What is Rich Lewis of “Mountain Men” doing in 2023?

 

Rich Lewis is a well-known American reality television star who gained fame for appearing on the History Channel series “Mountain Men” for 6 seasons. The show depicts people who have chosen to live off-grid in the mountains of remote areas across the US. One of the most intriguing characters on the show is Rich Lewis, a veteran trapper, and outdoorsman who has been a part of the series since its second season. In this video, we’re going to take a look at what Rich has been up to since leaving “Mountain Men”, what happened to him, and what we can expect from him in 2023. We’ll take a look at his current projects and talk about his stunning transformation over the past few years. Stay tuned!

Who is Rich Lewis?

His early childhood, family, and educational background

Rich Lewis was born sometime in January, 1954 in Idaho, U.S. to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis. Not much information on his early childhood or family is available online, indicating that Rich is a private person who likes to keep his personal life out of the limelight. What is known about his childhood, however, is that he grew up in the rural, southwestern part of Idaho and was drawn to the wilderness and the beauty of nature. He would spend most of his childhood exploring the mountains around him, going on to participate in outdoor activities and clubs in high school. After matriculation, he attended Montana State University where he was awarded a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Science. After graduating, he began working full-time for the U.S. Forest Service as a park ranger and firefighter. Unbeknownst to him, this experience gave him valuable insight into the wilds of Montana which would serve him well later on. It was during this time that he met and married his wife of over 30 years, Diane Lewis, before relocating to Ruby Valley, Montana. Rich Lewis’s passion for nature captured the attention of residents in Ruby Valley and surrounding areas, as he demonstrated his heroic acts by extinguishing wildfires and rescuing cattle from predators. During this time, he honed his skills in wilderness exploration and hunting, including pursuing dangerous creatures like lions. As word of his abilities spread, people began to seek his assistance and paid him for his services. Eventually, he secured a job protecting villagers and their livestock in Ruby Valley, and even wildlife reserves sought him out to track and hunt out-of-control beasts.

His journey on the show: “Mountain Man”

What is “Mountain Men”?

This is an American reality TV show that airs on the History Channel. The show premiered on 31st May, 2012, and is currently in its 11th season. It follows several men who live off the grid and rely on the land to survive. The cast includes: Eustace Conway -a naturalist and the owner of Turtle Island, a 1,000-acre wilderness preserve in North Carolina, Tom Oar -a Montana-based trapper and tanner who has been living off the grid for over 35 years, and Marty Meierotto -a hunter and trapper from Alaska who lives with his family in the wilderness. They are joined by Rich himself – a mountain man from Montana who traps beaver and hunts big game for a living, Charlie Tucker -a retired rodeo cowboy who now lives off the land in the Yaak Valley of Montana and Kyle Bell – a trapper and hunter from New Mexico who is also a mountain lion tracker. The show primarily focuses on their daily lives, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and other activities they undertake to survive in the wild. The series highlights their struggles and challenges as they live a life that is very different from the modern world.

His appearance on the show

In 2012, he and his wife signed a contract with the History Channel to appear on the TV series “Mountain Men”. Their first debut on the show aired in 2013 in the second season on an episode titled “Into the Wild” which showcased his impressive survival and hunting talents. On the show, Rich is shown living off the land in the wilderness of Montana. He spends his days trapping and hunting, and his nights in a cabin that he built himself. Lewis is often shown working with his dogs, who help him track and catch his prey. Throughout the series, Lewis has faced a number of challenges, including harsh weather conditions, equipment failures, and encounters with dangerous animals. Despite these challenges, Lewis has always managed to persevere and come out on top. He spent 20 years living in Ruby Valley, becoming known by locals for his survivalist skill set. He displayed a talent for warding off mountain lions from the tiny village he lives in, too, so he became somewhat of a hometown hero. His unique personality and no-nonsense attitude to his life and surroundings eventually turned him into a reality TV star.

Viewers of the reality TV series were treated to a glimpse of Rich’s daily life in the rugged wilderness for four years, witnessing firsthand his impressive hunting and tracking skills. Rich also played an important role in his community by performing tasks for the government and neighbors, such as warding off mountain lions and extinguishing fires. Rich earned the nickname ‘Lion Hunter’ thanks to his exceptional hunting skills and strategic ability in taking down mountain lions. On the show, Rich was known for his expertise in hunting, trapping, and tracking in the rugged terrain of the Absaroka Range. He would often venture deep into the wilderness for weeks at a time, relying on his survival skills to live off the land and harvest furs for income. From there, Lewis became a beloved figure both on and off the screen, admired for his heroism and protection in the Ruby Valley. Over the course of six seasons and more than 80 episodes, Lewis captivated audiences with his no-nonsense attitude and wilderness expertise. However, in 2017, he decided to leave the show with a lot of speculation about the reason for his departure.

Challenges he faced

Living off the land is no easy feat, and for him, it meant contending with some of the most extreme weather conditions imaginable. Enduring temperatures as low as -50C, and braving unpredictable rains, snowstorms, and blizzards, he has had to face it all head-on. But that’s not all; to thrive in the wilderness, one must possess a deep understanding of the environment and its inhabitants, from wild animals to bugs. Additionally, he’s had to overcome the lack of resources and supplies, especially during the long winter months when provisions run low. Rich has faced numerous challenges, from equipment failures to health problems, but remains resilient and has developed skills that allow him to overcome obstacles. The isolation from civilization has been another significant challenge, with no local stores, running water, or access to electricity unless it’s self-generated. All of these circumstances have forced him to become self-sufficient and learn new skills daily, always striving to survive and thrive in the wild.

Why did he leave the show?

