Ep 656: Pete Muennich

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Pete Muennich, a true modern-day mountain man. Pete took my son and me out to check beaver traps, something I’ve wanted to do for years. As a guy who’s read every mountain man and trapper book I can get my hands on—including Steven Rinella’s new book The Mountain Men 1806-1840—getting to live a piece of that history with my five-year-old son was an unforgettable experience.

But Pete wasn’t born into this lifestyle. He grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati to parents who didn’t hunt at all. So how did a city kid become a hardcore mountain man, trapper, dog handler, and hunting guide?

In this episode, we dive into:

This is a fascinating conversation about grit, mentorship, and chasing a dream. Don’t miss it!

Pete’s Outfitting Business: North Country Outfitters, Montana 

This episode is brought to you by Tricer, makers of the fastest, lightest, and simplest backcountry tripods. Drew and the team have already revolutionized the ultralight tripod market, and now they’re bringing that same innovation to shooting tripods. If you’re in the market for a rock-solid, lightweight tripod, check them out at Tricer.com and use code TRO for 10% off your order!

This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for serious hunters. As an Elite Member, you get access to the Hunt Research Tool (HRT), making it easy to find draw odds and plan your season. Plus, OnX Elite includes a free subscription to Huntin’ Fool e-Magazine, giving you detailed unit insights to help you pick the best hunts. Upgrade to OnX Elite and start planning your next adventure today!

EP 654: Making a Living as a Guide & Lessons from Wyoming’s Backcountry with Nate Hommerding

This week, I’m joined by Nate Hommerding, a hardworking guide chasing his dream of making a full-time living in the outfitting world. Nate originally reached out looking for advice on how to make extra money as an outfitter, so we jumped on the podcast to talk through it.

Like so many in this industry, Nate fell in love with the guiding lifestyle after working for an outfitter in Wyoming. He’s built a solid career chasing elk deep in the Thorofare, one of the most remote and rugged areas in the Lower 48, and running spring fishing trips in the Midwest. But now, the big question is: What’s next?

In this episode, we dive into:

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a career in the outdoors, or for those gearing up to hunt in deep backcountry.

Tune in now and enjoy!

This episode is brought to you by Tricer, makers of the fastest, lightest, and simplest backcountry tripods. Drew and the team have already revolutionized the ultralight tripod market, and now they’re bringing that same innovation to shooting tripods. If you’re in the market for a rock-solid, lightweight tripod, check them out at Tricer.com and use code TRO for 10% off your order!

This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for serious hunters. As an Elite Member, you get access to the Hunt Research Tool (HRT), making it easy to find draw odds and plan your season. Plus, OnX Elite includes a free subscription to Huntin’ Fool e-Magazine, giving you detailed unit insights to help you pick the best hunts. Upgrade to OnX Elite and start planning your next adventure today!

EP 653 Nathan Endicott

Nathan’s journey hasn’t been easy. After battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease that sidelined his college running career, Nathan shifted his focus entirely to health and family. But even as he returned to hunting, his 2023 season was another gut punch, with luck seemingly against him at every turn—even during a tough trip to Arizona in early 2024.

Never one to give up, Nathan set an ambitious goal for 2024: to take a blacktail in every state they roam—Oregon, Alaska, California, and Washington. Armed with more patience and contentment than ever before, Nathan turned the tables and had the season of a lifetime, capturing most of it on film.

In this episode, we dive into:

Don’t miss this inspiring episode, and be sure to subscribe to Nathan’s YouTube channel to see these epic hunts come to life: Nathan Endicott Films.

Enjoy the episode!

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 652: Gibson Butler | Archery, Elk, Moose, Goat

This week, I’m joined by Gibson Butler, who shares his incredible journey of recovery, resilience, and success in the mountains.

After a lifetime of knee troubles, Gibson suffered a major blow while chukar hunting in Idaho, sidelining him from his true passion: elk hunting. Frustrated by years of failed attempts with internet rehab programs, he finally found an expert who understood athletes like him. Gibson’s dedication to rebuilding his knee paid off, giving him newfound confidence in his body and his abilities.

But Gibson’s challenges didn’t end there. Just weeks before the season, his trusty bow—the one he’d shot since he was 17—started showing signs of failing limbs. Forced to upgrade, he discovered how critical proper bow fit is for accuracy and confidence. The results? Gibson was shooting better than ever.

