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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Richard Bettencourt and his dad Dick Bettencourt of Steep Kuntry Outdoors — a father-and-son elk hunting duo who represent what hunting is really about: grit, family, and perseverance.

From their first archery bull to building Steep Kuntry into a respected western hunting brand, the Bettencourts share the highs, lows, and lessons learned chasing elk deep in Idaho’s backcountry. They talk about mindset, physical training, and what it takes to stay driven when the mountain humbles you.

You’ll also hear the hilarious backstory behind Dick’s nickname, “Angry Dick,” and how he turned his passion for craftsmanship into a business with Angry Dick Leather, building premium, handmade holsters right here in Idaho.

If you love authentic hunting stories, real conversation, and gear built for the grind — this one’s for you.

🔗 Connect with Steep Kuntry Outdoors

YouTube: Steep Kuntry Outdoors

Instagram: @steepkuntryoutdoors

Website: steepkuntryoutdoors.com

🔗 Connect with Angry Dick Leather

Website: angrydickleather.com

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In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Jim Naccarato, founder of Iron Mountain Skull Hangers. From backcountry elk hunts to building some of the most trusted European mount hangers in the industry, Jim shares his story of grit, determination, and craftsmanship.

We dive into unforgettable elk hunting encounters, lessons from years of chasing bugles in rugged country, and the work ethic that turned welding skills into a thriving business for hunters everywhere. Jim also breaks down his fitness and training approach, his thoughts on embracing the grind, and the mindset that keeps him pushing forward through challenges in the mountains and in life at over 60 years old.

If you’re passionate about elk hunting, archery, rifles, predator management, or just learning from a lifetime of backcountry experience, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, filmmaker, hunter, and founder of Revol Entertainment, to uncover what really goes into crafting powerful hunting films in the backcountry. From wedding shoots to wild terrain, Clint shares the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes chaos of filming in unforgiving environments.

Whether you're chasing bulls with a bow or chasing stories through a lens, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and lessons from the field.

What You’ll Learn:
Clint’s journey from weddings to wild game films with Revol Entertainment

Tips for aspiring outdoor filmmakers and content creators

Honest gear talk: what works, what fails, and why

Storytelling insights: structure, emotion, and raw authenticity

The toll of filming in extreme backcountry conditions

Why a “Revol film” hits different

Subscribe for more raw, real conversations that go beyond the gear and into the soul of the hunt.

Brought to you by Initial Ascent – trusted gear for serious backcountry hunters.
Visit: www.initialascent.com to shop gear and support the podcast.

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Last week's episode's audio was the story part, btw. We apologize.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Rodger Holscher—law enforcement officer, lifelong hunter, and one of the most dialed riflemen you'll ever meet. From growing up on a California cattle ranch to navigating high-stakes situations as a game warden and cop, Rodger shares raw, hilarious, and hard-earned wisdom from both the field and the force.

We talk:

Backcountry ballistics and long-range accuracy

How to read wind, build stable shooting positions, and prep like a pro

His journey from archery purist to rifle guru

Snake encounters, bear hunts, and why trigger time matters

Life lessons from law enforcement and faith-filled grit

Whether you're a hunter looking to improve your shooting or just here for the stories, this one’s packed with gold—and a few rattlesnakes.

New episodes every Tuesday

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Rodger Holscher is back in the studio—and this time, it’s not just tactics and gear talk. This is full-on story mode.

From nearly bonking out after three days without a spoon to punching his tag on a bull at 12 yards, Rodger walks us through some of his most unforgettable backcountry hunts with Chris and the crew. Whether it’s calling in elk from the side of the road, recovering bears in thick timber, or dropping a running bruin in Crocs (yep, that happened)—this episode is loaded with both laughs and lessons.

What we cover:

Elk hunting mistakes that almost turned serious

Packouts when the fuel tank is empty

How bears, wolves, and wind all factored into some wild moments

The value of knowing your weapon—and what you’re capable of under pressure

Real-world gear takeaways, bear defense setups, and pistol talk

This one’s for the guys who’ve been there, barely made it out, and still can’t wait to go back in.

Subscribe, review, and share it with your hunting crew—we appreciate the support.

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Welcome back to the Mountain Dude Podcast by Initial Ascent. In this solo episode, host Chris Young dives deep into the one factor that separates successful hunters from those who come home empty-handed: mental toughness.