Many fans of the show were left wondering about the absence of Rich in all episodes during Season 7; the previous was the last season featuring him and his wife. Speculations arose that he may have left the show or experienced health problems. However, it was later disclosed that Lewis had taken a break from filming to address some personal health issues and required time to focus on recovery. Lewis clarified that he was not fired by the producers nor were they planning to replace him in a different direction. Rich decided to leave the show on his own terms, citing his age and lifestyle as the reason for his departure. Although rumors surfaced that he had a falling out with the producers, the truth is that he left the show because he felt it was time for a change in his life. In the subsequent season, young hunter Jake Herak was introduced to the show to fill the void left by Rich Lewis. Similar to Lewis, Jake is a lion hunter and works with a pack of dogs while hunting. However, it is important to note that Jake was not brought in to replace Lewis due to a falling out with the producers, but rather to continue the show’s theme of highlighting skilled hunters living in the wild. The most likely answer is that he was looking for a change of pace. After many long years of braving the wilderness, Rich may have felt like it was time to take on a new challenge in life.  Clearly, Rich has made the most out of life after leaving the show. In 2023, we can expect more of the same—adventures in nature and craftsmanship that go hand-in-hand with being one of America’s true modern-day mountain men!

What is he doing in 2023?

So, where is Rich Lewis now? Fans of the show will be happy to know that Lewis is back to trapping and living off the land, alongside his wife. There has never been any mention He has returned to his home in the Ruby Valley and is once again working with his dogs to catch elusive animals. In addition to his trapping work, Lewis is also involved in a number of other projects. As a seasoned outdoorsman, Lewis is always looking for his next adventure. While he has not announced any specific plans, it is likely that he will continue to explore the wilderness and push himself to new limits. Rich is passionate about tracking mountain lions with his team of hounds, despite the dangers that come with it. This pursuit is the only job that Rich is truly passionate about, and his commitment to it is only overshadowed by the need to provide for his family and prepare for the harsh winters in Montana. While the job may be risky, Rich is dedicated to his craft and takes pride in his work as a hunter and tracker. He embodies the spirit of the mountain men who came before him and continues to push forward, even after losing one of his prized hounds to a mountain lion attack. Alongside his wife Diane, Rich owns multiple properties in town and appears to be doing well even after leaving the reality TV spotlight. Despite this success, there is no indication that Rich will return to the show anytime soon. Since the show’s last aired episode, it is unclear what Rich has been up to or if he is involved in any other public projects or ventures. However, he likely continues to live a simple and self-sufficient lifestyle in the wilderness, as that has been his passion and way of life for many years.

Why did Rich Lewis leave Mountain Men? More on his wildlife in Montana!#RichLewis #RichLewisMountainMen #RichLewisWildLife #RichLewisDogs #RichLewis2018 #eCelebrityFacts
Watch to Find Out:https://t.co/AZgWVrYiQU pic.twitter.com/YLjmvzCRQ3

— eCelebrityFacts (@ecelebrityfacts) September 4, 2018

What has he planned for the future?

You may be wondering what Rich has planned for the future. After a decade of living off the land, it’s clear that this is now more than a lifestyle for him. Lewis isn’t just content with doing the same thing year after year, so he is constantly exploring new ventures. With an eye to the future and an interest in furthering his work, he’s been putting together plans to move into forestry management and sustainable timber harvesting. He has also been contributing to local communities in Montana; his commitment goes well beyond providing food from his hunting grounds—he’s also donated time and money toward creating better educational systems for children living in rural areas. He hopes that by remaining true to himself, staying engaged with modern technology, and reaching out to support others, that he can continue to thrive no matter what tomorrow brings! Not only that but his skills have expanded to include blacksmithing and cabinet-making. Rich is also an advocate for land management rights and still helps out with community projects when he can. Rich has seen some real success over the years, but he’s never forgotten his roots; he continues to live off-the-grid outside of Montana with his wife and dog — living the life of self-reliance and financial stability that he’s carved out for himself! It is unknown whether the couple has any children or grandchildren as there has never been any mention of them.

Where can you find him?

For fans who want to keep up with Rich Lewis and his adventures, he is quite sadly not active on social media. Lewis’ lack of social media presence is caused by the lack of internet in his rural homestead, obstructing fans from staying connected with him and getting a glimpse into his world. It is clear that he is as passionate about the outdoors as ever, and he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others, just not online. Well, you can still find him doing what he loves most—adventuring with his family and exploring the backcountry of Montana.

How much is he worth?

He’s made his money on the show as well as through investments in businesses and products such as a trucking company, book publishing, a clothing line, and even a wild game liniment! The History Channel’s show has been very successful with high viewership, resulting in multiple season renewals. It’s possible that the show’s star, Rich, was earning $10,000 or more per episode. While Rich’s net worth is reportedly $300,000, it’s possible that he negotiated his contracts aggressively with Warm Springs Productions, resulting in larger earnings from the show.

There’s no doubt that Rich Lewis is a unique character in the world, a modern-day mountain man with a passion for adventure and a strong sense of self-reliance. He is an extraordinary outdoorsman who has had a significant impact on castmates and fans of the show. While he has faced his share of challenges, he has always remained resilient and has continued to explore the wilderness and push himself to new limits. Whether he is trapping elusive animals or speaking to audiences about his experiences living off the land, Lewis is always passionate and committed to his work. In 2023 and beyond, viewers can expect Rich to continue to rise to the challenge in his remote corner of Montana and to show us the beauty of living in off-the-grid isolation. He’s a great inspiration for anyone who dreams of taking a different path and going against the grain, and in his own Rocky Mountain backyard, he’s a regular reminder that anything is possible. We wish him all the best!