Why You’re Not Ready for a Western Hunt (According to a Guide) | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 434

Join hosts Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik as they welcome professional guide Austin Land from Wild Country Outfitters. Austin shares what it takes—mentally, physically, and logistically—to prepare for a successful western big game hunt. From high-elevation fitness prep to glassing strategy, gear advice, and celeb camp stories, this episode dives deep into what separates successful hunters from those who struggle in the mountains.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Podcast intro and Austin’s “Taylor’s husband” identity

01:30 – Fitness and diet during guiding season

03:00 – Carnivore diet and weight fluctuation during hunting season

05:00 – What animals are hardest to guide: elk, mule deer, or pronghorn?

08:00 – The price of a guided hunt and why it’s worth it

10:00 – Importance of good optics and new rangefinding tech in DeerCast

14:00 – Navigating mountain terrain without digital maps

17:00 – Satellite connectivity, Starlink, and Garmin inReach

19:45 – Physical prep: how to train and what to expect in terrain

24:00 – Surprising physical challenges (like sore shoulders from archery)

26:00 – How guides assess hunters’ capability and mindset

30:00 – Shooting ability: ethical concerns and training gaps

32:00 – Dealing with hunter ego and maximizing your guided experience

34:00 – Celebrity clients and weird camp stories

39:00 – Hunting’s place in culture—Rogan, Zuck, Kardashians, and ethics

44:00 – Killing two giants: Austin’s back-to-back Iowa and Missouri bucks

50:00 – How to book a hunt with Austin

55:00 – Insane elk hunting clip breakdown

57:00 – Elk behavior after the shot and the purpose of post-shot calling

58:30 – Join the Rack Pack + listener shoutouts

1:02:00 – Favorite hunting snacks and final thoughts from Austin

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