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The transformative power of connecting veterans with the outdoors forms the beating heart of this conversation with Emile "Mo" Moured, founder of Cross the Divide Ministries. After 28 years as a Navy and Marine Corps chaplain, Emil channeled his passion for serving veterans and love for wilderness experiences into creating a ministry that has explosively grown from two states to thirteen in just four years.

Cross the Divide represents a beautifully simple yet profound approach: combining God's truths with God's creation to help veterans navigate life's challenging terrain. Unlike organizations that merely offer recreational activities, they provide skilled facilitators who can walk alongside veterans through meaningful conversations that naturally emerge during hunting trips, fishing expeditions, backpacking journeys, and horse camps.

What began with a focused mission has organically expanded through what Mo calls "God-ordained providential opportunities." From unexpected connections with ranch owners offering their properties to partnerships with the Navy SEAL Foundation, doors continue opening in remarkable ways. Perhaps most compelling is the ministry's commitment to involving entire families in their experiences, recognizing that true healing happens when veterans and their loved ones share new, positive narratives together.

The impact speaks volumes through stories like the Marine veteran who lost his leg to an IED in Afghanistan. After participating in a Cross the Divide hunt, he declared: "This is the most alive I've felt in 14 years." Such transformations aren't anomalies but represent the heart of their mission.

Operating without salaried staff and relying entirely on volunteers and donations presents challenges in balancing growth with sustainability. Yet the ministry continues forward, driven by the knowledge that these experiences create community and purpose for those who've served our nation. To learn how you can participate in events or support their mission, visit crossthedivideus.com and become part of this powerful movement connecting veterans with healing through God's creation.

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Thinking about making the leap from rifle hunting to bow hunting? This episode is your essential roadmap to getting started on the right foot. Aaron, traditionally a "gun guy," picks Dave's brain about everything a beginning archer needs to know before heading into the field.

The conversation begins by demystifying bow selection, with Dave explaining that "it's hard to get a bad bow anymore" thanks to significant technological improvements over the past two decades. We explore how brands like Hoyt, Matthews, Bowtech, and PSE compare, while breaking down the real differences between flagship models and more budget-friendly "second-tier" lines that offer excellent value for beginners. Rather than pushing expensive options, Dave emphasizes matching your equipment to your physical capabilities and hunting goals.

We dive deep into the technical aspects of archery equipment, from understanding arrow spine and weight to the crucial differences between mechanical and fixed broadheads. You'll learn why most hunters should aim for arrows in the 450-500 grain range for optimal penetration, and why statistics consistently show mechanical broadheads providing higher recovery rates on game animals. The discussion covers essential accessories, practice targets, and how to set up your arrows for maximum consistency and accuracy.

The episode wraps with perhaps the most important element of bow hunting success: dedicated practice. As Dave explains, "Muscle memory is everything when it comes to that final moment," highlighting why regular shooting sessions are non-negotiable for ethical and effective bow hunting. Whether you're completely new to archery or a casual bow hunter looking to improve your success rate, this episode provides the foundation you need to approach the upcoming season with confidence.

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The invisible element that determines hunting success more than any other factor isn't your gear, your shooting skill, or even your stealth – it's your understanding of the wind. Aaron and Dave dive deep into this critical yet often misunderstood topic, breaking down the science and strategy behind hunting the wind effectively.

For hunters transitioning from flat Midwestern terrain to the challenging topography of the Pacific Northwest, understanding how wind behaves across hills, drainages, and various elevations becomes essential knowledge. The hosts clarify fundamental concepts like upwind versus downwind positioning, explaining why being downwind of your target animal (where their scent blows toward you) is always the goal. As Dave emphasizes, "You can fool their eyes, you can fool their ears, but you cannot fool their nose."

Particularly fascinating is the discussion of thermal patterns and their predictable yet complex behavior. Morning thermals rise as the sun warms the ground, while evening thermals fall as temperatures drop – but south-facing slopes will behave differently than north-facing ones within the same area. The hosts explore advanced concepts like "wind tunnels" that explain why dominant bucks often bed three-quarters of the way up hillsides, and "wind vacuums" in drainages that can pull your scent in unexpected directions.

Whether you're a veteran hunter or just getting started, this episode provides practical knowledge for immediate application. The recommendation to always carry and frequently use a wind checker (whether it's powder, yarn, or another tool) might seem basic, but as both hosts admit, it took them years to develop this disciplined habit. Their discussion of optimal wind speeds for hunting and the advantages of elevated positions like tree stands offers tactical advice for upcoming seasons.

Ready to take your hunting success to the next level? Understanding and respecting wind patterns isn't just about technique—it's about appreciating the remarkable sensory capabilities of the animals we pursue and the natural systems they navigate. Listen, learn, and transform your approach to the hunt.

https://blog.redmondhunt.com/how-to-hunt-with-wind

https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/downwind-vs-upwind/

https://soulseekersnation.com/2019/05/20/hunting-101-part-4-understanding-the-wind-thermals/

https://enviroliteracy.org/does-wind-hurt-deer-hunting/

https://www.camohuntnstuff.com/huntwind.html

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What separates a good hunter from a great one isn't the size of their harvest – it's their commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of the hunting experience. Aaron and Dave tackle this crucial topic by examining real situations that test hunters' integrity, from respecting private property boundaries to making the hard choice not to take a shot when legal shooting hours have passed.

Through personal stories and hard-earned wisdom, we explore how the treatment of wildlife goes beyond the harvest moment. We discuss responsible baiting practices that minimize disease transmission risk, especially regarding Chronic Wasting Disease concerns. When deer make nose-to-nose contact at concentrated bait piles, they exchange bodily fluids – but spreading minerals and bait over larger areas can significantly reduce this risk.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when we examine how hunting ethics intersect with family values and teaching moments. One member of our pro staff had his target buck – a 130-class blacktail they call "The Frenchman" – walk into range just six minutes after legal shooting hours two years running. Despite the temptation, he held fire, demonstrating the character we hope to inspire in all hunters.

We also tackle the sometimes thorny issue of sharing hunting grounds and encountering other hunters. Whether discovering someone's tree stand or meeting others at a popular access point, how we handle these interactions reflects our commitment to the hunting community. As Dave wisely notes, "It's just a deer" – no animal is worth compromising your ethics, risking your hunting privileges, or damaging relationships within the hunting community.

Ready to become part of the solution? Join conservation organizations like the Blacktail Deer Foundation today. These groups advocate for hunters' interests year-round at the political level, ensuring our voices are heard when crucial decisions about hunting regulations are made.

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We're back! This week we talk about the process of getting new gear.

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This week we're with RJ Marquart from Quicksilver Kennels in Moses Lake Washington. RJ has been training upland bird dogs for 40+ years and we had a chance to sit down with him at the Puyallup Sportsman Show.

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This week we're checking in with Alex, nut not about turkey. This week he shares his success story with the Blacktail Coach system in harvesting his largest buck ever.

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We wrap up our Turkey Series with Alex as he walks up through a season going after the Washington Slam

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This week we're talking calls to locate and bring in the Toms

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WE start our turkey hunting three part series this week with BTC Pro-Staff, Alex Chaney who has completed the Washington Slam 8 times

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