# What Really Happened to Marty Meierotto from Mountain Men

Marty Meierotto, a fan favorite from the reality TV show *Mountain Men*, captivated audiences with his rugged charm and unparalleled survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness. Born in 1960 in northern Wisconsin, USA, Marty grew up with a deep love for nature, inspired by his family and introduced to trapping at the age of eight by his father.

This early passion shaped his life, leading him to pursue a career far from the modern world. After realizing there were fewer animals to trap in Wisconsin, Marty moved to Alaska in 1985 with his brother Jeff, taking on various jobs like janitorial work, logging, and construction to sustain his trapping lifestyle.

In Alaska, Marty built a one-room cabin deep in the mountains, enduring harsh conditions with temperatures dropping to 40 degrees below zero. To make a living, he worked as a firefighter, starting in 1988 with the Chenega Inter-Agency Hot Shot team, and later as a smoke jumper for the Alaska Fire Service. Over five years, he made 337 jumps and responded to 114 fires, showcasing his bravery. He also flew Piper aircraft to his cabin, collecting animal skins from traps using a snowmobile.

Despite his heroic efforts, Marty initially resisted joining *Mountain Men* when approached by the History Channel in 2012, valuing his life away from technology. However, producers convinced him by highlighting opportunities to connect with hunting and trapping communities.

From 2012 to 2019, Marty appeared in over 100 episodes across eight seasons, mesmerizing viewers with his ability to survive extreme conditions, fend off wolves without a gun, and operate dangerous machinery.

One iconic moment was when he saved author Bill Heavey, who nearly froze to death in the Alaskan snow after getting lost. Marty’s logical thinking and resilience turned him into a survival legend. Fans adored his humble, optimistic nature and his mastery of the wilderness, making his sudden departure from the show in 2019 a shock to many.

Speculation arose about why Marty left, with some fans wondering if he had faced a dangerous incident or had issues with the production company. Clearing the air, Marty revealed his decision was personal—he wanted to spend more time with his family. Married to Dominique Meierotto, Marty has a daughter, Noah, who shares his love for trapping.

Having dedicated over eight years to the show, Marty felt it was time to settle down with his wife and teenage daughter in Two Rivers, Alaska, 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, where he continues to train Noah in survival skills.

Beyond the show, Marty’s net worth is estimated at $400,000, earned from trapping, selling animal fur, and his television career. Before *Mountain Men*, he spent 31 years in wildland firefighting.

Additionally, he authored *In the Land of Wilderness*, available on Amazon. While it’s uncertain if Marty will return to the screen, his legacy as a courageous adventurer who values freedom, passion, and family endures in the hearts of fans.