6 Ranch Podcast

This episode dives into the realities of modern farming with Tyler Coppin, a seasoned hay farmer. We explore the economic challenges farmers face, where a single storm can devastate a year's work. Tyler shares the difficult decisions farmers make, like managing crop insurance and navigating generational changes. We also discuss the barriers new farmers encounter, the impact of global trade, and the high costs of equipment. The episode explores the hardships of rural life, the mental strain often hidden behind a strong exterior, and the  support network that sustains farmers through tough times.

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Want to chat with Tyler? Here is his FACEBOOK profile.

My sister Adele, owner of 6 Ranch Livestock, takes over the podcast this week! Brooke Hoffman, a local veterinarian, gives a really interesting perspective on the challenges of being a vet in a small town. Her return to her roots after vet school, choosing family and community over potentially greater financial rewards elsewhere, paints a picture of dedication and love for both her craft and her upbringing.

This episode is a testament to the spirit of those who serve rural communities. We discuss evolving dynamics within the field of veterinary science, the ethical considerations ranchers face with antibiotic use, and the importance of community.

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Navigating life after military service presents unique challenges, where the personal battle with ego often defines the road to success or failure.  Join us for a deep dive into the mind of a Marine Corps veteran, where swagger meets strategic thought and where violence is not only redefined but understood as a tool for overcoming trauma and building resilience.

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My grandma, a vibrant 90-year-old, returns to the show! We chat about her love of gardening, her secret to longevity (staying active!), and the art of making delicious gravy.

We discuss harvesting and preserving food, the cultural importance of shared meals, and the magic of cooking on a wood stove. We'll also hear stories about hunting trips, the respect for where our food comes from, and the bonds built around the dinner table.

This episode celebrates the journey of our food, the strength of family, and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations.

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My dad is running for state senate. Listen up to hear about Oregon's issues and how he plans to deal with them.

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Click HERE to learn more about Todd Nash for Senate.

We head out with Captain Cade and Blake from Tripletail Charters and dive into the world of sportfishing on the open ocean. We'll chat about the challenges and excitement of catching fish like Atlantic sailfish and yellowfin tuna, and explore the diverse ecosystems we encounter, from the deep waters where swordfish live to the surface where redfish require a strategic approach. 

The episode doesn't just focus on the catch. We'll also discuss important conservation issues facing our oceans. We explore how old oil rigs are being repurposed, the creation of artificial reefs for fish populations, and the impact of growing shark populations on the marine ecosystem. We share stories about our experiences on the water, highlighting the need for responsible fishing practices to ensure healthy oceans for future generations.

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Kiley Umeda can hold her breath for almost four minutes while freediving to spearfish in the clear waters of the pacific ocean near her home on the big island of Hawaii. She has also dove 186 feet deep on a single breath. Kiley has helped me on my journey to learn the sport of freediving and spearfishing and I finally made the trip to Hawaii to spend two days diving and hunting fish and octopus with her. Spearfishing requires a mastery over the hunter's body and mind. A dive of 30 seconds in 25' of water feels like an eternity to me at this stage, and who better to learn from than one of the greatest in the World.  After the second day we sat under a tree  on the lava to record this show. I lost the cover for my microphone and had to cut the fingers off one of my gloves to keep the wind out of the mic so I sound a bit muffled, but y'all aren't here to listen to me. Spearfishing isn't just for tropical saltwater anymore, and we go through what you need to to swim and hunt fish in the waters where you live. Enjoy the show.

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Check out SPEARFISHING GEAR owned and operated by Kiley,

Jana and I dive into the lessons imparted by military veterans—stories told with resilience and gratitude—and how these experiences transform our perspectives on life and hunting. We discuss the profound connection hunters share with the wilderness and ponder the cultural and therapeutic impacts of hunting, the humility learned in nature, and the fierce dedication to conservation that defines the hunting culture.

