Ricko DeWilde is a Native American hunter, entrepreneur, activist, and reality television star best known for his role in Life Below Zero, a hit National Geographic series that showcases life in the remote Alaskan wilderness.
His story is one of survival, resilience, and a lifelong quest to balance the traditions of his Koyukon Athabaskan heritage with the realities of modern society. From his early life in a secluded cabin to his struggles with addiction and eventual redemption, DeWilde’s journey is a compelling testament to the enduring strength of indigenous culture.
Early Life and Upbringing
Ricko DeWilde was born on July 4, 1976, in Alaska. He grew up in a remote cabin deep in the Alaskan wilderness, 100 miles by river from Huslia, a small town with a population of approximately 275 people. His father, Lloyd DeWilde, was a white man of Welsh descent from San Francisco, who moved to Alaska in search of a more independent and traditional lifestyle.
His mother, Amelia DeWilde, was a Koyukon Athabaskan, a people deeply connected to the land and wildlife of Alaska. Together, they raised Ricko and his thirteen siblings in the traditional way—off the grid, self-sufficient, and completely immersed in nature.
Life in the wilderness meant that DeWilde’s upbringing was vastly different from that of most American children.
He was homeschooled by his parents, learning not from textbooks but from experience—hunting, trapping, fishing, and understanding the rhythms of nature. The Koyukon Athabaskan way of life is rooted in respect for the land and animals, and DeWilde was taught from a young age that every hunt carried spiritual significance.
His mother instilled in him a deep reverence for wildlife, teaching him that animals have spirits and must be honored when they are taken for sustenance.
As a child, Ricko was fascinated by hunting but struggled to fully embrace its harsh realities. He would trap rabbits but release them instead of killing them, something his mother quickly corrected.
She taught him that playing with animals was disrespectful, a lesson that would shape his philosophy on hunting for years to come. For the Koyukon Athabaskans, hunting is not about sport—it is about survival, gratitude, and ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Struggles with Addiction and Redemption
While DeWilde’s early life was steeped in tradition, he soon found himself caught between two worlds. Even the small town of Huslia felt overwhelming when he visited, and when he later moved to Fairbanks, the contrast between city life and his rural upbringing became even more pronounced.
Like many young people who grow up in isolated environments, DeWilde struggled to adjust to modern society. The fast-paced, chaotic world of city life was a stark departure from the structured, purpose-driven existence he had known.
He eventually fell into drug addiction, particularly oxycodone and cocaine, and his life spiraled out of control.
DeWilde’s turning point came when he was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for cocaine possession.
Though it was a dark period in his life, he later described it as the best thing that ever happened to him. It was during his time behind bars that he decided to turn his life around. He made a commitment to sobriety, and he has remained clean for over 15 years.
Return to Tradition and Entrepreneurship
After overcoming his addiction, DeWilde returned to his roots, embracing the traditions of his Koyukon Athabaskan heritage with renewed purpose. He began spending more time in the wilderness, hunting, trapping, and teaching younger generations about the importance of traditional subsistence living.
In 2007, during a memorial potlatch for his late mother, father, sister, and grandmother, DeWilde had an idea that would eventually lead to a successful business venture. He commissioned an artist friend to create Native American-inspired designs depicting animals and hunters.
He printed these designs on hoodies and gave them away at the potlatch. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and soon after, he launched Hydz, an apparel company that celebrates Native American strength and heritage.
The brand features designs of wolves, bears, eagles, and hunters, blending traditional imagery with modern fashion. Today, Hydz is a successful business that allows DeWilde to share his cultural pride while also supporting his family.
Rise to Fame on Life Below Zero
DeWilde’s knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness and his compelling life story caught the attention of National Geographic, and in 2018, he joined the cast of Life Below Zero.
The show, which first aired in 2013, documents the lives of individuals who survive in some of the most extreme conditions in Alaska. Unlike other cast members, who often have more established homesteads, DeWilde frequently travels between Fairbanks and the remote wilderness, bridging the gap between modern life and traditional Native Alaskan culture.
On Life Below Zero, DeWilde is seen hunting, trapping, and fishing, all while sharing insights into Native American survival techniques. He emphasizes the importance of only taking what is needed, a core belief in his culture. One of the most memorable moments from the show includes a goose-hunting expedition where he demonstrated how to pluck, clean, cook, and eat a freshly caught bird, all with a sense of reverence and respect for the animal’s sacrifice.
DeWilde’s presence on the show has helped educate a global audience about Koyukon Athabaskan traditions, providing representation for Native Alaskans in mainstream media. He takes his role seriously, understanding that he is not just a TV personality but an ambassador for indigenous ways of life.
A Philosophy of Balance
Throughout his life, DeWilde has struggled to find balance between the two worlds he inhabits: the traditional Native lifestyle and the modern world. He acknowledges both the benefits and drawbacks of each. While he deeply respects the wisdom of his ancestors, he also appreciates the conveniences of modern technology—like the Dodge Ram truck he proudly drives. However, he is keenly aware of the dangers of losing touch with tradition, and he actively works to preserve the knowledge of his people.
For DeWilde, hunting is more than just a means of survival—it is a spiritual practice, a way to connect with the land and honor the cycles of nature. He refers to it as a “walk-the-walk religion”, where every trip into the wilderness carries significance. The lessons he learned as a child from his mother continue to guide him, ensuring that he never takes more than he needs and always respects the natural world.