From chasing bugles deep in September elk country to grinding through long solo hunts, Chris shares personal stories of struggle, failure, and breakthrough moments that transformed his mindset and elevated his success in the backcountry. You’ll hear how staying on the mountain, embracing discomfort, and pushing through the “quit moments” can fill more tags and make you a stronger hunter—and person.

Topics in this episode include:

The importance of mental toughness in archery elk hunting and mule deer hunts

How to overcome the urge to quit early on tough backcountry hunts

Lessons from faith, perseverance, and years of solo hunting

Practical tips for building resilience before and during the season

Whether you’re preparing for an archery elk hunt, a high-country mule deer tag, or just want to sharpen your edge in the outdoors and life, this conversation is packed with motivation and hard-earned insight.

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In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks, Dave’s story is one of relentless drive and intentional living. He opens up about the training and nutrition that keep him going year-round, the spiritual mindset that guides his every step, and the iconic "Beronio Packout" method that’s changing the way hunters carry heavy loads in the backcountry.

What to expect:

Dave’s journey from the U.S. Ski Team to guiding full-time in the West

The story behind his leap into televised hunting with Outback Outdoors

How he packs out elk, moose, and more, with all quarters, in one trip

Daily fitness, diet, and mindset routines that fuel 40+ packouts a year

Why being in service, not being the hero, is his ultimate pursuit

His deep reflections on grit, failure, and leaving it all on the mountain

How Initial Ascent packs changed the game, and his back

Subscribe for more raw, real hunting stories that go beyond the kill.

For gear, stories, and to support the podcast, visit:
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunters how to create detailed hunt plans before they ever set foot in the mountains.

We dive into Mark’s journey from pouring over topo maps to becoming one of the leading voices in e-scouting, elk hunting strategy, and hunt planning. He shares how technology like Google Earth, OnX Maps, and his own toolkits can give hunters an edge, but also why mental preparation, grit, and perseverance are just as important as any map or waypoint.

Topics we cover in this episode include:

●      How to break down new country using e-scouting for elk hunting
 
 

●      The importance of creating Plan A, B, C (and beyond) for every hunt
 
 

●      Why llamas are game-changing pack animals for backcountry hunters
 
 

●      The mental spiral: how mindset often makes or breaks a hunt
 
 

●      Tips for rifle and archery elk hunters
 
 

●      Why surrounding yourself with tougher hunting partners leads to growth
 
 

●      Mark’s philosophy on never quitting early and how faith guides his approach to hunting and life
 
 

Mark also shares personal stories about 36+ years of elk hunting, running llamas in the backcountry, and how stepping into new terrain every season has sharpened his skills. Whether you’re prepping for archery elk season, looking to up your digital scouting game, or just want to learn from one of the most knowledgeable elk hunters alive, this episode is full of wisdom and practical takeaways.

 Learn more at TreeLine Academy
  Follow Mark on Instagram: @treeline_pursuits

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In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early hunts with family, lessons learned from football and overcoming major health challenges, and how faith has shaped every step of his life.

We dive into elk calling tactics for early, mid, and late season, complete with live demos and practical tips you can replay on the road to elk camp. Cody also opens up about family, conservation, humility in the hunting industry, and the importance of doing hard things the right way. Whether you’re new to elk hunting or chasing your next big bull, this episode is packed with wisdom, motivation, and strategies you can take straight to the field.

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game.

From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped him. You’ll hear the story of his first elk, the lessons he learned from his dad, and how a close encounter with a moose hunt led to some wild conversations.

But this episode goes deeper than just stories; it’s packed with practical elk calling strategies, early-season tactics, and Dirk’s philosophy on how to “roleplay” like an elk to provoke aggressive bulls. Whether you're new to archery elk hunting or a seasoned caller, you’ll walk away with tactics you can use this season.

🎯 What to expect:

Why Dirk’s first elk changed everything

Learning to elk call before ever hearing one in real life

Backcountry gear talk, bugle tips, and how not to blow a setup

Strategic early-season calling breakdowns

Charging bulls, bark chuckles, and when to make your move

🙏 The episode opens with a prayer and dives deep into faith, hunting, and fatherhood.

Subscribe to the channel for more episodes that blend grit, growth, and the backcountry lifestyle.

https://phelpsgamecalls.com/

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