The Hunt Stealth Podcast
The Hunt Stealth Podcast dives headfirst into the wild, whether you're an aspiring hunter or an adventurer seeking the untamed. Together, we'll explore the strategies and stories that lead to success in the great outdoors.Hosted By: Ryan Uffens
#078 - Kade Maddock | Creators Camp, Coues Deer and Why Most Hunters Fail
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Kade Maddock of Madd Hunts to talk about growing up in a hunting family, building an outfitting business in Mexico, and the launch of the Creators Camp Collective—a collaboration of hunting creators working together to produce powerful storytelling and brand partnerships in the hunting industry.
Kade shares the story of a multi-year mule deer hunt, lessons learned from failure, and how patience, persistence, and boots-on-the-ground scouting ultimately led to success. The conversation also dives into predator management, hunting in Mexico, and why the jo...
#077 - Trevor Trifaux | Big Game, Bird Dogs and Mental Toughness
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Trevor Trifaux of Compass Grid Labradors to talk about hunting, dog training, and the lessons learned through years in the field. Trevor shares stories from growing up around predator control with his father, getting hooked on bowhunting, and the grind that comes with chasing bears, moose, elk, and deer. They also dive into Trevor’s work breeding and training Labradors, along with his mission to help veterans and first responders get dogs that can support them both in life and in the outdoors.
Key Ta...
#076 - Lee Harrison | Why Most Outdoor Brands Are Marketing Wrong
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan sits down with Lee Harrison, founder of Spark Media House, to break down the current state of marketing in the hunting and outdoor industry.
Lee shares his journey from small-town Colorado athlete to working with powerhouse brands like Kuiu, YETI, Leica, Schnee’s, and Sitka — and how that experience shaped his mission to help small and mid-sized outdoor brands “punch above their weight.”
The conversation dives deep into:
Why in-person activations are becoming more powerful than ever
The evolution (and current reality) of socia...
#075 - Austin Maloy
In this episode of the Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with Austin Malloy, an avid hunter and sales professional. They discuss Austin's journey into hunting, his memorable experiences with elk, and the importance of family in fostering a love for the outdoors. Austin shares insights from his recent successful elk hunt, tips for scouting and preparing for hunting seasons, and advice for new hunters on gear and mindset. The conversation highlights the thrill of the hunt, the respect for wildlife, and the supportive community within the hunting world.
Follow Austin Maloy<...
#074 - Weston McArthur | I Thought I Was Dead
In this episode, Ryan Uffens interviews Weston MacArthur, known as Rise and Shed, about his journey into the world of hunting, particularly focusing on his experiences with bow hunting and elk hunting. Weston shares his motivations for starting Rise and Shed, the challenges he faced, and the emotional highs and lows of hunting. He recounts his first successful elk hunt and the adventures that followed, including a memorable trip to Montana. The conversation also touches on the ethics of hunting, the importance of spending time in nature, and practical tips for aspiring hunters.
Key Takeaways:
Weston...#073 - Dalton Harum | The Road to Public Land Success
Ryan Uffens sits down with Dalton Harum - Boise firefighter, former college baseball player, and lifelong Idaho hunter. They talk about what hunting really takes beyond the highlight reels. They cover the grind of OTC/public-land success, controlling adrenaline, learning through failure, and how family changes the “why” behind the hunt. Plus Dalton’s no BS take on gear, mindset, and staying in the game when things go sideways.
Key Takeaways
Time in the woods beats perfect conditions — you can’t kill from the couch, and “bad” days can produce the best opportunities.Adrenaline changes everything — range practice h...#072 - Tim Maddock | Blue-Collar Bucks: Madd Hunts, Coues Deer, and DIY Sonora Adventures
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tim Maddock, founder of Madd Hunts, to break down how a family tradition evolved into one of the most accessible DIY Coues deer and Sonoran big-game operations in Mexico. Tim shares the 25-year journey of figuring out the entire Mexico hunting system on his own from contacting ranchers to securing gun permits and how that knowledge now allows everyday hunters to experience world-class trophy hunts at blue-collar prices. They discuss safety in Mexico, the mental game of long water-hole sits, Tim’s once-in-a-lifetime three-year quest for a Boone & Crockett typical buck, the di...
#071 - Scott Dunton | One More Ridge
In this episode, Ryan sits down with elk addict and Florida resident Scott Dunton to explore what it takes to build a western hunting lifestyle while living at sea level, working a demanding medical career, and managing type 1 diabetes. Scott opens with the contrast of his South Florida routine hunting invasive iguanas with a blowgun in his neighborhood before shifting into his annual migrations west to Montana and Wyoming. He recounts a brutal archery hunt in Montana’s Crazy Mountains, where he tagged a 6x6 bull on day one and immediately stepped into one of the hardest pack-outs of hi...
