The Wild Initiative

Jana Waller of Skullbound Chronicles on Carbon TV joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about deep-rooted traditions of hunting and conservation. In this episode, they talk about Jana’s final Wisconsin rifle hunt with her father ending with an amazing animal, deer camp heritage, hunting out of sketchy treestands, the difference in experience between hunting versus hiking, and how soft we have become in today’s society. They also discuss how hunters contribute to the wildlife through conservation efforts and how hunters are beginning to be portrayed well in the media.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinititative.com/161.

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Remi Warren, guide, writer, TV and podcast host, and one of the most knowledgeable and obsessive hunters out there, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating who he is today. In this episode, Remi fields several mule deer and related hunting questions submitted by listeners. He covers searching out, in any hunt area, the rare resource that deer need, gaining an edge by identifying patterns, learning to trust your gut, and using your mind and attitude to create your own hunting reality. Remi and Sam also discuss the tactics and methods of hunting that fit them best based on their strengths, being self-aware enough to recognize the holes in your knowledge and why you should go completely pack-less on multi-day backcountry hunts.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/160.

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James Nash, Cpt. USMC Ret., of 6 Ranch Outfitters joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to share highlights from a lifetime of elk hunting knowledge. In this episode, James looks back at his childhood being raised on a six-generation ranch, building knowledge of wildlife conservation and gaining insight on elk by observing the unique behavior of Corriente cattle. They discuss important tactics needed for locating elk in your hunt area, types of elk calls, getting personally offended at his treatment by cow elk, common hunter mistakes, adopting hipsters each year, and the importance of being prepared to handle equipment issues in the field. James also touches on the importance of hunting to military veterans and the real reason we, as a community, should place emphasis on assisting veterans.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiaitive.com/159.

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True Pearce, competitive shooter, attorney and editor at Guns America, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk firearms and hunting. In this episode, they discuss True’s youth journeying deep into the backcountry with his father, the world of competitive shooting and how it translates to hunting, the degradation of our wild places, his best advice for new shooters, why you should never ever listen to Joe Biden’s home-defense advice, and the best firearms to use for self-defense.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/158.

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Arlando Chiles (a.k.a. Buck da Black Hunter) of Campfire Evolution joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about his life-changing “huntervention”. In this episode, they talk about how alcoholism and depression steered him onto the path of hunting, discovering Randy Newberg while watching YouTube rap videos, advice for archery newbies, starting your hunt at the trailhead rather than the destination and Arlando’s authentic goofy self.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/157.

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Corey Piersol of Burch Barrel and Chris Ollis, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Detective, join Sam on The Wild Initiative over a few Montana beers to recap a weekend at Western Hunting Summit and talk hunting. In this episode, they talk about a little bit of everything including filling your freezer with wild game, growing up anti-hunting, a recap of the 2020 Mule Deer Summit, mental toughness, grilling experiences with Burch Barrel and what native Montanans “really” think about Californians.

Learn more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/156.

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Mike Ensch, hunter, angler, music festival producer and old friend, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to catch up and chat about the outdoors. In this episode they discuss immersing yourself in the outdoors in any way possible, crazy characters in the music industry, learning to love the process rather than the results, the similarities between hunting and surfing, the restorative power of nature, upland game hunting with his GSP Mr. Mustache, taking city-boys out hunting for the first time and the importance of the yearly hunting camp tradition.

Learn more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/155.

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Mark Livesay of Treeline Pursuits joins Sam on The Wild Initiative for an in-depth exploration of the art and science of scouting for elk. With decades of backcountry hunting experience under his belt, Mark has honed his skills and developed a unique, groundbreaking system for locating prime hunting areas. From paper topo maps to cutting-edge digital tools like Google Earth, Mark shares his best tips and strategies for crafting the ultimate hunt plan.

Discover the secrets of scouting, the importance of mobility and adaptability, and the power of having a solid written hunting plan. In this episode, Mark breaks down the significance of studying hunt areas, identifying zones of pressure, and knowing access points and campgrounds like the back of your hand. His expertise extends to understanding the impact of beetle kills and burns on elk habitats, providing you with a holistic view of the terrain.

He dives deep into the features of various mapping applications, revealing the pros and cons of each platform at different stages of hunt development. Mark's dedication to sharing his unbiased knowledge shines through, offering insights into tools like Google Earth, OnX, and Basemap. He emphasizes the power of blending digital and analog methods when scouting and hunting, creating a comprehensive approach that maximizes your chances of success.

Mark's encounters with fellow hunters, his attempts to call in elusive elk, and his willingness to help others with butchering add a real-world touch to the wealth of information he provides. His passion for hunting is infectious, and his dedication to helping fellow hunters shines through in every word. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your hunting journey, this episode is a goldmine of insights and techniques that will elevate your hunting game.

To take your hunting skills to the next level, be sure to check out Mark's Treeline Academy, the ultimate course on e-scouting. And here's a special treat for fans of The Wild Initiative: use code TWI to get $20 OFF your subscription to Treeline Academy. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true hunting expert and enhance your elk hunting experience.

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Cable Smith, host of the Lonestar Outdoor Show, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to catch up and just shoot the sh*t for a while about hunting. In this episode, they discuss road trips and living like a transient gypsy, whiskey and cigars and how open and welcoming the hunting community can be. They cover a little bit of everything: how COVID has affected the hunting community and African wildlife, gun safety, waterfowl and upland game hunting, beer and guns, mountain lion hunting, high fence vs public land and where our desire to hunt big game stems from.

Learn more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/153.

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Bert Sorin, CEO of Sorinex, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about preparation for your next hunt. On this podcast, they discuss the concept of fitness versus strength and how it fits into the outdoors, what it means to go “deep-water” on your passions, the intense preparation of getting a once-in-a-lifetime animal, discovering where you need to hunt and his definition of success.

See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/152.

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