The crackle of firewood. The sound of wind rustling through pine trees. The distant howl of a wolf across the frozen ridges of Montana.

For over a decade, Tom Oar has been the quiet heart of Mountain Men, a man who turned his back on modern life and embraced the call of the wild. But now, after 14 unforgettable seasons, the History Channel has confirmed what fans feared: Season 14 will be Tom Oar’s last.

At 81 years old, Oar is stepping away from the camera, but his story—a testament to grit, passion, and the human spirit—will forever be etched into the rugged narrative of Mountain Men. Here’s a look back at the incredible journey of the man who became a living legend.

From Rodeo Cowboy to Mountain Survivalist

Long before television crews followed his every move through snowdrifts and bear country, Tom Oar lived a very different life. Born in Illinois in 1943, Oar grew up with a wild streak and a hunger for adventure. That craving led him into the dangerous world of rodeo, where he spent years as a professional bronc rider.

The rodeo gave him a taste of adrenaline, but the wear and tear on his body was immense. By the 1970s, Tom knew he needed a new path. He and his wife, Nancy, packed up their life and moved deep into Montana’s Yaak Valley—one of the most remote regions in the continental United States. There, with no blueprint and no backup, they built a log cabin by hand. That home, crafted with sweat and heart, still shelters them to this day.

Tom didn’t just survive in the wilderness—he thrived. He became a master trapper, a hide tanner, and a craftsman of traditional Native American-style tools and clothing. His way of life wasn’t nostalgic—it was necessary. For Tom and Nancy, the wilderness wasn’t a getaway. It was home.

The Rise of Mountain Men

When Mountain Men first premiered on the History Channel in 2012, viewers were introduced to a handful of individuals who had chosen a life off the grid. Among them, Tom Oar quickly stood out—not for theatrics or drama, but for his quiet, capable way of working with nature instead of against it.

Tom became the emotional anchor of the series. His deep respect for the land, his incredible skill set, and his humble spirit resonated with millions. Whether he was tanning hides, snowshoeing through heavy drifts, or simply sitting by the fire with Nancy, his scenes radiated authenticity.

Over the years, Oar formed a unique bond with his fellow Mountain Men stars. His relationship with survivalist Eustace Conway, known for his intense energy and philosophical outlook, was one of mutual respect.

Though their approaches differed—Tom with his quiet craft, Eustace with his educational Appalachian outpost—their values aligned: self-reliance, simplicity, and stewardship of the land.

He also shared screen time and camaraderie with other wilderness veterans like Rich Lewis, known for his mountain lion tracking, and Marty Meierotto, the skilled bush pilot and trapper.

While each cast member carved their own niche, Tom was often viewed as the elder statesman of the group—a mentor figure whose presence grounded the show.

A Life Shared with Nancy Oar

Behind every great mountain man is a woman of equal strength. Nancy Oar has been Tom’s partner for over 40 years, and their love story is just as enduring as the log cabin they built. Viewers often saw her working alongside Tom, stitching clothing from buckskin or helping prepare for the brutal winters.

The couple has one son, Chad Oar, who occasionally appears in public discussions about his father’s legacy. Though he hasn’t taken to the spotlight, Chad’s presence in Tom and Nancy’s life serves as a reminder that even in the most rugged corners of the world, family remains the core.

Tom and Nancy have often said they have no plans to leave the Yaak Valley. That sentiment echoes the values they’ve built their life on: stability, intention, and living in harmony with nature.
Tom Oar with his wife Nancy Oar

The End of an Era

As the History Channel announced on August 4, 2025, Season 14 of Mountain Men will mark Tom Oar’s final appearance on the show. The news hit longtime fans hard, though perhaps not unexpectedly.

“For 81-year-old icon Tom Oar, this season could mark the moment he decides whether to keep going or hand off the torch,” the official press release stated. In a teaser clip, Tom hints at the internal struggle: “It’s hard to quit anything that you really like to do.”

That struggle is palpable. Tom isn’t leaving because he’s lost his passion. But as age creeps in and survival becomes more demanding, even the toughest mountain men must consider when to pass the torch.

This season will also introduce a new generation of off-grid adventurers. Among them, 28-year-olds Chance and Soraya Painter, who are raising two children in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. While their journey is just beginning, Tom’s is reaching a poignant and powerful conclusion.

A Legacy Carved in Wood and Ice

As Mountain Men Season 14 unfolds, fans will witness the final chapter of Tom Oar’s television journey—but not the end of his story. Even as cameras stop rolling, Tom will continue living in the home he built, surrounded by the wild he has always called friend.

His legacy is more than a television role. It’s a reminder that in a world racing toward convenience, there are still those who find fulfillment in simplicity, craft, and connection to the land.

Tom Oar didn’t just play a role on Mountain Men. He lived it. And through his example, he leaves behind more than episodes—he leaves behind inspiration.

As the sun sets on Tom’s time on screen, one thing is certain: legends don’t fade—they become part of the mountains themselves.