From 31 feet to 51, Captain Cody is leveling up Lake Superior charter fishing with his dream boat, a luxury-class Alexander yacht. In this episode, we dive into the upgrades, the grind of balancing trucking and fishing, the reality of conservation work, and how his passion fuels one of the biggest charter boats on the Wisconsin side. If you love big water, wild stories, and tight lines—you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler from Alpen Optics to unpack the remarkable comeback story of a brand built on grit, innovation, and customer-first values. From Alpen’s humble beginnings in California to its revival under Explore Scientific, Tyler shares the journey of honoring a legacy while charging forward into the future of optics — red dots, thermals, rifle scopes, and all.

We dig into:

How Tyler’s military background shaped his approach to leadership and customer service

Alpen’s commitment to lifetime warranties, even for vintage gear

The challenge of standing out in a saturated optics market

The role of technology and consumer feedback in product development

Faith, fatherhood, and why relationships still matter most

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or weekend warrior, there’s something here for anyone who values quality glass and authentic storytelling.

📍 “If I succeed, we all succeed.” — Tyler

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In this episode, Jeff chats with Roger, the founder of an archery event with a powerful mission—to raise awareness and fight against human trafficking. They explore how a simple idea turned into a growing community movement, using archery to spark conversation and create change. Tune in to hear Roger’s story, the heart behind the event, and how you can get involved in making a difference.

The Brotherhood of Archery and the Pursuit of Perfection

Jeff and Skip’s conversation isn’t just about bows—it’s about a way of life. They kick things off with the chaos of the Iowa Deer Classic, a show that’s become a pilgrimage for hunters and gearheads alike. Skip reminisces about the early days, long before GearHead Archery became a name known worldwide, back when he was just a guy with a love for bows and a knack for building something different.

The talk weaves through stories of monster bucks, hunting traditions, and the economics of non-resident tags. They touch on the way states manage wildlife, comparing Wisconsin’s low-cost, high-pressure system to the well-maintained draw structures of places like Iowa and Arizona. The point is clear—conservation and access don’t always go hand in hand, but they should.

Skip gets philosophical about GearHead’s 10-year journey, reflecting on the relationships that make the industry worthwhile. He’s not in this for a quick sale—he’s in it to build bows that last a lifetime, to create a community that feels like family. It’s a far cry from the corporate buyouts and profit-chasing that have diluted the heart of archery. He shares stories of going the extra mile for hunters—driving through the night to replace a crossbow for a guy in Iowa, handing over a brand-new bow to a customer who had his derailed at a pro shop. These aren’t just good business decisions; they’re what make the archery world feel like home.

They wrap up with thoughts on legacy. Skip doesn’t plan to sell GearHead—he hopes it’ll live on long after him, passed down like a well-worn bow that still shoots true. The world of archery is changing, but as long as there are people who believe in craftsmanship, community, and the thrill of the hunt, there’ll always be a place for the kind of work he’s doing.

The conversation ends the way the best ones do—two guys who share a passion for bows, the outdoors, and the kind of life that’s measured in memories, not just money.

If you want to get to know a hunting couple that lives and breathes the outdoors, just sit down with Tyson and Kala Trunkhill. Their year was a whirlwind of archery, family, and hard-earned whitetail, all while juggling life’s relentless demands. Between coaching, raising kids, and chasing deer, they’re proof that making time for the hunt is about more than filling the freezer—it’s about keeping tradition alive.

The Trunkhills had their fair share of success this past season. Tyson put two deer in the freezer, and Kala made an adrenaline-fueled shot on a buck that had her shaking in the stand. Between work schedules and raising their daughter, they carved out moments to hunt on their rugged property—an unforgiving mix of steep terrain, dense timber, and alfalfa fields that keep the deer coming back year after year.

Beyond hunting, their involvement in the local archery scene kept them busy. As coaches, they helped young shooters find their rhythm and even sent a few to state and national competitions. They’ve seen firsthand how archery teaches patience and focus, something they’ve applied in their own pursuits.

