and deep respect for the land—shaped not only his worldview but also his path as a father, entrepreneur, and cultural educator.

Beyond television, Ricko has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing Native Alaskan traditions. From raising his six children with cultural values to founding his apparel brand HYDZ Gear, Ricko blends ancestral knowledge with modern platforms. His story is one of survival, resilience, family, and a relentless commitment to honoring his roots while adapting to contemporary life.

This biography explores Ricko DeWilde’s early life, family background, experiences on Life Below Zero, personal losses, parenting philosophy, and entrepreneurial journey—offering a detailed look at the man behind the screen and the legacy he continues to build.

Early Life and Background of Ricko DeWilde

Ricko DeWilde was born on July 4, 1975, in Huslia, Alaska, and is the third youngest of fourteen children born to Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde.

His father, Lloyd DeWilde, was a white man of Welsh descent who served in World War II. After the war, Lloyd left San Francisco in pursuit of a more purposeful life and journeyed to Alaska, where he ultimately walked hundreds of miles through the Alaskan wilderness before settling near Ruby. Lloyd eventually made his home in the interior region and adopted a self-reliant life as a trapper and woodsman. While he rarely discussed his military experience, those close to him—including local elders—attested that he had endured the harsh realities of the war. His quiet resilience and deep knowledge of the land earned him respect as an elder among the Native community.

Ricko’s mother, Amelia DeWilde, was a Koyukon Athabaskan born and raised in rural Alaska. Deeply connected to her heritage, Amelia practiced traditional subsistence living and passed down cultural knowledge through hands-on survival and oral storytelling. From crafting fur garments to managing a household in extreme conditions, her daily life served as an example of Athabaskan resilience and resourcefulness.

The DeWilde family lived 100 miles upriver from Huslia in a remote wilderness camp without electricity, running water, or modern amenities. Ricko was raised in tents and log cabins that his parents built by hand. Their first home had no insulation aside from moss-packed logs and a moss-covered iron roof. Mattresses were sewn canvas bags filled with moose hair. In a humorous reflection, Ricko once shared a memory of using an outdoor outhouse as a child and falling in, later laughing that his dad could’ve “done way better than that on a shitter for us littles ones.”

Education came in the form of homeschooling, though the primary focus was practical survival knowledge passed down by his parents. His mother taught skills like sewing canvas mattresses, making fishing nets from twine, hunting rabbits and grouse, and crafting fur parkas, mittens, and hats. His father taught the construction of boats, snowshoes, and traps out of birch and spruce wood, and how to trap fur-bearing animals like beaver, marten, lynx, and wolverine.

Ricko also learned when and how to hunt depending on seasonal cycles—bears in their dens, fish during spawning, and moose and caribou at key times of year. They preserved meat without refrigeration, understood how to read river ice, avoid danger near beaver dams, and create emergency shelters in the woods. Proper use and care of snowshoes and skin clothing were essential to surviving long treks through the snow.

A major seasonal tradition was the family’s annual river journey to Huslia. Each May, once the spring ice thawed, they traveled downriver in a 34-foot spruce boat built by Lloyd. The journey downstream took a day, but going back upriver could take two. They carried back bulk supplies like flour and dried goods that would last them through months of isolation. These journeys became crucial logistical missions for survival and were filled with risk, planning, and bonding.

At around age 15, Ricko helped his father build a larger log cabin about a mile upriver from their original site. They lived in tents while constructing the home. This cabin would later appear on Life Below Zero and marked a key moment of transition for the family—offering more insulation and protection from the elements. Ricko later remembered how cold it would get at night in old cabin and how his mother would quietly pile coats and snow pants over them while they slept, something he described as one of the most comforting memories of his youth.

“I still remember being real cold at night then hearing my mom come out and start throwing all the coats and snow pants on top of us. Best feeling to warm up after that and go to sleep.”

This childhood—defined by traditional Athabaskan knowledge, tight family bonds, physical hardship, and seasonal adaptation—became the foundation for Ricko’s worldview. It shaped his respect for nature, resourcefulness, and cultural identity, which he continues to carry into adulthood and share with his children and audience today.

Huslia High School Memories

During his high school years in Huslia, Ricko attended the local public school where he experienced a more structured environment. He recalled a humorous and memorable change during that time when the school mascot was altered by a principal named Nancy Carrigan. Originally known as the “Huslia Hustlers,” the school’s mascot was changed to the “Huslia Bulls,” complete with blue cotton t-shirts featuring a cartoonish bull moose inspired by Bullwinkle.