Logan Romey | First Archer Elk Tag Punched
Logan reflects on his first-ever archery elk kill... a solo hunt in grizzly country that turned into a picture-perfect rut experience with bulls screaming every day. Coming off a successful bow kill on a buck, he went in confident, determined, and eventually sealed the deal after a few hard days. His wife and father-in-law joined him afterward to pack the elk out. Thankfully only a mile and a half downhill. Logan wasn’t chasing antler score, he was just focused on getting it done and enjoying the process.
He also shares upcoming hunt plans, including a...
#070 - Logan Romney | Be Relentless
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Logan Romney aka The Creative Hunter. Logan shares how a childhood spent following his dad through the mountains, a COVID-era camera purchase, and a love for wildlife photography evolved into a full-time career filming hunts and creating premium content for hunting brands eventually leading to projects with names like Gritty/Brian Call.
Logan breaks down what it really takes to film hunts especially self-filmed hunts from using nothing but your phone to building a simple but effective camera kit. He walks through how he structures his story in...
#069 - Whitney Tramel | GOING ALL-IN
Whitney Tramel... host of the Wild Strength Podcast and a strength & conditioning coach joins Ryan to trace an uncommon path into Western hunting. Named after Lake Whitney and raised on Texas catfish fries and Girl Scout campouts, Whitney didn’t pick up a bow until COVID, when ammo was scarce and the mountains of Colorado were calling. She went all-in, haunting the pro shop to learn the lingo, buying a flagship rig, and eventually selling almost everything to move to Colorado and chase elk on public land. Whitney and Ryan get honest about the steep reality of over-the-counter elk hu...
#068 - Marlon Holden | Gray Light Hunter Into The High Country
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with legendary mule deer hunter Marlon Holden, known online as The Gray Light Hunter. Marlon shares the mindset and discipline behind chasing mule deer deep in the high country where oxygen is scarce, storms roll fast, and only the most determined men endure. Together, Ryan and Marlon dive into what it means to do hard things, build a life of freedom, and live with intention.
They talk about sacrifice, faith, and the spiritual connection between man, the mountain, and the...
#067 - Ashton Oborn | Fog, Bugles and Redemption
Ryan sits down with Utah elk hunter Ashton Oborn to swap storm-soaked mountain stories, hard-won lessons, and one unforgettable redemption bull. The two met at Hunt Expo, later linked up with mutual acquaintance Dustin Green and finally got boots on the same ridge where weather, fog, and blown-out switchbacks tested every plan. Ashton traces his family’s 20+ years in the area, from his youth-tag growing pains to the day he dropped his biggest bull with a .270 pump-action, open sights. Together, he and Ryan break down reading fresh sign, calling nuances, swirling winds in burned timber, and the painful truth th...
#066 - Jeff Barlow | Eight Feet From a Bull: Close Calls and Big Lessons
Jeff Barlow... better known online as Nimrod Outdoors joins Ryan to talk family, faith, and the kind of hunts that turn into lifelong stories. Jeff shares how a joking nudge from his wife and a verse about the “mighty hunter” Nimrod sparked a 15-year digital journal with his seven kids, documenting everything from first tags to pack-outs. He tells the incredible Depression-era tale of his grandfather’s 34-inch cactus buck that fed the family and, decades later, found its way back home. We go deep on elk and mule deer strategy, why bugles in bow range raise the ne...
#065 - Anthony Williams | From North Carolina Roots to Alaska Moose
Ryan sits down with entrepreneur and charter captain Anthony Williams for a wide-ranging conversation that runs from marlin on blue water to bulls on steep ridges. Anthony shares how growing up in rural North Carolina shaped his outdoor grit, why marlin fishing feels like hunting, and how a brutal first day in elk country rewired his training. He breaks down a simple but savage prep plan (hill repeats on a bike + max-incline treadmill “climb the mountain”), talks bow vs. rifle strategy when learning a new place, and opens up about access, public lands, and representation in hunt...
#064 - Cody Griffin | Stay Around The Campfire
In this conversation, Ryan Uffens and Cody Griffin discuss various aspects of the archery industry, including personal connections, the role of customer service, product innovations at Easton, and the importance of coaching for beginners. They also share insights on hunting experiences in North Carolina, the impact COVID-19 had on the archery market, and the community culture within archery shops.
