# Tom Oar from Mountain Men: Shocking Updates on Health and Retirement

Tom Oar, the beloved star of *Mountain Men*, has recently made headlines with emotional updates about his health, lifestyle, and potential exit from the show. At 82, the legendary trapper and craftsman, known for his rugged off-grid life in Montana’s Yaak Valley, has fans reeling with news of significant changes they never anticipated.

Born in 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, Tom grew up in a semi-rural setting, learning trick riding from his father, Chink Oar, a former Navy man and horseman. From age seven, Tom mastered daring stunts on galloping horses, developing a deep connection to nature.

His early life was shaped by self-reliance—fixing fences, splitting wood, and tracking animals—skills that became the foundation of his extraordinary life. Uninterested in academics, Tom’s true classroom was the outdoors, where he honed instincts over instructions.

Before *Mountain Men*, Tom spent nearly two decades on the rodeo circuit in the 1960s and 1970s, competing in bareback bronc and bull riding across the Midwest. Despite injuries, including a brutal 1980s incident with a bull named Woolly Bugger that left him with a concussion and broken ribs, he loved the cowboy culture. Approaching 40, with physical wear mounting, Tom retired from rodeo and moved to Montana with his wife, Nancy.

In the remote Yaak Valley, they built a log cabin without electricity or plumbing, enduring harsh winters with temperatures dropping to minus 38°F. Here, Tom mastered brain tanning, crafting buckskin clothing, and became a respected figure at primitive skills gatherings.

Since 2012, *Mountain Men* has showcased Tom’s authentic life—tanning hides, building snowshoes, and surviving brutal winters. Unlike typical reality stars, Tom never performed for the camera; he simply lived as he had for decades.

His bond with Nancy, their teamwork, and shared endurance captivated viewers, making them a fan-favorite couple. Tom’s segments inspired many to reconnect with nature and traditional skills in a digital age.

However, recent years revealed challenges. Filming disrupted his natural rhythm, and the physical toll of his lifestyle became evident as he aged. Fans noticed his struggles with equipment and harsh weather, while Nancy expressed concerns about Montana’s dangerous winters.

In Season 8 (2019), Tom began preparing to leave the Yaak, selling tools and reflecting on retirement, possibly moving to Florida near Nancy’s family. Though he no longer lives permanently in Montana, he remained part of the show—until now.

An August 2025 teaser for the new season hints at Tom’s departure at 82, with him stating, “It’s hard to quit anything that you really like to do.” While exact reasons remain unclear, his exit paves the way for new survivalists.

Fans are heartbroken yet supportive, recognizing that after decades of wilderness living, Tom deserves rest. His journey on *Mountain Men* taught millions the value of harmony with nature, leaving an indelible legacy as an era ends.