Tom and Nancy Oar Returns: He's coming back in 2024

Tom Oar, renowned as a traditional mountain man, trapper, and survivalist, gained fame through his appearances on the Discovery series, Mountain Men.

Enthusiastic fans closely follow Tom and his wife, Nancy, as they lead a rustic life along the Yaak River Valley in Montana. Despite the picturesque setting, concerns linger among fans for the elderly couple living in relative isolation without modern technology for communication.

Willow Bend Traders Portrait Session. Yaak Valley, Montana.These concerns have been heightened by persistent rumors and speculations surrounding Tom Oar’s well-being. Given the challenging environment he resides in, including harsh weather conditions and the presence of wild animals, the worries about his safety are justified.

Born in 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, Tom is currently 80 years old, set to turn 81 this year. The anxieties reached a peak with false death hoaxes circulating on websites like “The Arts of Entertainment,” which erroneously reported his demise on March 31, 2020, complete with a detailed obituary.

The death hoaxes, though debunked, left an impact, adding to the concerns of fans, especially when reports surfaced about Tom leaving the show after season 10. Speculations suggested retirement and a move to a more comfortable lifestyle in Florida. However, much to the relief of fans, Tom returned for season 11 and was even confirmed for season 12 by the showrunner, Chris Richardson.

Describing Tom as a true craftsman and a mentor in northwest Montana, Richardson’s announcement put to rest the retirement rumors that had briefly circulated on the internet. Despite the rollercoaster of speculation, Tom Oar remains an enduring figure on Mountain Men, captivating audiences with his wilderness skills and resilient spirit.

But what about now?

Given Tom’s age and rural lifestyle, certainty is elusive, isn’t it? But there’s no need for concern.

Despite Oar’s deliberate distance from social media, technology has managed to weave its way into his life in this modern age.

Willow Bend Trading Post, situated near Oar’s residence, engages in business with him. This establishment specializes in merchandise centered around the pre-1840s Fur Trade Era, a domain in which Oar excels as a master craftsman.

Surprisingly, they maintain a Facebook page and recently shared updates about Tom. On January 16, they posted pictures of the couple, Tom and Nancy, holding a gift they had delivered to their homestead.

In the caption, they shared insights into the extreme cold weather in the Yaak Valley, ranging from -35 to -60 degrees. Despite the challenging conditions, they expressed joy in delivering a letter to Tom and Nancy on January 15, 2024.

Additionally, on January 23, they shared another photo featuring Oar, along with two other rugged mountain men, all adorned in the remarkable leatherwear crafted by the skilled hands of these artisans.