Restless Native

“I want to help these small companies. I want to help them build their brand, and build their story and be successful. They’re spending money in areas that’s not fruitful. I started talking to these men and women that make these things, and this whole new world opened up to me. And it was no longer my grandfather making fishing baits. It was people in Arkansas making duck calls or someone in California making lanyards. So I thought I wanted to make this for myself. But I discovered a new culture of people, and heard what they really need.”— Adam Gifford, Founder of TackleHack Today's guest will tell you how he started his company. It involved being told you couldn’t, exploring the depths of the unknown, and running up a lot of credit card bills. Starting a company is hard. Adam Gifford, my guest, calls it a roller coaster. Which sounds trite, but I’ve personally been through highs no drug replicates, and I’ve been in the trough of sorrow, as it’s known among founders. People are always going to tell you that you can't do something. When you realize that there is not a single adult in this world who has the ability to control your destiny besides you, you can rapidly evolve your career. Adam Gifford motivates the hell out of me. This interview or chat starts off heavy on the business side of things, and we work our way through Adam’s passion for the community and the individual people his company is helping. Adam has faced many of the same challenges I have. He’s building a tech company in the midwest. He sounds different. He has to deal with the garbage perception that people in the outdoors aren’t advanced. But he has persisted on and that’s why I think he has a great shot at success. TackleHackSponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationRestless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation.Last year I got the chance to attend Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, and I honestly had the time of my life. This family-friendly event celebrates wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. Thousands of visitors and exhibitors come from all over the WORLD for a three day exposition. One thing that will surprise some of you is the entertainment. Fellow Eagles fans will love this one: Don Felder, renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, is the entertainment on Friday. Saturday features comedian Tom Papa.One thing I want to mention is what a great opportunity this is to find big game hunts. Obviously the floor is loaded with great outfitters, and another opportunity to score great hunts are the banquets. When you buy a hunt at the banquet, you’re helping raise money for conservation by donating to Houston Safari Club Foundation. Actually, every step of the way raises money for conservation. Your tickets to the event, banquets and donations fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.The show is January 24 through the 26th in Houston Texas. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org. Thank you to Houston Safari Club Foundation for all you do, and for sponsoring GoWild and Restless Native

"I don’t ask everyone to hunt—I realize it’s not a likely reality. But I do hope that those who don’t hunt can understand why I pursue this connection to nature and my food. My experience and respect for death grounds me in what it means to live. Knowing the gravity of mortality is an expansion of the mind, and it provides a moral compass for who I want to be: A respectful participant in nature, as opposed to one who takes and offers nothing in return. "— Brad LuttrellToday is something different. There’s no guest.  Today, in my first podcast of 2020, I am sharing something that I’ve put a lot of work into describing. As you’ll hear, it’s a response to a magazine article I read this fall, which rattled me. The more I thought about this perverse interpretation of hunting, the more I wanted to provide a response. I was hopeful their team would be interested in providing a perspective from someone who has actually hunted in the last two decades and knows the real culture. They never responded. I'm not necessarily surprised in the lack of response. I worked in journalism briefly and I get it. They hear from a lot of people. But their mission on their website claims a desire to "show the spots that make the South a far better place than most folks think it is." And I think this column fell far short of that goal. Hunting is far more than what outsiders like him think it is. And I was hopeful to showcase a rebuttal in the magazine, but alas, here we are. Months have gone by with no progress. I did end my communication with them by inviting the editor and the author out to hunt with me. I believe such a trip would leave them disappointed in the decision to run the original column, if not actually embarrassed about how dead wrong it was. Writers, photographers and content creators have important jobs. Documentary work is more than capturing a single moment. As conflict photographer James Nachtwey says about himself, this is about being a witness to moments in history. I’m sure the publication’s intentions were good. This was simply an uninformed decision. But while reviewing people celebrating it on Twitter, it became clear to me that this was not being a good witness for those who can’t see. And while my work may never reach them, this is my effort to bring some insight into why hunting brings out the the best version of me. I hope you enjoy. Bitter Southerner's "Why I Don't Hunt Anymore"Share your feedback with the Bitter Southerner here

