The Mountain Dude Podcast
Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.
When Hunting Season Meets Real Life: Priorities with Chris and Dennis
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This was a very popular episode we decided to re-run this week. If you're a hunter trying to juggle work, family, and the pursuit of the mountains — or just someone looking to live with more intention — this episode hits home.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis and Chris sit down for a real, candid conversation about balancing hunting, family, faith, and the demanding pace of everyday life. After two back-to-back episodes with Kyle Kamp of Valley 2 Peak Nutrition, the guys shift gears and recap their own hunt...
The Hardest Lesson in Bowhunting: Matt Clark
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One bad shot nearly made Matt Clark walk away from bowhunting forever. A year later, he found himself back in the elk woods with an opportunity to rewrite the story.
On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with Matt Clark to talk about the highs and lows of archery elk hunting, overcoming failure, and finding strength through faith, family, and perseverance.
After a heartbreaking encounter with a big bull elk the previous season, Matt questioned...
He Left Everything Behind to Chase His Dream | Weston Homa
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What would you do if you stopped waiting for the perfect moment and finally chased your dream?
On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, we sit down with western hunter, ultramarathon runner, and Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast host Weston Homa to talk about faith, discipline, mental toughness, and what it takes to build a life around the things you love.
Weston grew up hunting whitetails, turkeys, and bears in Pennsylvania, but his passion for western hunting eventually led him to make...
How Nate Illingsworth Finally Found Success Hunting Elk
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Four years of setbacks. Five elk seasons. Countless lessons learned. And one moment that made it all worth it.
On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, we're joined by Nate Illingworth for a conversation filled with hunting stories, humor, faith, perseverance, and the lessons learned through years of chasing elk.
After spending seasons struggling to find elk, missing opportunities, and questioning his approach, Nate finally experienced the moment he'd been working toward: harvesting his first elk with a bow.
But...
Late Season Hunting Gear, Archery Lessons & a Backcountry Shelter Fail | Chris Young & Dennis Stokes
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What changes in your hunting gear when September turns into November? And what happens when you hike six miles into the backcountry with the wrong tent?
On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes talk through hard-earned archery hunting lessons, their favorite gear, and how they prepare for late season elk hunts.
Chris recaps his September mule deer season, sharing the challenges of stalking bucks in open country, getting an accurate range, and knowing when to pass on...
7 Years of Bowhunting Led to THIS Bull | IDAHUNT
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Seven years of bowhunting. Countless hard lessons. Then one opportunity that made it all worth it.
On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with two from inside Initial Ascent, Chase and Cody, to relive an unforgettable September that ended with three brothers tagging three big bulls in one week.
Cody shares the story of his first successful archery harvest, a giant 6x7 bull, and the years of frustration, buck fever, and persistence that led to a moment he’ll never forget. Chase follows wi...
The E-Scouting Guru and Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay
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This episode was so good that we had to run it again. On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay: the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunters how to create detailed hunt plans before they ever set foot in the mountains.
We dive into Mark’s journey from poring over topo...
Eight Hours of Stalking a Mule Deer… Then Everything Fell Apart: Chris and Rodger Pt 2
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Chris Young and Roger Holscher continue their early-season hunting recap from the desert in Part 2 of the Mountain Dude Podcast.
After days of difficult conditions and close calls, Chris finally locates a group of mule deer bucks and begins an eight-hour archery stalk through open sagebrush. With shifting wind, passing vehicles, limited cover, and four alert bucks working against him, every decision matters.
Chris breaks down the stalk from beginning to end, including how he used the terrain, managed his approach, selected a buck, and worked within...
Two Misses, One Buck and a Brutal Start: Part 1- Chris and Rodger
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Chris Young and Roger Holscher sit down from hunting camp to recap the highs and lows of early-season desert mule deer hunting.
In Part 1, Roger shares the complete story of his archery mule deer hunt, including two painful misses, lessons learned from hunting unforgiving rimrock country, and the opportunity that finally brought everything together. Roger also explains how he approached hunting water, dealt with extreme heat, managed shifting wind, and stayed confident after things went wrong.
Chris then begins the story of his own seven-day desert hunt...
He Chased This 193 Inch Mule Deer for Two Months: Brayden Staples
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Brayden Staples joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share the story behind his incredible 193 inch Utah mule deer and the months of persistence, close encounters and difficult decisions that shaped the experience.
Brayden grew up hunting with his family, but his approach changed when he fell in love with studying mature animals and understanding their behavior. After receiving a Utah Dedicated Hunter tag, he committed his season to one exceptional buck he nicknamed “The Dream.”
