Ep 1. Root Awakening

In the season 2 premiere of Appalachian Outlaws, titled "Root Awakening," the digging season in the Appalachian Mountains is underway as ginseng hunters begin their search for the valuable root. With demand for ginseng on the rise and the supply dwindling, tensions are high among the hunters as they race to find the most lucrative patches of ginseng.

The episode follows several different teams of hunters as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the mountains. The first team we meet consists of a father and son duo who have been hunting ginseng together for years. They have a reputation as some of the best hunters in the area, but they are facing new challenges this year. The father has been struggling with health issues and is not sure he can keep up with the physical demands of the job. Meanwhile, other hunters in the area are encroaching on their territory, making it harder to find the ginseng they need to make a living.

Another team we meet in this episode is a group of women who have formed their own hunting collective. They are determined to prove that they can compete with the men in the business and make a name for themselves in the industry. But it's not easy. They must contend with sexism from some of the male hunters, as well as the difficulties of finding enough ginseng to make a meaningful profit.

As the hunters make their way through the dense forest, they face a number of challenges. They must avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement, who are cracking down on illegal ginseng digging. They also have to watch out for dangerous wild animals like bears and snakes. And even when they do find ginseng, it's not always easy to sell it for a good price. They must navigate the murky world of the ginseng market, which is full of buyers who are willing to cheat and undercut the hunters to get a better deal.

Despite all these challenges, the hunters are determined to make a living off of ginseng. It's a way of life that has been passed down through generations in the Appalachian Mountains, and for many of these hunters, it's the only way they know how to survive. As the season gets underway, we see them face both triumphs and setbacks, as they fight to make a name for themselves and keep their families afloat.

"Root Awakening" is a thrilling start to season 2 of Appalachian Outlaws, offering an intense look into the dangerous and highly competitive world of ginseng hunting in the Appalachian Mountains. With stunning landscapes and unforgettable characters, this show is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they follow these hunters through their perilous journey.