Who is Tom Oar? A real-life mountain man
Meet Tom Oar, a Mountain Man fan favourite. Find out about his life, wife and memorable moments on this much-loved Sky HISTORY show.
Image: Tom Oar | Mountain Men
Tom Oar is one of the most legendary figures on Mountain Men. A veteran of the series, Oar lives with his wife Nancy in an isolated region of Montana.
Find out why the ex-Bronco rider is so popular with fans and his memorable moments from this much-loved show.
Mountain Men
For years, fans have tuned in to follow the rugged lives of individuals who’ve chosen to turn their backs on modern conveniences and embrace the wilderness. Among the trappers, hunters and survivalists who’ve graced the series, one figure stands taller than the rest: Tom Oar.
A man who seems cut from another era, Tom has become one of the show’s most beloved personalities. His story isn’t about surviving in the wild – it’s about resilience, craftsmanship and the quiet charm of someone who’s carved out a life on his own terms.
'I was born a hundred years too late – or maybe 200 years too late.' Oar said in an interview.
From rodeo star to wilderness dweller
Tom Oar wasn’t always a household name. Born in Illinois in 1943, he grew up around horses and developed a love for the outdoors at an early age.
'My dad was a real horseman, and he passed that on to my brother and me.' He recalls during a recent interview.
In his younger years, Tom found fame as a professional rodeo rider, competing as a bronco rider for over two decades. The sport demanded toughness, skill and an appetite for risk – qualities that would serve him well later in life.
However, rodeo life takes its toll, and by the time Tom was in his 30s, he and his wife, Nancy, began looking for a different path. In the 1970s, the couple settled in Montana’s Yaak Valley – one of the most remote areas in the United States.
There, far from big cities and modern conveniences, Tom embraced the life of a mountain man, trapping, tanning hides and learning how to survive off the land.
The craft of a bygone era
What sets Tom apart isn’t just where he lives, but how he lives. He’s an expert craftsman, renowned for his traditional brain-tanned buckskin clothing and moccasins. It’s a skill that dates back centuries, demanding patience, precision and deep respect for the materials.
Viewers of Mountain Men have been captivated watching Tom at work – scraping hides, smoking buckskin and stitching garments that look as though they belong in a museum.
Yet these aren’t relics. For Tom, they are part of everyday life. His handiwork has been sought after by re-enactors and history enthusiasts across the country, turning his off-grid lifestyle into a living link with America’s frontier past.
A fan favourite
Part of Tom’s popularity comes from his authenticity. In a world dominated by screens, apps and gadgets, Tom lives by skills most of us only read about. But he’s not a gruff survivalist cut off from the world. Instead, fans have been drawn to his warmth, humour and unwavering devotion to his wife Nancy, who has stood by his side through the challenges of wilderness living.
Tom represents a kind of rugged independence that feels increasingly rare. He’s proof that resilience doesn’t mean isolation. It means finding balance with nature and building a life with intention. His humility also shines through – he never boasts about his skills, even though his way of life would leave most modern folk lost in hours.
Memorable moments
Since the show’s debut in 2012, Tom has provided countless unforgettable moments. For example, fans of the show will never forget watching Tom prepare for brutal Montana winters. Gathering firewood and meat to survive months of snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Scenes of Tom teaching tanning techniques or showing younger trappers how to set lines have become TV gold. These moments highlight his role not just as a survivor, but as a custodian of fading skills.
But it’s Tom’s bond with Nancy that people love watching. Time and again, the series has shown the deep partnership between the duo. Whether preparing food, crafting together or simply sharing quiet moments in their cabin, their relationship has been a cornerstone of Tom’s story.
