Marty Meierotto, a renowned fur trapper and reality TV star, captured audiences with his survival skills on the History Channel’s Mountain Men. Known for his rugged lifestyle in Alaska’s wilderness, Meierotto’s journey includes a near-fatal plane crash, a thriving career, and a private family life. This article explores his age, net worth, married life, salary, and reasons for leaving Mountain Men, offering fresh insights into his enduring legacy. With updated 2025 information, we dive into his biography, career, and personal milestones, addressing what fans search for most.
Who Is Marty Meierotto? A Glimpse into His Life and Career
Born in February 1960 in Foxboro, Wisconsin, Marty Meierotto is 65 years old as of 2025. His passion for trapping began at age seven, inspired by his father, Thomas T. Meierotto, a skilled trapper. Marty’s early exposure to the wilderness shaped his career, leading him to Alaska in 1985. There, he honed his skills as a fur trapper, smokejumper, and bush pilot. His appearance on Mountain Men from 2012 to 2019 showcased his ability to thrive in Alaska’s harsh conditions, earning him a dedicated fanbase. Meierotto’s story is one of resilience, family, and a deep connection to nature.
Marty Meierotto’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Marty Meierotto’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $300,000 to $450,000, reflecting his diverse income streams. His primary earnings come from trapping furs, particularly lynx, which fetch around $70 per pelt, though prices fluctuate based on market demand. During his eight seasons on Mountain Men, Marty reportedly earned $10,000 per season, contributing significantly to his wealth. His 31-year career as a smokejumper and pilot for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Fire Service provided stable income and retirement benefits. Additionally, his 2020 book, In the Land of Wilderness, generates modest royalties, with paperbacks priced at $19.95 on Amazon. Occasional work as a flight instructor further supplements his salary.
Married Life and Family: Who Is Marty Meierotto’s Wife?
Marty Meierotto is married to Dominique Meierotto, whom he met in Alaska. The couple has been together for over two decades, sharing a strong bond rooted in their love for the outdoors. They have a daughter, Noah Jane Meierotto, born around 2005, who is approximately 20 years old in 2025. Noah has followed in her father’s footsteps, learning trapping, hunting, and snowmobile operation from a young age. The family resides in Two Rivers, Alaska, 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, in a modest cabin. Dominique appeared in 27 episodes of Mountain Men, showcasing their cooperative off-grid lifestyle. Unlike rumors of dating or past relationships, Marty’s personal life remains focused on his family, with no public details of prior romances.
The Near-Fatal Plane Crash: A Defining Moment
In a gripping episode of Mountain Men titled “Closest Call,” Marty Meierotto narrowly escaped a plane crash. Flying his Piper PA-18A-150 Super Cub to check his traplines near the Draanjik River, the aircraft took a sudden nosedive due to severe weather in the Revelation Mountains. Marty’s piloting skills allowed him to stabilize the plane and land safely, but he was stranded overnight without survival gear. This incident, which aired during the show’s run, highlighted the dangers of his lifestyle. “Every flight is a gamble with Alaska’s unpredictable weather,” Marty later reflected in a 2020 interview, emphasizing the risks bush pilots face.
Why Did Marty Meierotto Leave Mountain Men?
Marty Meierotto left Mountain Men in 2019 after eight seasons, a decision that shocked fans. At 59 years old, he cited a desire to prioritize family over fame. “I’m just a trapper at heart, not a TV star,” he said in a 2019 episode. Marty wanted to spend quality time with his daughter, Noah, teaching her trapping skills without cameras. His health and energy levels also influenced his choice, as the physical demands of trapping and filming were taxing. However, Marty returned briefly in Season 13 (2024), collaborating with friend Dave to build a new cabin, proving his passion for the wilderness endures.
Marty Meierotto’s Biography: A Detailed Overview
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing Marty Meierotto’s biography, covering key aspects of his life, career, and personal details.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marty Meierotto |
| Date of Birth | February 1960 |
| Age (2025) | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Foxboro, Wisconsin, USA |
| Current Residence | Two Rivers, Alaska, 100 miles south of Arctic Circle |
| Parents | Thomas T. Meierotto (father), Karen Meierotto (mother) |
| Siblings | Jeff Meierotto, Steve Meierotto |
| Marital Status | Married to Dominique Meierotto |
| Children | Noah Jane Meierotto (born ~2005, ~20 years old in 2025) |
| Education | High school; no confirmed college education |
| Occupations | Fur trapper, reality TV star, smokejumper (retired), bush pilot, flight instructor |
| Years Active on Mountain Men | 2012–2019 (Seasons 1–8), brief return in 2024 (Season 13) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $300,000–$450,000 |
| Salary (TV) | ~$10,000 per season of Mountain Men |
| Notable Incident | Near plane crash in “Closest Call” episode |
| Book | In the Land of Wilderness (2020) |
| Aircraft | Piper PA-18A-150 Super Cub with tundra tires |
| Social Media | Limited presence; active on Facebook |
Unique Insights: Marty’s Lasting Impact and Legacy
Marty’s story resonates beyond Mountain Men. His decision to leave the show reflects a broader trend among survivalists prioritizing authenticity over media exposure. A 2023 study by the Alaska Trappers Association noted a 15% increase in young trappers, partly inspired by figures like Marty who showcase sustainable wilderness living. His mentorship of Noah highlights a generational shift, with more women entering trapping—a field historically male-dominated. Marty’s minimalist lifestyle, living in a small cabin with no modern amenities, challenges consumerist norms, offering a model for self-reliance in an era of climate uncertainty.
Marty Meierotto’s Life in 2025: Where Is He Now?
As of 2025, Marty Meierotto continues trapping in Alaska, focusing on lynx and marten furs. He occasionally works as a flight instructor, passing on his aviation expertise. His return to Mountain Men in 2024 suggests he remains open to sharing his skills, though family remains his priority. Fans can follow glimpses of his life on Facebook, though he avoids heavy social media engagement. For more on his career, check History Channel’s Mountain Men page or his Wikipedia entry.
Conclusion: A Wilderness Icon
Marty Meierotto’s journey from a Wisconsin kid to an Alaskan legend embodies resilience and authenticity. His age, net worth, married life, and salary reflect a life built on skill and determination. While the plane crash and his exit from Mountain Men marked pivotal moments, his legacy endures through his family and the wilderness community. Marty’s story inspires those seeking a life untethered from modern constraints, proving that true wealth lies in connection to nature and loved ones.