Throughout archery, muzzleloader and rifle season, Brayden faced missed opportunities, difficult choices and...
Elk Calling Tactics for Every Phase of the Rut | Dirk Durham
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Dirk Durham—better known as “The Bugler” from Phelps Game Calls—joins the Mountain Dude Podcast for a complete breakdown of archery elk calling strategies for every phase of September.
From the quiet opening days of archery elk season to the peak rut and unpredictable final week, Dirk explains how elk behavior changes throughout the month—and how hunters can adjust their calling tactics accordingly.
In this episode, we cover:
• Early-season elk calling strategies
• When to bugle versus when to cow call
• How to locate elk in...
Elk Every Year- Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West: Zach Bowhay
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Back by popular demand! We are re-airing this episode from Summer 2025 on how to kill elk EVERY YEAR! It's just in time for September!
Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the mindset and strategies that have kept him punching tags ac...
How to Hunt Mature Mule Deer in Pressured Units | Martin Chag
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with mule deer hunter Martin Chag to break down what it takes to consistently find and hunt mature bucks in pressured, general units.
Martin shares how older mule deer behave differently, what their body language can reveal about their next move, and why he often avoids stalking a bedded buck altogether. Instead, he focuses on predicting where the deer is headed and setting up an ambush.
We also dive into scouting strategies, planning access routes before...
Building of THEORY1 with Jamieson Crast & Austin Miller
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What does it take to build a premium rifle company from the ground up—and document the failures, risks, and hard-earned wins along the way?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis and Chris sit down with the guys behind THEORY1, Jamieson Crast and Austin Miller. They share the story behind THEORY1, their approach to developing precision rifle systems, and why they chose to show the real process instead of presenting a polished highlight reel.
The conversation goes beyond rifles, diving into hunting films, storytelling, bu...
What Should You Actually Eat in the Backcountry? Kyle Camp
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Backcountry nutrition can make or break your hunt—and expensive gear won’t compensate for poor preparation.
Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition returns to the Mountain Dude Podcast to explain how hunters should fuel before, during, and after demanding days in the mountains. Kyle breaks down hydration, sodium intake, recovery, affordable backcountry meals, food storage, and the common nutrition mistakes that can drain your energy when it matters most.
We also discuss why hunters may benefit more from investing in their health, preparation, and experience inst...
Chad Mendes: The Preparation Behind Greatness
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UFC legend Chad Mendes joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to talk about the mindset, discipline, and preparation that carried him from a small California farm town to the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Chad opens up about starting wrestling at five years old, becoming a two-time NCAA All-American, fighting for multiple UFC titles, and what it truly feels like when the cage door closes. He also shares stories from his battles with José Aldo, the origins of his “Money” nickname, life inside Team Alpha Male, and why preparation was a...
How to Balance Hunting, Fatherhood, and Family: Chris Young
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Hunting is about more than filling tags—it’s about the experiences, lessons, and traditions we pass down to the next generation.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris records remotely after a 24-hour scouting trip with his four-year-old son, Kai. Together, they talk about searching for mule deer and antelope, learning new country, balancing hunting with family, and making the outdoors enjoyable for young kids.
Chris also shares practical advice for preparing for hunting season, including physical training, shooting consistently, scouting, maintaining your equipment, orga...
Grizzly Charges, Plane Crashes & 300 Days in the Field: Dan Whitmus
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Professional hunter, guide, and lifelong outdoorsman Dan Whitmus returns to the Mountain Dude Podcast for one of our favorite conversations yet.
With over 300 days a year spent in the field, Dan shares what it's really like to make a living chasing adventure across Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, and beyond. From surviving grizzly bear charges and a bush plane crash to helping first-time hunters experience their very first harvest, this episode is packed with incredible stories and even better life lessons.
But this conversation goes...
Don't Leave Dad at the Trailhead | Jake Arvold & Kaylee Stevens | First Phorm Outdoors
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What if taking better care of yourself meant more seasons in the mountains with the people you love?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jake Arvold and Kaylee Stevens of First Phorm Outdoors to talk about the deeper purpose behind fitness, faith, hunting, and living a life that allows you to experience more.
Jake shares the incredible story behind the creation of First Phorm Outdoors—from leaving college after hearing a life-changing podcast, to building a movement centered around health, co...
Most Men Stop Living Before They Die: Red Beard Outdoors
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What happens when a man refuses to settle for a life of comfort, routine, and simply going through the motions?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jonathan McCormick of Red Beard Outdoors to discuss faith, family, fitness, hunting, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Jonathan shares the incredible story of overcoming a life-threatening condition at birth, how mentorship introduced him to western hunting, and why he believes too many people are missing out on the adventures and experiences that make life...
