"If the market doesn't provide the solution, you build it yourself."

In the second episode of the Hit It DEADNUTS Podcast, I’m joined by Cole Daniels, co-founder of DEADNUTS Outdoors. We take it back to the beginning - Washington State, 2020. Amidst lockdowns and uncertainty, the Daniels family had a simple goal: teach their boys how to ethically place an arrow on an elk.

When they looked for tools to help, they found the market lacking. The options were too expensive, too heavy, or stuck behind a five-week lead time. So, they did what chasers of the American Dream do: they innovated. Using a box cutter and a vision, they hand-cut the first DEADNUTS target in their garage.

What started as a tool for their own sons has evolved into a nationwide movement. Today, DEADNUTS targets are in dealers across the country and support major conservation groups, all while staying true to the mission: helping hunters become more lethal and more ethical in the field.

Inside the Episode:

* The COVID Catalyst: How a lockdown turned into a product launch.

* American Ingenuity: The transition from hand-cut prototypes to precision manufacturing.

* The Ethics of the Shot: Why realistic 2D targets are the superior way to train for the moment of truth.

* Scaling the Mission: From a garage in Washington to dealers nationwide.

* Conservation First: Why DEADNUTS prioritizes giving back to the wild places we hunt.

The Standard:

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." — Ecclesiastes 9:10

Listen now and learn how to elevate your archery game before the season kicks off.

Check out DEADNUTS OUTDOORS 2D Targets HERE

Check out the DEADNUTS CONSERVATION SERIES TARGETS HERE

Episode 000: The Launch – Why We’re Here

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the debut episode of the Hit It Deadnuts Podcast. In this kickoff, host Aaron Stonehocker introduces the mission behind Deadnuts Outdoors and why this podcast is the new home for the serious, blue-collar hunter. We aren't just talking about hunting; we’re talking about the discipline, the gear, and the community required to be "Deadnuts" when the moment of truth arrives.

In this episode, we cover:

* The Origin of Deadnuts Outdoors: Why we started building targets for hunters who demand more than just a piece of foam.

* The Standard of Excellence: What it means to "Hit It Deadnuts" and how we’re building a community of more competent, skilled outdoorsmen.

* What’s Coming: A roadmap for the show, including field stories from the community, species-specific product breakdowns, and industry/conservation deep dives.

* How to Get Involved: How you can share your success stories and featured field moments on future episodes.

Resources & Links:

* Shop Deadnuts Outdoors: www.deadnutsoutdoors.com

* Follow us on Instagram: DEADNUTS Instagram

* Join the Network: Part of the Prayin’ and Slayin’ Podcast Network.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to take your preparation to the next level, hit that Subscribe button. We’re just getting started.

Hit It Deadnuts.