In this conversation, Ryan Uffens and Cody Griffin discuss various aspects of the archery industry, including personal connections, the role of customer service, product innovations at Easton, and the importance of coaching for beginners. They also share insights on hunting experiences in North Carolina, the impact  COVID-19 had on the archery market, and the community culture within archery shops.

Takeaways

• Cody Griffin enjoys a multifaceted role at Easton.
• Customer service is crucial in distinguishing archery shops.
• Easton's new product, the 5-0, has been a huge success.
• Community and culture are vital in archery shops.
• Pro shops serve as community hubs for archery enthusiasts.

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Jeremiah Plyer, co-owner of Wilde Arrow Archery in Centerville, Utah. The conversation ranges from the importance of location in retail success to the frustrations of local politics, rising taxes, and the lack of government transparency.

Jeremiah shares his journey into archery from struggling as a teenager with no mentor, to building a career in one of the top pro shops in the country. He emphasizes the difference between a basic archery shop and a true pro shop, and why personalized service and attention to detail keep customers coming back.

The two dive into the culture at Wilde Arrow, where customers aren’t just transactions—they’re part of a community. Jeremiah explains his philosophy of “planting seeds” with every customer interaction, knowing that good service pays off long-term.

The highlight of the episode is Jeremiah’s once-in-a-lifetime desert bighorn sheep hunt with a bow. After 13 years of building points, he drew the coveted tag, navigated the intimidating terrain of Utah’s Dirty Devil unit, and successfully harvested a ram in just five days. The hunt was captured on film by Brad Hunt and produced by Brian Call of Gritty Films, inspiring many to consider pursuing desert sheep.

Whether you’re an aspiring bowhunter, a seasoned pro, or just love a good hunting story, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication it takes to succeed in both business and the field.

Watch the hunt film: Search “Wilde Arrow Desert Sheep Gritty” on YouTube.

Visit Wilde Arrow: For expert bow setup, gear, and a welcoming hunting community, stop by their Centerville location—especially in October or November for the best service and deals.

5 Takeaways from the Episode

Location Matters in Retail – Jeremiah credits Wild Arrow’s success partly to its easy freeway access, drawing customers from multiple states. Convenience often beats square footage.

Service Creates Loyalty – The shop’s “white glove” approach spending the time to answer every question turns first-time customers into lifelong bowhunters.

Community Over Transactions – Wild Arrow fosters a culture where hunters can hang out, swap stories, and blow off steam, creating a place people want to return to.

Persistence Pays in Hunting – Jeremiah drew his desert bighorn sheep tag after 13 years of applying, proving the value of strategic point building and patience.

Pro Shops Make a Difference – The expertise, mentorship, and proper setup at a pro shop can mean the difference between frustration and falling in love with archery.

Follow Jeremiah Plyer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildearrowarchery/

Watch Wilde Arrow Desert Sheep Hunt on YouTube

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Our guest on this episode is a powerhouse in the outdoor and business space, he's also a master of cutting through the noise.

Joining me is Baker Levitt Director of Strategic Relations at Black Rifle Coffee Company. He’s helped shape one of America’s most influential lifestyle brands, connecting hunters, veterans, and freedom-loving folks through powerful storytelling, sharp strategy, and unapologetic culture. From real estate and media to political consulting and crisis PR, Baker’s got his boots in every arena and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.

In this episode, we go deep. We talk about building brand loyalty, why simplicity beats complexity in business, and how hunting shaped his journey from chasing elk in Utah to giant Eland in Africa. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a patriot, or just someone looking to live with purpose, this one’s going to hit home.

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode with Baker Levitt

Build Culture, Not Just Products - Black Rifle Coffee succeeded by creating a brand people wanted to belong to. It wasn’t just about selling coffee it was about building a tribe of like-minded patriots, hunters, and veterans.

Simplicity Wins in Business and Life - Whether it’s PR crisis management or elk hunting, Baker preaches one principle: keep it simple. Most problems are made worse by overthinking; the right answer is often the obvious one.

Brand Voice Matters - A brand isn’t just a logo it’s the way you speak, act, and show up. Black Rifle's unapologetic voice resonated deeply with its audience and helped shape a billion-dollar company.

The Power of Serving Veterans - Baker emphasized the responsibility not just the marketing value of supporting the veteran community. Real impact means real cash, real conversations, and real service.

Hard Work Meets Opportunity = Luck - Baker’s success in hunting and business didn’t come from luck alone. It came from preparation, consistency, and taking the shot when the moment was right.

