Atz Lee and Jane come across a massive grizzly while hunting for black bear. Later, Otto and Jane head to Kodiak Island to rescue a herd of wild buffalo. Back on the homestead, the Kilchers take on a variety of home repairs and builds.
As winter comes to an end, Otto surveys the condition of his transport boat and the Kilchers begin preparing the homestead for spring. A weather station is built on Perl Island and Eivin and Eve build a new cellar for their root vegetables.
Winter is fast approaching so the Kilchers get to work preparing the homestead for the upcoming freeze. Otto's project strains his marriage while Atz Sr. scavenges for wood to warm a remote cabin. Meanwhile, Eivin builds a winter shelter for his horse.