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Joined by Brian from Bakcou, we discuss the latest e-bike technologies that are revolutionizing outdoor adventures. From motor power to long-range batteries, we'll guide you towards the perfect e-bike for an unforgettable hunt.

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Check out BAKCOU to learn more about their e-bikes.

Join Butch Whiting and I as we explore camouflage's evolution, the impact of veterans, and stories that weave brand and audience together. Kryptek is based in American traditions, celebrating the spirit of guns, game, and the great outdoors.

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Check out KRYPTEK for your camo gear needs.

Luke Kennedy, a former Chicago PD officer and military veteran shares stories from his time undercover in Afghanistan and Iraq, showcasing the human side of intelligence work. From integrating refugees to identifying key intelligence assets, the role of language skills and cultural understanding is pivotal and often heartbreaking.

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Check out Tier1Kinetics for guns, ammo, and optics accessories.

Jordan Manley has spent more time in the wilderness than anyone I know. We talk survival, best and worst kinds of guiding, white wolves, and what it means to be a cowboy.

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Coltin Weber is not a millionaire. He didn't win a sheep tag at a raffle, and he doesn't work in the hunting industry. Typically, those are the most common ways to be able to hunt Dall sheep in Alaska, as it's an expensive endeavor. But Coltin had a goal to make it happen, so he found a guide, booked the trip, and worked for 4 years to pay it off. It's a hunt of a lifetime, but what do you do when you can't find a legal ram? In this episode, Coltin shares the story of his Alaskan Dall sheep hunt turned grizzly hunt, and how he pushed through, overcoming the mental element of a trip that doesn't go according to plan. 
 
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Bears are fascinating, and I was blown away by last week's conversation with Toogee Sielsch on the urbanization of black bears in Lake Tahoe Basin (if you haven't listened to the episode yet, go back). This week, I wanted to learn more about bear biology and behavior, and who better to ask than wildlife biologist Jim Akenson. Jim conducted a tremendous black bear study in Northeast Oregon back in the early 90s. He and his team used a variety of methods, including hounds and climbing trees, to trap, tag, and monitor bears. In this episode, Jim recounts what he learned about black bear communication and behavior, size, den choice, reproduction, and more while studying these intelligent animals.
 
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What happens when black bears are drawn to urban areas? Here to tell us, is long time Lake Tahoe resident and bear expert, Toogee Sielsch. For Toogee, what started as an interest in black bears quickly snowballed into helping neighbors evict them from under their homes.  He now uses his knowledge and skills to give back through bear safe education, bear evictions, and lending out electric bear mats to community members, all free of charge. The black bear population in Lake Tahoe Basin is incredibly high, with an estimated 2 bears per square mile. This increased density dramatically effects everything about the urbanized black bear, from its behavior and offspring production to its food selection and foraging skills. In this episode, Toogee walks me through the differences between wild and urbanized bears, and what we can do to protect ourselves and our properties from those bears who are far too comfortable with people.
 
Toogee on Instagram

Protect your home and learn more at bearwise.org

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Ryan Pace and I have a lot in common. We're both from Wallowa County, with multigenerational ties to this place. We both went off to college, then joined the Marines, serving tours in the Middle East. And we both fought our way back home. Ryan served as an Intelligence Officer in the Marines, then worked at the Pentagon as an Intelligence Analyst.He's been a real lifeline to me over the years and I value his advice and opinions. In this episode, we discuss our time in the Marines and our experiences with leadership, making difficult decisions, and serving others. 

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Bjorn Skovlin doesn't shy away from hard work or adventure. He spent 13 years in wildland fire, 8 of which as a smoke jumper. During the off seasons, he spent his winters traveling, which included a stint cowboying on a ranch in Argentina and a trip through Southeast Asia that almost killed him. Now, Bjorn is a structural firefighter and member of Boise Fire's swiftwater rescue team. In this episode, Bjorn shares stories of fighting fire, remote global travel, river rescue, and how you can be safe on your own adventures. 
 

