6 Ranch Podcast

As is tradition, we're starting season 4 of the 6 Ranch Podcast on a spring bear hunting trip along the river. In this episode, we're talking ballistics as I'm joined by Joshua Manke and Weston Rogers of G9 Defense, an incredibly innovative ammunition company that is designing bullets with more accuracy and lethality. With a team of just 17 folks, G9 is not a big company, but they're doing big things. Joshua, G9's visionary and founder, and Weston, Director of Business Development, walk me through what they're been inventing, how the technology works, and what I'm most excited about, the 10mm Woodsman. G9 DefenseWebsiteInstagram

Robin Pace has spent literal years of her life on rivers. She’s been a rafting guide for the past 11 years, rowing some of the biggest whitewater out there. As a former guide myself with the same company, Robin and I had a good talk about all thing’s whitewater. We covered some basics like cooler hacks, gear preferences, and camp cooking, while also getting into it with stories of big water, injuries, and flipped boats. The adrenaline filled sensation of rowing class V rapids is something few people ever experience, but through Robin's stories and expertise, you'll get a taste of what it’s like behind the oars. Book a Trip with Winding Waters

Hells Canyon is a special place to me. The rugged terrain and powerful Snake River is beautiful, but harsh. My guest today, Mike Baird, has been guiding folks down the Snake for years and feels the same about it. I consider Mike's knowledge of Hells Canyon to be as encyclopedic as anyone out there. It was Mike who first taught me the history of the canyon on a guide training trip years ago, and I couldn't get enough. In this episode, I had Mike sit down and walk me through the natural and cultural history of this remarkable place. From the forming of the canyon thousands of years ago, to the incredibly tough people who lived there. Learn more about the Cooper's Ferry Archeological Site

It's tough to take life too seriously when you're drinking scotch with good friends. In this episode, I'm joined by my buddies Paul Pagano and Lyle Witherrite, to catch up on life and tell some war stories, while sneaking a few dad jokes into the mix. We also discuss leadership principles and share some of the greatest leaders we've had the privilege to work with in the Marines, Navy, and law enforcement. Leaders who shaped us into the men we are today and inspire us to be better people. On InstagramPaul PaganoLyle Witherrite

The timber industry has always been a part of western life, especially where I grew up in Wallowa County. As a kid, there were 5 sawmills here, running 24/7. But due to harvest regulation changes, there were zero by the time I graduated high school. A lot of hard-working folks lost their jobs overnight and our local economy was in crisis. David Schmidt was the first to open a new mill in the county, but with a very different business model. David found the timber industry at an early age. After seeing bark beetle infested lumber wasted, he decided to go to Oregon State University to study Wood Science and Engineering. David wanted to figure out how to better use wood in forest products, which he did his senior year by making cross laminated timber. Now, with his company, Heartwood biomass, David is focused on restorative logging that maintains forest health, while still providing good paying jobs and quality wood products. Heartwood BiomassWebsiteInstagram

Jeremiah Stent and his partner Aimee produce the best pork I've ever had in my life. As the owners of Square Mile Ranch here in Northeast Oregon, they operate a direct market meat business. On the hoof meat is a bit different than most folks are used to. When you buy pork or beef from them, you're buying that animal live, and you know it will be well cared for and killed humanly right on the ranch. Jeremiah runs Square Mile in a way that balances the health of the land, soil, and animals, with the ability to produce high quality products for his customers. Having a close connection to your food is an incredible thing, and if you live nearby, I highly recommend all meat products from Square Mile Ranch. Square Mile RanchWebsite InstagramAnd if you're interested in dry aging meat at home, check out Steak Locker

It's tough being a salmon. Very few fish survive to spawn, as they face seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their journey to the ocean and back. Obstacles that are naturally occurring, like predation, but many more that are human caused. From my home on the 6 Ranch, a juvenile salmon has to make it through 8 major dams before reaching the ocean, losing many siblings along the way. These fish are unbelievably tough, but their natural resiliency won't be enough to save them from extinction unless we act now. My guests today, John Appleton, owner of Alpine Archery and Fly, and Kyle Smith, Snake River Director for American Rivers, are part of a cause to remove 4 of the lower Snake River Dams. We discuss the feasibility of this idea, and just what it would take to make it happen. Whether or not you care about Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead, you'll be surprised by just how big of an impact these fish have on a global scale. Learn More About the CauseWatch The Lost SalmonAmerican Rivers Trout Unlimited Send Your QuestionsCongressman Cliff BentzKyle Smith - [email protected] Appleton - [email protected]