Ricko found the change amusing, especially when the team traveled to Minto for a basketball game. The opposing team, led by skilled players like Calvin Charlie, found humor in their new mascot and uniforms. Ricko later reflected that the term “Hustlers” wasn’t meant in a negative sense, but represented a hardworking dog-mushing spirit—people who pushed through tough conditions to get things done. He viewed the change as a quirky moment shaped by an outsider who didn’t fully understand the local culture.

Cultural Roots and Athabascan Identity

Ricko identifies as a Koyukon Athabaskan and is a proud member of the Caribou Clan. He embraces his Native heritage and frequently highlights the philosophy and sustainability of his culture. As Ricko shared, his people have spent hundreds, if not thousands, of years living in harmony with the land—not just to hunt and gather, but to protect it for future generations.

One of his favorite teachings from his late mother was: “Think before you shoot”—a principle that applied not just to hunting but to life decisions in general.

From an early age, Ricko learned how each season offered different opportunities to harvest food. Fall was marked by moose hunting, which he fondly calls “the flavor of the fall.” He also learned to set fish nets under winter ice, snare rabbits, hunt ptarmigan and grouse, and craft essential survival items like fur parkas, moose hair-filled canvas mattresses, and mittens. These skills, rooted in generations of Athabaskan knowledge, continue to inform how he raises his own children.

Life After Leaving Camp: Addiction, Incarceration, and Redemption

At age 18, Ricko left the family cabin eager to explore the outside world, driven by curiosity and the belief that life outside the woods was easier. However, the transition to urban life brought overwhelming culture shock. Ricko and his siblings, having spent their entire lives in the bush, now faced unfamiliar systems, social structures, and expectations. It was a disorienting time—filled with confusion and a sense of isolation. As Ricko later reflected, it felt like there was “no light at the end of the tunnel” during that adjustment period—but in hindsight, he sees it as a small part of a long, beautiful life.

He first enrolled in high school in Bettles, Alaska and later North Pole High School near Fairbanks. However, unfamiliar with urban life and social systems, he quickly became overwhelmed. The transition from wilderness isolation to bustling towns left him socially anxious and unsure of how to interact with others.

Ricko has described his early days as deeply lonely—surrounded by people but unable to connect. Alcohol became a temporary solution, helping him feel more comfortable in social situations, but it soon became a destructive habit. By age 22, he had developed a serious addiction and began selling drugs to support himself. In 2003, he was arrested and sentenced to over three years in prison.

During his time in jail, Ricko experienced a powerful shift in perspective. He reflected on his upbringing, missed his father who was aging in the bush, and felt the pain of being disconnected from his roots. He wrote letters to his family and realized how far he had strayed from the values he was raised with. Determined to reclaim his life, Ricko gave up alcohol and drugs and began to rebuild from the ground up.

Ricko used his time in prison to re-evaluate his choices and reconnect with the values he was raised with. After his release, he committed to sobriety and began rebuilding his life with a renewed focus on culture, family, and personal accountability.

Becoming a Father and Cultural Educator

Ricko’s daughter Simone was born while he was still in prison, marking a pivotal moment in his life. Upon release in 2005, he prioritized being a present, responsible father. Over time, Ricko had more children and began teaching them the survival skills he learned as a child. His parenting approach emphasizes respect for the land, gratitude, and cultural wisdom—skills he believes are crucial for future generations, especially in the face of rising food prices and global uncertainty.

He ensures all his children—regardless of gender—learn to hunt, fish, trap, and stay warm in the brutal Alaskan winters. One of his proudest parenting lessons involves teaching his children to dress properly for survival in subzero temperatures, something he considers as vital as hunting itself.

How Ricko DeWilde Joined Life Below Zero

Ricko’s entry into television was unplanned and began during a moose hunt near Huslia, where he was helping provide meat for elders in the community. He partnered with a freelance cameraman named Josh ‘Kai’ Ligairi, who was from Salt Lake City and had previously worked on Native-centered films like First Alaskans. The two filmed the successful hunt, and Kai encouraged Ricko to share more of his subsistence lifestyle online.

Kai helped Ricko set up a YouTube channel and uploaded a video that Ricko had written and narrated himself. The footage, showcasing Ricko’s cultural insight and remote hunting skills, quickly went viral—gaining over 3 million views within a year. This unexpected exposure drew the attention of National Geographic, who contacted Ricko about joining Life Below Zero.