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Hannah Mabbot wears a lot of hats. She's the Hunting Operation Manager and guide for Hunt Oregon LLC, a large hunting ranch that offers just about any big game or upland bird hunt. She's a conservationist, serving on the board of her local chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association. On top of all of that, she also happens to be a model. Hannah and I cover a lot in this episode, from predator hunting and overly aggressive mountain lions, to our feelings on some of Oregon's hunting regulations and preference points system.
 
 Hannah on Instagram

Book a Hunt with Hunt Oregon
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Email: huntoregonllc@gmail.com

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At twenty-five, Taylor Chism is already a legend. She grew up ranching, fought wildland fire as a hotshot, and is currently working as a helicopter pilot capturing big game for research. Taylor has some wild stories to tell. She's crash landed a helicopter, spent 3 days in a Mexican prison, and regularly jumps out of moving aircraft to tackle bighorn sheep. For Taylor, it's not about chasing adrenaline. It's about living a fully aware life. Because what's a good life without a little risk? 

Follow Taylor's Adventure's on Instagram 

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While spending time in one of my favorite places, Eastern North Carolina, I sat down with Pamlico Sound local legend, Captain Owen. Owen has the coyote hunting and tarpon fishing figured out. He, in fact, was one of the very first to discover tarpon fishing in the Sound and somehow managed to keep the method a secret for years. Owen also taught a high school class called Marine Occupations for 25 years, in which students would operate a shrimp trawler, learning everything they needed to be a commercial fisherman or charter captain. Owen also greatly contributed to preventing bycatch in Pamlico Sound, developing some ingenious drum fishing techniques that are keeping that fishery strong today. Owen is a fascinating guy, and his knowledge of this area, the fish, and wildlife are incredible. 

Watch Owen’s Coyote Hunting YouTube Channel

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I'm back in beautiful Pamlico County, North Carolina, joined this time by NASCAR legend, and now, rice farmer, Tommy Wheeler. According to Tommy, making cars go faster is all about manufacturing unfair advantages, whether through innovation or hard work. And that's exactly what he did as an engineer for NASCAR. Tommy worked as a team engineer, engineering manager and technical director for teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Evernham Motorsports. In 2021, he ended his career as operations director and general manager of Roush Fenway Racing. After leaving racing, Tommy co-founded Tidewater Grain Co., where he produces heirloom Carolina Gold Rice unlike any rice you've ever had. My conversation with Tommy takes us all over the map, as we discuss insane feats of physics in racing, the history of rice in the Americas, and the ins and outs of a low country boil. 

Learn more and try some heirloom from Tidewater Grain Co.
 
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This week on the podcast, we're continuing our conversation with local historian, David Weaver. David is the Board President of the Wallowa History Center, and his knowledge of my home, Wallowa County, is extensive. In part 2 of our conversation, we cover early species migration, hunting strategies of the Nez Perce and early settlers, buffalo trips to Montana, and what life was like in the county around the turn of the 20th century. 

Learn more about Wallowa County History 

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History always starts with a question. For local historian David Weaver, that question takes us back to the mid to late 1800s. David is the Board President of the Wallowa History Center, and his interest lies in learning more about the relationship between the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce Tribe and the early European settlers who came to Northeast Oregon. In part one of this two-part episode, David and I sat down to discuss the lifestyles, cultures, and conflicts of the people of Wallowa County leading up to and after the Nez Perce War.

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Many are called to go out west, whether to satisfy a desire for adventure, or live in vast country. Alex Mojcher is one of those folks. Originally from New England, Alex bought a KLR motorcycle and rode it west across the county camping and exploring as much as he could along the way. Now, as the Social Media Manager for DECKED, Alex is living the western dream. He's been practicing with his 1968 Remington 870 Wingmaster shotgun, and we finally got him out on his first ever hunt for ducks. In this episode, Alex and I discuss the highs and lows of riding and what's next in his hunting journey.