New Hunters: Just Go Fail - His advice to beginners? Get off the couch, go make mistakes, and learn by doing. Don’t chase perfection chase experience. And when it’s hard, remember: “You can’t kill anything from the couch.”

Africa is a Hunter’s Paradise - Baker shares why hunting in Africa is unlike anywhere else diversity, freedom, and the sheer wildness of it all. It’s not about inches; it’s about the experience.

Execute or Get Out of the Way - In business, he values execution above everything else. Ideas are cheap. People who can get things done are irreplaceable.

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Ryan Uffens sits down with Braxton Hamilton and Storie Ratcliff to unpack one of the most surreal and extreme hunts imaginable... a sanctioned mountain goat eradication in Grand Teton National Park. What started as a controversial government program turned into the chance of a lifetime: hunting within the park boundaries, in winter conditions, with minimal backup, in terrain that tested every ounce of grit they had.

From hiking 9 miles through two feet of snow just to get to camp, to climbing sheer cliffs in negative 26-degree temps, this story is a full-throttle blend of backcountry hardship, government red tape, and raw mountain adventure.

You'll hear about failed motors, sketchy cliffs, ranger warnings, and near-death climbs. all ending in the memory of a hunt so wild, no amount of money could ever buy it.

🔥 5 Key Takeaways:

Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunt Inside a National Park - Through a rare Park Service program, Braxton, Storie, and Josh got to hunt mountain goats inside Grand Teton National Park something few hunters will ever experience.

Brutal Conditions, Real Consequences - Negative 26°F temperatures, deep snow, and rugged terrain turned this hunt into an extreme survival challenge. The rangers made it clear: rescue could take 48–72 hours, if at all.

Not a Slaughter But a Hard-Earned Hunt - Despite the goal of mass removal, this wasn’t easy. They earned every opportunity through brutal climbs and calculated decision-making in some of the most remote terrain imaginable.

Government Red Tape Meets Mountain Men Tenacity - They had to fight just to be allowed to camp in the park proving their qualifications, their gear, and their grit to skeptical rangers.

Memories Etched in Snow and Stone - From high-elevation goat kills to beaching a dead boat on Jackson Lake, their stories are the kind that stick forever and they got invited back the next year to do it again.

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan sits down with 7th-generation mountain man, lifelong hunter, and North Carolina game warden Nathan Cox. From chasing rabbits with his grandpa’s beagles in the Blue Ridge Mountains to busting poachers by night using aircraft and decoys, Nathan brings a wealth of hard-earned wisdom and gritty backwoods experience.

Nathan shares what it means to grow up immersed in hunting culture, how his law enforcement background led him to become a game warden, and why intent matters when it comes to enforcement. He delivers gold for new hunters especially around tagging mistakes, how to properly validate your kill, and why "middle of the middle" is the shot you want on a black bear.

They dive into:

• Aircraft raids on spotlighting poachers
• Saskatchewan whitetails and the power of patience
• Bear hunting in North Carolina (yes, where the 800 lb giants roam)
• Bowhunting ethics and lessons from blown shots
• Why staying humble and finding mentors makes all the difference

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just picked up a tag, this episode delivers unforgettable stories, practical advice, and a clear reminder: hunt hard, hunt smart, and respect the process.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Intent Matters More Than Mistakes - As a game warden, Nathan emphasizes that not all violations are equal. Honest mistakes—like not notching a tag properly—can often be handled with education, not punishment. Intent is what separates a poacher from a new hunter who just needs guidance.

Know Your Tagging System - Nathan sees tons of violations simply due to confusion around tagging and reporting. He urges hunters to study their state’s regulations (especially terminology) and use available tools like mobile apps to validate harvests at the site of the kill. Ignoring the rules can cost you a year of hunting privileges.

Don’t Judge Whitetail by Body Size Alone - In places like Saskatchewan, the body size of whitetails can throw you off. A 160” buck might look like a 120” if you’re used to mountain deer. Nathan spent four days glassing before tagging a monster, proving patience and pre-hunt scouting are critical.

Black Bear Shot Placement: Aim 'Middle of the Middle' - Black bear vitals sit farther back than a whitetail’s. Nathan advises aiming 3–4 inches behind the front shoulder (middle of the middle). Even big calibers like a .300 Win Mag can fail if shot placement is off. A well-placed .270 dropped his bear in 20 yards.

