Season 10 Episode 1: Stalked by a Mountain Lion – Lessons from the Hunt

Welcome to Season 10 of the Soul Summit Podcast, presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, and onX Maps.

In this episode, host Courtney Prete, founder of Her Outdoor Journey, sits down with returning guest and HOJ Ambassador Kim Palmer-Nicks to unpack one unforgettable season in the field. From chasing Montana elk to being stalked into 15 yards by a mature mountain lion, this episode is packed with lessons learned, field-tested tips, and real stories from the wild.

Episode Highlights:

Kim’s 2025 hunting season recap

Highlights from the Women’s Wilderness Summit and other HOJ events

The Montana elk hunt and the close encounter with a mountain lion

Favorite gear, snacks, and field takeaways

What’s ahead for 2026 – upcoming HOJ retreats, hunts, and events

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning your outdoor journey, this episode brings inspiration, education, and adventure straight from the field.

Connect with Us:

Season 10 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast

MAVEN OPTICS

BAKCOU E-BIKES

HOYT ARCHERY

SAWYER PRODUCTS

onX MAPS

INVADER CONCEPTS

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share what resonated with you or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community. Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your field-to-freezer moments.

Tags: Soul Summit Podcast, Her Outdoor Journey, Women Hunters, Montana Elk Hunt, Mountain Lion Encounter, Outdoor Education, Women’s Wilderness Summit, Big Game Hunting, Field to Fork, Hunting Podcast, Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, Sawyer Products, Outdoor Adventure, Women in Hunting, Courtney Prete, Kim Palmer-Nicks, 2026 Outdoor Retreats, Masterclasses with the Pros, Her Outdoor Journey Events

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

Key Takeaways:

🗓️ Join Us:

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

🗺️ onX MAPS

Enjoyed the episode?

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your glass-to-harvest moments!

Tags: women and firearms, self-defense training, Amanda Rose, Athena Tactics, situational awareness, women empowerment, firearm safety, personal protection, gun training for women, overcoming fear of guns, feminine and fierce, women in self-defense, firearm education, Soul Summit Podcast, women who hunt, outdoor skills for women, tactical training, female firearm instructors, gun confidence, women's outdoor community

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

In this episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, host Courtney Prete sits down with Morgan Wines, a guide and game warden whose passion for hunting started at just 12 years old. Morgan opens up about her early hunting days with her mom, the unforgettable lessons from an Alaskan moose hunt, and why self-reliance in the wilderness is a must-have skill for every young hunter.

The heart of the episode is all about glassing—the art and science of spotting animals from a distance without disturbing them. Morgan breaks down how understanding your optics, including what those numbers on your binoculars actually mean, can dramatically improve your success in the field. She shares tips on using a stable rest, why comfortable harnesses are game-changers, and how consistent practice with your optics can elevate your skills.

We also highlight the power of community through events like the Women’s Wilderness Summit, where women in hunting come together to grow, learn, and connect.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your backcountry techniques, this episode delivers practical strategies, memorable stories, and inspiration to help you become a more effective and confident hunter.

ON THE BLOG:

How to Choose the Right Hunting Optics

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🗓️ Join Us:

SOCIALS:

@soulsummitpod_

@morganwines

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

🗺️ onX MAPS

Enjoyed the episode?

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your glass-to-harvest moments!

TAGS:

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

This week’s episode is a beautiful blend of faith, foraging, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from living close to the land.

We’re thrilled to welcome Tawny Leger—a homesteader, herbalist, and mama raising her kids with dirt under their nails and wonder in their hearts. 

Tawny shares her journey from nature-loving kid to intentional forager, how her faith has shaped her view of creation, and the pivotal moment as a new mom that made her question what she was putting on (and in) her family’s bodies. 

She shares the joys and challenges of homesteading, raising kids outdoors, and what it looks like to teach the next generation about stewardship, simplicity, and healing through God’s design. We also talk about ethical foraging in the Pacific Northwest, her go-to remedies for spring and summer, and one of her favorite practical ways to use wild plants at home.