When he was just seventeen, José Correa left his home in Mexico, and everything he'd ever known to come to the United States. He walked for ten straight days through the desert, with no food or water for the last three. I have to wonder, what situation could be so bad to make someone risk death just to come to America? In this episode, José shares the story of why he had to leave home, his love for this country, and how he learned to hunt just 10 years ago. Now a green card holder, he wants to become a U.S. citizen so that he can vote to protect gun and hunting rights. José might not have come to this country legally, but he deserves to be here. He's an incredibly hard worker and a good person who found a love for hunting and a better life here in the United States.

This week's episode is a bit different than what you're used to. Instead of me asking all the questions, I'm going to be the one on the spot. My good friend and frequent guest on the show, Greg Jones, interviewed me in his stone house, armed with listener questions. This episode is less about giving advice, and more about just getting to know me. We discuss my love for my home, the 6 Ranch, my service as a Marine, my experiences guiding and hunting, and my current hunting obsession. Instagram6 Ranch Outfitters6 Ranch Podcast

I spent my summers during college fighting forest fires on a rappel crew. It was some of the toughest, most physically demanding work I've ever experienced, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for my fellow wildland firefighters. And as a rappeller, I also have a healthy rivalry with smokejumpers. My guest today, Ken Poole, was a smokejumper from 1977 to 1983. Over the course of his career, he made at least 117 fire jumps out of some of the best bases in the country. Fighting fire is a fun job, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. In this episode, Ken and I swap some of our craziest stories of jumping out of planes, landing in trees, carrying 150 pound packs, and fighting fire with the best of them.

When it comes to archery lethality and shot placement, there are tons of common misconceptions out there. Here to bust some of those myths is the incredibly knowledgeable Dr. Randy Greenshields. Randy has been a practicing veterinarian for the past 29 years and has been bow hunting for just as long. With his extensive knowledge of animal anatomy and personal archery experience, Randy is the perfect person to explain just what an arrow is doing when it hits an animal, and where exactly you should be placing that shot. I also have Randy go through my first aid kit while sharing tips on how to treat horses, mules, and dogs in the backcountry. Randy on Instagram Double Arrow Vet Clinic

Spearfishing is my favorite thing that I'm bad at. I'm absolutely fascinated by it, and how similar it is to bow hunting. Today, we've got a double header for you, two interviews with two different spearfishing experts, Steph Schuldt and Kiley Umeda. Steph gave up the corporate life, sold all her belongings, bought a sailing catamaran, and now lives in the Bahamas where she's in the water at least 5 days a week. Steph is a freediving and spearfishing instructor, and happens to hold 7 world spearfishing records, including the all-time (for men and women) pole spear wahoo record. Kiley Umeda lives in Hawaii where she's been spearfishing for 23 years, and hunting since she was 10. Kiley is the owner of Aimrite International, a world renowned speargun manufacturing company, and spends much of her time building high quality spearguns. Spearfishing might be a totally foreign sport to some listeners out there, but trust me, you're going to want to try it after hearing from these badass women. Steph SchuldtInstagramWebsiteYouTubeWatch Steph catch a world record wahooKiley UmedaKiley's Instagram Aimrite's WebiteAimrite's Instagram

It's a new year, which means states are rolling out new hunting regulations. Keeping up to date in your own state is enough of a challenge without also trying for nonresident tags. Luckily, you don't have to navigate the system alone. My guest today, Jared Brown of The Draw, consults with hunters to maximize their opportunities nationwide. Jared himself is an avid hunter and outdoorsman with a passion for long range rifle hunting, archery, and waterfowl. In this episode, we discuss new state regulations, where you should be going after spring bear, and what states you should be building vs burning points. The DrawWebsite InstagramPhone: 575-222-1234

Most hunting stories you hear pick up just when things are going well. Even if there was struggle along the way, it always seems to work out in the end. But as hunters, we know that's often not the case, and things don't always go according to plan. In this episode, Casey Richmond, and I swap some of our unsuccessful hunting stories. Casey hunts, traps, and works for Eberlestock, a company that makes some of my favorite frame packs. Casey also shares some tips that will save your back on your next pack out. Casey on Instagram EberlestockWebsiteInstagramYouTube