Stay Humble & Find a Hunting Mentor - Nathan’s top advice to new hunters: stay humble and surround yourself with people more experienced than you. Every hunter has something to offer—whether it’s woodsmanship, tech skills, or calling knowledge. Respect earns mentorship.

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Ryan sits down with Wyoming-based hunter and HuntQuarters co-founder Matt Tillotson for a raw, wide-ranging conversation on high-country discipline, mental toughness, and the real grind behind consistent success in the field.

Matt shares the backstory behind launching HuntQuarters, a consulting platform for Western hunters that offers local, boots-on-the-ground insights across states like Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. From working through target panic to harvesting two exceptional bucks in a single season, Matt opens up about the relentless preparation required physically, mentally, and emotionally to perform when it matters.

Together, Ryan and Matt dive deep into the psychology of the hunt, the value of discomfort, and how self-discipline forged in the mountains spills over into every part of life. This one isn’t just about filling tags it’s about becoming harder to kill, harder to stop, and more equipped for anything life throws your way.

🏹 5 Key Takeaways:

The Mind Will Break Before the Body -Matt and Ryan dive into how your brain sets artificial limits and how learning to push past that “regulator” is key in both hunting and life.

Success Starts with Self-Awareness - At HuntQuarters, Matt customizes advice based on personality types. Whether you’re a marathoner or new to discomfort, success starts by knowing your own limits and strengths.

Two Bucks, One Breakthrough - Matt harvested two great bucks in 2023 but the real win was overcoming years of target panic. His Wyoming shot at 60 yards in wind was a personal turning point.

Training Transforms Lives - From back spasms to IT band pain, both Matt and Ryan share how putting on a heavy pack and embracing the suck has transformed their bodies and their confidence.

Hunting is a Life Upgrade - For both men, the pursuit of hunting has reshaped their discipline, fitness, family life, and mindset. The side effects? Lower cholesterol, tighter pants, and a sharper edge in every area of life.

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In this episode, Ryan Uffens is joined by Utah environmental scientist and lifelong hunter Phil Lundell, who shares his gritty journey from childhood hunts at Fish Lake to dialing in his archery game in adulthood. They dive deep into one of Phil’s most intense hunts a velvet buck taken just in time before his pattern changed complete with highs, lows, a near-loss, and a powerful recovery story.

Phil discusses his evolution as a hunter, how balancing family life and hunting is possible (thanks to a supportive wife and smart time management), and why being honest with yourself about what kind of hunter you are is crucial when it comes to gear. From binos that changed the game (Sig Zulu 6s) to staying focused on practice over fancy specs, Phil delivers advice that every new hunter should hear.

Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just getting started, this episode brings home what it means to hunt smarter, stay present, and always learn from your failures.

Key Takeaway's: 

Practice Over Perfection – Success with a bow doesn't come from fancy gear alone. Phil emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, understanding your limitations, and developing confidence in your shooting abilities.

Hunting Around a Busy Life Is Possible – With a full-time job and a young family, Phil shares how strategic time management (and a supportive spouse) allows him to hunt effectively without sacrificing family priorities.

Not All Gear Is Essential – Phil calls out the common trap of overspending on unnecessary equipment. Instead, he urges hunters to invest in what they’ll actually use and what fits their hunting style.

Glass Can Make or Break a Hunt – Switching to image-stabilizing binos (Sig Zulu 6s) was a game changer for Phil. It allowed him to spot antlers others might miss even when winded or rushed.

Failure Teaches Faster Than Success – From wounded animals to missed shots, Phil’s journey proves that each hard lesson becomes a stepping stone toward becoming a more ethical, effective hunter.

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On this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Mike Merrill, aka "Big T" an entrepreneur, family man, and seasoned bowhunter with a gritty mindset and a deep love for the outdoors. The conversation weaves through Mike’s personal hunting evolution, from growing up without a mentor to becoming a relentless and calculated hunter. He shares how he built multiple successful businesses, including a mobile time-clock software company, and transitioned to a life more focused on purpose-driven hunting and physical readiness.

Mike details a 12-day archery mule deer hunt in Utah that tested every ounce of his grit and patience. From early mornings and busted stalks to holding full draw for over two minutes, the story culminates with a perfectly executed shot and a buck that represents years of lessons learned. The episode also dives into discipline, cold plunges, training for life, and learning to "hunt angry" with purpose, drive, and zero wasted energy.

Key Takeaways:

Hunt With Intent: Don’t stack too many tags and bounce between hunts, commit fully to the ones you choose. Focus and time in the field lead to success.

