Mike Horstman is a name synonymous with rugged wilderness, self-reliance, and true Alaskan grit. Best known for his appearances on the History Channel’s The Last Alaskans and Mountain Men, Horstman has spent over four decades living off the grid in some of the harshest and most beautiful terrain in North America—Kodiak Island, Alaska. As a licensed bear hunting guide and experienced outdoorsman, he’s earned the respect of viewers and fellow frontiersmen alike for his stoic personality, survival skills, and commitment to a life most wouldn’t dare to imagine.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Horstman |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1955 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Tennessee, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Residence | Kodiak Island, Alaska |
| Profession | Registered Bear Hunting Guide, Reality TV Personality |
| Known For | Mountain Men, The Last Alaskans |
| Height | Approx. 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried / No confirmed wife |
| Children | None (publicly known) |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| Active Years | 1970s–present |
| Social Media | No official social media presence |
Early Life and Background
Mike Horstman was born on January 19, 1955, in Tennessee, United States. From a young age, Mike was drawn to the outdoors. Growing up in the American South, he developed essential hunting and survival skills in the wooded backcountry, and by his teens, he had already built a solid foundation in shooting, tracking, and wilderness living.
But Mike didn’t stay in the South for long. As a young man in the early 1980s, he decided to follow his dream of true wilderness living. He relocated to Kodiak Island, Alaska, one of the wildest, most remote parts of the United States, where he has since lived for over 40 years.
The Move to Alaska
At a time when most were seeking careers in cities or suburbs, Horstman headed north to build a solitary life in the harsh Alaskan landscape. He found his calling as a registered bear guide, particularly for Kodiak brown bears—a role that requires expert knowledge of animal behavior, navigation, and survival.
Education
There is no formal academic background widely known about Mike Horstman. Like many traditional outdoorsmen, his education is experiential rather than institutional. His learning came from:
- Time spent in nature
- Mentorship from older hunters and guides
- Decades of trial and error in the wilderness
Rather than degrees or certificates, Mike holds Alaska’s guiding license, which requires rigorous testing, fieldwork, and ongoing qualifications. He has built a life-long career as a professional outdoorsman through grit, experience, and instinct.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Mike Horstman is 70 years old, and still remarkably active for someone of his age—especially given the physical demands of life in the wilderness.
Physical Profile:
- Height: Approximately 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Build: Lean and muscular from daily labor
- Hair: White / gray
- Beard: Often wears a rugged beard
- Eyes: Blue-gray
- Clothing: Typically dressed in functional outdoor gear — layers, boots, and a signature hunting cap
Despite his age, Mike remains physically fit and mentally sharp, which is essential for a lifestyle that involves tracking animals, building cabins, and surviving Kodiak’s brutal winters.
His Father
Details about Mike Horstman’s father are not publicly known. Given his deep appreciation for the outdoors and skills passed down through generations, it’s likely Mike grew up in a family that respected nature, hunting, and self-reliance. However, he has kept his family life largely out of the public eye, and there are no confirmed public statements about his father’s identity or influence.
His Mother
Similar to his father, Mike Horstman’s mother has not been discussed in interviews or public appearances. This is consistent with Mike’s private nature and the ethos of many wilderness-based reality stars who choose to keep their personal lives shielded from fame.
There are no verified reports of living relatives or surviving family members, and no references to siblings or extended family have been made publicly.
Children
As of 2025, Mike Horstman does not have any children—at least none that he has publicly acknowledged. His life on Kodiak Island has been characterized by solitude, independence, and a focus on his work as a guide and survivalist.
Mike has frequently expressed satisfaction with his solitary lifestyle, which may have made raising a family impractical given the remoteness and demands of his day-to-day life.
Is Mike Horstman Married? Who Is His Wife?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Mike Horstman is whether he is married.
The Answer:
Mike Horstman is not married.