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Decked on Instagram 

Jim Overstreet was born and raised ranching in Montana by a father who was widely considered to be the best cowboy around. Jim has been raising horses, cowboying, and competing in rodeos for 60 plus years, earning multiple titles in tie down roping. Now in his 70s, he's even roped in the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association and hasn't yet decided when to retire. Jim is also an accomplished writer and the author of A Montana Rivalry, book one in his Rodeo in the Blood series. In this episode, Jim and I swap rodeo stories and discuss his new book all about fathers, sons, love, and rodeo.

Get Jim's Book, A Montana Rivalry

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The last time I had Kevin Harlander on this show, we discussed how to prepare for hunting season.  Since then, another archery season has come and gone and, today, we're going to look back. I truly believe that self-reflection is critical for improvement. If you don't reflect, you've missed an opportunity to learn from your successes and failures in order to become a better hunter. In this episode Kevin and I discuss our recent elk and white-tail hunts, and Kevin's new (and currently unnamed) business working with innovative brands in the outdoor and hunting industry.

Hire Kevin
Website
Email: kevinharlander@gmail.com

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Tyson Samples has been hunting elk as long as he could legally buy a license, bow hunting being his favorite method. In his day job, he owns his own welding and fabrication business and makes some unique and beautiful custom pieces. In this episode we sample homemade white-tail salami, and discuss my recent goose turned duck hunt, archery and why we love it, advice on calling bulls, and our lessons learned from last season.

Fusion Fabrication and Welding
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Facebook

You might remember my guest today, Kevin Plew, from a previous episode where he told the story of being charged and attacked by a black bear. Besides surviving bear attacks, Kevin has been busy guiding elk and mule deer hunters and harvesting black-tail and waterfowl. Kevin has a knack for finding big mulies in places with very few deer. In this episode, we discuss mule deer tactics, common hunting mistakes, shooting angles, bird dogs, and the dos and don'ts of hunting spot etiquette. 

Kevin on Instagram

Email Kevin at kevinplew11@gmail.com

Shane Brozowski, an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician and Blake Woestman, an electrician, have been friends since grade school. Growing up in Wisconsin, they've hunted their fair share of turkey, coyote and white-tail from tree stands, but were both unfamiliar with western hunting. A couple years ago, I advertised a learn to hunt course, and these two took me up on it. At the 6 Ranch Outfitters Hunting School, Shane and Blake have learned to pack, camp, scout, glass, hunt, shoot, field dress, process meat, and get that meat home. They put in the hard work and were successful on opening day, taking a white-tail buck. My hope for this course was to give people the tools and knowledge to hunt out west without a guide, and Shane and Blake left Oregon with the confidence to do so. 

The legend of Claude Dallas; was he an old west outlaw living in modern times, or a coldblooded killer? In 1981, Claude Dallas shot and killed two state game wardens in the remote Owyhees of southwestern Idaho. He eluded capture for over fifteen months, was caught and sentenced, escaped from prison, and was recaptured again. Joining me to tell the story is my friend and frequent guest on the show, Greg Jones. As a member of the Owyhee community, Greg remembers following the story and trial. He didn't know Claude or the victims personally, but he knows several people who did that shared their insight with Greg over the years. The story of Claude Dallas is both tragic and fascinating. Only one person alive today knows what truly happened, and that's Claude himself. 

Very few hunters have as much knowledge and experience as Cliff Gray. For a decade, Cliff owned and operated Flat Tops Wilderness Guides, a massive outfitting operation guiding and packing into the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. At its peak, Cliff’s business ran 250 hunts a year, employed 20 guides, and owned 52 pack horses and mules. Cliff recently sold his guiding business to create educational content via YouTube, newsletter, and courses for anyone wanting to become a better adventurer, fisherman, or hunter. And the best part? Cliff’s advice and expertise is completely free of charge. In this episode, Cliff and I discuss mules, horses, drop camps, and guiding and hunting in extremely remote places.  

