Do you ever wonder what happened to those tough loggers from History Channel's "Ax Men"? You know, the folks who wrestled giant trees and battled the elements in some truly wild places? It's a common thought, too it's almost, many viewers grew quite attached to these characters who showed us the very real dangers and sheer effort involved in getting wood from the forest.

The show, which first aired way back in 2008, really gave us a peek into a world most people never get to see. We watched as different logging crews faced all sorts of challenges, from tricky terrain to unpredictable weather. It was, in a way, a fascinating look at a demanding job that truly shapes our world, and we saw the highs and lows of their daily grind.

Now, years after the cameras stopped rolling, a lot of people are still curious about the lives of these hard-working individuals. What are they doing these days? Did they stick with logging, or did they find new paths? This article, actually, aims to bring you up to date on some of the most memorable faces from the "Ax Men" cast, sharing what they've been up to in recent years, as of May 15, 2024.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Life of an Ax Man: A Quick Look Back
• Where Are They Now? Updates on the Ax Men Cast
  • Rygaard Logging
  • Stump Branch Logging
  • S&S Aqua Logging
  • Pihl Logging
  • Swamp Man Logging
  • Lemare Lake Logging
  • Papé Logging
  • Other Notable Figures
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Ax Men Cast
• Keeping Up with the Legacy

The Life of an Ax Man: A Quick Look Back

Being an ax man, or a logger, is a job that demands a lot of strength and smart thinking. The show really highlighted the daily struggles and triumphs of these crews as they worked in some very tough conditions. They used heavy tools, like the very cutting instruments that have been around for thousands of years, to shape and cut wood, as we know, often called an ax or an axe, with "ax" being the common American spelling.

The series, for example, followed several different companies, each with their own unique ways of getting the job done. Some worked in the deep forests, while others pulled logs from rivers. It gave viewers a real sense of the different kinds of logging operations that exist, and the various dangers involved, too.

From the Pacific Northwest's towering trees to the swampy areas of the South, the show took us on a wild ride. We saw families working together, sometimes arguing, but always pushing forward. It was, in some respects, a true family business for many of these folks, and that made the stories feel quite personal.

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Where Are They Now? Updates on the Ax Men Cast

The show ran for many seasons, and a lot of different people came and went. It's only natural to wonder what happened to them once the cameras stopped rolling. Many of them, naturally, continued their work in the logging industry, while others have since moved on to different things. Here's a look at some of the key players and what they're doing today.

Logging Crews and Their Journeys

Rygaard Logging

Rygaard Logging, based in Washington State, was a central part of "Ax Men" for many seasons. Gabe Rygaard, the owner, was a very recognizable figure on the show. He was known for his dedication to his family and his business, and his passion for logging was clear to everyone who watched, so.

Sadly, Gabe Rygaard passed away in 2016 following a car accident. This was a really tough loss for the show's fans and for the logging community. His family, particularly his father Craig Rygaard, and his children, continued to manage the business for a time. It's a testament to their strength, really, how they kept going.

After Gabe's passing, the future of Rygaard Logging was a bit uncertain. His family members, including his wife and children, have largely stepped away from the public eye. The company, as far as public information goes, has significantly scaled back its operations or perhaps even ceased them in the traditional sense, which is sad to think about, too.

Stump Branch Logging

Stump Branch Logging brought a different kind of energy to the show, with their unique approach to logging and their distinct personalities. Bobby Goodson, the owner, was a fan favorite, known for his straight-talking style and his deep roots in the logging world. He was, as a matter of fact, a very honest and genuine character on screen.

After the show, Bobby Goodson continued to operate Stump Branch Logging. He remained active in the logging community, often sharing updates with his fans through social media. He's still very much a logger at heart, and he seems to enjoy the work, even now.

Bobby has also faced some health challenges over the years, which he has openly discussed. Despite these difficulties, he has maintained a positive outlook and kept working in the industry he loves. It shows, basically, how tough these loggers really are, and how dedicated they can be to their chosen path.

S&S Aqua Logging

S&S Aqua Logging, run by Jimmy Smith and his crew, introduced us to the fascinating world of underwater logging. They would dive into rivers and lakes to retrieve sunken old-growth timber, which was a very specialized and dangerous operation. It was, quite honestly, a really unique part of the show that many people found captivating.

Jimmy Smith, the head of S&S Aqua Logging, continued his underwater logging ventures for a while after the show. This kind of logging is a niche market, but it can be quite profitable because the wood they recover is often of very high quality. He's a man who, obviously, knows his way around the water and has a deep understanding of the logging business.

Reports suggest that Jimmy has continued to be involved in various aspects of the timber industry, though perhaps not always in the public eye. His unique skill set in aqua logging makes him a valuable asset in that specific field. It's a demanding job, but he's always seemed up to the task, anyway.

Pihl Logging

Pihl Logging, led by Mike Pihl, was another prominent crew on "Ax Men," known for their large-scale operations and sometimes intense family dynamics. Mike Pihl was a seasoned logger, and his experience really shone through on the show. He was, in a way, a true professional in the logging business.

