Live Free or Die

Everyone is in search of food, but the winter weather is making the hunt difficult for some. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Thorn struggles to find even a trace of wildlife to turn into a meal. Close by, Tony and Amelia battle the cold, making use of any meat they can get their hands on. Down in a river-swamp in Georgia, Colbert shows his expertise when he catches a large beaver near his home. And across the country, in drought-stricken central California, Gabriel sets his sights on small game.

In the swamps of Georgia, Colbert catches a raccoon in the woods. It seems that the season will end well, but when he returns home with his catch, Colbert is faced with a tragedy with unimaginable consequences. In Appalachia, Tony and Amelia get to work on building a water filter to process their drinking water. Nearby, Thorn finds himself with an eye infection and a fever due to exposure to the harsh winter conditions. In California, Gabriel forges a spear in preparation for a boar hunt.

In central California, Gabriel and Justin continue to track wild boar. In dire need of meat, they finally shift their target to less challenging prey. In the Blue Ridge, Tony and Amelia continue to expand their homestead by clearing space for a coop for their newly acquired chicks. Nearby, Thorn decides to start construction on a new shelter for himself and his daughter. In southern Georgia, Colbert is reeling from a tragic discovery ' a discovery that has him spending a night in a hotel.

Winter has finally lifted in Appalachia, but the rainy weather marking the arrival of spring is proving a nuisance for Tony and Amelia. Thorn is taking advantage of the warmer weather by adding a goat to his camp, which will provide him with protein from its milk. Further south in Georgia, Colbert sets new traps in an attempt to make up for the pelts he lost in the fire. In California, Gabriel's elder Tautaucho helps him hone his hunting technique.

The seasons are changing, forcing everyone to think of new ways to adapt to their environment. The situation is especially dire in the Georgia swamps, where Colbert is facing the threat of a major flood that could submerge his fishing cabin. In Appalachia, Thorn is working on a new shelter because heavy rain ravaged his hut. Tony and Amelia gather materials to construct an outdoor stove to prevent their house from overheating. In California, Gabriel's friend brings him some much-needed meat.

Colbert wraps up the trapping season on a high note, catching one last beaver. He also gets a visit from his nephew, who dives into the world of the swamp. In the Blue Ridge, Thorn develops the land around his shelter, which he finishes with the help of his daughter, Briar. Tony and Amelia help their neighbor with a hairy butchering job, and then get some help from a friend to finish their chicken coop. In California, Gabriel processes the last of the goat, drying out the meat for jerky.

In California, Gabriel's hunt for turkey proves more successful than previous hunts. In North Carolina, Tony and Amelia tend to the bees on their property, trying different methods of catching swarms and getting the bees into hives. Thorn tracks down food he believes a bear took from his camp, then performs a ritual to align his spirit with the bear's in hopes of preventing it from coming back. In Georgia, Colbert puts his nephew to work while continuing to teach him woodsman skills.

With summer on its way, the changing landscape and new critters begin to affect daily life in the backwoods and swamps. In the mountains of Appalachia, Tony and Amelia gather the extra wealth their garden has produced for trading. Nearby, Thorn's daughter helps him prepare for a hunt and Thorn dives headfirst into turkey-hunting season. Down in Georgia, Colbert tracks wild hogs through the swamp. In California, Gabriel decides to leave the dry land where he has been living to meet his mentor, Tautacho.

From a rabbit hutch to a new home, projects abound in the wild. In the swamps of Georgia, Colbert is faced with a serious challenge — transporting the materials for his new home up the river. After he constructs an elaborate pulley system, family members come to help him rebuild. In North Carolina, Thorn creates a primitive water catchment system he and his daughter can use for daily chores. Nearby, Tony and Amelia barter with a friend for some new rabbits. And over in California, Gabriel continues his journey toward the ocean, managing to catch a pack rat on the way.

Homecomings and new beginnings cause these pioneers to reflect on how their lives have changed and what's still to come. In North Carolina, Tony and Amelia celebrate an anniversary while admiring the bounty of their garden and the hard work it represents. They get a visit from Thorn, who leaves Briar with them while he goes off to find medicine for his daughter's illness. In Georgia, Colbert's family visits the swamp and helps him start the foundation of his new cabin. And in California, Gabriel finally makes his way home to his fianc, Luna, bringing a fresh catch for both to enjoy.