Cliff Gray
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Ricky Forbes is one of the lucky few who found his passion in life and through hard work, managed to turn it into a career. The only catch, his passion is chasing dangerous tornadoes. Ricky is a a professional storm chaser, documenting the wildest storms on the planet through stunning photography and videography. For the past 11 years, he's witnessed some of nature's most terrifying displays, including getting caught in the largest tornado ever recorded. In this episode, Ricky and I discuss the ins and outs of tornadoes, storm chasing, and finding your path. 

Ricky Forbes
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This week, I’m joined by not one, but three fly fishing experts from across the U.S. Captain Lael Johnson moved from Topeka, Kansas to Seattle to become a fishing guide. He also founded the F•Y•S•H Foundation, an organization that promotes mental health by providing free fishing trips to trauma survivors, underprivileged, and at-risk people. My next guest, Jameson Redding, shares his passion for the outdoors by traveling the country fishing and hosting the show The Road Trip Angler. And finally, Captain Lacey Kelly, is a spearfisherman, hunter, and fishing guide out of Florida, mainly guiding for tarpon. What my guests have in common is the passion and drive to chase some of the most difficult fish out there, from finicky permit to powerful steelhead in freezing rivers.

Capt. Lael Johnson
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F•Y•S•H Foundation

Jameson Redding
Watch Road Trip Angler
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Capt. Lacey Kelly
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Today, I'm joined by my little sister, Adele Schott, boss at the 6 Ranch, to share some updates on our business. Along with raising cattle, Adele has been running the business side of the 6 Ranch for a year now and is happy to announce that our Grassroots Beef Club is back. If you want to join the club and receive high quality, lean grass-fed Corriente beef on a regular basis, check out the link below. We also discuss our feelings on leaving gates open, cow dogs, quality food, the maddest we've ever been at a cow, and the happiest.

6 Ranch
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Join the Grassroots Beef Club and use code littlesister6 for 6% off.

You could easily claim that Cole Hauter is an adrenaline junkie, though that’s not how he would necessarily describe himself. Cole learned to ride a motorcycle at the age of 5 and started desert racing when he was 11. He’s also been a white-water rafting guide for the past 7 years, often rowing a giant gear boat through Hells Canyon. In this episode, we discuss what it’s like to break both femurs, rowing and jet boating rapids, and getting our asses kicked by massive sturgeon. 

Book a Trip with Minam Store
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Josh Whi was born in South Korea and moved to Chicago at the age of 9. Now a U.S. citizen and first generation American, Josh has found his passion working in the firearms industry, both for Alpha Foxtrot and Paladin 33, and is doing some incredibly innovative things. In this episode, Josh shares his life story, from his childhood in two cultures, raised by traditional Korean parents, to his world travels and love of languages, and ultimately though his experience in manufacturing guns and firearms equipment. Currently, Josh and the team at Paladin are working to cross the gun case gap between outdoor tactical vs every day carry. Their products are inventive, practical, and exactly what you need if you're going to travel anywhere with a firearm. 

Paladin 33
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Instagram

Kainoa Delatori loves everything about archery season and is happy to share his knowledge with anyone who will listen. Raised in Wallowa County, he grew up hunting and steelhead fishing, with a turn at bull riding as a young man. Now, Kainoa's passion lies in archery hunting elk and mule deer. In this episode, Kainoa and I swap stories of our high school and college rodeo days, his favorite mule deer hunt, and how he's introducing his young sons to the outdoors. 

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I'll be the first to admit, I don't always like beavers. Of course, I recognize that beavers and fur trapping played a huge role in shaping the western United States. But I also don't like them cutting down trees on my property. That being said, I promised my guest this week, Ian Wilson, that I would keep an open mind. Ian is a huge proponent of beavers and their natural role on the landscape. He works in habitat restoration for the Grand Ronde Model Watershed, our local non-profit watershed council. In this episode, Ian and I discuss the pros and cons of beaver activity, and how beavers can shape a river, ultimately benefiting fish, wildlife, and people along the way. 