There is no record of a wife, past or present, and no mention of a romantic partner in Mountain Men or other appearances. While he may have had private relationships in the past, Mike has never spoken publicly about a spouse.
His solitary way of life—living in a remote cabin, often spending weeks alone tracking animals—suggests that his personal choice has been to live independently.
Who Is Mike Horstman?
Mike Horstman is a real-life mountain man—a licensed hunting guide and outdoorsman who has lived on Kodiak Island for over four decades. He became widely known after appearing on the History Channel’s reality TV series Mountain Men, where he showcased:
- His self-sufficient cabin lifestyle
- His role as a brown bear guide
- His wilderness survival skills
Unlike many “reality” TV stars, Mike’s on-screen life mirrors his real one. There are no exaggerated dramatics or made-for-TV moments. Everything from building shelters to tracking animals to chopping wood is part of his actual daily routine.
Key Traits:
- Stoic, soft-spoken personality
- Expert survivalist and hunter
- Loyal to the wilderness life
- Avoids mainstream fame and commercialism
He represents a dying breed of Americans who choose to live apart from urban conveniences and remain connected to the land.
Current Life
As of 2025, Mike Horstman continues to live on Kodiak Island, where he works seasonally as a registered bear guide and participates in limited media appearances. He maintains a completely off-the-grid lifestyle, including:
- A hand-built log cabin
- Limited electricity or modern amenities
- Wood stove heating
- Fishing, hunting, and trapping for food
He also continues to appear occasionally on reruns of Mountain Men and is rumored to have been involved in smaller, independent documentaries about Alaska and sustainable living.
Daily Activities Include:
- Maintaining his traplines
- Scouting for wildlife
- Repairing his cabin and equipment
- Guiding licensed hunting tours for clients from the Lower 48
Mike Horstman Net Worth
As of 2025, Mike Horstman’s net worth is estimated between $400,000 and $600,000.
Main Income Sources:
- Bear Guiding Services
Clients pay thousands of dollars for guided hunts in Alaska, especially for Kodiak brown bears. As one of the few licensed guides in this region, Mike commands premium fees. - TV Appearances (Mountain Men)
While not as highly paid as scripted stars, cast members on Mountain Men reportedly earn between $10,000 to $20,000 per episode, depending on tenure and screen time. - Occasional Sponsorships and Gear Collaborations
While Mike is not active on social media or in commercial spaces, his name has been attached to rugged gear brands and small product promotions in the outdoor community. - Speaking Engagements and Documentaries
Occasionally, Mike is invited to talk about life in the wild at conferences or in limited-release films.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Mike Horstman’s life is an embodiment of:
- Traditional masculinity
- Self-reliance
- American frontier values
He has inspired countless fans who yearn for simpler living and a connection to nature. Viewers of Mountain Men appreciate his authenticity—he’s not in it for fame, likes, or business expansion. He simply wants to live the life he loves.
His legacy may not be etched in Hollywood fame, but it resonates deeply with those who admire solitude, discipline, and true wilderness courage.
Conclusion
Mike Horstman stands as a living testament to wilderness survival and off-the-grid independence. At 70 years old, unmarried, and with a modest net worth of $400,000 to $600,000, he lives a life free of the complications and noise of modern society.
His contributions to Mountain Men and the guiding community have not only introduced millions to the realities of Alaskan life, but also offered a glimpse into what it means to truly live off the land.
Whether you’re drawn to his discipline, curious about his path, or inspired by his resilience, one thing is clear—Mike Horstman has nothing to prove, and everything to teach.
FAQ
Q: How old is Mike Horstman in 2025?
A: He is 70 years old, born on January 19, 1955.
Q: Is Mike Horstman married?
A: No, Mike Horstman is not married and has no public record of a spouse.
Q: What is Mike Horstman’s net worth?
A: His estimated net worth ranges from $400,000 to $600,000.
Q: What does Mike Horstman do for a living?
A: He is a licensed bear hunting guide and former cast member of Mountain Men.