Chip Hailstone is a popular TV personality known for his appearance on National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, featuring Sue Aikens.
Besides his TV appearance on Life Below Zero, Hailstone became a hot topic for media portals for his jail time. Hailstone, a married man with five daughters, spent 15 months in prison and three years of probation over perjury cases.
Though Chip did his time in jail, his case is not as simple as it seems. This Life Below Zero cast member claims he was falsely sent to prison on a perjury case.
Why did Chip Hailstone go to Jail?
On July 17, 2011, a public fight occurred among several individuals in Noorvik, Alaska. Among the identified persons involved in the public nuisance were Chip Hailstone, his daughter Tinmiaq Hailstone, and stepson Jonathon Carter.
In the initial investigation, Alaska State Troopers questioned some Noorvik natives who were present at the scene on July 27.
The initial investigation found that Carter cut a person with his knife during the brawl.
Tinmiaq Hailstone, who is Hailstone’s daughter, had revealed in her court documents that the person whom Carter cut had his rifle pointed at her.
The man with a rifle aimed at Tinmiaq was identified as Jack Wells.
According to Chip Hailstone, the public brawl on July 17 broke out because other people confronted his daughter and stepson with weapons. Chip said it was the others who started the fight.
But, according to Trooper Christopher Bitz, Chip and his eyewitnesses’ statements did not match. According to Bitz, eyewitnesses of the scene informed him that Hailstone’s children were the ones who attacked other people with weapons.
Additionally, Chip also accused Christoper Bitz of physically assaulting his daughter Tinmiaq during their questioning. The interrogation of the Hailstone family by the troopers took place inside a state building in Noorvik.
Later, Hailstone was charged with perjury and providing false information, which ultimately led to his imprisonment.
In December 2011, the court sentenced Chip Hailstone to 15 months of jail time and three years in probation.
Hailstone was sent to jail because the court found him guilty of giving false information to the police regarding the fight.
The other side of the story……
Why did Chip Hailstone go to Jail? In his own words!
In November 2022, a Reddit discussion was formed regarding ‘Chip Hailstone’s imprisonment’.
The Reddit discussion was titled “What was the guy’s name who went to prison a few years back for hunting stuff?“
A user named Rainyday2022 shed light on the matter, saying, ‘Chip Hailstone. He was convicted for defending one of his daughters from the police. He has been out for several years.”
Several netizens cared to share their thoughts and what they knew about this. One user, Wisconsin_ope, asked, “Which daughter was Chip protecting?”
To everyone’s surprise, one user who claimed to be Chip Hailstone (Comprehensive-Pen644) replied to Wisconsin_ope.
Comprehensive-Pen644 shared that Tinmiaq was assaulted, and the truth set him free.
You can check his YouTube channel to learn more about what went wrong with Chip Hailstone and why he was in jail. Hailstone has made three videos regarding ‘Chip Hailstone jailed’.
Also Read, Life Below Zero’s Martha Mae Salitan; Martha Mae’s Wiki, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Children.
How Much is Chip Hailstone’s Net Worth and Salary?
Chip Hailstone from Life Below Zero has an estimated net worth of $400 thousand in 2025. His net worth was estimated at $200 thousand a few years back.
Hailstone accumulated his net worth from his TV show, Life Below Zero. He is among the highest-paid cast members of the National Geographic TV show.
As of 2025, Chip Hailstone draws a salary of $4,500 per episode of Life Below Zero. He earns around $90,000 per season of the show.
Chip is also a professional hunter and fisherman. Apart from his income from TV appearances, he earns by selling animals he hunts.
For a man living in remote Alaska and spending his time between his TV show, family, and hunting passion, a $400 thousand net worth is all you need.
Chip Hailstone’s Marriage, Wife, and Kids
Chip Hailstone is long married to his wife, Agnes Hailstone. Agnes and Chip have been married since the mid-90s.
His wife, Agnes, is also a TV personality. She appears on Life Below Zero, along with Chip.
The couple has five daughters: Tinmiaq, Iriqtaq, Mary, Caroline, and Qutan Hailstone. Besides five biological children, Chip fathers two children from Agne’s previous relationship. His daughters, Tinmiaq and Caroline Hailstone also appear in Life Below Zero.
From her first marriage, Agnes has two sons, John Carter and Doug Carter.
Chip Hailstone and his wife live in Alaska with their seven children.
FAQs
In December 2011, Chip Hailstone was sentenced to 15 months of jail time and three years in probation. Hailstone was put in jail over his perjury case.
As of 2025, Chip Hailstone has an estimated net worth of $400 thousand.
This Life Below Zero cast member draws a good salary for his stint on the documentary TV show. Currently, Chip Hailstone earns $4,500 per episode of Life Below Zero.
Chip was born in Kalispell, Montana, to American parents. His father is Daniel Franklin Hailstone, and his mother is Mary Lois Hailstone. His parents named him Edward V Hailstone. Chip also has a brother, whose name is not out in the media.
Chip Hailstone was born on March 5, 1969. So, his age is 56.
Not a scholar, but an ardent writer and an admirer of the world of entertainment, sports, and almost everything intriguing.