Grand Ronde Model Watershed

Record your sightings: Northeast Oregon Beaver Survey 

I love tattoos and have been getting them for over 20 years now. My latest tattoo was done by Tim Biedron, an artist who recently moved to Joseph, Oregon and opened the only tattoo shop in the county. Tim is an extremely talented artist who's been tattooing in Chicago since the mid 90s. His style is unique and difficult to fit into a box. On top of that, he's an interesting guy who enjoys being in nature by identifying insects, catching snakes, and fishing. In this episode, Tim and I talk all things tattoos, from designing custom pieces to the mental fortitude it takes to tattoo for long sessions. And if you're in the market for a tattoo, whether or not you live in Wallowa County, I highly recommend Tim and his studio, Meadowlark 

Tim Biedron
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One year ago, Gary Shepard died for 15 minutes, then was brought back. So of course, I had to ask, what's it like to die? In this episode, Gary shares the story of his life. His childhood growing up hunting, trapping, and fishing in Montana. His time in Special Forces as a Green Beret during the Vietnam era. And his guiding philosophy, that today is enough. All you can do is try your very best each day. According to Gary, death is not a big deal. It's what you do with your time on earth that matters. 

If you ask Gail Hammack, the word "conservation" is often misused. To Gail, conservation means taking care of the land, not preventing us from utilizing natural resources. Gail and her late husband, Doug McDaniel, understood what it meant to care for something you love. With the channelized Wallowa River running through their property, Doug and Gail had a vision of what the river could be. They fought for years to make that dream a reality, for at the time, no one had attempted a re-meandering project of that size. In doing so, Gail and Doug exceeded expectations, completing a massive, award winning river restoration project and paving the way for other landowners who want to better their property. Today, Gail continues her husband's legacy by working the land and completing another phase of restoring the river

I may not be an expert, but after seeing my fair share of mounts, I can spot good taxidermy when I see it. Dan Moncrief is one of the experts. He's been a taxidermist since 1986 and is an artist in every sense of the word. His attention to detail, realism, and artistry is truly something special, and is undoubtedly what won him a first-place cougar mount in international competition. In this episode, we dive deep into the process and craftsmanship behind his creations while reminiscing on some of our favorite hunts.

Moncrief Wildlife Artistry
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There's only a handful of fish that people will alter the way they live just to catch. Tarpon are one of those fish. When you picture tarpon fishing, you're probably imagining some guy fly fishing from a flats boat in the Bahamas. But there's another very different type of tarpon fishing in a very different place, Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Pamlico Sound is the second largest estuary in the U.S. with a fascinating pirate history. The tarpon there are enormous and catching them is a totally unique skill set to other tarpon fisheries. Here to share his fishing knowledge, is my good friend Gene Wooster. Gene has won more tarpon competitions in North Carolina than anyone either of us know, and after hearing from him, you'll be booking a trip to Pamlico.

Gene's Tarpon Guide Recommendations:
Down East Guide Service 
Four Seasons Guide Service 

On April 25th, 2009, the Princess Tiaping, a 54-foot replica of a Ming Dynasty Chinese junk, sank in open ocean. Larz Stewart, along with 10 other crew members, miraculously survived. The Princess Tiaping was built to revive maritime culture, history, and pride to the people of Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Larz joined the crew in Hawaii for the final leg of their global journey, intending to sail the boat to Taiwan. With just 27 nautical miles to go from their final destination, the Princess Tiaping encountered a storm, and was subsequently hit by a huge tanker, cleaving the boat in two. The tanker did not stop to assist, and the crew was left to cling to the wreckage for hours before help arrived. Larz's story is truly incredible, and the fact that he survived is a testament to his captain, crew, and own resilience. 