This episode also previews Tawny’s upcoming Masterclass with the Pros, where she’ll teach plant ID, safe and ethical harvesting, and how to make simple remedies from things you can find in your own backyard. Whether you're brand new to foraging or looking to deepen your knowledge, her class is a must.

Plus, Tawny will be hosting the HOJ Women’s Faith-Centered Retreat happening June 26–28, 2025 in Fall Creek, Oregon. Tawny and Courtney will co-lead a powerful weekend focused on joy, community, and reconnecting with God through creation.

EXCLUSIVE PODCAST DISCOUNT-- Be sure to use code HOJ-FAITH-25 to save 15% now through June 1 on your Women's Faith Retreat Registration at HerOutdoorJourney.com

Loved this episode?

Check out the Women’s Faith Retreat going on in June in Fall Creek, Oregon! https://www.heroutdoorjourney.com/product-page/women-s-faith-retreat

FREE Masterclasses with the Pro’s Series—registration is open now! https://www.heroutdoorjourney.com/masterclass-sign-up

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants: https://amzn.to/43wFqhG

SOCIALS:

📲 @heroutdoorjourney_

📲 @soulsummitpod_

📲 @themoutnainmama

Stay connected and check out more adventures on our YouTube Channel – let’s hit the trail (and the cutting table) together!

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS

From long glassing sessions to quick scans, Maven optics deliver unmatched clarity straight to your hands—without the markup.

👉 Visit www.mavenbuilt.com and use code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT to save!

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

Get deeper into the backcountry with Bakcou’s powerful E-bikes built for serious outdoor adventure.

👉 See more at www.bakcou.com and use code SSP200 at checkout!

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

Designed to perform when it matters most. Hoyt’s bows are built tough for hunters who go the distance.

👉 Explore your options at www.hoyt.com

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

Trusted gear for clean water, insect protection, and all-around outdoor safety—plus global impact initiatives.

👉 Learn more at www.sawyer.com

🗺️ onX MAPS

Know where you stand, every step of the way. From public land boundaries to topo details, onX Maps keeps you informed.

👉 Try it free at www.onxmaps.com

Enjoyed the episode?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and share what resonated with you—or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community.

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your field-to-freezer moments!

#SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney #FieldToFork #ButcherSolutions

TAGS: Soul Summit Podcast, Her Outdoor Journey, Women in the Outdoors, Faith and Nature, Christian Homesteader, Outdoor Faith Community, Faith-Based Wellness, Wildcrafted Faith, Faith-Filled Foraging, Faith-Centered Living, Tawny Leger, Herbalist Mama, Homesteading Wisdom, Foraging with Kids, Herbal Remedies at Home, Plant-Based Healing, Ethical Foraging Tips, Pacific Northwest Foraging, Backyard Apothecary, Nature as Medicine, Women’s Faith Retreat 2025, HOJ Masterclass Series, Foraging Masterclass, Faith-Centered Retreat Oregon, Soul Summit Sponsors, Maven Optics Gear, Bakcou E-Bikes Adventure, HOYT Archery Women, onX Maps Navigation, Sawyer Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Motherhood, Raising Kids Wild, Slow Living Movement, Intentional Living Outdoors, Stewardship Through Faith, Simplicity & Sustainability, Christian Herbalism, Family Homesteading, Outdoor Discipleship, Wilderness Wisdom

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

In this episode, Courtney Prete shares the essential compound bow maintenance ritual every archer needs to keep their setup dialed, reliable, and field-ready. Whether you're new to archery or have a decade of seasons under your belt, this is the confidence-boosting episode you didn’t know you needed.

As spring and summer give us breathing room before fall hunts, it’s the perfect season to reconnect with your gear, clean up, and dial in the details that make a huge difference in performance and your overall consistency as an archer.

We walk through Courtney’s full bow care routine, break down how each part works together, and talk about easy mistakes that cost big. From tuning tips to storage advice, you’ll leave this episode with a checklist, a plan, and a new level of gear awareness.

📲 @heroutdoorjourney_

Stay connected and follow along on YouTube for more gear talk, tips, and outdoor inspo. Let’s get your setup sharp, steady, and hunt-ready.

