First Generation Bowhunter

This is a huge moment for Huntwurx and the First Generation Bowhunter community.

In Episode 110, Adam shares the story behind Huntwurx acquiring a massive amount of BlackOvis inventory and why this is unlike a normal hunting-gear launch. We break down what’s available, which products stand out, how the liquidation pricing works and why hunters shouldn’t wait too long on their preferred sizes.

The drop includes BlackOvis merino layers, hunting pants, outerwear, accessories and other backcountry gear. Quantities are limited, and many of these products may be gone for good once the current inventory sells through.

Shop the BlackOvis gear dump at Huntwurx.com.

This is the beginning of something big.

Everyone starts somewhere.

In this episode of the First Generation Bowhunter Podcast, Brayden shares the story of his first hunting season—from learning archery and overcoming gear mistakes to experiencing the highs, lows, and hard lessons that come with chasing deer and elk. Whether you're preparing for your first season or have years of experience, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest stories, and reminders about why ethical hunting always comes first.

Get 10% off Dark Energy with code FIRSTGENBOW https://darkenergy.com/discount/FIRSTGENBOW

We dive into the importance of patience, proper preparation, choosing the right gear, and learning from experienced mentors. Braden also shares his favorite hunting equipment, upcoming gear he's excited about, and why confidence comes from practice—not just buying new gear.

• ​Brayden's journey into archery and hunting
• ​First-season successes, mistakes, and lessons learned
• ​How gear can help—or hurt—your hunt
• ​Hunting ethics and making responsible shot decisions
• ​Solo hunting versus hunting with friends
• ​The value of mentorship in the outdoors
• ​Favorite hunting gear and new products
• ​Tips for new hunters getting started

"I set my bow down, I had to set it down."

"Don't feel pressure to shoot at this deer."

"My worst fear is wounding an animal."

• ​Get your bow and equipment professionally tuned.
• ​Practice regularly with the gear you'll hunt with.
• ​Spend time learning from experienced hunters and mentors.

00:00 Introduction to Brayden's Hunting Journey02:16 First Experiences with Archery and Hunting04:36 Gear Setup and Challenges07:02 First Day Success and Lessons Learned10:00 Dealing with Missed Shots and Wounding Animals13:20 The Importance of Proper Equipment and Preparation17:36 Hunting Solo vs. With Others22:36 The Power of Mentorship and Support26:02 Season Progress and Future Plans30:18 Favorite Gear and Upcoming Products38:54 Innovations in Hunting Gear and Technology43:48 Connecting with Nature and Staying Powered45:14 Advice for New Hunters and Gear Tips

• ​Dark Energy Tech: https://darkenergytech.com use code FIRSTGENBOW for 10% off
• ​Starlink Mini: https://www.starlink.com
• ​Darn Tough Socks: https://darntough.com
• ​Instagram: https://instagram.com/outdoorstaples
• ​Website: https://darkenergytech.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another hunter preparing for their first season. Every experienced hunter was once a beginner.

Ever wondered how elevation affects arrow flight or how to prepare for hunting season while having fun with friends? In this episode, casual archery enthusiasts share their experiences, tips for tuning gear, and stories from the field—perfect for hunters and shooters alike. Jason Dyer joins Adam Buchanan right here on First Generation Bowhunter to cover key topics to help you fill your hunting tag this season.

• Arrow flight adjustments at high altitude
• Pre-season preparation and practice
• Gear selection and tuning secrets
• Real-world course and scenario simulation
• Confidence-building and storytelling

• Elevations over 9,000 ft affect arrow trajectory—practice accordingly
• Stick to your gear setup as hunt season approaches
• Practice at varied distances with multiple pins
• Support local shops for tune-ups and custom sight tapes
• Use three-dimensional courses for realistic shooting conditions
• Confidence in your gear beats the latest tech every time
• Plan your scouting and time off strategically

• Wild Arrow Utah – Support your local shop
• Archery Forums – Broadhead tips, gear reviews
• Garmin Devices – Optics & chronographs
• Athlon Optics – Alternative tech for rangefinding & chronographs

