This season opens as a polar vortex sweeps across the nation and plunges America into a brutal early winter. Tom Oar is behind on his winter preparations because he's spending time with family in Florida and facing a possibly life-changing decision. Will he sacrifice leaving the mountain man lifestyle behind to live closer to his family? In the Ruby Valley, a bloody encounter with a mountain lion leaves Rich Lewis's lead hunting dog Brandy in a life or death situation, and could end her career forever. Marty Meierotto takes advantage of a break in the harsh weather to embark on his annual trip to the Great Alaskan Range, but this year instead of leaving his wife, Dominique and their daughter Noah behind he's taking them with him. And in New Mexico's rugged and relentless High Desert, we meet Kyle Bell who is teaching his son Ben the dying ways of the mountain man lifestyle.

• D.B. Sweeney
• Tom Oar
• Nancy Oar