I Went to the Woods

Amanda Montei is a writer and former wildfire hot shot. In this episode we discuss her time fighting wildfires, growth through struggle, handling intense situations, community, and writing. Her podcast is called Life with Fire and her Substack is Little Fire Burning. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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Since we didn't get into detail about the actual hunting, this episode is the play-by-play of the bucks the Bales brother tagged. 

Jaden, Tyler and discuss what makes hunts impressive, the importance of attitude, reputation, and personal quests. We also talk about the variety of hunts we did over their 10 days in Alaska and that it's okay to have fun and enjoy the experiences. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode Jaden and Tyler Bales and I recap our first trip into the mountains for blacktail deer. We discuss the reality for locals who must travel by boat, truck or both to access hunting grounds, how AI is impacting the outdoor space, flooded tents and knowing when it's time to call it and get off the mountain. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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On this Opening Day road hunt, Abby and I discuss habitat and the impact of corporations and private equity on local business and outdoor companies.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Jaden Bales and his bother have never been to Alaska so in this episode Jaden and I talk expectations, logistics, gear and weather as he packs for the trip to hunting blacktail deer in Southeast Alaska. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

Thanks to the sponsors:

Margaret Stern lives in Talkeetna, Alaska, and is preparing to build a cabin on her new property. In this episode we talk about her first project in the remote interior of Alaska, milling lumber, foundations, making adjustments, plans for the new cabin and unique property luxuries like DIY saunas.  

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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In this episode, Harrison Gottschling and I discuss the joys and trials of raising children in Alaska (particularly his life in a dry cabin), the attempted sale of public lands and making the most of daylight. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

Thanks to the sponsors:

In this episode I go through my gear and approach to hunting deer in the alpine of Southeast Alaska. I discuss boots, socks, gaiters, pants, rain gear, base layer choice for cold, rainy weather, optics, tent location, terrain scouting and being ready before first light. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

Thanks to the sponsors:

Abby and I discuss navigating the challenges of camping with our 8-month-old. We break down hiking the West Glacier Spur and most of Thunder Mountain in Juneau. We talk essential gear, strategies for staying dry and warm, and developing confidence to continue to adventure though we have a baby. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

Thanks to the sponsors: