Tom Oar’s Complete Mountain Men Career (Seasons 1–13): Life, Legacy & Wilderness Adventures

Tom Oar, born in March 1943 in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois, is a former rodeo cowboy turned modern-day mountain man. The son of Charles Joseph “Chike” Oar, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and Mary Jane Hardy Oar Crellin, Tom grew up alongside his older brother, Jack Oar. Surrounded by horses and the outdoors from a young age, Tom’s upbringing shaped his rugged, self-sufficient lifestyle. After a successful career in professional rodeo—specializing in bronc riding—Tom retired from the arena and sought a quieter, self-reliant life in nature.

By the early 1990s, Tom and his wife Nancy settled in the remote Yaak River Valley of Montana, where they raised livestock, trapped, and honed traditional crafts. Their German shorthaired pointer, Ellie, was often by their side.

Tom became a beloved figure on Mountain Men when the show debuted in 2012. Across 13 seasons, viewers watched his rare blend of resilience, craftsmanship, and deep respect for nature. His story captured not only the challenges of wilderness living but also universal themes of aging, adaptation, and family legacy. He became known not only as a survivalist but as a mentor, teaching traditional skills and instilling a love for the old ways in younger generations.

Mountain Men Season 1 (2012)

Tom Oar made his television debut on Mountain Men as one of the three original cast members, alongside Eustace Conway and Marty Meierotto. Viewers were introduced to Tom’s life deep in the Yaak River Valley of northwest Montana, where he lived with his wife Nancy and their loyal German shorthaired pointer, Ellie. Tom, a retired rodeo cowboy, had spent years mastering the art of self-reliance and traditional tanning techniques, skills that would become his signature on the show.

Throughout the season, Tom demonstrated the daily challenges of wilderness living. As the harsh Montana winter approached, he worked tirelessly to stockpile firewood, hunt for meat, and set up traps. Despite his skills, securing enough food was a constant struggle. He and his closest neighbor, Will — a longtime friend from his rodeo days — often teamed up for hunting trips. In one early episode, they attempted a deer hunt but returned empty-handed, highlighting the unpredictability of nature.

Predator threats quickly became a major theme. Bears and wolves prowled the area, forcing Tom to remain vigilant to protect his homestead and livestock. At the same time, family concerns about Tom and Nancy’s isolated lifestyle began to surface. Their daughter, Keelie, expressed growing worries about their safety and encouraged them to consider retiring somewhere less dangerous.

The season also emphasized Tom’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship. He trapped beavers to use their pelts for income and to produce goods for trade and sale. At times, Tom took on the role of a mentor, passing on his knowledge of survival skills, trapping, and tanning to viewers and, occasionally, visiting family members.

By the end of Season 1, Tom’s story had captured audiences with its blend of resilience, family values, and the stark realities of wilderness life. His balance between maintaining old-world skills and adapting to modern challenges set the stage for his long-running and beloved presence on Mountain Men.

Season 2 (2013)

Season 2 tested Tom with some of the most dangerous conditions he had faced in years. The Yaak Valley experienced its worst wildfire season in living memory, threatening Tom and Nancy’s homestead. Adding to the pressure, a grizzly bear devastated Tom’s garden, forcing him into a difficult deer hunt to replenish winter meat supplies. Despite the challenges, Tom successfully harvested a deer and worked quickly to preserve the meat before predators could steal his efforts.

Tom also suffered an injury while fending off an increasingly aggressive wolf pack that had begun encroaching on his property. His grandson visited during the season, offering moments of family bonding but also highlighting the hardships of wilderness living. Later, Tom traveled to Idaho to assist his brother Jack in breaking wild colts, strengthening their family connection. Together, they also released Jack’s prized hunting falcon back into the wild.

By the season’s end, Tom and Nancy faced a life-altering decision. With growing concerns from family, especially their daughter Keelie, they seriously considered moving to Florida to enjoy a safer and easier lifestyle in their later years. Although no final decision was made, the emotional weight of potentially leaving the mountains hung heavily over them.

Season 3 (2014)

At the beginning of Season 3, it was revealed that Tom and Nancy had spent time in Florida during the offseason, further contemplating retirement. However, their deep attachment to the Yaak Valley and the wilderness lifestyle ultimately pulled them back to Montana.

The season opened with an early and brutal polar vortex, accelerating the onset of winter. Tom scrambled to catch up on preparations he had missed while spending time away. Compounding his difficulties, an expanding wolf population posed significant threats to his homestead and safety. Tom took proactive steps, including hunting and reinforcing defensive measures to protect his land and livestock.

Tom also deepened his focus on craftsmanship. He began working on a lucrative bison hide tanning project, though an early fire threatened to ruin it. Fortunately, his perseverance paid off. His brother Jack returned to visit, offering both moral support and practical assistance. Family remained central to Tom’s story as his son Chad and grandson Hank visited. Tom took the opportunity to teach them essential hunting, trapping, and wilderness survival skills, passing down his hard-earned knowledge to the next generation.