If you want to be a more effective hunter, you need to up your glassing game. My guest today, Cliff Gray, is just the person to aid in any hunter's goals for improvement. Cliff has founded and operated some of largest and most remote wilderness outfitting businesses in North America and has personally guided for years. Recently, Cliff sold all his operating outfitting businesses and is now focused on sharing his knowledge with others through his YouTube channel and newsletter. I love Cliff's teaching style and have personally learned a ton from him. I know that if you take his glassing tips to heart, you'll quickly become a phenomenal hunter. Cliff GrayWebsiteYouTubeInstagram

Britt Marshall was a SoCal girl from Orange County. She had nothing against hunting growing up, but it wasn’t something her family ever did. Never in a million years did she think she would live a life filled with hunting trips and family meat processing nights. But then she met my good buddy Bam at a stoplight and the rest is history. Britt is married to a hunter, is now a hunter herself, and is raising two daughters to hunt with respect and mindfulness. Her tips to the wives out there: you don’t have to pull the trigger yourself but try to be a part of the process. Learn how to make bone broth and use tallow to fix everything. Britt on InstagramWishes for Warriors

I travel to many different states each year to hunt, but one of my favorite places to go is Texas. In fact, I just got back from an awesome Texas hunt where a buddy of mine harvested a beautiful scimitar oryx. Texas' rich species and terrain diversity offers some incredible opportunities, but if you've never traveled out of state to hunt, the planning process can be daunting. I'm here to tell you that it's not as complicated as it seems. In this episode I'll walk you through how to plan a Texas hunt. I'll cover choosing a target species, finding a guide, flying with your gun and ammo, and how you'll get your meat and taxidermy home. With the start of a new year, I encourage listeners to step out of their comfort zones and seek new hunting opportunities, in whatever way they can.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is worse than losing an injured animal. I would go so far as to argue that when it comes to finding that animal and ending its suffering, it’s unethical not to use every available tool in your toolbox. One tool that we can potentially add to our arsenal is the use of drones. Mike Yoder is on the leading technological edge of hunting with his company, Drone Deer Recovery. If you lose a deer in the state of Ohio, Mike can meet you with his $20,000 thermal imaging drone and locate your dead or injured animal relatively quickly. But of course, many states don’t allow the use of drones in recovery (or hunting) period. I’m fascinated by this concept, and I want to hear your thoughts. Is drone recovery ethical or not? Drone Deer RecoveryWebsiteInstagramYouTube

As one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, and certainly one of the most difficult to hunt, there's a good reason that cape buffalo are referred to as "black death." Mike Fell, a professional hunter guiding in east Africa, knows not to underestimate these animals. But even the most experienced hunters can be caught in a dangerous situation. About 6 months ago, Mike found himself face to face with an angry, wounded charging bull. Though Mike managed to kill the buffalo, he was gored in the groin just a centimeter away from his femoral artery. Mike's story is incredible, and his life’s work conserving and protecting African game from poachers is something to be admired. Email Mike to book a hunt at [email protected]

The 6 Ranch Podcast is coming to you from Kansas this week, as I'm joined by Shane Smith and Cody Tutak of Six Star Outfitters. Shane and Cody have spent their whole lives in Kansas and guide for white-tail and turkey. And with 25 collective years of coyote hunting experience, they also make a lethal team in coyote hunting competitions. In this episode, Shane and Cody walk me through how to hunt in Kansas for turkey, coyotes, and white-tailed deer, from gear selection and running stands, to reading animal behavior and making a clean shot. Book a Hunt with Six Star Outfitters

The lower 48's grizzly bear population is expanding, something that Jaden Bales of Wyoming is well aware of. As an avid hunter, Jaden knows the risks and is here to share some tips to keep you safe in bear county. He's also the Communications Director for Wyoming Wildlife Federation, where his job is to bridge the knowledge gap between scientists and the public so that Wyoming residents can be informed wildlife advocates. In this episode, we discuss issues that are negatively impacting wildlife, such as vehicle collisions and chronic wasting disease. And with that, Jaden shares some possible solutions as well as what you can do to help. Jaden Bales on Instagram Wyoming Wildlife FederationWebsiteInstagram

A life in rural Alaska is a totally foreign concept to most people. Unless you’ve experienced it, you have no clue what it takes. Patrick Lumba is one of the few who’s lived in the Alaskan bush. Though he currently lives in Wassila, Alaska, Patrick spent 9 years in the little town of Galena. With no roads in or out, and a population of 470, Galena is truly remote. In this episode, Patrick describes the seasonality and subsistence hunting rural Alaskans experience in a year. We also get into a fascinating hunting regulation that I’ve never heard of in my life, trophy destruction.