Life Below Zero JOURNEY

He joined the series in 2018 and appeared in 114 episodes through 2025. Ricko became known for his commitment to Indigenous subsistence living, cultural preservation, and teaching his children survival skills in Alaska’s remote wilderness.

Ricko entered the show in Season 11, later than early cast members like Kate Rorke, Glenn Villeneuve, and Salitan couple: Eric and Martha Mae, but he quickly became a key figure during the final seasons. He remained part of the main cast until the show paused after Season 23. He also contributed as a segment producer for Life Below Zero: First Alaskans, with credits on 34 episodes between 2023 and 2024.

Survival Skills and Family Teaching

Ricko’s segments often showcased him passing down traditional subsistence knowledge to his children. From crafting a bench out of cottonwood logs to demonstrating how to carry embers using birch punk, he used real-life moments to teach bushcraft, resilience, and respect for nature. His parenting style emphasized practical learning—such as how to build, cook, hunt, and survive—all rooted in Athabascan values.

In one episode, Ricko celebrated his daughter Maya’s first burbot catch. The family also landed a large pike and cooked their fresh catch by a lakeside fire, reinforcing Ricko’s belief that subsistence living should be both joyful and educational.

Making a Camp for Moose Season

Another notable segment featured Ricko and his son Skyler preparing for moose hunting season by scouting a location near a river. Despite the presence of fresh bear markings, Ricko selected the area based on moose migration trails. He explained the importance of reading signs in nature, such as animal tracks and markings, to choose optimal hunting locations.

They set up a tarp shelter to reduce disruption during hunting season, with Ricko teaching Skyler about stealth, strategy, and predator awareness. The camp preparation was done two weeks in advance to avoid noise during moose season. Ricko also explained the risks of leaving gear unattended in bear country and how early setup helps ensure safety and success. The segment highlighted Ricko’s hands-on mentorship and commitment to passing on big game hunting techniques in Alaska’s unforgiving terrain.

Wolf Trapping and Predator Control

A major theme in Ricko’s journey was predator control—a traditional Athabascan responsibility. After discovering a moose calf likely killed by wolves, Ricko set snares and later recovered a wolf. Speaking in his Native language, he honored the animal, explaining that moose are central to his community’s diet and must be protected from over predation.

Building a Bathhouse at Selawik Hot Springs

In another memorable episode, Ricko and Skyler visited Selawik Hot Springs to clean out an outdoor bathhouse used by their community. Together, they cleared out inches of thick, black mud that had built up over a year. Ricko explained the importance of stewardship and community service, teaching Skyler to leave the environment better than they found it. They controlled the water temperature by redirecting hot springs and cold creek water—effectively using nature as their faucet.

Saving Cabins from Flooding

In the segment titled “Saving Cabins in the Arctic,” Ricko and Skyler tackled a critical issue: water buildup threatening the structural integrity of cabins at Selawik Hot Springs. A warming trend had melted enough snow to create flood plains, worsened by beaver activity undermining the terrain. Ricko created a drainage channel to divert water away from the cabin foundations, preventing flooding and future ice damage.

As they worked, Ricko emphasized the long-term importance of preserving shelter in remote areas where cabins can mean the difference between life and death. Their actions also helped restore a key snowmachine trail, enhancing safety for others. During the process, Ricko observed a rare black bird he had seen since childhood—possibly undocumented—and humorously suggested naming it the “DeWilde bird.”

Rico credits the show with helping him become a more patient father. Slowing down to answer his children’s many questions on camera helped deepen their bond and became one of his most cherished takeaways from filming.

Beyond the Show: Post-Life Below Zero Career

In November 2024, ahead of the final Life Below Zero Season 23 episode—which aired on February 23, 2025— Ricko confirmed via a Facebook post that the series would be canceled by Disney, which owns National Geographic. He explained that BBC Worldwide, the show’s producer, was attempting to find a new network, but he felt the chances were slim due to industry red tape. Ricko expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized how the show positively impacted not only his life but also the local economy of Huslia, Alaska, by providing work for airlines, safety crews, and logistics teams.

Although he hopes for a spin-off or future season, Ricko has started focusing on other pursuits. He began training to become a licensed assistant hunting guide in partnership with Gilbert Huntington, specializing in moose and grizzly bear hunts. He divides his time between Huslia, Fairbanks, and Anchorage, and remains active in Native-led initiatives. He has also considered developing his own documentary-style series and continues to promote cultural education and land stewardship within Alaska.