Key Insights:Timestamps:0:00 - Episode intro and banter
0:26 - Terrain and elevation effects on shooting
1:02 - Success stories from high-altitude hunting
2:21 - Atmospheric pressure, equipment, and confidence
3:16 - Backyard range, projects, and prep
4:12 - Trip plans and outdoor adventures
5:27 - Gear organization and packing tips
6:05 - Scouting, practice strategy, and mental prep
7:00 - The value of real-world shooting experience
8:16 - Equipment tweaks close to season
9:25 - Practice tips: distances, pins, and confidence
10:34 - Broadhead consistency and selection
12:16 - Fine-tuning setups and order timing
14:38 - Confidence vs. gear, feeling good in your gear
15:53 - Shot confidence and mental readiness
16:23 - Practice in varied yardages and formats
17:24 - Shooting on odd distances for realism
18:13 - Mountain and hill shooting scenarios in Utah
19:22 - Local archery range options
20:46 - Hunting stories, arrow recoveries, and lessons
21:56 - Post-hunt arrow tracking stories
23:21 - Trail shooting and physical prep
24:31 - The role of noise and arrow speed in success
28:09 - Shooting with friends, banter, and fun
29:14 - Broadhead testing, confidence, and gear importance

In this episode Kendall dives into various events surrounding the day of the bankruptcy filing and the unanticipated fallout that he was left to deal with in order to get out from under the lease of the 50,000 square foot warehouse lease. The two months that ensued would stretch him thin, and turn his reliance on the help of former employees, family members, and ultimately on his faith in Jesus Christ to overcome the stress and load he was carrying. Other topics covered are how he worked with the trustee of the court, leasing the building, helping brands to recover inventory who had recently shipped product to the company, and winding down of the operations. If you're a First Generation Bowhunter looking to learn, improve, and punch your tag sooner, you're in the right place.🎯 Buy Merchandise and Hunting GearHuntWurx: https://huntwurx.com🎙️ First Generation Bowhunter PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aKZa78m6dOUlD30ivIjRF?si=_iUb4ZoAQfCYjLvcVPiHZgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-generation-bowhunter/id1613568313Subscribe for bowhunting tips, gear reviews, hunting stories, and conversations with hunters from every stage of the journey:https://www.youtube.com/@firstgenerationbowhunter📸 Follow Adam Buchanan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_buchanan💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcbuchanan/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamcbuchanan/🔔 Subscribe for MoreOn this channel you'll find:✅ Bowhunting Tips & Tactics✅ Gear Reviews & Field Tests✅ Hunting Stories & Lessons Learned✅ DIY Western Hunting Content✅ First Generation Bowhunter Podcast EpisodesWhether you're preparing for your first season or your fiftieth, the goal is simple:Trust your instincts. Put in the work. Punch your tag.#Bowhunting #FirstGenerationBowhunter #WesternHunting #DIYHunting #ElkHunting #MuleDeerHunting #HuntingPodcast

In this episode Kendall talks about the involuntary change in his role and his decision to move on from the day to day of the business as he contemplated time spent and ultimately those he wanted to spend his time with. But with events like the Trump Tariffs, bank relationship juggle, and business model changes, he felt these required him to stay involved far longer than he wished to be. This tug of war culminates in family and friends often asking “what’s wrong” and questioning his mental health. Ultimately, Kendall chose to step away from full time involvement in August of 2025 to a minimal role of advising on content and product development. Wrapped up in the final months of the business is his investment/loan to the business in June of 2025 in order to keep the lights on, the banking relationship and situation with the investors, and the final details of his experience leading up to the board members deciding to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you're a First Generation Bowhunter looking to learn, improve, and punch your tag sooner, you're in the right place.🎯 Buy Merchandise and Hunting GearHuntWurx: https://huntwurx.com🎙️ First Generation Bowhunter PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aKZa78m6dOUlD30ivIjRF?si=_iUb4ZoAQfCYjLvcVPiHZgApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-generation-bowhunter/id1613568313Subscribe for bowhunting tips, gear reviews, hunting stories, and conversations with hunters from every stage of the journey:https://www.youtube.com/@firstgenerationbowhunter📸 Follow Adam Buchanan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_buchanan💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcbuchanan/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamcbuchanan/🔔 Subscribe for MoreOn this channel you'll find:✅ Bowhunting Tips & Tactics✅ Gear Reviews & Field Tests✅ Hunting Stories & Lessons Learned✅ DIY Western Hunting Content✅ First Generation Bowhunter Podcast EpisodesWhether you're preparing for your first season or your fiftieth, the goal is simple:Trust your instincts. Put in the work. Punch your tag.#Bowhunting #FirstGenerationBowhunter #WesternHunting #DIYHunting #ElkHunting #MuleDeerHunting #HuntingPodcast

Hunting, Mental Prep, and Gear Tips with First Generation Bow Hunters

In this episode, Jason Dyer and Adam Buchanan share their experiences, gear insights, and mental strategies for a successful hunting season. Whether you're planning your first trip or a seasoned pro, get practical advice on equipment, mental prep, and how to maximize your time outdoors.