I've gotten a lot of questions lately from folks who want to hunt spring bear, but don't know where to start. Something that catches new bear hunters off guard, is the fact that, in some states, you need to be applying for spring hunts right now. So, I decided to sit down and give you a step-by-step guide to western spring bear hunting. I’ll walk you through why to hunt, how to apply, and where to go. Then we’ll cover the hunt itself with tips on targeting boars vs sows, what gear to bring, and my favorite hunting method, the spot and stalk. Hunting spring bear is a hell of a good time, and I encourage folks to get out there this upcoming season. Shoot me your questions on Instagram, or by leaving a review on apple podcasts.

In my home county, at the head of Wallowa Lake, sits a local heirloom, the Wallowa Lake Lodge. Built in 1923 from trees cut and milled on site, the lodge has seen nearly 100 years of visitors and locals alike enjoying the property, as the world changed around it. In this episode, the lodge's General Manager, Madeline Lau, sat down with me to share some fascinating history, from reintroducing elk via trains and skis, to the story of Taft and Tarzan, two of the largest elk the state has likely ever seen. Check out the Wallowa Lake Lodge:WebsiteInstagram

Kevin Plew has been fascinated with hunting his entire life, working as a hunting guide since the age of 14. Elk is his passion, but he also guides for mule deer, white-tail, and buffalo. On a very recent hunt, Kevin found himself alone, face to face with an aggressive 225-pound black bear. His story is incredible, and further illustrates the need to carry a pistol while in the woods. And to kick off this episode, we've got a special deer hunting story from 9-year-old Capen, the 6 Ranch Podcast's biggest fan. Capen loves to hunt and particularly loves the bear stories that have been told on this show. Kevin on Instagram

Cougars are one of the most divisive animals in the state. Hunting cougar with dogs has been illegal in Oregon since 1994, which creates strong opinions on both sides of the issue. And with incredibly low success rates, cougar hunting in Oregon is one of the toughest hunts in the nation. In today's episode, I'm joined by cougar expert, Derek Broman, for a deep dive on Oregon cougars. Derek is the Carnivore Fur Bearer Coordinator for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he manages the bear, cougar, wolf, and fur bearer programs. We'll cover cougar biology and physiology, Oregon's cougar history, how the species has been managed, and how these powerful and elusive cats interact with other species on the landscape.

Nils Christoffersen comes from a long line of connection to land and natural resources. His family has operated the same farm in Norway for 22 generations. That's 600 years, folks, and it's still going strong. Nils' passion for working landscapes and the role of rural communities in their stewardship, has taken him around the globe. He's worked in ranching in Australia, farming in Israel, fishing and forestry in Norway, and forestry and wildlife in southern Africa. Nils is currently the Executive Director of Wallowa Resources, a non-profit that has played a large role in shaping my community by promoting education, healthy lands, and a strong rural economy. In this episode, Nils and I discuss some tough problems to solve, from our need for diverse crop production to the challenges in coexisting with wildlife. Check out Nils' work with Wallowa Resources Contact Nils on LinkedIn

On February 5th, 2021, Greg Jones was tagging wolves from a helicopter when the worst happened. The helicopter crashed, injuring those inside, but miraculously, both Greg and the pilot survived. Even more incredibly, another pilot saw what happened and was able to call 911 just 30 seconds after they hit the ground. But according to Greg, the aftermath was far worse than the crash itself. This near-death experience, and the knowledge that your story can end in an instant encouraged Greg to record these memories of what happened for his family and grandkids. It’s an incredible story that will stay with you long after hearing it.

It's that time of year again. The weather is getting cooler, and folks are heading out into the backcountry, sometimes solo, to hunt. With colder weather comes far deadlier consequences if you're caught unprepared. That's why I wanted to take an episode to share my solo, backcountry gear list, from my weapon and ammo choices to my clothes and camp setup. I've been hunting my entire life and have spent years figuring out what gear works best for me. I'll tell you exactly what I use, why I use it, and how much each item costs. And stick around to the end of the episode to learn about a special opportunity to get your hands on a SIG SAUER Cross Rifle.

