Season 1 2014

Everyone is in search of food, but the winter weather is making the hunt difficult for some. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Thorn struggles to find even a trace of wildlife to turn into a meal. Close by, Tony and Amelia battle the cold, making use of any meat they can get their hands on. Down in a river-swamp in Georgia, Colbert shows his expertise when he catches a large beaver near his home. And across the country, in drought-stricken central California, Gabriel sets his sights on small game.

In the swamps of Georgia, Colbert catches a raccoon in the woods. It seems that the season will end well, but when he returns home with his catch, Colbert is faced with a tragedy with unimaginable consequences. In Appalachia, Tony and Amelia get to work on building a water filter to process their drinking water. Nearby, Thorn finds himself with an eye infection and a fever due to exposure to the harsh winter conditions. In California, Gabriel forges a spear in preparation for a boar hunt.

In central California, Gabriel and Justin continue to track wild boar. In dire need of meat, they finally shift their target to less challenging prey. In the Blue Ridge, Tony and Amelia continue to expand their homestead by clearing space for a coop for their newly acquired chicks. Nearby, Thorn decides to start construction on a new shelter for himself and his daughter. In southern Georgia, Colbert is reeling from a tragic discovery... a discovery that has him spending a night in a hotel.

Winter has finally lifted in Appalachia, but the rainy weather marking the arrival of spring is proving a nuisance for Tony and Amelia. Thorn is taking advantage of the warmer weather by adding a goat to his camp, which will provide him with protein from its milk. Further south in Georgia, Colbert sets new traps in an attempt to make up for the pelts he lost in the fire. In California, Gabriel's elder Tautaucho helps him hone his hunting technique.

The seasons are changing, forcing everyone to think of new ways to adapt to their environment. The situation is especially dire in the Georgia swamps, where Colbert is facing the threat of a major flood that could submerge his fishing cabin. In Appalachia, Thorn is working on a new shelter because heavy rain ravaged his hut. Tony and Amelia gather materials to construct an outdoor stove to prevent their house from overheating. In California, Gabriel's friend brings him some much-needed meat.

Colbert gets a visit from his nephew. Thorn's daughter helps him finish his shelter. Tony and Amelia get help from a friend to complete their chicken coop. And Gabriel dries out his goat meat for jerky.

As spring thrives in the swamps and woodlands, wildlife plays a bigger role in the lives of these survivalists.

With summer on its way, the changing landscape and new critters begin to affect daily life in the backwoods and swamps. Tony and Amelia trade for goods; Thorn goes turkey hunting; Colbert tracks wild hogs; and Gabriel meets up with his mentor.

From a rabbit hutch to a new home, projects abound in the wild. In the swamps of Georgia, Colbert is faced with a serious challenge — transporting the materials for his new home up the river.

Homecomings and new beginnings cause these pioneers to reflect on how their lives have changed and what’s still to come.