The Hunt Stealth Podcast

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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Josh Kirchner The Dialed In Hunter to unpack his journey from roofing to full-time hunting. What began as a personal blog turned into a full-blown career in writing, filmmaking, and inspiring new hunters.

Josh shares insights from solo bear hunts, writing his books (Becoming a Bowhunter, Becoming a Backpack Hunter), and learning to embrace the mental grind of the backcountry. They talk gear, mindset, failure, and why reps in the field matter more than the latest bow tech.

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Website: https://dialedinhunter.com/

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Key Takeaways:

• Start Before You’re Ready - Josh didn’t plan on becoming a full-time hunter or writer it all started with a simple blog documenting his learning curve. Taking action opened unexpected doors.
• Reps in the Field Matter More Than Gear - The best way to get better at hunting isn’t expensive equipment... it’s time in the field, learning through failure, and stacking real-world experience.
• Mental Toughness is the Real Separator - Hunts are won and lost in the mind. Josh emphasizes that staying mentally strong through discomfort, setbacks, and long dry spells is essential.
• You Can’t Learn Without Taking Risks - Josh admits he used to talk himself out of stalks. Overcoming fear of failure was a game-changer every stalk, even the failed ones, builds experience.
• Trust the Process - Whether you're glassing for bears or chasing elk, patience and consistency pay off. Even when results are slow, stick to your game plan.
• Storytelling Is a Tool for Legacy - From blogging to filmmaking, Josh uses storytelling to inspire and educate new hunters. In a world with short attention spans, good stories still connect.
• The Most Underrated Gear? Socks. - Forget the gear hype, Josh says quality socks and boots are critical. Foot comfort can make or break your hunt.

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with Colorado bowhunter and founder of Leaf Hat Co., Austin Bell, to dive deep into a story of grit, growth, and gear. Austin recounts his emotional 7-year pursuit to harvest a bull elk with a bow, culminating in a wild, five-arrow encounter deep in the Colorado backcountry. From the agony of a missed shot in 2021 to the obsessive scouting and preparation that finally paid off in 2022, this episode is packed with raw insights every elk hunter will appreciate.

Austin shares the mistakes that slowed his early progress, especially the struggle to find elk and how diving into Mark Livesay’s Treeline Academy finally helped him connect the dots on e-scouting. He breaks down the power of taking post-hunt notes, the underrated value of a sit pad, and why focusing on gear often overshadows the one thing that really makes the difference: time in the field.

The episode also features the origin story of Leaf Hat Company, a high-performance hat brand built for hunters tired of sweat-soaked cotton lids and uncomfortable brims. Austin walks through how a simple moment on a hiking trail sparked the idea to blend trucker style with technical function—and what’s coming next for the brand.

🔥 Takeaways:

• Austin’s epic 7-year journey to his first archery bull
• Lessons from a heartbreaking miss at 35 yards
• The power of consistent e-scouting & hunt planning
• Why experience trumps gear obsession
• The story behind Leaf Hat Co. and performance headwear

Follow Austin Bell:

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

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Special Offers: 

Leaf Hat Company Use Code: STEALTH20 for 20% OFF Your Entire Order. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of hunting or fishing in Alaska but haven’t made the time this episode is your sign. Ryan Uffens sits down with Hyrum Neilson, the General Manager of King Salmon Lodge, to talk about what it's really like to live the Alaskan wilderness lifestyle full-time. From blacktail deer stalks and brown bear bow hunts to raising a self-reliant family off wild game, Hyrum’s life is what most outdoorsmen talk about over campfires. He breaks down what makes Alaska special, the intensity of surviving in its untamed terrain, and why it's not just a trip it's a transformation.

Whether you're itching to chase giant rainbow trout, view grizzlies up close at Brooks Falls, or just reconnect with the primal edge of adventure, this episode challenges you to stop putting it off and go. Alaska is vast, wild, and unforgiving but as Hyrum says, “Don’t shortchange yourself. If it’s on your list, make it happen.”

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Takeaways

• Early memories of hunting with his father shaped his love for the outdoors.
• Alaska presents unique challenges and experiences for hunters.
• Black-tailed deer hunting is particularly elusive and rewarding.
• Living in Alaska fosters a strong sense of self-sufficiency.
• Hunting and fishing are integral to Hyrum's family lifestyle.
• Bear hunting requires careful preparation and respect for wildlife.
• Fire starting skills are crucial for survival in Alaska's wilderness.
• The King Salmon Lodge offers diverse fishing and bear viewing experiences.

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In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens talks with retired U.S. Army Green Beret and adaptive bowhunter Caleb Brewer. A man who stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, lost both legs, and still charges solo into the backcountry in pursuit of bull elk and black bears. Caleb’s story is nothing short of legendary. From learning to shoot a bow in his garage with a 1990s PSE Nova to opening his own archery shop, Stick Sniper Archery, Caleb discusses the healing power of archery, the grit it takes to succeed in the wild, and how hunting gave him purpose beyond the battlefield.

They talk mountain medicine, the physical and mental grind of bowhunting with prosthetics, why failure teaches more than success, and the raw truth about conservation. Caleb also shares a near-death experience that forced him to re-evaluate everything and how he went back, faced his fear, and found redemption through perseverance in the wild.

Whether you're a veteran, a new bowhunter, or someone looking for meaning in the struggle, this episode will fire you up, get you focused, and remind you why we hunt.

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

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

Website: 

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Takeaways

• Caleb Brewer's journey into hunting began later in life after a military injury.
• Archery provides a therapeutic escape from daily stresses and challenges.
• Hunting can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
• Community support is vital in the hunting and archery world.
• Hunting deep into the wilderness often leads to better opportunities.
• Experiencing near-death situations can change one's perspective on life.
• It's important to have backup gear when hunting in the backcountry.
• Success in hunting often comes from perseverance and learning from failures.

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