"I was bear hunting in Russia and it’s one of my favorite hunts ever, and I didn’t tag a thing. Or I think of big horn sheep hunting with my husband, and we didn’t take a sheep. To me, if you can go out there and have your best day ever without tagging an animal, that’s what makes you a true sportsmen.”— Mia AnstineOn this show, we talk about bear hunting in Russia, chasing big horn sheep, what it means to be named one of the most influential women in hunting and entrepreneurship. I met today’s guest through an organization you’ve heard me mention often, the Professional Outdoor Media Association or POMA. Just last week someone called me and asked if they should join and you already know my answer. But I love POMA’s conference because it brings me to meet people like our guest today. Mia Anstine is a very interesting story in hunting. Her path to guiding isn’t exactly what I expected. It meanders a bit, and then she has absolutely catapulted her career in outdoor media. She’s written for Field & Stream, traveled with a ton of brands, she’s involved with Safari Club International. It’s impressive. More than the accolades, Mia is just a great person to know and chat with, which is what makes this such a good interview. She’s transparent, and I don’t think you can find a disingenuous bone in her body. Mia Anstine Mia’s Published WorkGame ChangersSponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationRestless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation.Last year I got the chance to attend Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, and I honestly had the time of my life. This family-friendly event celebrates wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. Thousands of visitors and exhibitors come from all over the WORLD for a three day exposition. One thing that will surprise some of you is the entertainment. Fellow Eagles fans will love this one: Don Felder, renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, is the entertainment on Friday. Saturday features comedian Tom Papa.One thing I want to mention is what a great opportunity this is to find big game hunts. Obviously the floor is loaded with great outfitters, and another opportunity to score great hunts are the banquets. When you buy a hunt at the banquet, you’re helping raise money for conservation by donating to Houston Safari Club Foundation. Actually, every step of the way raises money for conservation. Your tickets to the event, banquets and donations fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.The show is January 24 through the 26th in Houston Texas. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org. Thank you to Houston Safari Club Foundation for all you do, and for sponsoring GoWild and Restless Native

“Here comes this caribou and my gun is still in the tent. Caribou season just started. I couldn’t get set up and it was going so fast. I’ve never seen a caribou run that fast. It goes away. And not even five minutes later, we spot another one doing the same thing. And it turns, and comes right towards basecamp.”— Lacey HoffmanThese guests left, and a few hours later, I got a text saying, “Dude, I forgot to mention being charged by a musk ox!”You know you have good stories when you forgot about the musk ox charge. Two of my favorite guests are back on the show today. All the way from Alaska down to the studio in Kentucky, we have Lyn and Lacey Hoffman.If you heard my three hour podcast with them last year, then you know it’s going to be good. Lyn and Lacey show up with a host of stories. Unfortunately they got stuck in a snow storm while traveling down to Louisville, so we didn’t get as much time for chatting as we’d hopped. A few hours after they left, Lyn started texting me, telling me about the musk ox and a whole host of other things he forgot to mention.I love these two. I came home this night and told my wife that it actually makes me sad that I don’t get to see them any more than I do. I see so many people doing things to try and be influencers. But it almost always feels disingenuous. Then you have Lyn and Lacey, who are living the life they want, and as a byproduct, you have inspiration. That, to me, defines being an influencer. They motivate me far more than some platitude written across a sunset photo. To actually chase a dream takes courage. I don’t know anyone who is living a more adventurous life than them. I’ve met a lot of folks through GoWild and they are among my favorite. Their story inspires me. Lyn has been in the hunting industry for years, working as a hunting guid. Despite a highly seasonal career, he sticks with what he loves. Lacey quit her job as a teacher to join Lyn on his trips last year. She packs, transporting hundreds of pounds of meat in bear and wolf country. And they have shaped their entire lifestyle around being mobile, flexible and truly chasing a dream. The duo does a lower 48 tour each year, and I’ve been lucky enough to be a stop on their list for the last three years. For the last two years we’ve done podcasts. This one does not disappoint.Show Notes(I did incorrectly state that Chris Kresser is a doctor. He’s a M.S., L.Ac, which means he has his masters in acupuncture. It’s a 4 year program which focuses on natural health, diet, etc. I am still a huge fan of his, despite misquoting his title.)WSI Hoffman Partnership – Code: LHAK10 gets 10% offInstagramFacebookFind them on GoWild: Lyn Hoffman, Lacey HoffmanSponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationRestless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation.Last year I got the chance to attend Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, and I honestly had the time of my life. This family-friendly event celebrates wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. Thousands of visitors and exhibitors come from all over the WORLD for a three day exposition. One thing that will surprise some of you is the entertainment. Fellow Eagles fans will love this one: Don Felder, renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, is the entertainment on Friday. Saturday features comedian Tom Papa.One thing I want to mention is what a great opportunity this is to find big game hunts. Obviously the floor is loaded with great outfitters, and another opportunity to score great hunts are the banquets. When you buy a hunt at the banquet, you’re helping raise money for conservation by donating to Houston Safari Club Foundation. Actually, every step of the way raises money for conservation. Your tickets to the event, banquets and donations fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundatio..

"'Hunters' for a long time were rednecks who drove around in trucks and shot everything. Those are poachers. But that was the identity that hunters had. We've changed the conversation. People are realizing that hunters are the true conservationist."— David DraperDavid Draper has traveled the freaking world as a writer. He’s hunted five of the seven continents, and in some of the remote places on the planet, including the Brooks Range in Alaska. Many of you will look up to him as a hunter by the end of this show. And I do, too. But what really impresses me about this guy is his work as a writer and editor. David has more than two decades of experience in communications. He’s worked for the biggest names in the industry, and he’s one of the most respected writers and editors I’ve gotten to know. In addition to hunting and writing, we both have a passion for food. So, you know where this is going. Connect with David:Petersens Hunting MagazineInstagramSponsored by Houston Safari Club Foundation Restless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation.Last year I got the chance to attend Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, and I honestly had the time of my life. This family-friendly event celebrates wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. Thousands of visitors and exhibitors come from all over the WORLD for a three day exposition. One thing that will surprise some of you is the entertainment. Fellow Eagles fans will love this one: Don Felder, renowned as a former lead guitarist of The Eagles, is the entertainment on Friday. Saturday features comedian Tom Papa.One thing I want to mention is what a great opportunity this is to find big game hunts. Obviously the floor is loaded with great outfitters, and another opportunity to score great hunts are the banquets. When you buy a hunt at the banquet, you’re helping raise money for conservation by donating to Houston Safari Club Foundation. Actually, every step of the way raises money for conservation. Your tickets to the event, banquets and donations fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.The show is January 24 through the 26th in Houston Texas. Learn more at wehuntwegive.org. Thank you to Houston Safari Club Foundation for all you do, and for sponsoring GoWild and Restless Native.

Sponsored by Polaris AdventuresSo often products launch and live in a shroud of secrecy.  Especially in the tech space.We are trying to be the antithesis of this at GoWild. We want to be very open about what we are doing, how we make money and where the product is going. Today I bring you a show from my cofounders and myself, talking about GoWild, what it took to get our new product launched, how it makes money for us, for nonprofits, and we announce two previously never before mentioned teasers for 2020. Hardcore GoWild members will definitely want to stick around for that. Let me know what questions you have after this show. You can always reach me via direct message at GoWild. It’s a rarity if I take more than 48 hours to get back to you. Sponsored by Polaris AdventuresGoWild recently teamed up with Polaris Adventures, which is Polaris’ network of ride and drive experiences. This program has quickly scaled to include more than 125 adventure Outfitters across the country. You can find and book off-road and on-road experiences across the country with this service. To kick off our partnership, Polaris Adventures and GoWild are hosting the Build Your Own Adventure Sweepstakes. Last week the community voted for where it wanted to go. We had some awesome options, including Zion National Park, Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, Hawaii and Alaska. Well guess what? We’re sending someone on an all-expense-paid trip to ALASKA. The winner can take your choice of ATV or side-by-side on an 8-hour tour of an Alaskan glacier. Then hit the pavement for a full day exploring Denali National Park with a Slingshot. Guys, you’d be crazy not to enter this. Get entered now. And to learn more about Polaris Adventures.