Get Reps Early: New hunters should take legal, ethical shots to gain real-world experience in stalking, shooting, field dressing, and packing out.

Hunt Angry... With Control: Channel emotion into determination and grit. Don't lash out, but use inner fire to push through physical and mental limits.

Adapt & Evolve: Whether in business or bowhunting, success comes from trial, failure, and learning. Mike applied lessons from decades of entrepreneurship to the way he approaches the mountains.

Train for Life: Fitness, mental toughness, and discomfort like cold plunges or weighted hikes—build a resilient foundation not just for hunting, but for life’s challenges.

Follow Michael "Big T" Merrill:

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with bowhunting icon Brian Barney host of Eastmans’ Elevated, writer for Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, and a true backcountry hunting machine. Brian shares his incredible journey from a Pacific Northwest wrestler to one of the most respected DIY public land hunters in the West.

The two dive deep into what it really takes to succeed in the mountains: offseason preparation, high opportunity hunts, mental toughness, and building a life that supports your passion. Brian walks through the mindset shifts that make the difference between tagging out and going home early and recounts the emotional rollercoaster of his high-country mule deer hunt above 12,000 feet.

This is more than just a hunting episode it's a masterclass in grit, passion, and living with purpose, both on and off the mountain.

🏹 7 Key Takeaways:

Winners Are Made in the Offseason - Mental and physical preparation year-round is essential—there is no real offseason if you want to be a next-level bowhunter.

High-Opportunity Hunts Build Skill - Targeting hunts with more reps (like antelope or whitetail does) can accelerate learning and help refine stalking and shooting under pressure.

E-Scouting Isn’t Enough—Get Boots on the Ground - Digital tools can only take you so far. Scouting trips build terrain familiarity, hone instincts, and simulate real hunt scenarios.

Mental Toughness is the #1 Skill - Success often comes to those who don’t quit. Brian’s story of missing a dream buck—then hiking over 50,000 vertical feet to tag another—is a raw lesson in resilience.

Use Pressure to Your Advantage - Brian strategically avoids high-pressure areas, hunts mid-week or second-week seasons, and constantly adapts to stay one step ahead.

Be a Present Father and Hunter - Bowhunting isn’t just about the kill. The lessons from the mountain—discipline, patience, focus—carry over into being a better husband, father, and leader.

Shrink the Mountain Through Preparation - “Shrink the mountain” became a recurring theme. When you're physically and mentally dialed, the terrain feels less intimidating, and success becomes more accessible.

Follow Brian Barney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian__barney/

Podcast: Eastmans Elevated 

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with Troy Gregory CEO of Hunt Electric, devoted father, and passionate outdoorsman. Troy shares his story of growing up in Utah with humble beginnings, the work ethic instilled by his grandfather, and how he built a legacy rooted in family, hunting, and grit.

Troy opens up about raising five kids four sons and a daughter, all of whom are deeply immersed in hunting, fitness, and outdoor adventure. Through personal stories like his daughter’s first deer hunt and his son’s unforgettable bighorn sheep harvest. Troy unpacks the life lessons hunting has taught him and his family: perseverance, patience, calculated risk, and the value of shared struggle.

This conversation is about more than just tags and trophies. It's about fatherhood, mentorship, and using the wilderness as a proving ground for life. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting your journey, Troy’s wisdom on raising ethical hunters, creating unforgettable family traditions, and pushing your physical limits will leave you inspired.

 Key Takeaways:

1. Start Them Young, Make it Fun – Troy emphasized that the best way to build lifelong hunters is to introduce kids early and ensure the experience is fun, not grueling.
2. Create a Culture of Brotherhood – His four sons treat each other as best friends and lifelong hunting partners, a bond forged through years of shared outdoor adventures.
3. Ethics Over Ego – His kids have learned to value ethical shots and proper meat care over antler size or personal glory.
4. Patience vs. Action – Success in hunting—and in life—often comes from knowing when to wait and when to make a move. Hesitation can cost opportunity, but reckless haste does too.
5. Physical Prep = Mental Toughness – Troy’s family prioritizes fitness year-round, from daily workouts to marathon rucks, as a way to stay mountain-ready and mentally resilient.
6. Turn Every Tag into a Team Effort – Whether one family member draws or not, everyone shows up, supports, and celebrates together.
7. Opportunities Are Earned – From researching tags to grinding on extended seasons, Troy's kids don’t rely on luck—they earn every opportunity through discipline and effort.

Follow Troy Gregory:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlandscot_troy_gregory/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4brothershunt/

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