On a cross state motorcycle trip, I stopped by G9 Defense, an innovative ammunition company, to do some ballistic testing with Casey Foster and Kyle Holmes. All the folks I've met from G9 have led fascinating lives, and my guests today are no exception. Before bullets, Casey spent years farming South Pacific Islands such as Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa, and was at one point the world’s largest supplier of Noni Juice. Kyle has a master’s in forensic psychology and spent his previous life working with minors and adults in suicide prevention. I've been out of the military for 9 years, and at this point, I've lost more troops to suicide than I did from combat. This is such an important episode. Kyle shares why veterans are killing themselves, what those in crisis can do, and how we can save lives and support ourselves and the people we love. 
 

Check out G9 Defense
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This week, I'm in Montana with Thomas Rucker and Payden Armstrong, the special forces veterans and expert bladesmiths behind Rucker Knives. Thomas served in Vietnam, becoming a Green Beret in 1967, only five years after the program's inception. He's been making knives for over 50 years, and together with his wife, has twice won the International Knife of the Year award. Payden served as a Navy SEAL in North Africa and Afghanistan. With firsthand experience in combat and survival situations, he understands the importance of a reliable and functional knife. The expertise and craftsmanship that these men pour into their knives can only come from years of hunting and combat experience.  
 

Buy a Rucker Knife

Rucker Knives on Instagram and Facebook 

Most people think of winter as the hunting off season, but really, the months in which you’re doing the least amount of hunting is June through August. So, what should hunters be doing this summer to prepare for the fall season? To answer that question, is my good buddy and frequent contributor to the show, Kevin Harlander. Kevin is an avid outdoorsman and a member of the First Lite Hunting Apparel team. His advice? Spend your summer focusing on mental health and fitness, go through your gear, do some research, and create time for your future self this fall. We really only get to hunt a week or two every year. Why not be as prepared as possible going into the season? 

Kevin on Instagram 

Check out my favorite Stanley products in the 6 Ranch Outfitters Collection, and use discount code 6ranch for 25% off

Leanna Wentz is no stranger to herding sheep, her family has been running sheep and cattle for over 10 generations. But running sheep in Hells Canyon is a different beast. Sheep are always trying to die, and Hells Canyon is one of the most hostile places I've ever been that wasn't an active war zone.  But Leanna's family made it work. From 1992 to 1998, her family had the last sheep permit in the U.S. that was run 12 months of the year on forest service land, until their operation was shut down due to fear of disease transmission to wild bighorns. She's got some wild stories of moving 2,200 head up and down the Snake River and across steep terrain. Wild stories of protecting the herd and of life in the canyon. Her stories are worth preserving and hopefully not the last of their kind. 

Email Leanna: leannawentz@gmail.com

Check out my favorite Stanley products in the 6 Ranch Outfitters Collection, and use discount code 6ranch for 25% off.

This Memorial Day, I'm joined by my buddy and fellow former Marine, Ben Carleton. Ben joined the infantry right out of high school and served with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. He saw his fair share of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and sees this day as a time for quiet reflection, not a day to celebrate or thank those who made it home. Ben also grew up hunting and got into archery when he left the Marines. In this episode, Ben and I share some war stories, and discuss hunting everything from black-tail and elk to bears and cougars.

Ben on Instagram

Check out my favorite Stanley products in the 6 Ranch Outfitters Collection, and use discount code 6ranch for 25% off. 

If you enjoy a good meal with a glass of wine, Walla Walla, Washington has a lot to offer. And three of my friends from Walla Walla happen to know quite a bit about quality ingredients, food, and wine. Michelle and Michelle have owned and operated one of Walla Walla's best restaurants, Bacon and Eggs, for nearly a dozen years. Elaine co-owns and operates SuLei Cellars, where she makes award winning wine. As often happens when drinking with friends, we cover a wide variety of topics in this episode. The wine making process, fly fishing, aged steak, tattoos, the upcoming 6 Ranch Meat Rodeo, and of course, how to cook the perfect poached egg.