The conversation turned to encounters with the wild beyond deer. Badgers, bobcats, and even the occasional bear have been showing up on the landscape. Tyson, a former trapper, shared his thoughts on predator management and how these creatures fit into the bigger picture. And then there was the squirrel story—where $40 arrows almost got sacrificed to bushytails out of sheer boredom.

Through it all, The Dust-Off Project stood at the core of their mission. Whether it’s getting veterans into the woods or using archery as an outlet for healing, Tyson and Kala are all in. Their passion for the sport, for giving back, and for sharing the wild moments—both the highs and the heartbreaks—proves that hunting is about more than just the kill. It’s about the people, the stories, and the experiences that keep us coming back season after season.

Some folks just dip their toes into the outdoor industry, but Jeff and Trent from Chest Thumper Outdoors are waist-deep in the grind, shaping a business that stands on quality, experience, and an unshakable passion for the craft. Their conversation isn’t just a rundown of products—it’s a deep dive into what it takes to build something meaningful in the hunting and outdoor space.

They talk about the blood, sweat, and long nights that go into running a pro shop, the challenges of navigating a market flooded with big-name brands, and why staying true to your mission matters more than chasing trends. Jeff and Trent lay it all out—the hard-earned lessons, the risks they’ve taken, and the moments that remind them why they started in the first place.

It’s about learning from mistakes, adapting to change, and putting out products they’d trust in their own hands. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a gear junkie, or just someone who appreciates a well-told story about hard work paying off, there’s something in this conversation for you.

Archery n Motion is about pushing the boundaries of archery practice with moving targets. The conversation dives into a deep appreciation for bowhunting, competitive shooting, and the evolution of training tools. The speaker, a former tank mechanic and longtime hunter, took inspiration from a bar napkin sketch to create a system that mimics real-world hunting scenarios—turning stationary practice into a dynamic experience. The Archery in Motion platform features moving targets, wireless controls, and even a prototype 62-foot oval track to simulate realistic animal movement. It’s been tested at events like Mountain Archery Fest and Western Hunt Fest, drawing shooters of all levels. Beyond that, there’s a strong push to integrate this tech into military and veteran programs through the Valor Archery Challenge. It’s a fusion of craftsmanship, problem-solving, and a relentless pursuit to make training more effective—and way more fun.

Brian Johnson, the mind behind The Anatomy Hunter, is on a mission to reduce the number of wounded and lost deer, ensuring more ethical kills and meat for families. With a background in taxidermy and sculpture, he’s spent decades studying animal anatomy, inventing better shot-placement techniques, and even helping develop Reinhart archery targets. His Perfect Kill Shot Documentation Project aims to catalog a thousand real-world shots, showing exactly how animals die based on shot placement. Through firsthand experience—including an elk hunt that sparked the idea—he’s developing a new way to teach hunters, using real footage, scientific analysis, and interactive education to improve ethical shot placement. His passion isn’t about trophies—it’s about knowledge, respect, and ensuring every hunter understands the anatomy of their prey.

The ELMS Project is about using archery to build confidence and mend spirits, particularly for kids from single-parent households or challenging backgrounds. Born from a passion for helping youth, it was inspired by Jackson, a young archer whose journey pushed the founders to formalize their efforts. The name "ELMS" ties to both traditional bow-making and the founders' family initials. The project is set to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by late 2024, with plans for youth hunts, archery mentorships, and partnerships with HHA USA. Future goals include outfitting kids with bows, organizing fundraising shoots, and fostering a supportive archery community. The heart of ELMS is simple: give kids a shot—literally and figuratively—at something bigger than themselves, using archery as a tool to shape confidence, character, and connection.

A couple of guys with deep ties to the military, archery, and the outdoors sit down to hash out their journey—how they met, the struggles they faced, and how bowhunting and community helped them find a way forward. From playing airsoft at an old elementary school to serving in different branches of the military, their bond held strong through deployments, relocations, and personal battles with mental health. Archery became more than a pastime—it was therapy, a way to keep the demons at bay. Through mentorship, gear giveaways, and open conversations about mental health, they’ve built a community that doesn’t care what bow you shoot, just that you’re here. It’s a raw, real look at veterans finding purpose, one arrow at a time.

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