“I want to keep the integrity of the content. I love to tell the story and share the authenticity. It’s about giving information to the viewer so they can learn from it, and so they can be there with you.”— Scott Ellis, Turkey Caller & Turkey HunterThis episode is brought to you by Polaris AdventuresToday’s guest is really well known in the turkey hunting space. He’s one of the more recognized turkey calling competitors. He’s been a grand national Champion multiple times. He has his own TV show. He is sponsored by a lot companies. He has his own app. But he doesn’t do this for a living. Scott Ellis is a throw back for some of you who have been listening since the early days. He was my second guest on the show. He and I had a very good conversation last time around the ethics of hunting. And today, we’ll talk about the future of hunting. Scott talks about the truth behind the curtain of a lot of these TV shows. Not everyone is getting paid $100K by each of their sponsors to travel and hunt. In fact, those instances are few and far between. Striving to be that person is unrealistic, and honestly, I’d rather have Scott’s life. He’s not enslaved to brands. He only works with the ones he likes and respects. And in everything he does, he’s looking for a way to help people learn and to pass on the hunting lifestyle. ScottEllisHunting.comWood Haven CallsTurkey Tech AppHunt Quest on Mossy Oak GoRestless Native is Sponsored by Polaris AdventuresThis episode is brought to you by Polaris Adventures. GoWild recently teamed up with Polaris Adventures, which is Polaris’ network of ride and drive experiences. This is an awesome program, which has quickly scaled to include more than 125 adventure Outfitters across the country. You can find and book off-road and on-road experiences across the country with this service. To kick off our partnership, Polaris Adventures and GoWild are hosting a sweepstakes, which allows the GoWild community to first vote on the Polaris Adventures prize location. Once the location is chosen, the entry period opens for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to the region of the community’s choice. Voting opened this week, and location options are Zion National Park, Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, Hawaii and Alaska.The next phase will be the entry phase. Once voting has ended, a randomly selected person will win a $500 voucher to a Polaris Adventures location during this round. The contest then opens for entries, and the winner of the final round gets an all-expense-paid trip for two to the location chosen by the community in round one, a $4,500 value.Learn more about Polaris Adventures.

(This show originally aired December 2018. This is a re-release)If you haven’t listened to my interview with paranormal storyteller Dark Waters, go listen to that first. He tells horror stories from the backwoods that will run chills up your spine and raise the hairs on your neck. The first show with Dark Waters was one of our most popular over the last few months, so I am excited to bring him back with what he does best—telling first-person paranormal tales.Dark Waters’ WebsiteDark Waters’ YouTube

“You could see what looked like two huge dogs. Tim said “those are some very, very big dogs.” We’re 60 yards away. Tim racks a shotgun. And let’s loose in the air. The one on the boat dock stood on its hind legs. It was freaking massive. It drops to all fours and starts running at us.”— Dark Waters, Paranormal StorytellerWarning, this show does have some serious language.Last week I released a few shows with paranormal storyteller, Dark Waters. In those shows, Dark Waters talks through what he does, as himself, James, the storyteller. Today, I have a collection of stories from James, as his persona, Dark Waters. That is, he’s telling these in the first person perspective of the person who told him the tale. He’s reliving the experience, typically telling it all from memory. The last two of these are actually first-hand tellings from hunters and anglers. In pulling these stories together, I will say, I got sucked in. Dark Waters is such a great storyteller, it’s as good as sitting at the theater watching an action movie.  Listen to more Dark Waters content

"Nearly every dogman attack—and this is a detail I leave out—the majority were bowhunters."— Dark Waters, Paranormal StorytellerFall means different things to us all. For some, it’s crisp mornings, quiet sits in tree stands. For others, it might be chasing bass during the fall feed. For others, and this is a select few, Fall will mean something entirely different.Fall will forever mean reliving the most horrifying moment of your life. While recording last year’s series of dogman content, I got pretty into researching these dark stories from the woods. I don’t know that it ever really resonated with me, more than I was just curious. Part of me wonders how dogman or bigfoot could exist without being documented in this modern era, and I know this can’t be real. But then, part of me thinks about some of the tales from the King of Horror, Dark Waters, and I wonder if maybe there isn’t some truth to the government not wanting you to know. One thing I know to be true, is the more you read about this stuff, the more you open your mind to it being a possibility. You might listen to today’s show and walk away saying, “That was entertaining.” And it is. Dark Waters is entertaining—that’s what he does. But if you’re like I was last year, part of you might be left wondering if there isn’t something to these sightings. And maybe, you might just have your own story of something unexplained in the woods. Today, I bring you tales of just that. We have a bowhunter who saw and heard sheer horror as a creature of the woods put on a horrific display of strength. We’ll tell you which type of hunter is most likely to have these encounters. Where you might find these demonic animals. And what you can do to stay safe. Or as safe as you can be when hunting among dogman. Iamdarkwaters.comHear my last show with Dark Waters.Hear all of Restless Native's Dogman Content