It’s a holiday-season edition of Just the Tip Tuesday, and Mike and Ryan squeeze in a morning recording to talk food, hunting gear, and a little life balance before Christmas chaos takes over.

This episode starts in the kitchen, where Mike throws down a bold culinary challenge: elk tartar. From raw backstrap done right to the exact crackers that make it shine, Mike breaks down why this appetizer has become a Christmas showstopper—even winning over skeptical in-laws. Ryan shares his own wild-game comfort food favorites (yes, ranch is involved), and the guys talk about how food has become a bigger part of hunting culture than ever before.

From there, the conversation shifts to the field. With the new year coming up, Mike and Ryan each name two things they’ll never hunt without again—from good boots and real meals to comfortable camp chairs and why a standard-length truck bed might matter more than you think. It’s practical, honest gear talk rooted in real hunts, real mistakes, and lessons learned the hard way.

They wrap things up talking holiday breaks, motivation cycles, and setting intentions for the coming season—before signing off and gearing up for a short Christmas pause.

Whether you’re planning Christmas appetizers, upgrading gear, or just dreaming about next season, this one’s packed with laughs, insight, and a few ideas you might actually steal.