I had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Call on The Gritty Podcast at BLK FLG HQ for a conversation about bowhunting, starting later in life, and what hunting has done for me personally.

In this episode, Brian and I talk about the story behind The Hunt Stealth Podcast, how my son Jaxon helped pull me into archery hunting, and why I wanted to build a podcast for people who are new to hunting. We also get into the early days of trying to figure out tags, units, gear, and what it feels like to draw back a bow for the first time and realize there’s something different about this pursuit.

A big part of the conversation centers around the learning curve of archery hunting. Brian shares years of hard-earned elk hunting knowledge, from reading wind and thermals to understanding how elk move from bedding areas to feeding areas. We talk about why the wind can make or break a hunt, how to identify pockets where the wind behaves consistently, and why mastering those little details can make a hunter far more effective.

I also share the story of my first close encounter with a bull elk: a moment where I was drawn back, watching him come through the scrub oak, only to have the wind shift at the last second. I never released an arrow, but that encounter hooked me for life. Brian breaks down why those moments matter so much for new hunters—because they prove that it’s possible.

This episode is packed with lessons for anyone trying to become a better bowhunter, especially those grinding through OTC tags, tough country, missed chances, and the frustration of learning by failure. We talk about patience, solo hunting, hunting with friends, building confidence, getting more “at bats,” and why every close call teaches you something.

For new hunters, bowhunters, elk hunters, and anyone chasing growth through hard things, this conversation is all about the process: showing up, learning the wind, staying patient, and falling in love with the grind.

5 Key Takeaways

Bowhunting gives you purpose beyond the hunt - Ryan talks about how archery and hunting helped him get healthier, stronger, more focused, and more disciplined.

Getting close is what hooks you - Ryan’s close encounter with a bull elk proved that success was possible, even without releasing an arrow. That moment made him want to chase elk forever.

The wind is everything - Brian breaks down how elk use wind and thermals to survive, and why hunters have to understand wind patterns before making a move.

New hunters need more “at bats" - Bowhunting is hard because every encounter teaches a lesson. The more opportunities you get, the faster you learn how animals move, react, and beat you.

Patience kills more animals than aggression - The episode highlights the importance of slowing down, watching, waiting, and not blowing up a good spot just because you’re eager to make something happen.

Discount Codes:

BSN KNG Code: STEALTH - bisonking.com

BLK FLG Code: STEALTH - blkflg.com