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Mark Huelsing is a Dad, Husband, hunter, and just so happens to work at Exo Mountain Gear.  However, in this episode, we go in a bit of a different direction.  No gear talk and no hunting stories (ok..maybe one).  I’ve always appreciated Mark’s insight that goes beyond the generic gear talk.  Anytime I need an outside opinion on something, he’s ready and willing to offer a thoughtful perspective.

This is NOT a gear episode.  Instead, this is more of a conversation you’d have at the end of a long day on the trail or hunt while sitting around a campfire.  We cover everything from why it’s good for you to be bad at something, the feeling of needing to be productive with your time in the outdoors while also wanting to relax, and the realization that some of us might not ever be the world's greatest hunter.

If you’re in the mood for a conversation that explores more than just gear and stories, this is the one for you.  I’m grateful Mark was willing to open up about these topics and I’d encourage each of you listening to do the same.  Ask yourself the hard questions and see what comes of it.

Show Notes and Links

• Introduction to Mark
• Where Mark gets his enjoyment from his early morning training
• Thoughts on the crux of the need to feel “productive” in the woods when away from family
• How hunting creates participation with nature
• The contrast created by wanting to be relaxed in the field AND productive
• Learning to allow your mind to run with it when you’re in the field
• Where Mark’s outdoor story begins
• The benefits of sucking at something
• Mark's conscious decision to NOT be an amazing hunter in favor of spending more time with family (and being okay with it)
• The desire to have a story and process over a result
• The “pressure” in the industry to outperform everyone
• Being honest about what you’re willing to sacrifice for
• Taking advantage of opportunities when you have them
• How to follow up with Mark
• https://exomtngear.com/
• https://exomtngear.com/pages/the-hunt-backcountry-podcast

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