With his body and gear dialed in, Gibson entered the season with a whole new mindset. In this episode, we talk about the importance of confidence—not just in your gear, but in yourself—and how that mindset can transform your hunts.

Gibson had a spectacular season, taking an antelope, a moose, and a fantastic bull elk that came down to the wire when he almost called it quits.

This is an inspiring story of perseverance, recovery, and success. Don’t miss it—enjoy!

Check out Gibson’s recent blog article on Elk Hunt: Bow-Fit Matters

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 651: Brandon Purcell aka Durango Boone

This week, I’m joined by none other than Brandon Purcell, aka Durango Boone, who just wrapped up an absolutely epic hunting season. Brandon is no stranger to the podcast or to success in the field—he’s one of the most consistent rifle elk hunters out there. But even for him, this season was one for the books.

We dive into Brandon’s wild string of hunts, ranging from fast one-day tag-outs to those grueling, grind-it-out adventures that push you to the limit. He shares key tips, strategies, and insights that contribute to his incredible success year after year.

One of the most jaw-dropping moments we discuss is a rare, adrenaline-pumping encounter Brandon had with a wolf while hunting for a buck in Montana—a story that very few hunters ever experience.

To top it all off, Brandon recounts his most recent hunt, where he took an outstanding general rifle bull elk in Montana—a hunt that almost didn’t happen. With heavy snow and few elk in sight, Brandon nearly called it quits for the season. But perseverance paid off, and the result is a story you won’t want to miss.

If you’re an elk hunter or just love hearing incredible hunting tales, this episode is packed with inspiration, hard-won lessons, and edge-of-your-seat moments.

Tune in now and get ready to be inspired!

If you want to hunt with Brandon: brandon b.purcell.hunting@gmail.com

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 660: Winning with the Wild Life: Brian Stephens’ Toughest Hunt

We also explore how Brian’s hundreds of hunting experiences have shaped his personal and professional life, discussing goal-setting, hunting as a lifestyle, and how he built a business that allows him to live the life he loves. This episode is packed with powerful insights and life lessons you won’t want to miss.

Brian’s New Book Winning with the Wild Life.

More 2 the Hunt Youtube Channel 

The book Cody Forgot: Happy Money

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 659: Mike Herne

We dive into Mike’s journey of self-discovery, discussing how he’s navigating this transition and figuring out what he wants to be when he grows up. Mike possesses the rare humility and ability to start at the bottom, and it’s this quality that’s helped him build meaningful connections in the outdoor industry. He’s truly living the dream and on a path to great things, and his story is a testament to hard work, passion, and continuous growth.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dustin and Nick from MTN Tough Fitness to dive deep into mental toughness and personal agency. While we often discuss mental toughness in the context of exercise, this episode takes a different angle, focusing on personal agency—the power to take control of your life and choices.

We explore how having strong personal agency can enhance your mental resilience, and how it applies to both fitness and life. Dustin also shares his incredible experience hunting the iconic Ibex, an animal he’s always considered the toughest on the mountain. Dustin chose the Ibex as the logo for MTN Tough because of its reputation for toughness, and this year, he finally had the chance to chase it down in the wild.

Check out MTN Tough’s new Post Season 2.0 for FREE

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 657: Jarret Johnson Alaskan Caribou 

Jarret discusses the physical challenges he faced during his hunt, emphasizing how even being in great shape couldn’t fully prepare him for the steep mountains of Alaska. He shares the intense experience of carrying half a caribou on his back and the valuable lessons learned from being pushed out of his comfort zone. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the trials and triumphs of hunting in the wild!

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

This week on the podcast, we take a deep dive into elk season with one of our most intriguing guests yet—Nick Papsadora. A prior Marine Corps officer, Nick has immersed himself in the world of archery elk hunting, and his after-action review from this season is nothing short of impressive.

In our conversation, Nick shares his valuable insights, lessons learned, and candid breakdowns of both his mistakes and successes in the field. His journey provides a unique perspective that will resonate with both seasoned and novice elk hunters alike.

Beyond hunting, Nick serves as the Operations Manager for The Station Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special operators, their families, and gold star families. Join us for an enlightening discussion that blends the challenges of elk hunting with the mission of giving back to the community.

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!