How This Trapper Survived 20 Years in the Harshest Winters of Yellowstone (Part I)

"For twenty years, he braved Yellowstone’s most brutal winters. Alone, relentless, and hardened by the wild."
Sam Minard wasn’t just a trapper—he was a man forged by the frontier. He lived off the land, battled the elements, and survived where few dared to tread. But when tragedy struck, his life became something more than just survival. It became a quest for vengeance.
Inspired by the real-life Crow Killer John Johnson, this is the story of a man who carved out a life in the harshest wilderness—where survival wasn’t just a skill, but a way of life.
How did Sam Minard endure two decades in Yellowstone’s deadliest winters—and what price did he pay for the life he chose?
The campfire is ready, so stay with me tonight; the story is about to start. My name is Sam, and this is Wild America.

Sam Minard Part II:    • How This Trapper Survived 20 Years in the ...  

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CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:04 - Chapter I
00:11:07 - Chapter II
00:41:49 - Chapter III
01:01:42 - Chapter IV
01:23:10 - Chapter V
01:48:24 - Chapter VI
02:15:17 - Chapter VII
02:41:29 - Chapter VIII
03:03:21 - Chapter IX
03:33:58 - Chapter X
04:00:16 - Chapter XI
04:46:12 - Chapter XII

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All materials in these videos are used for educational purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please contact me via my email in the "about" page on my channel.

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As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Wild America sometimes utilizes similar historical images, AI representations and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Wild America is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are American history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.
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