How to Actually Kill Big Mule Deer: Travis Nowotny
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What separates hunters who occasionally get lucky from hunters who consistently find and kill mature mule deer year after year?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young and Dennis sit down with Idaho bowhunter Travis Nowotny to dive deep into the mindset, scouting strategies, and stalking tactics that have helped him become one of the most respected mule deer hunters in the West. From summer scouting and locating target bucks to closing the final yards on a mature deer, Travis shares decades of hard-earned lessons from...
The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury
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If you've watched hunting films featuring Brady Miller, Brian Call, Nate Simmons, John Gabrio, or projects produced alongside some of the biggest names in western hunting, there's a good chance you've already seen Luke Dusenbury's work.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with one of the most respected storytellers behind the camera in the hunting industry.
Luke shares how a devastating college baseball injury led him to photography, what he's learned after spending nearly 100...
Why They Started Filming Their Hunts and Never Stopped: Mtn2Mtn Media
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with the crew behind Mtn2Mtn Media to talk about the passion, purpose, and chaos behind documenting life in the backcountry. From filming hunts with family and friends to building a growing llama packing operation, this episode dives deep into what it really means to pursue adventure while staying grounded in the things that matter most.
We talk spring bear hunting, backcountry filmmaking, balancing hunting with family life, the importance of slowing down and enjoying the experience, and...
The Battle Every Hunting Father Understands | Kevin Guillen
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What happens when fatherhood, business, fitness, and western hunting all collide?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Kevin Guillen from Wilderness Athlete to talk about the deeper side of hunting, balancing family and ambition, and why the wilderness still calls men to do hard things.
Kevin shares his journey from growing up hunting ducks in California, working for Fish & Game, and eventually helping rebuild Wilderness Athlete from the ground up alongside his wife and team. The conversation dives deep into...
From American Idol to Backcountry Elk Hunting | Sean Curtis
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris sits down with Sean Curtis for one of the most honest and grounded conversations we’ve had on the show yet.
Sean shares his journey from growing up in Wyoming and teaching himself how to hunt, to playing college baseball, competing on American Idol, and touring as a country musician for nearly a decade before ultimately walking away from the road life to focus on faith, family, and the mountains.
The guys dive deep in...
How Faith, Fatherhood & Discipline Saved a Firefighter | Jared Thomas
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we sit down with firefighter, bowhunter, father, and fitness coach Jared Thomas for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show.
Jared shares his journey growing up hunting in Oregon, learning discipline from his father, balancing life as a first responder, and why being a present husband and dad matters more than anything else. We dive deep into mental health, faith, fitness, fatherhood, and the unseen weight many first responders carry every day.
How to Build a Life Around Freedom and TIME | Cody Rich Of Bridger Watch Co.
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we sit down with Cody Rich, founder of Bridger Watch Company, to talk entrepreneurship, elk hunting, building a company from the ground up, and the journey behind creating a smartwatch designed specifically for hunters.
Cody shares the full backstory behind Bridger Watch, from the original idea while turkey hunting in the Idaho backcountry to taking on a market dominated by Garmin and building a watch with mapping, battery life, and hunting-specific functionality at the center of the...
How to Actually Find Big Mule Deer: Brady Miller
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Brady Miller from GOHUNT breaks down what it really takes to become a consistently successful western hunter—and it’s not what most people think.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with GOHUNT’s Brady Miller to talk mule deer obsession, backcountry suffering, and the mindset required to keep showing up when success doesn’t come easy.
From growing up in the Midwest chasing whitetails to building a career in the hunting industry out West, Brady shares the lessons that shaped him—including...
24 Years of Work for One Phone Call: SEC Official Jeff Mikus
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What does it take to spend 24 years chasing one opportunity and be ready when it finally comes?
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Mikus—a backcountry hunter and SEC college football official—to break down the mindset required to perform at the highest level.
From grinding through decades of officiating to stepping onto the field in front of 100,000 fans, Jeff shares how the same principles apply in the mountains, in life, and in the moments that matter most.
In t...
Why Your Backcountry Cook System SUCKS (And How to Fix It): Chris Neville of Roughridge Stove Co.
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Backcountry hunters know the struggle… piecing together a cook system that actually works when it matters most.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Chris Neville, co-founder of Roughridge Stove Co., to break down how years of frustration in the backcountry turned into one of the most innovative cook systems built specifically for hunters.
Chris dives into the real problems with traditional stoves—poor performance in wind, unreliable igniters, inefficient fuel usage—and how he and his brother spent over 3 years building a syst...