WATCH huntwurx.com - new product coming!

Main Topics:

• Strategies for mental resilience in hunting: handling close calls and unexpected encounters
• Gear essentials: bow tuning, backup options, and innovative gear setups
• Planning and scouting: leveraging technology, mapping, and local knowledge
• Hunting success stories: elk, mule deer, antelope, and tips for applying for tags
• Seasonal prep: fitness, equipment checks, and mental readiness
• Community and support: learning from others, sharing knowledge, and the importance of local contacts

Timestamps:00:00 - Season kickoff: hunting mindset and preparation tips00:05 - Handling close encounters and mental resilience strategies00:30 - Elk hunting stories: near misses and learning from experience01:07 - The importance of safety and mental prep before the season01:47 - Gear talk: bows, rests, and backup plans in the field02:44 - Planning hunts: mapping, scouting, and weather considerations03:37 - Drawing tags: Utah deer, elk, and other over-the-counter opportunities04:54 - Overlapping seasons: mule deer, elk, and antelope strategies05:55 - Exciting upcoming events: Total Archery Challenge at high elevations06:23 - Equipment upgrades: bow modifications, setting pins, and gear organization07:01 - How to sight in complex gear like the Boonie sight07:52 - Mentorship and family hunts: passing knowledge to the next generation08:20 - Personal hunt stories and upcoming trips: Alaska caribou and more09:10 - The challenge of DIY hunting in remote Alaska10:11 - Cost considerations and planning for Alaska hunts10:56 - Most desired species: elk tops the list, sheep at the bottom11:45 - The allure and rarity of sheep hunting12:18 - Popularity rankings: mule deer, whitetail, and the appeal of antelope13:24 - Planning for next season: scouting, fitness, and flexible strategies14:06 - The thrill of extended archery seasons and hunting hotspots15:47 - The value of local knowledge and local contacts for big game success16:04 - Season preparation: gear, fitness, and logistical planning16:53 - The importance of calendar management, family time, and personal routines18:02 - The role of technology: apps like Skylight and Re Light hydration solutions24:47 - Navigating environmental factors: wind, terrain, and animal movement25:45 - Timing your hunts: understanding season windows and optimal conditions26:49 - Planning for multiple options: sustainable hunting plans and adaptability28:16 - Logistics management: scouting, movement, and timing on multi-day hunts29:36 - Regulatory considerations: avoiding issues with e-bikes and gear restrictions30:26 - Personal improvements: gear upgrades, fitness, and gear organization31:17 - Insuring gear integrity with innovative solutions like marine batteries37:25 - Staying informed and critical of new land use proposals39:23 - How to approach environmental impact statements and government projects40:24 - The value of scientific input versus political decisions in land management44:01 - Practical tips for storing and transporting gear like game sleds45:12 - Innovative gear for field dressing and animal transportation47:16 - Hunting plans for family, elders, and future generations48:38 - Reflections on mentorship, community, and evolving hunting goals50:16 - Recommendations for gear upgrades and hunting preparation52:13 - Personal goals for the upcoming season: family, exploration, and success55:00 - Cultivating the right mindset: purpose, patience, and community63:19 - Final thoughts: embracing the journey, gear, and community spirit in hunting

In Part 2 of this deep dive, Kendall opens up about the real cost of private equity in the hunting industry—and what happens when outside investors reshape the direction of a founder-led business.

From the decision to take on investors to the internal pressure that followed, this episode unpacks the hard realities of private equity partnerships, leadership transitions, and the weight of stepping into the CEO role after a co-founder exit. Kendall shares the tension between what he believed the business needed versus what private equity demanded—and how that conflict began to take a personal toll.

This episode also explores the turning point that changed everything: a simple but powerful comment from his son that forced Kendall to reevaluate the balance between family, business, and personal fulfillment.

Along the way, we cover:

• The true cost of private equity in outdoor and hunting brands
• Navigating a CEO transition and founder identity shift
• What happens when a private equity firm installs an interim CEO
• Behind-the-scenes insights into partnerships with Kifaru
• Stories from a mountain goat hunt with Aron Snyder
• The process of hiring a long-term CEO to stabilize the business
• Lessons on entrepreneurship, burnout, and redefining success

If you're building a business, working with investors, or trying to balance ambition with real life, this episode is a raw look at what it actually takes—and what it can cost.

In this interview on First Generation Bowhunter, my good friend and mentor Kendall Card joins and talks about the journey of starting Camofire and BlackOvis, all the way up to closing their doors in October of 2025.

Kendall recounts the beginnings of Camofire, the early days starting from the basement of his co-founder until the time when 17 years later private equity would enter the picture. 

