Great Wild North

Great Wild North is a riveting reality television series that first premiered in 2015 on History. Set against the stark, mesmerizing, and often unforgiving Northern Canadian wilderness, the series takes viewers on an intense journey into the unpredictable lives of four trap-lines families whose existence relies heavily on trapping wild animals for survival. The show not only explores the enduring traditions of fur trapping in these remote corners of the country but also offers insight into the families' struggle to maintain their unique lifestyle in this harsh and perilous environment.

In each episode, Great Wild North embodies raw adventure and survival like no other, portraying stark realities of living in a land where temperatures can plunge to below -40 degrees and wildlife can pose serious threats. The trappers are at constant mercy of the weather, shifting ice conditions, and unpredictable wild animals, bringing an element of suspense and constant danger to each episode.

At the core of the show are the trappers themselves, making Great Wild North as much an exploration of human resilience as it is a stunning depiction of the vast northern wilderness. The featured trapper families come from a rich lineage of fur trappers dating back numerous generations. These families are tightly-knit, resilient, and highly skilled survivors who rely on an intimate understanding of their environment, traditional hunting skills, and the fruits of their trapping endeavors for their livelihoods. Each episode delves into their struggles, triumphs and, oftentimes, their close calls with nature's elements and wildlife, painting vivid images of individuals who are brave, ambitious, and deeply connected with the land they inhabit.

The breathtaking landscapes that act as backdrops to the trappers' daily lives create an integral part of the overall narrative of the show. From the bone-chillingly cold Yukon winter to the relentless and untamed natural vistas of the British Columbia wilderness, the show encapsulates the surreal beauty of the Canadian North. The cinematography of Great Wild North is sublime, serving to enhance the innately haunting, yet beautiful theme of life on the wild fringes of Canada.

Aside from the invigorating use of its beautiful scenery, the show doesn't shy away from highlighting the equally brutal and merciless side of the Great Wild North. Expect to see scenes of hard toil, survival-driven choices, and occasional carnivorous encounters. Each episode underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of the trappers' traditional lifestyle, often resulting in encounters with dangerous creatures such as grizzlies, wolves, and wolverines.

Great Wild North isn't simply a show about hunting and trapping game. Rather, it's a vivid showcase of a lifestyle that's slowly disappearing and the tenacious individuals who try to uphold it. This series humanizes the trapper, allowing viewers to relate to their existence and daily battles for survival. Each episode is imbued with raw emotion, from the pride they feel when maintaining their family traditions, to the sheer terror they experience when everything doesn't go as planned. It's about the gritty realities that come with living in the wilderness and the lengths an individual goes to preserve their traditions, familial ties, and, ultimately, their survival.

The series is an important exploration of culture and heritage, delving into the deep-seated roots and rituals of the trapper community. Through the lens of each family’s story, one formulates a vivid understanding of the past, present, and potential future of this unique way of life.

In conclusion, Great Wild North is a thrilling immersion into the lives of those living directly off the land, consistently battling the unpredictable and often harsh challenges of the northern wilderness. It is a testament to the resilience and rugged charm of these trappers and their commitment to a lifestyle that dates back centuries. For viewers yearning to uncover the raw realities of a wilderness-oriented way of life and appreciate the depths of human perseverance in unforgiving environments, Great Wild North offers a compelling, dramatic journey worth watching.