Mike Pihl has largely stepped away from the intense public scrutiny that came with "Ax Men." While Pihl Logging remains an active company, Mike himself has reportedly taken a less hands-on role in the day-to-day operations. He's been in the industry for a long time, so it's understandable if he's slowing down a little.

The business continues, perhaps with other family members taking on more responsibility. It's a common pattern in family-run businesses, really, for the next generation to step up. Mike Pihl's legacy in logging, you know, is certainly a strong one, and he's left a big mark on the industry.

Swamp Man Logging

The Swamp Man Logging crew, particularly Shelby Stanga, brought a lot of colorful personality and a completely different style of logging to the series. Shelby, often called the "Swamp Man," was known for his wild antics and his unique methods of pulling logs from the Louisiana swamps. He was, definitely, a character that stood out.

Shelby Stanga has continued his swamp logging activities, often sharing his adventures on social media platforms. He's still very much the "Swamp Man" that viewers came to know and love, complete with his distinctive approach to life and work. He seems to enjoy his unique lifestyle, and that's pretty clear.

He's also appeared in other television specials and continued to embrace his public persona. For fans of his wild ways, it's good to know he's still out there, apparently, living life on his own terms in the swamps. His energy is something else, to be honest.

Lemare Lake Logging

Lemare Lake Logging, from British Columbia, Canada, introduced viewers to the challenges of logging in truly remote and rugged terrain. Erik and Sarah Davis were key figures in this operation, showing the difficulties of working in isolated areas. It was, in fact, a very different kind of logging than what we saw from the US crews.

Erik and Sarah Davis have continued to operate Lemare Lake Logging. Their company remains a significant player in the Canadian logging industry, specializing in remote area operations. They are, basically, still doing what they do best, facing the challenges of the wilderness head-on.

They maintain a relatively private life compared to some of the other cast members, focusing on their business and family. It seems like they prefer to keep things a bit more low-key these days. Their dedication to logging, however, is still very much evident, and that's something to admire, really.

Papé Logging

Papé Logging, based in Oregon, was another large-scale operation featured on the show. They often showcased the use of heavy machinery and the complex logistics involved in modern logging. Their segments were, you know, a good look at the industrial side of timber harvesting.

The Papé Group, the larger company that Papé Logging is a part of, is a very big and diverse organization that deals with heavy equipment. While the specific logging division might not be as publicly highlighted as it was on "Ax Men," the overall company continues to thrive. They are, obviously, a major force in the equipment world.

The individuals who appeared on the show from Papé Logging have mostly returned to their regular roles within the larger company, out of the television spotlight. They are still working, just not with cameras following their every move. It's a bit of a return to normal for them, you could say.

Other Notable Figures

Beyond the main crews, a few other people made a lasting impression. Some were loggers who appeared briefly, while others were supporting characters who added to the show's flavor. Their stories, too, often reflect the wider experiences of people in this demanding field.

For many of these individuals, life has simply gone on, often continuing in the logging industry or related fields. Some might have retired, while others could be working in different parts of the country. It's tough to track everyone, but it's fair to say they are still out there, living their lives, perhaps a bit more quietly now.

The show, in a way, gave us a glimpse into the lives of many hard-working people, and their stories continue to unfold, even without the cameras rolling. They are, in essence, the backbone of an industry that provides us with so many essential products, and that's something worth remembering, basically.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ax Men Cast

People often have questions about what happened to their favorite loggers from the show. Here are some common things folks ask, and we'll try to shed a little light on them.

Is Rygaard Logging still in business today?

After Gabe Rygaard's passing, Rygaard Logging faced significant changes. While the family did try to keep things going for a time, the company's public operations have largely scaled back. It's not operating in the same way it did during the show's run, which is understandable, given the circumstances, you know.

What happened to Shelby Stanga from Ax Men?

Shelby Stanga, the "Swamp Man," is still active in his unique brand of swamp logging. He continues to live and work in the Louisiana swamps, often sharing updates and videos of his adventures online. He's pretty much the same wild and energetic character viewers loved, and that's quite something, really.

Are the dangers shown on Ax Men real?

Absolutely, the dangers shown on "Ax Men" were very real. Logging is consistently ranked as one of the most hazardous professions in the world. The show, as a matter of fact, aimed to accurately portray the risks involved, from falling trees to heavy machinery accidents. It's a job that demands constant vigilance and respect for the environment, and that's just a little bit scary to think about.

Keeping Up with the Legacy

The "Ax Men" cast members left a lasting impression on viewers, showing us a demanding way of life that many of us never really consider. Their stories, full of grit and determination, continue to resonate with people who appreciate hard work and the raw power of nature. It's a reminder, you know, of the important work these folks do.

While the show may be off the air, the legacy of these loggers lives on, both in their continued work and in the memories of their fans. You can learn more about logging practices on our site, and if you want to see more about the tools they use, check out this page about axes. Many of them, in a way, continue to be a part of the logging community, shaping the industry in various forms, even today.

It's fascinating to see how their lives have unfolded since their time on television. The logging world is always changing, but the core spirit of the ax man, the one who works with wood, remains the same. It's a pretty powerful thought, honestly, that these individuals still carry that spirit with them.