My cousin, Mona Mathews, is a canyon kid. She grew up in cow camps and weigh stations, navigating crazy steep country and checking for rattlesnakes on the playground of her school of less than 20 kids. Growing up in a rugged, sparsely populated community shaped Mona, teaching her self-reliance. And it's that self-reliance and curiosity that has led her to travel the world, learning jiu-jitsu along the way. Mona now lives in Portland, Oregon, working as a holistic life coach, a mind-body practitioner, and a massage therapist for pain relief and injury prevention. During a visit to home, Mona and I discuss her unique childhood, and all the adventures she's had since leaving the canyon. Book Mona and learn about her Women's Health Program

It's been an incredible archery season so far, and we're exhausted. The good kind of exhausted, where you know you've put in the work to successfully guide your clients. During a break, I sat down with fellow guides, Kevin Harlander and Greg Jones, to chat about how the season's been going. We share our biggest lessons from this year and some advice for setting up, calling, and when to draw. And stick around to the end of the episode to hear a recording of one of my morning calling sessions from this hunt. Kevin Harlander on Instagram

Trapping is an incredible sport, business opportunity, and conservation tool, but there seems to be fewer and fewer people doing it these days. Generational trapping knowledge will fade away unless we talk about it. Greg Jones is happy to share that knowledge. As a professional trapper, he knows the patience and perseverance that it takes to be successful. In this episode, Greg gives us step-by-step trapping instructions, tricks, and tips. He shares where and how to set traps for beginner animals like the muskrat, to the pinnacle of trapping: coyotes and wolves. And for more info on hunting wolves, check out this December episode I did with Stuck N The Rut.

Derek Olthuis hates complaining. When a problem arises, he's the type of person to find a solution. As public lands are sold, and sporting opportunities become privatized, Derek sees North America moving toward the pay to play model. The private vs public land debate is a complicated issue with great points and a lot of passion from both sides. But Derek was able to come up with a brilliant solution. He thought that if sportsmen and ranchers could work together, they could open public access and protect wildlife habitat without disregarding property rights. And with that, American Icon Co. was born. By purchasing properties and working with ranchers to put large tracts of land in trust, American Icon is ensuring that land is managed for sportsmen access while improving wildlife habitat and conserving the species we all love. In this episode, Derek breaks it all down and answers listener questions with total transparency. American Icon Co.Website Instagram Derek Olthuis on Instagram Email Derek your questions: [email protected]

Bill Stark has led a full life. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on a guided-missile frigate. After that, Bill worked a string of tough jobs in logging and construction before becoming an electrician. But his passion lies in rebuilding classic cars. I had a beer with Bill at the Wallowa Mountain Cruise Car Show, where we sat beside his 1947 Ford Coupe. With a chopped top, custom interior, and hand painted details, Bill's car is a labor of love and certainly something to be proud of.

This week on the podcast, I once again sat down with my grandma, Janie Tippet, to catch up and tell stories. As an almost 89-year-old woman, Grandma Janie has plenty of stories and life lessons to tell. In this episode, we get into some of the changes she's witnessed since the mid 30s, from archery's growing popularity to advancements in technology. She also gives great advice, such as how to care for cast iron, how to preserve food and raise chickens, and how to make the perfect waffle over the wood stove. And for those that don't know, Grandma Janie is a damn good writer whose chronicled the lives of ranchers for decades. Order Janie's Book - Four Lines a Day - The Life and Times of an Imnaha Ranch WomanJanie's JournalVolume 1: 1984-1987Volume 2: 1988-1991Volume 3: 1992-1996Volume 4: 1997-2004Volume 5: 2005-2009Volume 6: 2010-2015

Cate Havstad cares deeply for the land she farms. Along with her Husband, Chris, Cate runs the Casad Family Farm out of Madras, Oregon, an organic farm using biodynamic principles. The farm produces hundreds of tons of human and animal food every year through dedication to biodiversity, sustainability, and biotic health for soils, humans, and communities. Some might think it odd to farm in a high desert, but not Cate. There's enough water to go around if it's not being misused; an issue she's extremely passionate about. On top of running a farm, Cate is also a custom hat maker, using only the finest beaver felts and traditional methods. The way Cate and Chris grow food just makes sense, and if you care even little about where your food comes from, I encourage you to listen. Check out Cate's Hats: Havstad Hat Co.WebsiteInstagramCasad Family FarmsWebsite Instagram