He focuses on how the growth of Camofire led to the development of Core4Element, a clothing company they would ultimately sell in order to launch BlackOvis. Along the way Kendall identifies the foundations of the business, the heart and soul elements of his journey through building the company and his personal role in the formation of what would become Camofire & BlackOvis within the hunting industry. Kendall also reflects on the costs of growing a company and how the juggle of business, hunting passion, church, and family responsibilities stretched him, from which he harbors some regrets. 

Additional topics covered is the introduction of Crispi, how Kendall and Mark worked together and juggled roles in building Camofire, BlackOvis and eventually Crispi. The rise of these websites with their associated loads, along with the sentiment in the business that ultimately the introduction of private equity to the equation. The details of the private equity deal led to Kendall staying with Camofire & BlackOvis in the role of CEO as Kendall’s co-founder left the business to run and operate Crispi. 

In this episode, Adam Buchanan discusses the importance of finding personal validation in bow hunting rather than seeking approval from others, especially through social media. He emphasizes that the joy of hunting should come from the experience itself, not from the size of the game or the opinions of others. Adam encourages listeners to embrace their journey as first-generation bow hunters, to stop outsourcing their legitimacy, and to focus on their own growth and enjoyment in the sport.

Bow hunting should be fun; if it's not, something's wrong.

Don't let social media dictate your hunting success.

It's your tag; hunt for your own experience.

Outsourcing validation can lead to dissatisfaction.

You can't eat antlers; focus on the meat.

Personal validation is more important than likes.

The playbook for life is often unfinished.

Stop comparing your journey to others.

Hunting is about personal growth and experience.

Enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

"Just go shoot a deer."

"You can't eat antlers."

"This should be fun."

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Bow Hunting

09:42 Outsourcing Validation in Hunting

16:54 The Journey of Self-Validation

24:47 Building Personal Legitimacy

bow hunting, validation, personal growth, social media, hunting success, self-acceptance, first generation bow hunter, outdoor sports, mental health, personal journey

In this episode of First Generation Bowhunter, host Adam Buchanan sits down with Brad Brooks, founder of Argali Outdoors, to talk about the unexpected overlap between rock climbing, bow hunting, and building gear that actually works in the backcountry.

Adam and Brad dig into how their shared obsession with climbing shaped their approach to bowhunting, why bow hunting has one of the steepest learning curves in the outdoors, and how persistence—not shortcuts—is the real key to success. They also compare the true cost of climbing vs. hunting, why hunters tend to obsess over gear, and how to avoid wasting money when you’re getting started.

The conversation goes deep into wild game as a primary food source, from preparation and cooking to why harvesting your own meat changes your relationship with food entirely. Brad also shares insight into how Argali gear is designed, why simplicity matters, and how innovation in hunting apparel and equipment is evolving to better serve serious hunters—not trends.

They wrap with a real conversation about balancing family life, work, and hunting, why communication matters, and how learning from failure is unavoidable in both climbing and bowhunting.

If you’re a bowhunter, endurance athlete, climber, or someone trying to do hunting the right way—this episode hits.

Brad is the founder of Argali Outdoors, known for lightweight, no-nonsense hunting gear built for real backcountry use.

👉 Check out Argali gear here: https://argalioutdoors.com

(Designed for western hunters who value durability, weight savings, and simplicity.)

• Rock climbing builds mental toughness that translates directly to bow hunting

• Bow hunting has a steeper learning curve than most outdoor sports

• Climbers tend to spend less on gear than hunters—but both obsess over performance

• Success in bow hunting often comes after repeated failure

• Wild game becomes a staple when hunting is done consistently

• Quality gear matters—but skill and decision-making matter more

• Communication is critical when balancing hunting, family, and work

• The hunting gear and apparel industry is shifting toward function over hype

  
  

  Episode Chapters

  00:00 – How rock climbing shaped obsession
  05:03 – Transitioning from climbing to bow hunting
  10:52 – Gear advice for new bowhunters
  18:01 – The steep learning curve of archery
  21:16 – Adaptability in bow hunting
  23:04 – Arrows, mistakes, and hard lessons
  26:29 – Why wild game matters
  27:56 – Cooking and preparing wild meat
  30:32 – Balancing hunting with real life
  31:31 – Communication and family support
  38:08 – Innovation in hunting apparel and gear

bow hunting podcast, archery hunting tips, Argali Outdoors, backcountry hunting gear, bow hunting learning curve, wild game cooking, hunting lifestyle, archery gear recommendations, western bow hunting, First Generation Bowhunter