The Wild Initiative

Sam brings back Clayton Marxer, the Adventure Cowboy, to introduce The Wild Initiative’s 200th episode. In this episode, Sam and Clayton reminisce about the trials and tribulations of Sam’s 2017 elk hunt. Sam then shares the audio files he recorded at the end of each day, sharing the raw details of what’s going on in his mind throughout the whole process. This episode reminds us of how challenging it is to chase elk every September and how you should always hope for the best, but plan for the worst. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/200. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Duplantier, host of the Western Contours podcast, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about developing grit in life. In this episode, they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of solo vs group hunting, the growth that comes from doing difficult sh*t (even if it’s solely for the sake of doing difficult sh*t), how to become a more productive beast of a human and why elk hunting is better than all else. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/199. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Joshua Schwencke of Gastronomy joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about an integral part of honoring the game we hunt; how we prepare it in the kitchen. Joshua goes into how our presentation of food, particularly wild game, can be an art form. He later debunks what “gamey” actually means and how to reach that apex of flavor with various recipes and techniques to use for Western Game. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/198. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg McHale, host of Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about his philosophies surrounding physical fitness in the outdoors and life. In this episode, they talk about Greg’s origins in the Yukon, how to create Atomic Habits that increase your freedom throughout the day and the foundations of creating a healthy life. Later, they discuss how to start getting active and start utilizing the thing you cannot make more of; time. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/197. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The StHealthy Hunter, Ryan Lampers joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to dig into the details of Spring Bear Season. In this episode, Ryan shares his daughter’s first successful deer harvest and how to get children into hunting. The episode wouldn’t be complete without chatting about the imminent approach of Spring Bear Season. Ryan and Sam discuss best practices for processing and storing bear meat, bear’s unique personality and the importance of situational awareness when predator calling during Bear Season. If you’re interested in learning from Ryan and some of the most knowledgeable and consistently successful western hunters, be sure to check out Western Hunting Summit. Two summits are already sold out and only a few passes are left. You don’t want to miss this unbeatable experience that will cut your learning curve by years. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/196. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Shockey joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down why we hunt. In this episode, Jim goes into detail on how his mentality on hunting motivations has changed over the years, how hunting in -100 degree temps breaks humans but also creates incredible character and what the perfect hunt looks like. Jim and Sam later go on to discuss how meat is not typically a wholly honest motivator for hunting and how tofu has killed just as many animals as hunters. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/195. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas Boze, author of The Ultimate Guide to Black Bear Hunting joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to dig into all the basics of Spring bear hunting. In this episode, they discuss the allure of predator hunting, what you need to look for when initially scouting and how to tell the difference between rub and bear-stripping on trees. They also go on to talk about shot placement, why observing bear habits is crucial to your success and a bunch of little tactics that will help you immensely in the field. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/194. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Honorable Steve Daines, United States Senator for Montana joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to share his vision for wildlife and public lands management in Montana and across the nation. Senator Daines reminisces about his childhood memories of growing up in Montana and fishing with his grandfather and goes on to recap the 2020 election and confront the attacks made against him by the opposition. Sam and Senator Daines go on to discuss his questioning of Representative Haaland, Biden’s nominee for Secretary of the Interior and his confrontation of her inconsistent statements over science-based wildlife management and the delisting of the grizzly bear. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/193. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Barney of Eastmans’ Elevated joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the life-changing benefits of immersing yourself in the backcountry. In this episode, they discuss bowhunting and the upcoming spring bear season, beer and burgers as a hunting power-meal, flaws with the pro-wolf agenda and how our “difficult” daily-life decisions are made much less intimidating by the backcountry. Brian and Sam go on to discuss a little bit of everything from CWD to hunting legislation and why public land hunting is such a unique equalizer of people. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/192. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the results of surrounding yourself with high-performing individuals. In this episode, they talk about a shift in focus from university education to trades, the importance of learning by hands-on experience and understanding the difference between someone looking for feedback versus simply sharing their work. Josh and Sam move on to discuss the difficulties of a life without fingerprints, the reality behind the scenes of Forged in Fire and the incredible things that can happen when you surround yourself with “deep water, thin air” people. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/191. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Chappell of Chappell’s Guide Service and host of ElkCampTV joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about their obsession with Elk. In this episode, Steve talks about his strategies for locating elk in new units. He also gives his take on calling techniques, being adaptable in the woods and the ethics of and controversy over using trail cameras and other hunting tech. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/190. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Barklow, Veteran and Big Game Product Manager for Sitka Gear, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to reinforce the importance of continual learning and growth. In this episode, John shares his extensive outdoor knowledge and discusses finding balance in what you’re doing even with a “no off-season” attitude. They also cover the romanticized nature of Western Hunting, the power of learning from your mistakes on every hunt and how to leverage your personal skills. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/189. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donnie Vincent, biologist, filmmaker, and all-around adventurer, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about his unbelievable experiences. Donnie discusses the dichotomy of being a hunter but passionate about animals and conservation, how we are not designed for comfort, and his extraordinary first trip to Alaska. They also detail the mindset hunters should have, experiencing every moment of life and finding hunting ventures opportunities. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/188. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody Rich, host of The Rich Outdoors Podcast, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss the basics of getting into Western hunting. In this episode, they discuss what things finally “clicked” to bring about a successful hunt, “graduating” to new levels based on experience and how to build the foundation of your hunting knowledge. They also dig into situation-dependent stalking tips, how weather affects herd populations and more. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/187. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Carr, author, hunter and former Navy SEAL joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss life experiences and how hunting became a family tradition. In this episode, Jack recounts stories of his Marine grandfather and explains how he integrates his real-life experiences into his work as an author. They go on to discuss big-game hunting abroad and in Hawaii and the latest installment in Jack’s Terminal List series, The Devil’s Hand. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/186. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile and Robert Hanneman of Huntin’ Fool join Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down how to build your plan for drawing elk tags and how to integrate these species into your overall big game hunting plan and strategy. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/185 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile and Robert Hanneman of Huntin’ Fool join Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down how to build your plan for drawing mule deer tags and how to integrate this species into your overall big game hunting plan and strategy. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/184. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile and Robert Hanneman of Huntin’ Fool join Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down how to build your plan for drawing pronghorn tags and how to integrate this species into your overall big game hunting plan and strategy. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/183. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile and Robert Hanneman of Huntin’ Fool join Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down how to build your plan for drawing moose tags and how to integrate this species into your overall big game hunting plan and strategy. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/182. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile and Robert Hanneman of Huntin’ Fool join Sam on The Wild Initiative to break down how to build your plan for drawing sheep and goat tags and how to integrate these species into your overall big game hunting plan and strategy. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/181. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerrod Lile, CEO of Huntin’ Fool, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to give the ultimate breakdown of the North American big game hunting draw. This episode talks about different types, point creep, bonus points, application costs, and resident versus nonresident tags. They also discuss how to build an application plan and why the phrase “I’m going to draw too many tags” is a myth. Keep an eye out for species-specific draw episodes coming soon. Promo code functionality is currently not working on the website. Please call Huntin’ Fool at (435) 865-1020 and mention code TWI60 to get 60 days of the Huntin’ Fool digital membership for FREE! See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/180. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Macy Watkins joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to chat about her experience in the hunting industry. In this episode, they discuss the difference between wanting to hunt versus working in the industry, how she has become viral on multiple platforms, especially in Wisconsin. Macy and Sam also talk about some of their favorite fishing memories and braving the cold while duck hunting with Mr. Heater and many layers. