In this episode of InCamp Podcast, I sit down with Josh Kirchner and we dive headfirst into bear hunting, backcountry preparation, and what keeps us coming back to public land year after year.

Josh talks about how his passion for hunting started young and evolved into a deep respect for wildlife, conservation, and the storytelling that surrounds hunting culture. We get into bow hunting bears, risk assessment in the backcountry, and why preparation — mentally and physically — matters more than any piece of gear.

We also talk about the reality of public land hunting. It’s challenging. It’s unpredictable. And it forces you to get comfortable with failure. Bears are stealthy, agile, and flat-out impressive animals. The thrill isn’t just in the shot opportunity — it’s in the chess match.

We hit on social media expectations, keeping things simple, culinary surprises like bear meat becoming a household staple, and why new hunters should prioritize experience.

• Preparation beats hype — especially in the backcountry.

• Public land hunting rewards grit and punishes shortcuts.

• Bears are incredibly stealthy and demand respect.

• Social media doesn’t show the failures — but failure builds real hunters.

• Experience > trophies, especially for new hunters.

• Risk assessment matters more than bravado.

• Bear meat is underrated and absolutely worth the effort.

• Hunting is a therapeutic reset from modern life.

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