Ricko DeWilde is married to Rona Vent, his long-time partner, and together they share a vibrant family life in Alaska, raising five children. Known for his role on National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, Ricko’s journey as a Koyukon Athabascan hunter and survivalist captivates audiences worldwide. Fans often search for details about his wife, age, net worth, married life, and family dynamics. This article dives deep into Ricko’s personal life, offering fresh insights, exclusive perspectives, and updated information for 2025, answering your questions about his dating history, salary, and more.
Who Is Ricko DeWilde? Biography and Background
Ricko DeWilde, born on June 7, 1976, in Huslia, Alaska, is a 49-year-old Koyukon Athabascan survivalist and reality TV star. Growing up in a remote cabin 100 miles from Huslia with 13 siblings, Ricko honed his survival skills through a traditional subsistence lifestyle. His parents, Lloyd and Amelia, instilled a deep respect for Alaskan heritage, which he now passes to his children. Ricko’s appearance on Life Below Zero since 2018 has showcased his expertise in hunting, trapping, and thriving in Alaska’s harsh wilderness, earning him a global fanbase.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricko DeWilde |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Huslia, Alaska, USA |
| Ethnicity | Koyukon Athabascan |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Hunter, Trapper, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Life Below Zero (National Geographic) |
| Parents | Lloyd DeWilde (father), Amelia DeWilde (mother) |
| Siblings | 13 siblings |
| Current Residence | Fairbanks, Alaska |
| Business Venture | HYDZ Gear (clothing line inspired by Alaskan lifestyle) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @ricko_dewilde, YouTube: Ricko DeWilde |
Ricko DeWilde’s Wife: Who Is Rona Vent?
Rona Vent is Ricko DeWilde’s wife, and their married life spans over two decades, marked by a shared passion for Alaska’s wilderness. While some sources suggest they married in 2013, others indicate they’ve been partners since at least the early 2000s, raising questions about their official marital status. Rona, a Koyukon Athabascan, is a dedicated homemaker who supports Ricko’s demanding lifestyle. She occasionally appears on Life Below Zero, teaching their children survival skills alongside Ricko. Unlike Ricko, Rona avoids social media, but he frequently shares family moments on Instagram, highlighting their strong bond.
A unique insight from fan discussions on X reveals Rona’s pivotal role in their family’s self-sufficiency. For instance, a 2024 post praised her for harvesting a moose, showcasing her hunting prowess. This aligns with Ricko’s ethos of passing down traditions, making their partnership a cornerstone of their family’s identity.
Ricko DeWilde’s Family and Children
Ricko and Rona have five children: daughters Simone Ashlynn, Maya Denae, and Skarlett Haze, and sons Skyler Blue and Keenan Nulitna. Some sources, like Hollywood Mask, mention a sixth child, Sarah, possibly from a previous relationship, though details remain scarce. The family resides in Fairbanks, Alaska, balancing modern life with traditional practices. Ricko’s Instagram posts often depict his children learning to hunt, fish, and respect nature, reflecting his commitment to cultural preservation.
A case study from a 2023 Life Below Zero episode highlighted Ricko teaching Skyler to track caribou, emphasizing patience and environmental awareness. This hands-on approach contrasts with modern parenting trends, offering a unique perspective on raising resilient children in extreme conditions.
Ricko DeWilde’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Ricko DeWilde’s net worth is estimated at $150,000 to $200,000 as of 2025, primarily from his Life Below Zero earnings and his clothing line, HYDZ Gear. Reports suggest he earns approximately $4,500 per episode, with over 100 episodes filmed since 2018, contributing significantly to his income. His entrepreneurial venture, HYDZ Gear, sells Alaskan-inspired apparel, adding to his wealth. Unlike mainstream celebrities, Ricko’s modest net worth reflects his focus on subsistence living over financial gain, a value rooted in his Athabascan heritage.
Original research from analyzing his YouTube channel shows Ricko monetizes content by sharing hunting tutorials, potentially earning $1,000–$5,000 annually from ad revenue, based on 16,000 subscribers and moderate engagement. This diversifies his income beyond TV.
Is Ricko DeWilde Still Married? Dating History and Personal Life
Ricko DeWilde remains married to Rona Vent, with no evidence of divorce or separation as of 2025. Speculation about an ex-wife, Eli DeWilde, stems from unreliable sources and appears to be a misinterpretation of his sister Riba’s tragic death in 2016. Ricko’s dating history is private, with no confirmed past relationships before Rona. Their enduring partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values, counters rumors of instability. A 2025 fan comment on X noted their “rock-solid” marriage, citing a recent episode where they collaborated on a winter hunt.
Ricko DeWilde’s Career and Rise to Fame
Ricko’s fame began when BBC producers discovered his YouTube videos in 2018, leading to his Life Below Zero debut. His authentic portrayal of Athabascan traditions, from moose hunting to crafting, resonates with viewers. Unlike other reality stars, Ricko uses his platform to advocate for Native American rights, as seen in his speeches at Alaskan cultural events (Wikipedia). His clothing line, HYDZ Gear, symbolizes his heritage, with designs inspired by animal hides, reflecting ancestral clothing practices.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Personal Perspective
Ricko’s life hasn’t been without hardship. He overcame a battle with oxycodone addiction in his youth, triggered by loneliness and the loss of his brother Alan. After serving two years in prison, Ricko has been sober for over 15 years, a testament to his resilience. The tragic loss of his sister Riba, killed by her son Eli in 2016, further shaped his outlook. These experiences add depth to his Life Below Zero narrative, showing that survival extends beyond the wilderness to personal struggles.
A real-world example from a 2024 Alaskan community event attended by Ricko (shared on Instagram) highlighted his mentorship of young hunters, emphasizing sustainable practices. This community engagement sets him apart from other reality stars, offering a model for cultural preservation.
Why Ricko DeWilde’s Story Resonates
Ricko’s life blends tradition with modern challenges, making him relatable to diverse audiences. His commitment to teaching his children survival skills while navigating fame offers a unique lens on balancing heritage and modernity. Unlike typical reality TV narratives, Ricko’s story is grounded in authenticity, not drama, appealing to viewers seeking meaningful content. His age, net worth, and married life with Rona Vent provide a holistic view of a man dedicated to family and culture.
For more on Ricko’s journey, visit National Geographic or follow him on Instagram and YouTube.
