Port Protection Alaska

Resourcefulness is key to survival in Port Protection and for 56-year resident Sam that means making the most of what he’s got. He sets out to extend the wear of his boots using mink oil — but first he must find and trap the minks. Gary heads to the shore to forage for sustenance, but extreme tides come only twice a month, so he must act quickly in order to find his dinner. Meanwhile, couple Hans and Timbi are determined to turn their property into a working farm, but recent injuries create a setback and they must rely on others in the community for help.

Winter’s end is approaching and the change of season brings new opportunities while closing the door on others. Sam has heard from other fishermen that halibut have been caught nearby. After months of living off of frozen food, he’s eager to catch some of the savory fish. Meanwhile trapping season is coming to a close and that means Gary is losing one of his main sources of income. He sets out for one last trapping trip in an effort to get enough fur to help meet his expenses for the year. Curly gets word that a massive tree is threatening a local house, and Mary sets out on the inexhaustible hunt for firewood.

The residents of Port Protection deal with the forces of nature, yet again. Curly decides to support the community and take on pesky beavers. Sam finds it’s time to start his garden and encounters bad soil so he has to search the surrounding area for the necessary ingredients to sweeten it up. Rough weather and high winds complicate Timbi’s situation when she suspects she has a life-threatening blood clot and can’t leave the island. Meanwhile, Gary sets out to do some king salmon fishing and encounters another competitor, which jeopardizes his attempts to catch a fish.

With winter almost upon them, the residents of Port Protection are busy using the remaining days of good weather and daylight to stock their freezers and complete crucial chores.

For the residents of Port Protection, a transition from fall to winter means not only a change in weather but also a change in priorities.

Mary and Curly head out on a duck hunt that tests their limits. Sam hunts for a Sitka black-tailed deer with one of his oldest hunting partners.

As winter approaches in Port Protection, residents must be prepared or face consequences. Open deer season provides Gary Muehlberger with an opportunity to stockpile meat. Stuart Andrews and Dave Squibb fish for halibut to fill their freezers. Mary Miller faces her fears to harvest firewood for the winter. In the wake of Jethro's passing, Curly Leech trains a new dog for life in Southeast Alaska

Its time to stock up in Port Protection. Curly Leach goes out to get fire wood, but struggles to stop the rocks damaging his new skiff. Gary Muehlberger's first fishing trip is a bust and he decides a beer is a better idea. The next day he catches food for the cat and dog. Mary Miller goes deer hunting and hopes she doesn't become the hunted when she gets lost. Sam Carlson converts an old propane tank into a bio charcoal maker, to enrich the soil for his garden.

Gary Muehlberger goes on a wood hunt. Felling a huge dead pine, he is set for wood for the whole winter. Curly Leach tries to get some geese with his trainee dog, but the training is a work in progress. Sam Carlson and Dave Squibb build a giant version of a rocket stove. Their idea is to burn Port Protection waste as cleanly and efficiently as possible. Mary Miller hunts for fish for her and her animals while trying not to be sunk by a whale.

As winter draws near, Port Protection residents ready themselves for Mother Nature's cruelest months. With his freezer low on venison, Gary Muehlberger trudges through the Alaskan brush in search of deer. Matt Carlson begins a long journey home alone after having left his family behind in Ketchikan. Mary Miller must first repair an outhaul before collecting firewood.

The residents of Port Protection prepare to survive the harsh winter. Gary Muehlberger ventures outside the safety of Port Protection in search of clams and crabs. Matt Carlson and his father Sam attempt to repair an old oil stove to provide heat. Tim "Curly" Leach and his dog search the Alaskan wetlands for duck and geese. Mary Miller hopes to catch enough fish to fill her freezer.

Living in Port Protection is a never-ending education on the art of survival. David Squibb fights tides and a rocky beach to install a wind generator. Mary Miller uses her carpentry skills to better preserve her meat supplies. Gary Muehlberger and old friend Litzi Botello try their luck catching a yellow eye. Curly Leach must repair his home before stockpiling firewood.

After losing one of its own, in a tragic fire, Port Protection residents try to pick themselves up, regroup, and move forward with their lives off the grid.

While some residents investigate other income generating opportunities, others handle some basic maintenance on their residences, and others carry out a first full inspection of their new acquisitions.

The old hands teach the now blood how to survive in Port Protection, while others fine tune their food gathering and growing abilities.

As the community of Port Protection moves on with their lives, Squibb and Troy join forces to repair a sinking float that could cause a massive oil spill.

A massive tree blocks the waterway and Matt Carlson makes a plan to deal with it. Curly Leach bags his bear, and newcomer Veronica Arrants learns some halibut techniques from David Squibb

Sam Carlson's youngest son comes to visit from Washington. Mary goes out fishing with Curly to get bait for the crab pots. Troy assists Oliver with some much needed float repairs to his home.

A long winter changes the paths of the Port Protection's residents

Carl hunts a deer, Troy dives, and Curly and Veronica embrace danger.

In Port Protection, tools aren't always used for what they're intended.

The residents repair the dam to restore water and power; Squibb helps Troy and Sarah build a path to their home; Curly and Junior hunt black bear; Shipley returns to fish with his family.

Curly succeeds in bear hunting; Troy and Sarah attempt to move a massive water tank; Jiggy and Gale craft new fishing lures; Oliver and Breanna construct a tidal lift.

Summer’s peak keeps everyone busy; Troy fishes for halibut; Squibb works on dock repairs; Carl faces challenges in commercial fishing.