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS

Precision glass for every kind of glassing mission.

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

🗺️ onX MAPS

Enjoyed the episode?

#SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney #CompoundBowMaintenance #ArcheryConfidence #DialedInBowSetup 

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

In this episode, we reconnect with Sierra Jepsen, the powerhouse behind Butcher Solutions LLC—a meat scientist, traveling instructor, and passionate educator helping hunters and outdoor lovers get more confident with their harvests. Sierra first joined us in Season 8, Episode 170 (Field to Fork: Butchery Basics & Knife Skills), and we’re thrilled to have her back for a deep dive into wild game processing and meat care.

We catch up on what’s new in her world, including her unforgettable experience competing in the Butcher Olympics in Paris, France. She emphasizes the significance of proper meat storage, packaging, and thawing techniques to ensure safety and quality. The conversation also touches on the creative ways to repurpose leftover meat and the best practices for thawing to maintain flavor and tenderness. In this conversation, Courtney and Sierra Jepsen discuss essential practices for thawing, cooking, and safely handling meat. They cover the importance of using thawed meat within a few days, the signs of meat freshness, and the best methods for processing meat, including grinding and making jerky. They also address how to handle gut-shot animals safely and the significance of hands-on butchery training, emphasizing the need for practical experience in learning butchery skills.

This episode is packed with practical, low-barrier education—exactly what hunters and field-to-table foodies need. Don't forget to get signed up for Sierra’s segment on the upcoming Masterclasses with the Pro Series! We'll be releasing all the info for our Masterclasses 4/30/25

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting to explore field butchery, this one’s full of knowledge you can take straight to the cutting board.

Check out the Women’s Wilderness Summit coming up in Lewistown, Montana!

And don’t miss our FREE Masterclass Series—registration is open now!

SOCIALS:

📲 @heroutdoorjourney_

📲 @soulsummitpod_

📲 @butchersolutions

Stay connected and check out more adventures on our YouTube Channel – let’s hit the trail (and the cutting table) together!

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS

From long glassing sessions to quick scans, Maven optics deliver unmatched clarity straight to your hands—without the markup.

👉 Visit www.mavenbuilt.com and use code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT to save!

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

Get deeper into the backcountry with Bakcou’s powerful E-bikes built for serious outdoor adventure.

👉 See more at www.bakcou.com and use code SSP200 at checkout!

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

Designed to perform when it matters most. Hoyt’s bows are built tough for hunters who go the distance.

👉 Explore your options at www.hoyt.com

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

Trusted gear for clean water, insect protection, and all-around outdoor safety—plus global impact initiatives.

👉 Learn more at www.sawyer.com

🗺️ onX MAPS

Know where you stand, every step of the way. From public land boundaries to topo details, onX Maps keeps you informed.

👉 Try it free at www.onxmaps.com

Enjoyed the episode?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and share what resonated with you—or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community.

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your field-to-freezer moments!

#SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney #FieldToFork #ButcherSolutions

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products! 🌲🦌

In this episode, Courtney Prete takes us deep into the world of shed hunting, focusing on her home turf—Western Oregon—and her pursuit of blacktail deer antlers. She opens up about how this outdoor passion has brought joy, connection to the outdoors, a mental and physical boost, and how training a shed hunting dog has elevated her experience shed hunting.

Courtney shares practical advice for anyone looking to get started or level up in their shed hunting game—from understanding animal behavior and reading terrain to using the right gear and gridding your search. She also dives into the ethical side of hunting, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife and knowing your local regulations.

Whether you’re just curious about shed hunting or already hooked, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you explore the outdoors with more intention and awareness.

SOCIALS:

Stay connected and check out more adventures on our YouTube Channel – let’s hit the trail together!

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS

🗺️ onX MAPS

Enjoyed the episode?