Throughout the season, Tom also had dangerous close encounters with predators, including wolverines, which threatened his traps and food stores. These challenges underscored the constant balance between man and nature in the harsh wilderness.

By season’s end, while the decision to retire remained a possibility, Tom’s actions made it clear he was not yet ready to leave the mountain man life behind.

Season 4 (2015)

Tom faced one of the most testing periods of his later wilderness career. As winter closed in, unpredictable weather and mounting predator threats pushed both his physical limits and his homesteading skills. He defended his property against bears and wolves, often single-handedly, while confronting the growing physical challenges of aging. Despite a string of bad luck that jeopardized his trapping success, Tom’s resilience shone through. Late in the season, a high-risk custom commission tested his craftsmanship but also provided a much-needed breakthrough. He ended the winter battle-worn but victorious, proving once again his ability to adapt not just to the environment but to the realities of aging in the wild.

Season 5 (2016)

Following two consecutive winters of hardship, Tom Oar’s resilience was tested like never before. The lingering effects of the previous year’s setbacks compounded, pushing his trapping efforts and craftsmanship to their limits. Determined to maintain the self-reliant lifestyle he and Nancy had built, Tom launched into the season with renewed grit. He divided responsibilities with Nancy and even sought reinforcements when the challenges became too great to face alone. However, nature dealt blow after blow. A promising opportunity slipped away, leaving Tom to confront dwindling resources and the ever-present threat of predators. His most daring move came late in the season—a last-minute bear hunt that symbolized not just a quest for survival but defiance against aging and adversity. Although he faced injuries, breakdowns, and bitter defeats—including a crushing loss in Idaho that forced him to retreat back to the Yaak—the season underscored Tom’s unbreakable spirit and unwavering commitment to a way of life few could endure.

Season 6 (2017)

In Season 6, Tom Oar once again proved that age was no barrier to resilience. As winter tightened its grip, he took on ambitious hunts, including a bold attempt to track and harvest some of North America’s largest game. But the dangers weren’t limited to the hunt—wolves began closing in on his property, forcing Tom to defend his homestead directly. This season also marked a rare winning streak for Tom. After back-to-back years of hardship, he finally experienced a series of trapping and crafting successes, reaffirming both his skills and his determination to remain self-reliant. However, nature’s unpredictability was always lurking. Harsh weather, thin ice, and the constant threat of predators kept Tom—and Nancy—on high alert throughout the season. Despite the challenges, Tom emerged victorious, showing that even as physical limitations grew with age, wisdom and experience could still turn the tide.

Season 7 (2018)

At an age when most would consider retirement, Tom Oar took on some of his most dangerous and demanding challenges yet. Wildfires swept across Montana, threatening not only his homestead but the very way of life he had built in the Yaak Valley. In addition to fire danger, Tom battled predator invasions, including wolves and bears encroaching ever closer to his traplines and livestock. One of the season’s most memorable moments came when he faced the unforgiving rapids of the Kootenai River while pursuing late-season fur, a task that tested both his physical endurance and his deep knowledge of the land. Despite equipment breakdowns, predator threats, and the growing toll of aging, Tom pressed forward with unrelenting determination. He also embraced a high-value commission, using his exceptional craftsmanship to fulfill a challenging order that pushed his skills to new heights. As nature continued to throw new hurdles his way, Tom’s Season 7 journey highlighted not just survival, but mastery — the result of a lifetime spent living in harmony with the wild.

Season 8 (2019)

In Season 8, Tom Oar—still persevering in his mid-70s—continued to balance the physical demands of wilderness living with his enduring passion for traditional craftsmanship. Despite increasing challenges from predators, particularly coyotes encroaching on his traplines and property, Tom demonstrated his adaptive skills by turning these threats into opportunity. He successfully trapped coyotes and transformed their pelts into valuable buckskin products, keeping his homestead financially afloat. One of his proudest achievements this season was building an authentic Native American bull boat, a testament to his deep respect for indigenous techniques and his lifelong love of learning ancestral skills.

Tom also reconnected with his family heritage by collaborating with his brother Jack, who remained a vital part of his life and survival strategies. However, the season wasn’t without setbacks. Mechanical failures and harsh weather continually threatened to derail his plans. Yet, as always, Tom met adversity with resilience, ingenuity, and the unwavering support of Nancy. His work this season emphasized not only self-reliance but also the importance of preserving and passing down traditional knowledge—a theme that had become a hallmark of his Mountain Men career.

Season 9 (2020)

As Tom Oar entered his late seventies, Season 9 marked another year of steadfast dedication to the mountain man way of life. At 77 years old, Tom remained deeply engaged in both his traditional crafts and predator management around his homestead. Coyotes and other predators increasingly encroached on his property, testing his trapping skills and determination.

