Ricko DeWilde, a renowned survivalist and star of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, captivates audiences with his rugged Alaskan lifestyle. At 49 years old in 2025, Ricko’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, fueled by his TV career, clothing line, and activism. Is Ricko DeWilde married? He shares a long-term partnership with Rona Vent, raising five children in Fairbanks, Alaska. This article dives into Ricko’s age, net worth, married life, salary, dating history, career, and family, offering fresh insights and personal perspectives on his journey.
Who Is Ricko DeWilde? A Glimpse into His Life and Career
Born on July 4, 1975, in Huslia, Alaska, Ricko DeWilde is a Koyukon Athabascan survivalist, hunter, and reality TV star. His upbringing in a remote cabin, 100 miles from Huslia, shaped his deep connection to nature. With 13 siblings, Ricko learned survival skills from his parents, Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde, who embraced a subsistence lifestyle. His career skyrocketed with Life Below Zero in 2018, where his hunting prowess and cultural authenticity earned him a global fanbase.
Ricko’s journey isn’t just about survival—it’s about preserving Athabascan traditions. “Living off the land is who we are,” Ricko shared on his Instagram. His story resonates with those seeking authenticity in a modern world, blending rugged skills with entrepreneurial spirit.
Ricko DeWilde’s Age and Early Life
At 49 years old, Ricko embodies resilience. Growing up without electricity or running water, he honed skills like trapping rabbits and building canoes. His parents’ teachings instilled a respect for nature, which he passes to his children. Unlike many reality stars, Ricko’s age reflects wisdom earned through decades in the wilderness, not just screen time. His early life, marked by loss—his parents and siblings passed away—adds depth to his narrative, making him a relatable figure for those facing adversity.
Ricko DeWilde’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Ricko’s net worth is estimated at $1 million in 2025, a testament to his multifaceted career. His salary from Life Below Zero reportedly ranges from $4,500 to $200,000 per episode, depending on the source. Beyond TV, his clothing line, HYDZ Gear, contributes significantly, offering apparel rooted in Native American aesthetics (HYDZ Gear website). Original research suggests his YouTube channel, with 16.5k subscribers, adds modest ad revenue, potentially $2,000-$5,000 annually, based on typical monetization rates. His financial success reflects strategic diversification, a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Is Ricko DeWilde Married? Insights into His Dating and Family Life
Is Ricko DeWilde married? While not officially confirmed, Ricko has been in a committed relationship with Rona Vent since at least 2013. They share five children: daughters Simone, Skarlett, and Maya, and sons Skyler and Keenan. Living in Fairbanks, they balance urban life with wilderness traditions. Ricko’s posts on Facebook show family hunts, emphasizing cultural continuity. Unlike tabloid-driven narratives, their bond appears grounded in mutual respect, not public spectacle. Fans speculate about a formal marriage, but Ricko keeps details private, focusing on family over fame.
Ricko DeWilde’s Career: From Wilderness to TV Stardom
Ricko’s career blends survival expertise with media savvy. Discovered via YouTube, he joined Life Below Zero in its 11th season, showcasing skills like moose hunting with a .375 Ruger. His authenticity—rooted in Athabascan heritage—sets him apart. Beyond TV, Ricko’s activism for Native American rights, including a 2016 Fairbanks protest, highlights his community focus. His clothing line, HYDZ, launched in 2008, merges cultural pride with business acumen, selling fur-based apparel that resonates with Alaskan youth (National Geographic).
Overcoming Personal Challenges: Addiction and Loss
Ricko’s life hasn’t been without struggle. He served two years in prison for cocaine possession in the early 2000s, a low point driven by loneliness and the loss of his brother Alan. “Prison saved me,” Ricko said in a 2019 interview, crediting it for his sobriety, now over 15 years. The tragic 2016 murder of his sister Riba by her son Eli added to his pain. These experiences shape Ricko’s resilience, offering a case study in redemption that inspires fans facing their own battles.
Ricko DeWilde’s Family and Legacy
Ricko’s family is central to his identity. With five children, he teaches them Athabascan traditions, ensuring cultural survival. His parents, Lloyd and Amelia, instilled values of self-reliance, while his 13 siblings created a tight-knit upbringing. Despite losing his parents, grandmother, and siblings, Ricko’s commitment to family endures. His children often appear in Life Below Zero episodes, learning to hunt and trap, a legacy he hopes will outlast his TV fame.
Ricko DeWilde Biography: Comprehensive Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricko DeWilde |
| Age | 49 (Born July 4, 1975) |
| Birthplace | Huslia, Alaska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Koyukon Athabascan |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Hunter, Entrepreneur, Activist |
| Net Worth | $1 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $4,500-$200,000 per episode (Life Below Zero) |
| Partner | Rona Vent (Long-term partner) |
| Marital Status | Not officially married |
| Children | Simone, Skarlett, Maya, Skyler, Keenan |
| Parents | Lloyd DeWilde (deceased), Amelia DeWilde (deceased) |
| Siblings | 13 (including Riba and Alan, deceased) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (187.96 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, YouTube |
| Clothing Line | HYDZ Gear (Website) |
| Notable Show | Life Below Zero (National Geographic) |
| Activism | Native American rights, protested in Fairbanks (2016) |
| Past Challenges | Two years in prison for cocaine possession (early 2000s) |
| Sobriety | Over 15 years |
Recent Updates and Unique Insights
In 2025, Ricko continues filming Life Below Zero, with recent episodes highlighting his children’s growing roles in hunts. His YouTube channel features new content on traditional trapping, gaining traction among survival enthusiasts. Unlike other reality stars, Ricko’s focus on cultural preservation over fame sets him apart. His story offers a unique angle: balancing modern media with ancient traditions. For aspiring survivalists, Ricko’s journey underscores the value of resilience, community, and authenticity in a world often driven by superficiality.
Why Ricko DeWilde’s Story Matters
Ricko’s life is more than a TV spectacle—it’s a testament to human endurance. His age, net worth, married life, salary, and career reflect a man who turned adversity into purpose. From prison to stardom, he shows that redemption is possible. His commitment to family and culture inspires those seeking meaning beyond material success. Follow Ricko’s journey on Wikipedia or his social media for real-time updates on his Alaskan adventures.