A lot has changed for my little sister, Adele Schott, since she was last on the show. Adele and her husband have raised cows and kids through a drought, an endless winter, and a relentlessly wet spring. They're leasing land, managing a ranch, running their own cows, and have taken over the cattle operation and grass-fed beef business at the 6 Ranch. Adele and the 6 Ranch also hosted the first ever Meat Rodeo this year, where we invited the restaurants that serve our beef to compete in a slider eating contest, server race, beef trivia, and a burger cooking competition. In this episode, Adele and I get into cooking, our community, and raising boys on a ranch. Read Adele's BlogInstagramAdele Schott6 RanchSign up for the Women in Ranching Newsletter

Bert Sorin grew up with a barbell in his hand, and that iron shaped his life. He's an outdoorsman, hunter, weightlifter, Olympic trials athlete in hammer throw, and currently the President and Co-Owner of Sorinex Exercise Equipment. Founded in 1980 by Bert's father, Richard, Sorinex sells high end, American made strength equipment. Bert also happens to be the winner of this year's SIG SAUER Hunter Games, as a member of Team Warrior. In this episode, Bert and I break down the Hunter games and discuss teamwork, overcoming physical obstacles, strength training, and the idea of toughness vs strategy. Bert Sorin on Instagram SorinexWebsite InstagramSorinex Outdoors

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Major Brian Hubert. He leads by example, utilizing the principles of servant leadership. Brian and I met over a decade ago at Officer Candidate School. Since then, he's served deployments in Yemen and Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. Between deployments, he was the Officer in Charge and Executive Officer for several advanced infantry courses at the School of Infantry - West. And currently, Brain is in recruiting, serving as the Commanding Officer of eleven substations and two officer selection teams in Cleveland, Ohio. In this episode, we discuss his life as a Marine, and how he’s inspiring young people to join the cause. Brian on Instagram

Lyle Witherrite is a fascinating person. He started working when he was 11 years old and has since had a long career of many interesting jobs, from bucking hay bales, to serving in the Navy, to creating intricate works of art as a blacksmith. He’s also an incredibly passionate person with a talent for just about any medium of art he picks up. Besides blacksmithing, he paints, draws, plays music, and writes songs. For some people, Lyle included, art is a critical and necessary part of life. In this episode, Lyle tells me his life story and how he’s channeled his passion over the years. We also have something special. An original song written and performed by Lyle Witherrite, that’s guaranteed to give you chills.Lyle on Instagram

Major Ryann Engholm has always held herself to the highest standard. Ryann and I met back in Quantico at The Basic School, where she kicked most of our asses and ended up serving as a USMC Logistics Officer. In Afghanistan, she also served as a Platoon Commander for a Female Engagement Team, a specialized unit of Marines that had the unique ability to communicate with and search Afghan women. Ryann is still utilizing her strong leadership skills, working as an occupational therapist for the Mayo Clinic, and starting a business to help young people kick start their careers. Ryann is an inspirational person, and in this episode, we discuss leadership, women in combat, physical standards, and navigating life as a Marine during and after Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. And be sure to check out Ryann’s new company, Catalyst Group, at the link below. Catalyst Group on Instagram

Sgt. David Martinez is badass. He grew up hunting in the Sierra Nevadas and joined the Marines at 17. There, he served 9 years in the Infantry before getting wounded in Iraq and medically discharged. David has always been drawn to the mountains and recently left the city and California to move to Bozeman, Montana. Inspired by the landscape, he decided to take up photography. He worked hard to become an incredibly talented wildlife photographer, one of few who's capturing high quality photos of bighorn sheep. David is hiking the rugged mountains of Montana, in grizzly country, to get up close and personal with some impressive rams in their natural habitat. I highly encourage you to check out David's work, and for the aspiring photographers out there, he also offers 1 on 1 coaching. David on Instagram David's WebsiteBrowse Prints

As a first-generation Greek American, Elias Cairo has spent his entire life in and around restaurants, with a father who would make charcuterie at home. At a young age, Elias decided he wanted to be a chef, and dropped everything to move to Switzerland, where he spent 5 years in an apprenticeship learning the art of old-world meat and cheese preservation. Now, Eli is the founder, owner, and operator of Olympia Provisions, the first ever USDA plant in Oregon to produce naturally fermented meats. Olympia Provisions is upholding the traditional way of making charcuterie, a rarity in the states. And the best part is, most of Eli's recipes are totally doable for the average home chef. Give this episode a listen, and you'll be making homemade bacon before you know it. Order from Olympia ProvisionsCheck out Eli's Book, Olympia Provisions: Cured Meats and Tales from an American CharcuterieOn InstagramOlympia ProvisionsElias Cairo