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your shed hunting finds! 🦴✨

Welcome to the launch of season 9 of the Soul Summit Podcast. Courtney and Kim Palmer-Nicks explore the powerful intersection of archery, fitness, and women’s empowerment. Kim shares her personal journey from Texas to becoming a fitness coach, and they discuss the importance of mentorship in outdoor activities. The episode highlights why women should embrace strength training, self-care, and building supportive communities. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Women’s Wilderness Summit, where women will have the chance to learn and grow together in their outdoor pursuits.

Find us on Instagram: 

@soulsummitpod_

@spearstrengthwellness

Today's episode was brought to you by:

BAKCOU: Elevate your life and your hunts with one of Bakcou’s top of the line E-bikes! Whether you use them on your hunting and fishing adventures, for a hand on the farm, or to commute around your local area, Bakcou bikes are not only reliable, but they add a whole lot of fun to life as well! Find their full line of products at www.bakcou.com. Use the code SSP200 to save at checkout.

HOYT: There are some awesome bows on the market, but if you ask me, I’d say Hoyt has some of the best bows around. Built tough to withstand the wear and tear of hard hunts, this bow ensures reliability in your shot so you can focus on the hunt. Not to mention, the dead in the hand feeling that keeps you coming back for more! Head over to www.hoyt.com and check out their new custom bow builder!

SAWYER: If you’re serious about the outdoors, be sure to see what Sawyer has to offer. From water filtration, to sunscreen and insect repellent, Sawyer has you covered. Their commitment to giving back, helping fight global issues, and bringing clean water to more people around the world truly sets them apart from the rest. Head over to www.sawyer.com to see all they have going on!

ONX: When it comes to hunting and exploring the great outdoors, there are endless tools, gizmos and gear, but something I never leave home without is my onXMaps. Knowing I have access to land owner information, property lines, topographic layers, historical and wildlife data are all reasons this app takes hunters to the next level and leaves you feeling confident in the woods. Grab your free trial today at www.onXmaps.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Please take a minute to leave a review on the show. Tell us what you think OR what you want to hear next! We appreciate this community of outdoor junkies and we're looking forward to what the future holds!

TAGS: #Archery #Fitness #WomenEmpowerment #OutdoorActivities #StrengthTraining #SelfCare #Community #Mentorship #Health #Wellness #WomensWildernessSummit #EmpoweringWomen

In this episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, host Courtney Prete interviews Juli Sanders, a guide for Her Outdoor Journey, about her exciting upcoming women's retreats that she is hosting. 

They discuss the details of the retreat, including the activities planned, the importance of sisterhood in outdoor adventures, and the unique experiences participants can expect. 

The conversation highlights the joy of connecting with nature and fellow women in a supportive environment.

Visit heroutdoorjourney.com to explore our retreats and secure your spots today. Grab your adventure buddy and make 2025 a year to remember! 

SOCIALS:

@risingroseranch

@heroutdoorjourney_

@soulsummitpod_ 

@encounteroutdoor

@the_light_ranch

Keep up with us online!

Or tune into our YouTube Channel to take the journey together! 

Today's episode was brought to you by: 

MAVEN: If you’re ready for premium optics without the premium price tag, check out Maven Optics. This consumer direct company is turning heads and winning awards for their top quality products. From binoculars, rangefinders, rifle scopes and spotting scopes- they’ve got it all. 

Head on over to www.mavenbuilt.com and use promo code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT  for your next purchase to get a discount just for listening to this podcast! 

BAKCOU: Elevate your life and your hunts with one of Bakcou’s top of the line E-bikes! Whether you use them on your hunting and fishing adventures, for a hand on the farm, or to commute around your local area, Bakcou bikes are not only reliable, but they add a whole lot of fun to life as well! Find their full line of products at www.bakcou.com. Use the code SSP200 to save at checkout.

HOYT: There are some awesome bows on the market, but if you ask me, I’d say Hoyt has some of the best bows around. Built tough to withstand the wear and tear of hard hunts, this bow ensures reliability in your shot so you can focus on the hunt. Not to mention, the dead in the hand feeling that keeps you coming back for more! Head over to www.hoyt.com and check out their new custom bow builder!  

