Season 5

Fall season in the Arctic means the final preparation is in full swing for the long winter months ahead. In Kavik, Sue sets off on a quest for food to survive the coming freeze. In Eagle, Andy and Kate race to get their fish wheel turning before the chum salmon run hits. With their annual caribou hunt on the horizon, the Hailstones build a cache to store their meat for the season. And in Chandalar, Glenn sets out on the most critical hunt of his year as he hopes to harvest a moose that will yield nearly six months’ worth of meat.

With winter around the corner, Alaskans prepare themselves for the onslaught. In Noorvik, the Hailstone family goes caribou hunting to put up meat for the winter. In Kavik, a bear poses a threat to clients at Sue’s camp. In Eagle, Andy repairs the fish wheel to protect the dogs’ food supply. And in Chandalar, Glenn must haul a felled moose over land and water to get it back to the safety of his camp.

With seasons changing and the transition from fall to winter, Alaskans are preparing for the winter months. In Eagle, Andy hunts for elusive moose, as he and Kate need to replenish their red meat supply for the coming winter. In Kavik, Sue seals up camp and heads to Fairbanks for a foot procedure. With Tiktaalik — a local word for burbot — in season, the Hailstones teach their daughters to ice fish on the river. And in Chandalar, Glenn repairs his cabin before the harsh winter hits.

In Fairbanks, Sue travels 150 miles on an icy road to investigate a tip that squatters are on her property in central Alaska, and in Chandalar, Glenn chases after a pack of wolves in hopes of harvesting leftover caribou meat.

In Noorvik, Chip builds a freight sled for winter travel. A blizzard strands Sue in Fairbanks and she must brave a notoriously dangerous road to get home to Kavik.

With dark winter just around the corner, Alaskans continue preparing for the winter months.

Andy maintains his sled dog trails; Sue works on fixing her generator at the camp; the Hailstones build a tee pee for upcoming hunting trips; and Erik takes his wife hunting for animal hides to sell.

The Hailstones stash supplies along their hunting trails; Sue has trouble contacting people outside her camp; Erik falls while he's gathering firewood; and Andy goes hunting for muskrats.

Chip and Agnes prepare for hunting along the Kiwalik River; Sue builds a pair of snowshoes; Andy goes in search of much needed supplies; Erik and Martha set their first traps of the season.

In Eagle, Andy constructs snares to maintain his food supply. In Wiseman, Erik and Martha cut up their last moose quarter and use salvaged supplies to construct a smokehouse.

As winter begins to fade and signs of spring appear, Alaskans must start to store supplies.

Spring is on the horizon, and the Alaskans prepare for the coming months as winter ends.