Wild Pursuits

Ethan Rusk knew about Cross Trail Outfitters for a couple of years before he ever got involved. He just wasn't interested initially. But when life took a hard turn and he found himself navigating some dark waters, God had other plans. One Sunday morning Ethan walked up to a man at church, offered his fishing boat and a willing heart, and had his application filled out by that night. In this episode, Kirk sits down with Ethan, a firefighter from Seminole, Oklahoma, who shares how CTO became the brotherhood and Christ-centered community he didn't even know he needed.

From volunteering as a guide to running 12 events in a single year and stepping into the role of Seminole Chapter Outfitter, Ethan's story is Christ at work from start to finish. He shares an unforgettable story from hog camp where a last-minute addition to the roster became the first boy that week to say he needed Jesus, setting off a chain of four baptisms, two salvations, and a rededication all in a matter of hours at the lake. That boy now attends church with his grandpa, and it all started because Ethan said yes when it would have been easier to say no.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

Step into the world of Wild Pursuits, where faith meets the great outdoors. In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Warren from Wyoming, who shares his transformative journey at the national calling camp with Cross Trail Outfitters. Nathan's story is one of passion and purpose, as he discusses the vital role of mentoring young men through outdoor adventures. Discover how his experiences align with CTO's mission to guide the next generation to Christ through the outdoors. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or exploring new paths, Nathan's insights offer inspiration and guidance. Embrace the adventure and join us in nurturing a legacy of faith, family, and stewardship.

To support our mission or get involved, visit ⁠teamcto.org⁠.

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we explore the profound sense of calling that drives the mission of Cross Trail Outfitters. Join us as Mike Johnson, the North Carolina State Director and National Director of CTO, shares his personal journey of discovering a calling to guide young men to Christ through the outdoors. From leading impactful calling camps to witnessing life-changing moments around the campfire, Mike's story is a testament to the power of answering a higher call. Whether you're seeking your own path or inspired by stories of faith and mentorship, this episode highlights the transformative impact of embracing one's calling in the great outdoors.

Mike delves into the unique experiences that have shaped his journey, including the challenges and triumphs of leading a ministry dedicated to nurturing the next generation. Through heartfelt anecdotes and powerful testimonies, listeners will gain insight into the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in shaping young lives.

To support our mission or get involved, visit ⁠teamcto.org⁠.

From chasing doves to campfire devotions, the Cain family has experienced the full adventure of life with Cross Trail Outfitters. In this episode of Wild Pursuits, Kirk joins Chris and Kelsey Cain and their kids for a conversation about how the outdoors has become the heartbeat of their family life and a place where faith continues to grow. What began as a simple search for hunting opportunities has turned into a calling to lead the Northside Chapter and disciple the next generation.

Along the way, the Cains reflect on the joy of serving together, the lessons learned through community, and the ways God has shown up in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Each of their children also shares a favorite “there I was” story filled with first deer hunts, baptisms, and camp memories that capture the spirit of CTO.

To support our mission or get involved, visit ⁠teamcto.org⁠.

In this episode, Kirk sits down with Danny Little, CEO of Redneck Blinds, to talk about faith, leadership, and legacy. Danny shares how God redirected his path from banking into building one of the most recognized hunting blind companies in the country, and how each blind has become more than a product—it’s a place for families to connect, youth to discover the outdoors, and conversations about Christ to begin.

From providing comfort in the field to stepping up during disasters, Danny’s story shows what happens when business becomes ministry. Hear how his team built and delivered 76 emergency cabins after Hurricane Helene, why servant leadership matters, and how living with a giving heart can transform not only a company but entire communities.

To support our mission or get involved, visit ⁠teamcto.org⁠.

When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, the Harrington Family stepped forward in faith. Volunteering with Cross Trail Outfitters and Redneck Blinds, they helped coordinate the delivery of 76 Redneck insulated cabins to families who had lost everything. From unloading trucks in the snow to guiding cabins through the woods, the Harringtons share stories of prayer, perseverance, and God’s provision in the darkest of times.

In this heartfelt conversation, the Harringtons open up about how the storm tested their faith, revealed the strength of their community, and gave them a new perspective on service. From moments of survivor’s guilt to the joy of seeing neighbors come together, their testimony shows how God can bring hope out of heartbreak and turn a tragedy into a story of love, unity, and resilience.

To support our mission or get involved, visit ⁠teamcto.org⁠.

When you invest in kids’ lives, you never know how far the impact will reach. Jerry Vann from the Pungo River chapter in North Carolina joins Kirk to talk about his journey from guide to outfitter with Cross Trail Outfitters. Along the way, he recalls the hunts, the laughter, and the long-term connections that keep him going. This conversation is about more than hunting and fishing — it’s about building relationships that last a lifetime.

Jerry also shares how his family, his team, and even a few memorable kids have shaped his years in ministry. From kayaking races to unexpected hot dog toppings, his stories reveal the heart of what makes Cross Trail Outfitters unique: lasting bonds, spiritual growth, and the joy of seeing young people step into adulthood with a firm foundation of faith. Whether you are an active volunteer or simply curious about how to get involved, Jerry’s perspective offers encouragement and a reminder that every skill, every bit of time, and every prayer matters.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Jimmy Sites, host of Spiritual Outdoor Adventures, joins Kirk for a late-night conversation in the mountains of West Virginia. From the origins of his powerful new book Decoys of Deception to stories from his global ministry, Jimmy shares how Satan’s strategies mirror hunting tactics and why awareness is our first defense against spiritual deception.

Kirk and Jimmy discuss the spiritual war happening around us, the importance of boldness in faith, and how personal connection, whether around a campfire or through a story, can break down walls and open hearts. With decades of ministry and media experience, Jimmy unpacks how storytelling can lead people from entertainment to transformation.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just seeking truth in a noisy world, this episode offers insight, conviction, and hope.

Get a copy of Decoys of Deception by Dr. Jimmy Sites: https://www.biblestudybasecamp.com/product-page/decoys-of-deception

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

What happens when a worship leader with a heart for the outdoors steps into full-time ministry with Cross Trail Outfitters? Brian Brunker shares his journey from music minister to CTO outfitter, revealing how a simple meeting at church turned into a life of deeper purpose and discipleship.

This conversation explores the challenges and rewards of guiding boys through hunting, fishing, and faith. Brian opens up about leading worship around campfires, raising his own children through CTO, and learning to pause and listen for God’s voice in the stillness.

Recorded at the CTO National Family Retreat in West Virginia, this is a story about following God’s quiet nudges, letting go of control, and discovering just how much can happen around a campfire.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.

What does it look like when your entire life pivots on a single unexpected wilderness moment? In this episode, we head deep into the heart of Alaska with Luke Schmidt, CTO’s first outfitter in the Last Frontier, and his wife Danae. Their story is not just about hunting grizzlies or launching CTO’s first Alaska summer camp. It is about calling, grit, and how God uses the wilderness to shape men for something bigger. Luke opens up about the path that brought him north, the kids who changed his life, and the moments around the fire that matter more than any trophy. Danae brings a quiet but powerful perspective on what it means to support a mission from behind the scenes. This is one of our rawest conversations yet. It is not just about ministry. It is about becoming who you are made to be.

To support our mission or get involved, visit teamcto.org.