Takeaways
#063 - Jeremiah Plyer | Wilde Arrow Desert Sheep
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Jeremiah Plyer, co-owner of Wilde Arrow Archery in Centerville, Utah. The conversation ranges from the importance of location in retail success to the frustrations of local politics, rising taxes, and the lack of government transparency.
Jeremiah shares his journey into archery from struggling as a teenager with no mentor, to building a career in one of the top pro shops in the country. He emphasizes the difference between a basic archery shop and a true pro shop, and why personalized service and attention to...
#062 - Baker Leavitt | From Building Billion Dollar Brands to Chasing Eland in Africa
Our guest on this episode is a powerhouse in the outdoor and business space, he's also a master of cutting through the noise.
Joining me is Baker Levitt Director of Strategic Relations at Black Rifle Coffee Company. He’s helped shape one of America’s most influential lifestyle brands, connecting hunters, veterans, and freedom-loving folks through powerful storytelling, sharp strategy, and unapologetic culture. From real estate and media to political consulting and crisis PR, Baker’s got his boots in every arena and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.
In this episode, we go deep...
Inside the Grand Teton Kill Zone: Eradicating Goats in No Man's Land | Braxton Hamilton and Storie Ratcliff
Ryan Uffens sits down with Braxton Hamilton and Storie Ratcliff to unpack one of the most surreal and extreme hunts imaginable... a sanctioned mountain goat eradication in Grand Teton National Park. What started as a controversial government program turned into the chance of a lifetime: hunting within the park boundaries, in winter conditions, with minimal backup, in terrain that tested every ounce of grit they had.
From hiking 9 miles through two feet of snow just to get to camp, to climbing sheer cliffs in negative 26-degree temps, this story is a full-throttle blend of backcountry...
#061 - Nathan Cox | Blue Ridge Mountains Born and Raised
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan sits down with 7th-generation mountain man, lifelong hunter, and North Carolina game warden Nathan Cox. From chasing rabbits with his grandpa’s beagles in the Blue Ridge Mountains to busting poachers by night using aircraft and decoys, Nathan brings a wealth of hard-earned wisdom and gritty backwoods experience.
Nathan shares what it means to grow up immersed in hunting culture, how his law enforcement background led him to become a game warden, and why intent matters when it comes to enforcement. He delivers gold for new hunters especially ar...
#060 - Matt Tillotson | Redemption Season
Ryan sits down with Wyoming-based hunter and HuntQuarters co-founder Matt Tillotson for a raw, wide-ranging conversation on high-country discipline, mental toughness, and the real grind behind consistent success in the field.
Matt shares the backstory behind launching HuntQuarters, a consulting platform for Western hunters that offers local, boots-on-the-ground insights across states like Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. From working through target panic to harvesting two exceptional bucks in a single season, Matt opens up about the relentless preparation required physically, mentally, and emotionally to perform when it matters.
Together, Ryan and Matt dive deep into the...
#059 - Phil Lundell | Blood Trails and Bino's
In this episode, Ryan Uffens is joined by Utah environmental scientist and lifelong hunter Phil Lundell, who shares his gritty journey from childhood hunts at Fish Lake to dialing in his archery game in adulthood. They dive deep into one of Phil’s most intense hunts a velvet buck taken just in time before his pattern changed complete with highs, lows, a near-loss, and a powerful recovery story.
Phil discusses his evolution as a hunter, how balancing family life and hunting is possible (thanks to a supportive wife and smart time management), and why being honest with yo...
#058 - Michael T. Merrill | 12 Day Buck Chase - Learn to Hunt Angry
On this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Mike Merrill, aka "Big T" an entrepreneur, family man, and seasoned bowhunter with a gritty mindset and a deep love for the outdoors. The conversation weaves through Mike’s personal hunting evolution, from growing up without a mentor to becoming a relentless and calculated hunter. He shares how he built multiple successful businesses, including a mobile time-clock software company, and transitioned to a life more focused on purpose-driven hunting and physical readiness.
Mike details a 12-day archery mule deer hunt in Utah that tested ev...
#057 - Brian Barney | Winners are Made in the Offseason
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with bowhunting icon Brian Barney host of Eastmans’ Elevated, writer for Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, and a true backcountry hunting machine. Brian shares his incredible journey from a Pacific Northwest wrestler to one of the most respected DIY public land hunters in the West.
The two dive deep into what it really takes to succeed in the mountains: offseason preparation, high opportunity hunts, mental toughness, and building a life that supports your passion. Brian walks through the mindset shifts that make the difference between tagg...
