Age: 33

Hometown: Seligman, MO

Profession: Bowyer/Homesteader

Cubby grew up in a small town, Gentry Arkansas. He spent his childhood on the banks of Flint Creek, running around like a feral child with his brothers. Most of his time was spent fishing and catching frogs, turtles and crawdads. Cubby and his siblings would cook their catch and continue to play until it was dark.

After High School, Cubby went to college in hopes of becoming a history professor, but came to realize it wasn’t the right fit. He pursued various jobs and worked full time, trying to find the right career path. Cubby first started working as a bartender and dishwasher, and worked his way up to becoming a chef. Later on, he tried working an office job and worked as an embroidery department manager. After that, he tried carpentry, wedding photography and videography. Cubby spent years trying to figure out what career he wanted to pursue, sometimes working 2 or 3 jobs at a time. Not being able to see his family started to weigh on him emotionally.

When Cubby was 32 years old, he found out his friend Cameron got diagnosed with cancer. During this time, Cameron also realized he and his wife were pregnant. Cameron’s life and passing inspired Cubby to find a way to spend more time with family. Cubby and his wife sold everything they had. They bought a camper and moved to Missouri and started a homestead of their own. Cubby created his own traditional archery company.

Today, Cubby works as a full time bowyer and homesteader. He says it’s the hardest job he’s ever had but has all the time in the world to spend time with his family.

Here are the ten items Cubby selected to bring on his survival journey to the unforgiving Arctic Circle:

1. Sleeping Bag

2. 2-Quart Pot

3. Ferro Rod

4. Paracord

5. Multitool

6. Bow and Arrows

7. Fishing Line and Hook

8. Snare Wire

9. Saw

10. Axe