For decades, Tom Oar has been the embodiment of the American frontiersman, a rugged individualist who carved out a life in the remote Yaak Valley of Montana. As a beloved star of the hit reality series Mountain Men, he has captivated audiences with his incredible survival skills, unwavering determination, and deep connection to the natural world. But now, at 82 years old, Tom has made an announcement that has sent shockwaves through his community and fanbase: he is stepping away from the life he has known and loved for over 40 years.

The news of Tom’s departure has been met with a mix of sadness and concern. While fans are heartbroken to see him go, many are worried about his health and well-being. In recent episodes of Mountain Men, viewers have noticed a change in Tom. His eyes, once sharp and clear, now appear frail, and his body, once strong and resilient, now shows the signs of a long and arduous life. The way he handles his tools, once with effortless strength, has become more deliberate and slow. His legs, which have carried him through countless miles of rugged terrain, now move with a heavy weariness.

The decision to leave the wilderness has not been an easy one for Tom. In a recent teaser for the new season, he admitted, “It’s hard to quit anything that you really like to do.” These words speak to the deep love and passion he has for his way of life. For Tom, the wilderness is not just a place; it is a part of him. It is where he has built a home, raised a family, and found a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

The announcement of Tom’s retirement has also caused a stir within his own family. While they have always admired his strength and independence, they have grown increasingly concerned about his ability to continue living in such a demanding and unforgiving environment. The risks are simply too great for a man of his age, and they have urged him to consider a less strenuous way of life.

Tom’s journey to becoming a mountain man is a fascinating one. Born in Illinois in 1943, he was drawn to the outdoors from a young age. His father, Cheek Oar, was a horseman who performed in Wild West shows, and he instilled in his son a deep appreciation for nature and a love for animals. As a young man, Tom became a rodeo cowboy, specializing in riding bucking broncos and bulls. He was a skilled and courageous rider, but a serious accident in the 1970s forced him to reconsider his career.

It was then that Tom and his wife, Nancy, made the life-changing decision to move to the remote Yaak Valley of Montana. They built a log cabin by hand, far from the noise and distractions of the modern world. They lived without electricity or running water, relying on their own skills and resourcefulness to survive. Tom became an expert trapper and tanner, using traditional methods to create beautiful and functional items from the hides of animals.

In 2012, Tom was approached by the producers of Mountain Men, who were looking for people who lived authentic off-grid lives. He was hesitant at first, but he eventually agreed to be a part of the show. He quickly became a fan favorite, admired for his incredible skills, his quiet wisdom, and his deep respect for the natural world.

Over the years, viewers have followed Tom’s adventures with a mix of awe and admiration. They have watched him trap beavers in the dead of winter, tan hides using the traditional brain-tanning method, and build a life for himself and his family in one of the most remote and unforgiving places in America. He has faced countless challenges, from harsh weather and dangerous wildlife to the constant threat of injury and illness. But through it all, he has remained steadfast and resilient, a true testament to the strength and spirit of the American frontiersman.

Tom’s health has been a growing concern in recent years. In 2022, he was diagnosed with a heart condition that made it difficult for him to breathe. He was forced to wear a heart monitor and a defibrillator vest, and he had to slow down his physically demanding lifestyle. Despite these challenges, he refused to give up the life he loved. “I’ve been doing this all my life,” he said. “If I stop now, what will I become?”

But now, it seems that Tom has finally accepted that he can no longer continue to live in the wilderness. The risks are simply too great, and he has a responsibility to his family to take care of himself. In the final scene of the most recent season, Tom is seen walking out into the woods alone. He looks out over the land that has been his home for so long and says, “I may not be on the show anymore, but I’ll always be a mountain man.”

Tom’s departure from Mountain Men marks the end of an era. He has been an inspiration to millions of people around the world, a reminder of a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life. He has shown us that it is possible to live in harmony with nature, to find beauty and purpose in the simple things, and to live a life of meaning and fulfillment. While he may be leaving the wilderness behind, his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who have been touched by his story.