SAWYER: If you’re serious about the outdoors, be sure to see what Sawyer has to offer. From water filtration, to sunscreen and insect repellent, Sawyer has you covered. Their commitment to giving back, helping fight global issues, and bringing clean water to more people around the world truly sets them apart from the rest. Head over to www.sawyer.com to see all they have going on!  

ONX: When it comes to hunting and exploring the great outdoors, there are endless tools, gizmos and gear, but something I never leave home without is my onXMaps. Knowing I have access to land owner information, property lines, topographic layers, historical and wildlife data are all reasons this app takes hunters to the next level and leaves you feeling confident in the woods. Grab your free trial today at www.onXmaps.com. 

Did you enjoy this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Please take a minute to leave a review on the show. Tell us what you think OR what you want to hear next! We appreciate this community of outdoor junkies and we're looking forward to what the future holds!

Now go get after it! Tag us in your adventures #SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney 

TAGS: Soul Summit Podcast, Women's Retreat, Juli Sanders, Women Empowerment, Retreats, Mother-Daughter Connection, Equine Wellness, Outdoor Experiences, Personal Growth, Community, Authenticity

In this episode of the Soul Summit podcast, host Courtney interviews Emily Schaad Konkler, an experienced bow hunter from southeastern Ohio. They discuss Emily's journey into whitetail hunting, the challenges she faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and the importance of technology like trail cameras in modern hunting. Emily shares her strategies for hunting in Ohio's unique terrain, the difficulties of accessing private lands, and her experiences hunting out west. The conversation also touches on the balance between conservation and increasing hunter numbers, the mental resilience required in hunting, and the impact of social media on the hunting community. Emily emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and hard work in achieving hunting goals, and expresses her excitement for future hunting seasons.

SOCIALS:

@schaademily

@heroutdoorjourney_

@soulsummitpod_ 

@encounteroutdoor

@the_light_ranch

RESOURCES

Keep up with us online!

Or tune into our YouTube Channel to take the journey together! 

Today's episode was brought to you by: 

MAVEN: If you’re ready for premium optics without the premium price tag, check out Maven Optics. This consumer direct company is turning heads and winning awards for their top quality products. From binoculars, rangefinders, rifle scopes and spotting scopes- they’ve got it all. 

Head on over to www.mavenbuilt.com and use promo code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT  for your next purchase to get a discount just for listening to this podcast! 

BAKCOU: Elevate your life and your hunts with one of Bakcou’s top of the line E-bikes! Whether you use them on your hunting and fishing adventures, for a hand on the farm, or to commute around your local area, Bakcou bikes are not only reliable, but they add a whole lot of fun to life as well! Find their full line of products at www.bakcou.com. Use the code SSP200 to save at checkout.

HOYT: There are some awesome bows on the market, but if you ask me, I’d say Hoyt has some of the best bows around. Built tough to withstand the wear and tear of hard hunts, this bow ensures reliability in your shot so you can focus on the hunt. Not to mention, the dead in the hand feeling that keeps you coming back for more! Head over to www.hoyt.com and check out their new custom bow builder!  

SAWYER: If you’re serious about the outdoors, be sure to see what Sawyer has to offer. From water filtration, to sunscreen and insect repellent, Sawyer has you covered. Their commitment to giving back, helping fight global issues, and bringing clean water to more people around the world truly sets them apart from the rest. Head over to www.sawyer.com to see all they have going on!  

ONX: When it comes to hunting and exploring the great outdoors, there are endless tools, gizmos and gear, but something I never leave home without is my onXMaps. Knowing I have access to land owner information, property lines, topographic layers, historical and wildlife data are all reasons this app takes hunters to the next level and leaves you feeling confident in the woods. Grab your free trial today at www.onXmaps.com. 

Did you enjoy this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Please take a minute to leave a review on the show. Tell us what you think OR what you want to hear next! We appreciate this community of outdoor junkies and we're looking forward to what the future holds!

Now go get after it! Tag us in your adventures #SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney 

TAGS: whitetail hunting, bow hunting, women in hunting, trail cameras, hunting strategies, conservation, hunting challenges, hunting experiences, social media in hunting, mental resilience