#056 - Troy Gregory | Blueprint For Raising Hunters - Four Brothers Hunt... and One Sister
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with Troy Gregory CEO of Hunt Electric, devoted father, and passionate outdoorsman. Troy shares his story of growing up in Utah with humble beginnings, the work ethic instilled by his grandfather, and how he built a legacy rooted in family, hunting, and grit.
Troy opens up about raising five kids four sons and a daughter, all of whom are deeply immersed in hunting, fitness, and outdoor adventure. Through personal stories like his daughter’s first deer hunt and his son’s unforgettable bighorn sheep harv...
#055 Josh Kirchner | The Rise of the Dialed In Hunter - Backpacks, Bears and Big Lessons
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Josh Kirchner The Dialed In Hunter to unpack his journey from roofing to full-time hunting. What began as a personal blog turned into a full-blown career in writing, filmmaking, and inspiring new hunters.
Josh shares insights from solo bear hunts, writing his books (Becoming a Bowhunter, Becoming a Backpack Hunter), and learning to embrace the mental grind of the backcountry. They talk gear, mindset, failure, and why reps in the field matter more than the latest bow tech.
Follow Josh Kirchner:<...
#054 - Austin Bell | 7 Year Elk Hunting Journey
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, host Ryan Uffens sits down with Colorado bowhunter and founder of Leaf Hat Co., Austin Bell, to dive deep into a story of grit, growth, and gear. Austin recounts his emotional 7-year pursuit to harvest a bull elk with a bow, culminating in a wild, five-arrow encounter deep in the Colorado backcountry. From the agony of a missed shot in 2021 to the obsessive scouting and preparation that finally paid off in 2022, this episode is packed with raw insights every elk hunter will appreciate.
Austin shares the mistakes that slowed...
#053 - Hyrum Neilson | Moose Packs, Meat Sticks and the Alaskan Way
If you’ve ever dreamed of hunting or fishing in Alaska but haven’t made the time this episode is your sign. Ryan Uffens sits down with Hyrum Neilson, the General Manager of King Salmon Lodge, to talk about what it's really like to live the Alaskan wilderness lifestyle full-time. From blacktail deer stalks and brown bear bow hunts to raising a self-reliant family off wild game, Hyrum’s life is what most outdoorsmen talk about over campfires. He breaks down what makes Alaska special, the intensity of surviving in its untamed terrain, and why it's not just a trip i...
#052 - Caleb Brewer | Stepping on an IED Wasn’t the End - How Archery Gave This Green Beret a New Mission
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens talks with retired U.S. Army Green Beret and adaptive bowhunter Caleb Brewer. A man who stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, lost both legs, and still charges solo into the backcountry in pursuit of bull elk and black bears. Caleb’s story is nothing short of legendary. From learning to shoot a bow in his garage with a 1990s PSE Nova to opening his own archery shop, Stick Sniper Archery, Caleb discusses the healing power of archery, the grit it takes to succeed in the wild, and how hu...
"I Never Wanted to Hunt Mountain Lions... Now I Want to Do It Again." - Donnie Vincent
What begins as reluctance becomes revelation as Donnie recounts an epic mountain lion hunt in the snow-laden wilds of British Columbia. With vivid detail and powerful emotion, Donnie takes us step-by-step through the pursuit of a legendary cougar "Blood Paw Tom" a cat so notorious its removal was requested by local biologists to protect the fragile population of California bighorn sheep.
This isn't just a hunting story... it's a journey into the soul of the wilderness, featuring thigh-deep snow, ancient forests, dog-driven chases, and a deep reckoning with the ethics of the hunt. It’s ab...
Close Calls and Predator Encounters - Donnie Vincent's Rules for Thriving in the Wild.
Facing the Wild: Donnie Vincent on Risk, Gear, and Going Deep Into the Backcountry
On this gripping episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with legendary filmmaker, biologist, and backcountry hunter Donnie Vincent to unravel the raw reality of what it takes to survive—and thrive—on some of the most remote hunts on the planet.
Donnie recounts harrowing moments from the cliffs of the Chugach Mountains to brutal seas off the Aleutian chain. From lightning strikes at 5,000 feet to navigating canoe-splitting storms in Northern Ontario, this isn’t your...