Bacon and Eggs
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SuLei Cellars
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Instagram

It's interesting to think about the ancestors that came before us. The wars they fought, the migrations they made, and all their choices, big and small, led to where and who we are today. Most people don't know much about their family history past a couple of generations, and the stories they have are often embellished to the point of myth. I'm fortunate to know quite a bit of my family's story thanks to my relative, and genealogist, Cyndi Ingle. Fascinated by our family's lore, she created Cyndi's List, a free genealogy research portal with 320,000 categorized and cross-referenced links. Her website is a great jumping off point and will make any online search far easier should you choose to investigate your family. In this episode, Cyndi shares with me the Nash family's history, and discusses how you can learn more about your own ancestors.
 
Cyndi's List

Cyndi's Speaking & Teaching Calendar

The Genealogy Squad on Facebook

Connection to place and community are terms we often throw around, but do we really know what they mean at their core? For me, this land, the 6 Ranch,  is the biggest part of who I am. And growing up in this small community shaped me. Cory Carman, a member of my community, is one of those people who understands. Cory grew up on a century old family ranch right here in Wallowa. With a desire to give back to a unique community that's always supported her, she went to Stanford University to study environmental policy. Cory now uses her education and generational knowledge to run the Carman Ranch, a sustainable grass-fed beef operation, in innovative ways. Cory's dedication to caring for her land, soil, and livestock, and her refusal to make small talk, leads us to a rich conversation about agriculture and the story of this place.

Carman Ranch
Website
Instagram 

When it comes to safely and securely storing firearms, there's a lot of opinions and misinformation out there. Most people have one or two large, and often disorganized, gun safes that are heavy and awful to move. These safes are kept in obvious locations that thieves think to check first. They aren't truly fireproof or fail proof. But there are better options. To shed some light on what I believe is an important topic, is Tom Kubiniec, CEO and founder of SecureIt. Tom's foray into gun safes began with transforming the Department of Defense's cluttered weapon racks into organized, efficient weapon storage systems that would ultimately revolutionize military armories.  Twenty two years later, his company, SecureIt, also specializes in home gun storage that will keep your firearms safe, but give you access where and when you need them.

SecureIt
Retail Store
Military & Tactical Storage
Instagram

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 Defense
Website
Instagram 

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 Instagram
Paul Pagano
Lyle 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 Biomass
Website
Instagram 

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 Ranch
Website
Instagram

And 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 Cause
Watch The Lost Salmon
American Rivers
Trout Unlimited

Send Your Questions
Congressman Cliff Bentz
Kyle Smith - KSMITH@AMERICANRIVERS.ORG
John Appleton - AlpineArcheryLLC@gmail.com

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.

Instagram
6 Ranch Outfitters
6 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 Schuldt
Instagram
Website
YouTube
Watch Steph catch a world record wahoo

Kiley Umeda
Kiley's Instagram
Aimrite's Webite
Aimrite'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 Draw
Website
Instagram
Phone: 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

Eberlestock
Website
Instagram
YouTube

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 Gray
Website
YouTube
Instagram

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 Instagram

Wishes 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 Recovery

Website

Instagram

YouTube

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 mikefellsafaris@icloud.com

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 Federation
Website
Instagram 

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:
Website
Instagram

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: derek@americaniconco.com

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 Woman

Janie's Journal
Volume 1: 1984-1987
Volume 2: 1988-1991
Volume 3: 1992-1996
Volume 4: 1997-2004
Volume 5: 2005-2009
Volume 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.
Website
Instagram

Casad Family Farms
Website
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 Blog

Instagram
Adele Schott
6 Ranch

Sign 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

Sorinex
Website
Instagram

Sorinex 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 Website

Browse 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 Provisions

Check out Eli's Book, Olympia Provisions: Cured Meats and Tales from an American Charcuterie

On Instagram
Olympia Provisions
Elias 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 Company

On Instagram
Baker Leavitt
BRCC

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 Website

Drew on Instagram 

And check out Drew's fly tying books here