I Went to the Woods

John Peterka runs Sagebrush Dry Goods in Kake, Alaska. Not exactly the hub of outdoor gear so in this episode John and I talk business dynamics and small town life in southeast Alaska. We talk about how he arrived in Kake, how he became accepted by the community, why his latest float plane flight got turned around and of course, what makes Sagebrush Dry Goods so special.

This is the time of year that New Year's Resolutions fail because it's eating season. From late October to the end of December it's trashy Starbucks drinks, candy, pie, treats, and food in socially acceptable over-eating. After 70 days of terrible eating, no wonder people only last a week in January. Anyway, I talk about the end of deer season, the beginning of coping with those dark cold Alaska days on the river chasing steelhead or trapping.

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Two straight weeks I took a buck, so I was looking to get my 4th and final blacktail, this time with my bow. I talk about what I've learned, the importance of reflection to improve rather than running the same program, and what happened with that buck at 14 yards.

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It's rut season up here in Southeast Alaska so Ryan John and I talk about hunting muskegs. We talk scouting muskegs, what Google Earth can't show you, the importance of hunting the entire way to the muskeg not just the muskeg itself, how long to stay, being quiet, and when to eat snacks.

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I talk with Juneau resident Kayla Roys about the Roadless Rule. Kayla was born and raised in Juneau and works for Trout Unlimited. We talk features of the Tongass, the impact of logging, and how saving the forest does impact the economy of the region as logging is a way of life for many families who can't simply go out and find another job.

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Inspired by the dude who dropped off another dude into the cove in which we were anchored, I podcast from a secluded beach after taking a buck. I punched the tag at 8:45, so by the time I was back to the beach, I had four hours to kill before my buddies returned from their muskegs and we headed back. Shout to Dave for picking the spot and supplying the boat and tender.

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So halfway through another unsuccessful day hunting blacktail in the rut, I got a message and a picture from my girlfriend of her and her first ever big game animal, a 5x5 Wyoming elk. I also read part of an email I got from a listener and how perspective changes with success.

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After a day chasing ducks and deer (both unsuccessful) I recap the learning curve, attitude, and why realizing that no one really cares is the best medicine for stress management when things don't go as planned.

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First time hunting mule deer, antelope and lower 48 elk for my girlfriend Abby and me. Trekked 64.7 miles in the hills, mountains and on the prairie. Had some great stalks, a couple good chances but couldn’t get one down. Probably did a lot of stuff wrong but it was still some of the most fun I’ve ever had hunting. Thanks to Jaden Bales from Backcountry Fuel Box for providing some insight and direction during the hunt.

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Jaden Bales from Backcountry Fuel Box and I talk about the risks in the entrepreneurship game, the loaded outdoor field, betting on yourself, favorite hunts and of course, food.

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