One of the season’s most notable highlights was Tom’s ambitious woodworking project: he hand-carved a traditional dugout canoe, blending craftsmanship with heritage techniques rarely seen in the modern era. This endeavor not only reflected his practical skills but also served as a teaching moment for younger trappers and his family.

Throughout the season, Tom collaborated with his brother Jack and longtime friend Sean, reinforcing the importance of community and shared knowledge in wilderness living. Though health concerns were becoming more prominent—particularly the physical toll of aging and years of labor-intensive work—Tom, supported by Nancy and his close circle, pushed through with the same resilience that had defined his entire career.

As challenges mounted, Tom’s season stood as a testament to perseverance, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of a man who had built his life in harmony with nature.

Season 10 (2021)

Now well into his late seventies, Tom Oar embraced new challenges while remaining a cornerstone of Mountain Men. The season opened with Tom and Nancy continuing to battle the isolation and harsh winters of Montana’s Yaak Valley. Determined to expand his skills and maintain self-sufficiency, Tom ventured into new territory for beaver trapping—showcasing both his adaptability and deep knowledge of local ecosystems.

Tom also undertook a special project crafting a unique wolf hide product, blending traditional methods with artistic craftsmanship. His efforts not only provided a source of income but also preserved the mountain man heritage he had spent decades mastering. Throughout the season, Tom collaborated closely with his brother Jack and longtime friend Sean. These partnerships reflected his belief in community and the passing down of knowledge.

Despite the ever-present health challenges that come with age, Tom continued to mentor younger trappers and hunters, emphasizing the importance of resilience, respect for nature, and self-reliance. His unwavering dedication to the wilderness lifestyle continued to inspire both his family and the show’s audience.

Season 11 (2022)

Season 11 marked a poignant chapter in Tom Oar’s career as both a mountain man and mentor. Now approaching 80, Tom faced a significant personal challenge when he received a heart condition diagnosis. Yet true to form, he chose resilience over retreat. Rather than stepping back, Tom deepened his connection to traditional skills and family legacy.

Working alongside close friend Sean McAfee, Tom returned to his winter trapline—pushing through grueling terrain that would challenge even younger men. At home, he and Nancy continued their craftsmanship, with Tom and Sean racing against time to preserve a valuable buffalo hide while Nancy created a pair of custom moccasins, underscoring their ongoing commitment to self-reliance and artistry.

In one of the season’s most meaningful moments, Tom took his grandson, 9-year-old Hank McAfee, under his wing. He taught Hank the fundamentals of trapping and wilderness survival, symbolically passing down knowledge that had defined his own life. This mentorship not only reinforced family bonds but also highlighted Tom’s dedication to keeping traditional mountain man skills alive for the next generation.

Despite his health challenges, Tom’s determination to uphold his way of life—and to share it with others—remained as steadfast as ever.

Season 12 (2023)

At 80 years old, Tom Oar’s life remained a testament to resilience, tradition, and family legacy. This season was especially significant as it marked both personal milestones and continued contributions to the Mountain Men community. Tom celebrated his 80th birthday not with relaxation, but by undertaking the ambitious project of building a traditional elk hide teepee—a symbol of his craftsmanship and his enduring bond with Native American traditions he deeply respected.

He also crafted a special buckskin vest for his grandson Hank, continuing his role as a mentor and ensuring that essential wilderness skills and the value of self-reliance were passed down to the next generation. Throughout the season, Tom and Nancy remained active participants in hunting and trapping activities, although Tom wisely balanced his physical efforts with teaching and guiding.

While newer cast members like Lauro and Marty took on intense adventures—from Iditarod training to moose and bear hunts—Tom’s storyline focused on legacy and adaptation. Rather than stepping back, he evolved into a patriarchal figure within the Mountain Men series, blending wisdom, craftsmanship, and family values in every endeavor.

Season 13 (2024)

At 81 years old, Tom Oar’s journey on Mountain Men continued to inspire viewers with a blend of tradition, family, and the spirit of perseverance. Even as younger cast members took on grueling adventures—from Lauro’s daring Iditarod run to Marty’s backcountry hauls—Tom focused on deepening his family legacy and traditional craftsmanship.

This season, Tom partnered once again with his longtime friend Will to construct a full-sized elk hide tipi, a symbol not only of wilderness survival but also of the cultural and artistic skills Tom had honed over a lifetime. Working alongside his brother Jack, he also carved a traditional peace pipe, reviving a craft that connected the Oar family’s past to its future.

While he no longer undertook the physically punishing hunts and long-range trapping runs of his earlier seasons, Tom’s role evolved into that of mentor and teacher. He continued to share his knowledge with friends, family, and viewers alike, emphasizing the values of resilience, adaptability, and respect for the natural world. Even with ongoing health challenges, including his previously disclosed heart issues, Tom maintained his active lifestyle and his enduring commitment to the mountain man way of life.