Turkey Hunting Tips That Actually Work | Calls, Setups & Strategy w/ Dirk Durham (Phelps Game Calls)
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Spring turkey season is here, and if you’ve ever struggled to call in a gobbler, you’re not alone.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls to break down real-world turkey hunting tactics that actually work. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Dirk shares hard-earned lessons from decades of chasing turkeys across the country.
We dive into the biggest mistakes hunters make, why turkeys don’t always respond the way you expect, and how to adjust...
Spring Bear Tactics: Chris Young and Joe Elliston
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Spring bear season is HERE—and this episode is a full breakdown of how to actually find and kill bears in the backcountry.
We dive deep into early season tactics, including how to locate bears without a snowline, what food sources matter most, and how to adjust your strategy based on the time of year. From glassing techniques to understanding bear behavior, this one is packed with real-world experience you can apply immediately.
If you're heading into the mountains this spring, this episode will help you cut th...
How to Consistently Kill Spring Bears (Real Tactics That Work) with SteepKuntry Outdoors
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we welcome back Richard Bettencourt from SteepKuntry Outdoors for a deep dive into spring bear hunting in Idaho.
This conversation goes far beyond just hunting. We break down the realities of predator hunting, the misconceptions around bear baiting, and why it remains one of the most effective tools for conservation and managing elk and deer populations.
Richard shares years of hard-earned experience—from dialing in bait sites and understanding bear behavior to the mental and ph...
“You Don’t Lose—You Learn” | The Mindset That Changed Everything for Dark Energy
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Aida, founder of Dark Energy, to dive deep into the mindset, struggle, and relentless pursuit behind building one of the toughest power systems in the outdoor industry.
Garrett shares how a need for reliable, bombproof power in the backcountry led him to create Dark Energy from the ground up—starting with nothing but frustration, grit, and a mission to solve a real problem. From early failures and near quitting, to building products trusted by hunters, military, an...
The Real Story Behind Building a Hunting Channel | Samong Yang
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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Samong Yang of Samong Outdoors to talk about his journey from a kid filming backyard chickens on an iPod Touch to becoming one of the most respected public land hunting creators on YouTube.
Samong shares the powerful story of his family immigrating to the United States after the Secret War in Laos and how hunting has always been part of his family’s survival and culture. From growing up hunting in Washington to navigating the early days of...
From Combat Control to Building On Glass | Zach Adams
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Zach Adams, owner and founder of On Glass Adapter, to talk about the journey from elite military service to launching an innovative hunting brand.
Zach shares his path from growing up in Colorado to becoming an Air Force Combat Controller, the mental grit required to make it through selection and pipeline training, and how those same principles carried over into entrepreneurship.
We dive into:
• The reality of Air Force Special Operations and the Co...
He Missed an Elk at 27 Yards… Then Everything Changed w/ Guy Duplantier
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In this powerful episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Guy Duplantier, the voice behind Western Contours Podcast, for one of the most raw and transparent conversations we’ve had around the Mountain Dude table.
From growing up in Inglewood, California during the height of inner-city chaos to discovering bowhunting as a self-taught adult, Guy shares how stepping into the mountains reshaped his identity, humbled his pride, and ultimately led him into a life-changing surrender to Christ.
This episode isn’t just about hunting — it’s a...
Shrink the Mountain | Brian Barney at Western Hunt Expo
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Recorded live at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast features a powerful, in-person conversation with Brian Barney about what it truly takes to build consistency in the mountains — and in life.
Brian has archery hunted for 21 straight years and consistently punches tags on public land, easy-to-draw units. But this conversation goes deeper than hunting success.
We talk about:
Why mental toughness is built daily — not flipped on in September
Wrestling, grit, and carr...
How to Become a Better Shooter for Hunting Season w/ Rodger Holscher
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Rodger is officially the first repeat guest on the Mountain Dude Podcast — and there’s no one better to bring back.
In this episode, we dive deep into what it actually takes to become a better marksman in real hunting scenarios. Not just shooting groups at the range — but making ethical, confident shots when it matters most. Roger and I have spent more time on the mountain together than anyone else, and I’ve personally seen him make shots that most hunters simply can’t.
This episode is about d...
Biggest Gear Launch Ever | New Packs, Duffels & Accessories Revealed
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the largest product launch in Initial Ascent history.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes into designing premium hunting and backcountry gear, this episode is a full behind-the-scenes look. We break down years of development, real-world testing across the globe, and the feedback that shaped every detail of these new products.
You’ll get an exclusive first look at the Sawtooth Duffel Series (40L, 70L, and 100L), the all-new Scout Pack, major upgr...