People who seriously hunt western upland game birds are tough, and Matt Hardinge is the kind of guy who can handle pain and suffering. Chasing a chukar thousands of vertical feet up a canyon, only to have it fly back down before you catch up, is a lesson in patience and endurance. Not only is Matt chasing chukar in Hells Canyon, but he's also successfully hunting the toughest bird out there, the Himalayan snowcock. With the only U.S. population living in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada, these birds are reputed to be the most elusive game on earth. In this episode, Matt gives me some tips on how to hunt them, and how you can learn more about this fascinating species. Matt on Instagram

Fresh from competing in the SIG SAUER Hunter Games, I recently had the chance to chat with the very funny, Baker Leavitt. Baker is an avid hunter, both for big game and bay scallops, which he likens to "an underwater easter egg hunt for adults." He also works in business development for Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran owned business. In this episode, Baker and I discuss scallop hunting, Black Rifle's rapid rise to success, this year's SIG Hunter Games, and the story of the best day he ever had, archery hunting his first elk. Black Rifle Coffee CompanyOn InstagramBaker LeavittBRCC

Want fly fishing and tying advice from one of the saltwater greats? My guest this week, Drew Chicone, is it. Drew is an author, award-winning outdoor writer and fly designer, photographer, lecturer, and materials expert, whose passion for teaching led him to write numerous articles and fly tying guidebooks. He's a certified casting instructor and sells premium saltwater flies through his company: Salty Fly Tying. And if that's not enough, he's also the Director at Maven Rods U.S.A. and the co-founder of Strip Strike University. Top saltwater fly fishing is a lot like hunting. Many of the stalking techniques overlap, and if you're the type of person who enjoys the pursuit, this sport might just be for you. Visit Drew's WebsiteDrew on Instagram And check out Drew's fly tying books here

Carp are the soccer of fish. Here in the states, they're underappreciated and rarely utilized. But the rest of the world seems to have figured out that carp are an awesome fish to target. They're enormous, challenging to catch, and they fight like hell. Derek Rivchin is one of the few who specializes in carp. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Derek started Lo Water Guide Service to share this fun and unique fishery with folks. But carp fishing in Phoenix looks a bit different. Derek guides in the city, sight fishing for carp in the 300 plus miles of concrete canals winding through the metro area. Join us, as we discuss what it takes to catch a big ass urban carp on the fly. Lo Water on Instagram Book with Lo Water Guide Service

It's finally here. This gun has been in the works for years, and at last, I can hold it in my hand and tell you about it. As someone who's personally been charged by a bear and defended myself with a Sig 10mm, I take this stuff seriously. I carry a pistol, and now I'll carry this one. The Sig Sauer P320-XTEN 10mm is a semi-automatic striker fired handgun. It uses a polymer grip module and has a modular frame. This gun is versatile and unlike a Glock, it can shoot hard cast bullets, which is exactly what you need in bear country. In this episode, Hunter Manson, an engineer with Sig's Research and Development Team, walks me through every feature of this handgun including its design, application, and capabilities on the range and in the field. Check out the P320-XTEN Now

Born in Utah and raised in Finland, Finny spent many hours of his childhood with his dad unsuccessfully hunting coyotes. But instead of discouraging him, those early life experiences fueled Finny to learn the game and become incredibly effective. As a guide with R&K Hunting in Utah, Finny sat down with me during a coyote hunt to explain how he uses dogs to draw in these smart, tough to kill animals. Hunting coyotes with dogs is the way to go, and surprisingly, most dogs who are in good shape and can come on command can learn to do the job. Take a listen to this one folks, because your pup just might have the potential to be a great coyote dog. R&K HuntingInstagramWebsite

I grew up in the wilderness. In my family, it's perfectly normal to pack a toddler into the backcountry. My father was raised the same way, spending weeks in the Sierras before he could walk. Those early life experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the wilderness, which in turn, has become an integral part of my character. In this episode, I sit down with my dad, Todd Nash, as he recounts stories from my childhood, up in the mountains. We also get into the state of our deer and predator populations here in Oregon, and how they've changed within our lifetimes.