#051 - Jarret Johnson | Hunting, Healing and his Second Act
In episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with former NFL powerhouse Jarret Johnson—a bruiser on the field and a backcountry warrior off it. From college at Alabama to battling in the trenches with the Ravens and Chargers, Jarret opens up about the highs of pro football and the unexpected challenges of life after the league. But it’s in the wild where he finds peace. Jarret dives into his passion for hunting, the primal clarity it brings, and how it became a lifeline in his transition out of the NFL. Hear about his unforgettable cari...
How Mental Toughness and Planning Save's Hunts – Cody Rich’s Arizona Elk Hunt Story
Seasoned hunter and entrepreneur Cody Rich shares a raw and revealing look at what separates successful hunters from those who crack under pressure. He shares the brutal details of his 16-day grind chasing a giant bull in Arizona’s late season rifle hunt plagued by breakdowns, busted gear, and mental warfare.
This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and why every hunter needs more than just a tag and a backpack. Cody dives into the importance of planning multiple backup strategies (plan A through plan E), managing expectations, and how mental preparedness can keep you in the...
Unlocking Elk Hunting Success - Cody Rich’s 4-Step Blueprint
Elk Hunting Systems: Cody Rich’s Proven 4-Step Blueprint for Big Game Success
In this clip from Cody Rich breaks down a tactical approach to elk hunting that separates the consistent killers from the weekend warriors. Cody reveals the 4-step elk hunting system he’s honed over years in the field—covering everything from picking the right unit, to e-scouting like a pro, to locating elk efficiently, closing the distance, and finally executing without relying on luck. This is the ultimate roadmap for hunters ready to ditch frustration and start stacking up success. Whether you’re a fir...
#050 - Cody Rich | Building Your Elk Hunting System
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens is joined by seasoned hunter, entrepreneur, and podcast host Cody Rich (The Rich Outdoors, Elk Hunt Podcast). They dive deep into what it really takes to build a system for elk hunting moving beyond luck and toward repeatable success. Cody shares his journey from starting a podcast to ask better questions, to building frameworks and life systems that improve both business and hunting outcomes.
This conversation is packed with insight for both new and experienced hunters. Cody breaks down his four-part elk hunting system: choosing the right...
#049 - Eric Wilson | Do Not Go Quietly - Bowhunting, Business and the Battle Within
In this powerhouse episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens is joined by entrepreneur, bowhunter, and podcast host Eric Wilson for a raw, no-fluff conversation about grit, growth, and going all in. Eric unpacks his evolution from rookie hunter to seasoned elk chaser, revealing the brutal lessons and breakthrough moments that only come from failure, perseverance, and a bow in hand. They dive into the mindset needed to thrive in the wild—and in business—emphasizing preparation, humility, and the courage to ask for help. Eric also shares the mission behind his own show, Do Not Go Quietly, and...
#048 - Evan Frampton
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with avid elk hunter Evan Frampton to talk about the deep connection between hunting, family, and self-growth. Evan shares powerful stories about growing up waterfowl hunting with his father, a once-in-a-lifetime limited-entry elk hunt they tackled together, and helping his 79-year-old grandfather tag a bull in the backcountry. From humorous solo misadventures to hard-earned lessons in elk country, Evan reflects on the evolving journey of becoming a better hunter. They talk gear upgrades, navigating failure, and why success isn’t measured only by tags punched, but by th...
#047 - Chad Alan Jones
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Texas bowhunter Chad Alan Jones for a raw, high-energy dive into the heart of the hunt. From childhood memories to passing the torch to his daughters, Chad shares stories laced with grit, adrenaline, and legacy. They dig into the ethics of spot sharing, the power of martial arts for personal safety, and the wild shift from rifle to bow. With tales of hard-earned bucks, gear breakdowns, and bucket-list dreams, this one’s a battle cry for hunters who live for the chase and raise the next ge...
#046 - Will Munson
From Maryland Woods to Munson’s Outdoors: A Hunter’s Journey
Strap in for a wild ride on this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast as Ryan Uffens sits down with Maryland’s own Will Munson — a hunter with a big heart, bigger stories, and a passion for the wild that’s downright contagious.
Will opens up about his early days in the woods, the tragic accident that changed his family’s life forever, and why safety is the real trophy every hunter should chase. From the drama of private land vs. state land to his...
#045 - Brian Stephens
You don’t just hunt wildlife… you win with it.
In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Brian Stephens—hardcore hunter, author of Winning with the Wild Life, and a man who's packed more wisdom into his pack than most pack in gear.
They dive into how Brian got hooked on hunting, why good mentors matter more than fancy gear, and how the bonds built in the backcountry last a lifetime. From intense hunts to hilarious hiccups, Brian shares storie...