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/179. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Ahtila joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about their observations of the pandemic within the hunting world. In this episode, they discuss the resurgence of interest in hunting this year, if this ‘fad’ will have staying power, Randy Newberg, Jason Matzinger and Remi Warren’s dance moves and the management of predators and unregulated wildlife populations. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/178. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's most-traveled hunter and godfather of hunting television, Chris Dorsey, joins Sam to talk about the critical need for us to communicate the importance of hunter and angler-based conservation to the non-hunting public. In this episode, they discuss the changes in hunting media from its inception to our current time, how the hunting of African elephants clearly demonstrates the efficacy of hunting as a method of conservation and how we, as a hunting community, have failed to tell our story in an impactful manner to the correct audience. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/177. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Sittig, the Huge Fly Fisherman, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about getting into fly fishing. In this episode, Ben talks about the essentials needed to start rippin’ lips with a fly, how he started out with the sport and the expectation versus reality. Later in the episode, they reconvene to discuss the difficulties of casting into the wind and why some people just hate fun and lightheartedness in the boat. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/176. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Zumbo, editor for Outdoor Life Magazine and host of Jim Zumbo Outdoors, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about becoming a more knowledgeable hunter. In this episode, they talk about the behind-the-scenes complexities of hunting television, obsession with elk and why it’s critical for hunters to know and thoroughly understand the regs. Jim goes on to talk about his passion for backcountry hunting and his advice for aspiring outdoor writers. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/175. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Simons, founder of Wildlife Systems, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the importance of wildlife conservation. In this episode, they discuss how to choose and reach out to mentors, the origination and definition of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and our biophilic nature as humans. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/174. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Fallon of FTW Ranch and SAAM Hunter Training joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss investing in yourself to become an effective and ethical hunter. In this episode, Tim goes in-depth on deciding your maximum effective range while hunting, the pressure you get from having “hair in the scope” and why investing in yourself is crucial for hunts. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/173. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his drive back “home” from Montana after an eventful road trip, Sam recaps the past two months hunting and fishing through Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Montana. In this episode, he reminisces about the many firsts he’s achieved this year… from his first elk, to his first fish on the fly as well as waterfowling, upland game and much more. He also shares a life-changing announcement in this quick episode. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/172. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dark Waters, the King of YouTube Horror and a paranormal investigator, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative for a spine-chilling Halloween episode. Prepare for a journey into the realm of the unknown as Dark Waters shares stories and insights he's gathered about the eerie creatures lurking in the woods and beyond, waiting to send shivers down your spine. In this episode, Dark Waters delves into his investigation style, revealing how he distinguishes genuine stories from false ones and how he deals with skeptics. Brace yourself for hair-raising tales, from encounters with the enigmatic Dogman, fire demons, and faceless humanoids to the elusive Red Man, all of which will make you reconsider those early-morning hunts and late-night treks. For those who relish a good scare and have an interest in the unknown, this episode is an eye-opener. Dark Waters brings his expertise to the forefront, urging listeners to be open-minded and cautious when it comes to the supernatural. Prepare to enter a world of cryptic encounters, eerie phenomena, and tales that will leave you with a newfound awareness of the unexplained. Guest Info Dark Waters iamdarkwaters.com facebook.com/DarkH2O1 @DarkH2O1 youtube.com/darkwaters [email protected] -- Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Weishuhn, wildlife biologist, hunter and conservationist, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to have a good ol’ fashioned campfire-style chat about hunting, conservation and storytelling. Take a seat and enjoy as Larry and Sam discuss the whitetail hunting revolution, why you should never carry a long blade, hunting storytelling, enjoying the journey and releasing grizzlies in Los Angeles. Larry also reflects on some of his favorite stories from the field. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/170. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erik Myhre, founder of Basin+Bend, joins Sam on the Wild Initiative to talk about the wonderful outdoor opportunities afforded to us. Erik and Sam go on to talk about their “three-day weekend Colorado trout slam”, how refreshing it is to hunt pronghorn and how “extinct” trout have made a comeback. They later discuss why sharing food from your harvest is such an integral part of the hunting experience. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/169. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amberley Snyder, paraplegic champion barrel racer, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about overcoming life-changing situations. In this episode, they discuss Amberley’s youth as a barrel racer, cameos in Yellowstone and the incident that changed her life forever. They also go into the trial and error process of getting back to barrel racing, her hunting experiences and how you should make the memories rather than waiting for them to happen. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/168. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Stallone of Days in The Wild joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to Sam’s 2020 season and his very first elk harvest. In this episode, they start with a seemingly impossible draw for Arizona and then go on to discuss the successful stalk in potentially one of the worst ruts in recent history. They also talk about the events that led up to fulfilling that defining first tag. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/167. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Kress, veteran and avid Alaskan hunter joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about The Last Frontier. In this episode, they discuss their archery shot routine, Drew’s close call with a Kodiak bear, and how hunting in Alaska separates the men from the boys. Drew also talks about utilizing a U-Haul hack for your Kodiak Island hunt, how to get started hunting in the great wilderness of Alaska, and why taking opportunities when you get the chance is so important. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/166. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angler and army vet, Rebecca Lentz joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to share her journey into the world of fly fishing. In this episode, Rebecca talks about the stigmas of “intruding” on other people’s fishing trips, how to decide on switching spots or switching flies and why you must absolutely wash your line after taking it home from the store. They also discuss how to properly handle the species of fish you catch and how every angler starts as a beginner. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/165. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sidney Smith, double amputee, Iron Man and OG Living Country in the City podcast guest joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss achieving your goals in the face of overwhelming adversity. In this episode, they discuss the literal puddles of blood that went into Sidney’s grueling Iron Man, why the mindset of having a “Plan B” is not an option and how we love to obsess over mature muleys. They also talk about their bow setups for the season, how Sidney developed his “hunting legs” and the mission behind Disabled Outdoorsmen USA. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/164. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Joy and Nadra Decker join Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss everything you need to know about getting started with waterfowl hunting. In this episode, Sam, Sarah, and Nadra dig into all the basics that a newbie would need to know when it comes to waterfowling, including how to practice, critical gear and decoy usage. They also discuss hunting Sika (not Sitka) deer in Maryland, why bowfishing is so much fun, what the hell body bootin’ is and how ethical hunters actually feel when an animal is wounded. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/163. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lydia Smith, backcountry hunter, horse trainer, and wildlife artist joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to share the struggles and achievements of her hunting journey. In this episode, Lydia explains how, while she went out trapping squirrels with her dad, growing up, she was never taught to hunt. She examines the struggles of being a self-taught hunter, navigating and learning all the extensive hunting regs, and developing her archery skill while discovering her passion for bowhunting. Lydia also breaks down her pronghorn hunt and provides several tips and tricks for stalking them in the summer heat as well as discusses her passion for wildlife art and hunting from horseback. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/162. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Guest Info Mark Livesay/Treeline Academy treelineacademy.net (Use code TWI for $20 OFF.) @treeline_pursuits facebook.com/treelinepursuits youtube.com/@TreelineAcademy [email protected] Mentioned in this Episode Western Hunting Summit Elk101 University of Elk Hunting Online Course Randy Newberg E-Scouting Eastmans Tag Hub GoHunt TopRut ElkTalk Podcast w/ Corey Jacobsen & Randy Newberg Google Earth onX Maps Gaia GPS Basemap -- Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Primitive survivalist Laura Zerra joins Sam on The Wild Initiative about building your ideal lifestyle and outdoor experience. In this episode, Laura reminisces about growing up as the “weird kid” whose closest friends were a pack of coyotes. She walks us through her journey into veganism and her transition back into eating meat as well as many of the various delicacies outside of traditional wild game. They also cover the concept of self-reliance in everything you do, facing near-death experiences in the wilderness, learning from our many hunting mistakes and her catastrophic near-disaster of an elk hunt. See more at thewildinitiative.com/151. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices