SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Not everyone would consider being relentlessly pursued by an expert tracker over treacherous terrain, for 36 hours a good time - but Gayle Esch and Tamara Statchook would love nothing more.

"I love getting chased. It's just the feeling of someone coming after you, it's totally a high for me - it's all about survival," said Statchook.

From left, Tamara Statchook and Gayle Esch with dog Scooby. The women have been in training in the hope that they will be picked to compete on the reality television show, Mantracker. - Charlotte Hilling/NNSL photo

Esch, who is originally from Saskatchewan, and Statchook, originally from Nova Scotia, applied to be on the Canadian reality television show Mantracker about two weeks ago. The show's producers told the women they would know their fate some time this summer.

In the meantime Esch and Statchook are preparing themselves by keeping active and running in triathlons. The women said they are hooked on the show and think they can elude the Mantracker, having learned from the mistakes of prior contestants.

"We started watching and we saw these people on it, and we though we could do better. We saw what we would do differently," said Statchook. "Then we thought, if they can get on the show, we can get on the show," said Esch.

Both women grew up in rural areas and said this gives them an advantage because they are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

"It means we know the outdoors. We're not afraid to be outside and go camping alone," said Esch.

The Mantracker himself, Terry Grant, does not intimidate the women either. "He doesn't really scare me, he acts all tough, but I'm sure he's a softy at heart," said Esch.

With the help of Esch's boyfriend, Mikey McBryan, they submitted an application video - which can be seen on YouTube.

The video shows the women traversing the Yellowknife countryside, and jumping into water of 2 C - which required two takes.

"The first time we didn't say anything afterwards, and it looked like we were wimps - we tried to talk but we were too cold - so we did it again," said Statchook.

In preparation for the competition they are going to improve their mapping skills - but are philosophical about gaining acceptance to the show.

"If we don't get on, what we've done so far has been really fun. Just the thrill of thinking you might get in is almost enough," said Statchook.