Ricko Dewilde Net Worth- How Rich is this Television Star?

Ricko DeWilde has built a modest but diverse income portfolio shaped by his time on Life Below Zero and his entrepreneurial ventures. His primary source of public recognition and earnings came from his role on the reality series, where he appeared in 114 episodes between 2018 and 2025.

Outside television, Ricko is the founder of HYDZ Gear, a clothing brand that reflects his Native Alaskan identity. The apparel line blends cultural symbolism with modern streetwear, promoting pride in Athabascan heritage while generating steady merchandise income.

Since the conclusion of the show, Ricko’s income sources have diversified. He continues to run HYDZ Gear, makes occasional public appearances, and plans to offer wilderness guiding services in the future—once he completes training as a licensed assistant hunting guide in partnership with Gilbert Huntington. He is also exploring documentary filmmaking and tourism-related initiatives, further expanding his role as a cultural educator and storyteller.

Factoring in television earnings, merchandise revenue, and future guiding opportunities, Ricko DeWilde’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 as of 2025.

Personal Life

Wife/Partner and Kids

Ricko DeWilde is the father of six children. While he generally keeps his personal life private, several of his children are known to be raised with his longtime partner, Rona Vent. The family resides in Fairbanks, Alaska. The family resides in Fairbanks, Alaska. His oldest child, Simone DeWilde, was born in June 2004 and graduated from high school in 2022. Ricko also has a daughter named Sarah Salazar, born in October 2005, who turned 19 in 2024.

Other children with Rona include daughters Skarlett Haze (born November 2010) and Maya Denae (born 2017), and sons Skyler Blue (born June 2009) and Keenan Nulitna (born October 2015). Keenan’s middle name honors the Nulitna River—a location with deep personal meaning for Ricko. During his childhood, Ricko and his family often camped near the Vent family’s cabin along the Nulitna River. As he explained, the river “was about 1/4 way to the family cabin by river,” and symbolized the transition point from winter isolation at their remote camp to the spring return to Huslia for supplies.

Despite raising their children in an urban setting, Ricko and Rona emphasize the importance of maintaining cultural ties to their Koyukon Athabaskan heritage. Ricko often takes the children on outdoor excursions involving traditional survival practices such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. He also passes down cultural knowledge by involving them in building handmade boats, crafting nets, and making fur clothing.

Each of the children has spent time homesteading in Huslia, gaining direct exposure to the subsistence lifestyle Ricko grew up with. Through these experiences, Ricko ensures that his children are not only equipped with practical survival skills but are also rooted in the values of their Indigenous heritage.

Loss and Cultural Remembrance: The Tragedy of Riba DeWilde

In 2016, Ricko experienced a devastating family tragedy when his sister, Riba DeWilde, was shot and killed in her home by her son, Eli Simpson. Riba was a respected artist known for her handcrafted works using beads, bone, and fur. She had previously struggled with mental illness, making it difficult for loved ones to connect with her during her final years.

Ricko later addressed the incident publicly, urging people not to make assumptions or place blame:

“Our sister was a very strong, beautiful, and talented lady… What many people don’t know is that the last 4–6 years she began struggling very bad with mental illness… Whatever her son was thinking at the time we don’t really know… We all can’t help but look back and say should’ve, could’ve, would’ve, but that’s too late now.”

In 2021, the family held a three-day memorial potlatch in honor of Riba and four others. The event included the giving of personal belongings, traditional Athabascan singing and dancing, and stories about their loved ones. Ricko shared, “We tie the wolverine and wolf skins then on the last day they are cut into ruffs and also given away to all the people attending.” This ceremony reflected the family’s deep cultural traditions and served as a community celebration of life and remembrance.

Wiki/Bio Facts:

Name	Ricko DeWilde
Birthdate	July 4, 1975
Age	49 years old
Birthplace	Huslia, Alaska, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Mixed (Koyukon & Athabaskan)
Father	Lloyd DeWilde
Mother	Amelia DeWilde
Grandparents	Cue Bifelt, Madeline Bifelt
Education	Dropped out of college
Profession	Hunter, Trapper, Reality Television Actor, Homesteader
Net Worth (estimated)	$500,000
Gender	Male
Sexuality	Straight
Relationship Status	Committed
Marital Status	Likely in a living-together relationship
Spouse/Partner	Rona Vent
Children	Simone, Skarlett, Maya, Skyler, and Keenan
Eye Color	Brown
Zodiac	Cancer
Social Media Handle	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter