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Elk Hunt: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Cody Rich
Elk Hunting tips, tactics, and stories, from some of the greatest elk hunters out there.
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- Today1h 21m
The Wallow Bull, the Grizzly Sow, and the Pack of Wolves — Stories From the Backcountry with Brandon Schmitz
Alright, if you want a raw, unfiltered elk hunting conversation from a guy who is absolutely obsessed with the game — this is your episode. Brandon Schmitz out of North Idaho joins the show for his very first podcast appearance, and let me tell you, this dude brings it. No fluff, no highlight reel — just honest elk hunting from a guy who has spent the last six years grinding through some of the most demanding country in the West. Brandon didn't grow up with a silver spoon handed to him in the elk woods. His dad lost the fire for hunting after wolves moved into North Idaho and wrecked what used to be some of the best big game hunting in the country. So Brandon had to figure it out himself, and that journey is exactly what makes this conversation so good. From his very first elk hunt — where his cousin smoked a bull that basically walked up to a truck parked in the middle of the road — to going toe-to-toe with grizzly bears, packs of wolves, and rutting bull moose in the same drainage, this guy has seen it all. Six-plus years in, Brandon still hasn't notched his tag, but don't let that fool you. This dude is FINDING elk — like, legitimately locating 20-plus bulls in a single season. The problem he keeps running into is the same one that trips up a ton of DIY hunters: closing the deal. We dig deep into that in this episode, and I think a lot of you guys are going to hear yourselves in Brandon's story. We talk about the mental side of solo hunting, what it really means to "be in striking distance," how to work a bull when your setup goes sideways, the art of building a bull's ego so he's absolutely fired up the next morning, and why sometimes the laziest move IS the right move. We also get into the very real challenges of elk hunting in grizzly and wolf country, the predator management problem that nobody in power wants to touch, and what it's like to be solo in the woods surrounded by apex predators that don't have a healthy fear of humans anymore. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why we love this thing so damn much — even when it's hard. Maybe especially when it's hard.This Episode's Sponsors TricerIf you're not running Tricer gear in the field, you're leaving performance on the table. I'm a huge fan of the RP Bipod — at 10.5 ounces, it is flat-out one of the best hunting bipods on the market. It comes with long and short legs, works with Picatinny and ARCA systems, and for $350 you're getting features that compete with bipods that cost twice the price. I've shot a pile of critters off this thing and I wouldn't leave home without it. Tricer makes more than just bipods, too — go check out their full lineup.Shop now: tricer.com | Use code TRO to save 10% off your order.Bridger WatchI built Bridger Watch because I was sick of pulling my phone out 100 times a day to check onX. The idea was simple: put maps on the watch so hunters can keep their phone in their pack and their eyes on the country. We set out to build the best smartwatch ever made for hunters, and I genuinely believe we did just that. If you're a watch guy and a hunter, there is nothing else like this out there.Check it out: bridgerwatch.comTimestamp Chapters0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Tricer RP Bipod2:15 – Sponsor: Bridger Watch4:00 – Welcome & Brandon's Background | Growing up in North Idaho, impact of wolves on his dad's hunting8:30 – Getting Hooked | Brandon's first-ever elk hunt, cousin CJ kills a bull, truck in the road, borrowed gear, high school kids packing meat17:00 – Six Years Deep | Journey from first hunt to now — tagged out? No. Elk found? Absolutely.21:30 – Finding vs. Killing | Brandon's biggest skill and his biggest challenge; heavy glassing in thick country27:00 – The Mental Game of Solo Hunting | Decision fatigue, second-guessing, the ex-wrestler problem, and why being "lazy" sometimes wins33:30 – Striking Distance Philosophy | Cody breaks down the concept — be close, let things happen, stop trying to kill the elk and start trying to stay near the elk39:00 – Close Call on the Wallow | The mid-September herd bull story — moose sparring, 7 cows, drawn back, two steps short of a shot47:30 – Working a Bull After a Blown Setup | Building a bull's ego, bugling small, raking in the dark, keeping him fired up for first light54:00 – Grizzly Bear Encounter | Sow with three cubs, bear spray + pistol double-fisted, fog rolls in, the Snapchat decision1:02:00 – Getting Back on the Horse | Overcoming the fear, returning to the same hillside, the mental win of facing it1:05:30 – Wolf Country | Multiple wolf encounters — road wolves, pack following them out of the timber, wolves lighting off after a bugle1:13:00 – Predator Management Frustrati
- 3 weeks ago59 min
Peak Rut Isn't When You Think — And It Might Be Costing You Bulls
What does it actually take to stick it out on a 28-day elk hunt, fail over and over again, and still come home with a bull? This week I sat down with Matt Hartsky of Backbone Unlimited, a Wyoming bowhunter and podcaster who's as honest about his failures as he is addicted to the grind. If you've ever watched elk disappear into thin air, wondered why your calling fell flat, or felt like packing it in on day five — this one's for you. Matt walked me through his entire 2023 archery season in southeast Wyoming: hunting public land over-the-counter tags, chasing one particular herd bull from four cows to nearly three dozen, learning the hard lesson of open-country thermals, and finally closing the distance to four yards on September 28th after 28 days in the field. It's the kind of season most elk hunters dream about — and the kind most would've quit on by day ten. We also get into the fundamentals that separate elk hunters who fill tags from those who go home empty-handed: how to build a real plan in OnX beyond just dropping pins, why transition-area hunting is the most underrated tactic for early season bulls who refuse to bugle, how elk behavior changes day to day and week to week through September, and why the single biggest advantage you can give yourself is just more days in the woods. Matt also pulls back the curtain on what makes a herd bull so uniquely difficult to hunt — and why peak rut may not be when you think it is. And beyond the hunting, Matt shares something personal: why Backbone Unlimited is about more than elk content, and what drives him to keep connecting with hunters across the country. This is exactly the kind of conversation that reminds you why we all love this sport. This Episode's Sponsors Tricer Tripods I've been running Tricer gear hard and I'm not going back. They make everything fast, light, and simple — from their seriously dialed tripods and bino mounts to pan heads, truck mounts, and the bipod I've been killing critters with all season. If your glassing setup feels clunky or your rifle needs a more stable platform in the field, Tricer has the answer. These are awesome dudes making great products, and it shows in every piece of gear they put out. tricer.com Use code TRO — save 10% Stone Glacier My Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400 has been to Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, and Montana this year. Ten-day backpack hunt or a quick day hunt off the side-by-side — this pack handles it all because it's designed to be minimalist and lightweight without sacrificing a thing. Stone Glacier builds an entire lineup of hardcore mountain hunting gear and every piece is built the same way: for hunters who actually go deep. If you're in the market for a pack or any mountain hunting gear, do yourself a favor. stoneglacier.com Use code TRO — save at checkout Episode Chapters 0:00Intro & SponsorsTricer Tripods and Stone Glacier Gear 3:10Meet Matt HartskyBackbone Unlimited, Wyoming public land hunter, and the "everybody's got a plan" mindset 6:45The 28-Day Hunt BeginsSoutheast Wyoming public land, a grueling access hike, and finding the bull for the first time 13:20Four Cows to Three DozenWatching a herd bull accumulate cows through September and what that does to your strategy 19:55The Open-Country Thermal LessonHow a cool finger in 80-degree heat cost Matt a chip-shot opportunity and what it taught him 24:30Why the Bull Wouldn't Come InHerd bulls, satellite bulls, the rut timeline, and understanding why a bull just doesn't need you 30:15Peak Rut Isn't When You ThinkWhat biologists say about when cows are bred and why late September may be your best window 35:40Transition Area Hunting Breakdown<
- 4 weeks ago1h 11m
The October Advantage: Big Bulls, Empty Mountains, and a 58-Inch Giant, Talking Bulls with Gibson Butler
You already know Montana gets talked about a lot in Western elk hunting circles — but are hunters actually hunting it right? This week, Cody sits down with Gibson Butler, a Montana-bred elk hunter who's put in the time, miles, and boot leather to figure out what it really takes to tag a mature bull on a general tag in the Treasure State. Gibson breaks down his 2024 season in full detail — from the early September frustrations of finding a stud seven by eight and losing him, to going deep into a hard, committing piece of country in October and coming out the other side with a 58-inch main beam giant. This is a real, honest account of what a serious DIY public land elk hunt looks like — the setbacks, the patience, the weather, and the moment it all comes together. Beyond the story, Cody and Gibson get into the strategy that makes or breaks general unit Montana hunts: why most non-resident hunters funnel into the same mountain ranges, how private land dynamics are shifting, why calling with a Hoochie Mama in Eastern Montana might be the worst thing you can do, and the underrated value of hunting October when everybody else has gone home.If you've been thinking about Montana, applying for points, or trying to level up your open-country elk game, this episode is going to hit different. Gibson's a student of the craft, and the insights he drops on big bull behavior, elk density versus hunter density, and hunting elk like mule deer are the kind of stuff you don't find on YouTube.SPONSORS This episode is proudly brought to you by two brands that Cody trusts in the field season after season: Tricer TripodsFast, light, and simple — that's the Tricer way. From top-of-the-line tripods and bino mounts to pan heads, truck mounts, and their new bipod lineup, Tricer makes glass-and-glass accessories for hunters who take their optics seriously. Cody's been running the Tricer bipod hard and putting critters down with it. If you want to upgrade your glassing system, Tricer is the move.Website: tricer.com | Use code TRO at checkout for your discount. Stone GlacierStone Glacier builds hardcore mountain hunting gear for the serious backcountry hunter. Cody's Sky Archer 6400 pack has logged miles in Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, and Montana — equally at home on a 10-day alpine backpack hunt as it is on a day hunt off the side-by-side. Minimalist, lightweight, and built to last, Stone Glacier makes an entire suite of gear designed around the demands of mountain hunting. Website: stoneglacier.com | Use code TRO at checkout for your discount.TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS0:00 Intro & Sponsor Read — Tricer and Stone Glacier ads.2:30 The General Tag Situation — Gibson reveals he drew a Montana general tag — and Cody breaks down where general Montana archery fits in the Western draw tag hierarchy.7:00 Public/Private Dynamics in Montana — How ranch ownership changes are shifting elk movement and sanctuary availability across the state.12:00 Non-Residents and the Mountain Range Problem — Why 90% of out-of-state hunters funnel into the same few ranges and how to think differently about unit selection.17:30 Gibson's 2024 Season — September Struggles — Four weekends of finding big bulls and losing them, including a near-miss on a giant symmetrical seven.24:00 Going Deep in October — Gibson commits to a hard-access piece of country with one Peak Refuel and no water — and finds nearly 100 elk.31:00 Watching the Herd for Two Days — Why Gibson didn't attempt a stalk immediately — broken six, a stud seven, swirling winds, and a giant donut of cows.37:00 The Kill Shot — Rain sideways, foggy binos, Pink Panther stalking through satellites, and a 70-yard arrow eight inches back. Still double-lunged.43:00 Big Bull Behavior — When to Strike — October elk movement, the 'cranky grandpa' bull theory, nomadic giants, and why routine bulls get killed.50:00 The Case for October — Why Cody and Gibson love hunting the back half of the archery season — fewer people, cooler temps, and more active bulls.55:00 What Most Hunters Get Wrong — The Hoochie Mama problem in Eastern Montana, elk density vs. hunter density, and why 'going deep' doesn't always mean going alone.1:02:00 Covering Ground — The Eastern Montana Way — Using online research, rapid-fire glassing points, and moving smart to find elk in low-density country.1:07:00 Calling vs. Glassing — An Honest Take — The evolution from stress-bugling everything to hunting elk like deer, and where calling still fits.1:10:00 Wrap-Up & Outro — Links to Gibson's blog on elkhunt201.com, plus the free hunt planner resourc
- Apr 24, 20261h 25m
Glassing as a Skill: What Most Elk Hunters Get Dead Wrong
This week I sat down with Cody Nelson, a man who has spent the better part of 12–13 years in elk and deer camps across Arizona and the West, helping legendary hunters like Jay Scott and Steve Chapa put tags on bulls by doing one thing better than just about anyone alive: finding game before the hunt ever starts.Cody just made a move over to Tricer as their Director of Innovation — and if you've been paying attention to what Drew has been building over there, this hire makes a whole lot of sense. Cody has been quietly consulting and pushing ideas on Drew for years, and now it's official. Big things are coming from that crew.But this episode isn't a gear ad. This is a masterclass. We dig deep into glassing as a genuine hunting skill — not just a tactic, but a discipline that separates average hunters from the ones who consistently find and kill mature animals. Cody breaks down why most hunters are simply in too much of a hurry, what his three pillars of effective glassing actually look like in the field, and why patience behind the glass is the single most underrated skill in the hunting community.We cover the binocular debate that never gets old — 10s vs. 12s vs. 15s — and actually give you a real answer that depends on where you hunt and what you're doing. We get into the stabilized binocular conversation, and Cody shares an honest take that goes beyond the hype. We talk tripods, the micro pan head, the weight-versus-stability trade-off, and why Cody would rather forget his rifle than forget his tripod.And then there's the story. The Unit 23 bull. A bull over 430 inches that Cody found by accident, locked onto for an entire day without breaking, and helped orchestrate one of the most incredible archery kills I've heard in a long time. If that story doesn't make you want to sit behind your glass longer, nothing will.We also talk about hunting for tomorrow — the concept of letting your glass do the work so your boots don't blow up your opportunity — and why the hunters who consistently win are the ones willing to look into the dark, nasty, quiet pockets that everyone else drives past.This one is worth a second listen. Lock it in.SponsorsThis episode is proudly brought to you by three brands that actually make a difference in the backcountry. These are products I use personally and trust — no exceptions.Tricer TripodsFast, light, and simple — Tricer builds the best tripod system in the hunting space. From backcountry-ready tripods and bino mounts to panhead truck mounts and bipods, every piece of Tricer gear is engineered to make you a more effective glasser in the field. If you're serious about finding more game, your glass needs a home. Tricer is that home. Discount Code: TRO — saves you 10% at checkout Stone Glacier GearI've had my Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6,400 in Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, and Montana this year alone. Whether you're on a 10-day alpine backpack hunt or running a side-by-side along a canyon edge, Stone Glacier's full suite of mountain hunting gear is built minimalist, built light, and built to last. This is hardcore mountain hunting gear — no fluff, no filler. Discount Code: TRO — saves you 10% at checkout onX MapsI don't go anywhere without onX. From e-scouting potential glassing knobs before the season to navigating unfamiliar units during the hunt, onX is the single most powerful scouting and navigation tool available to DIY hunters today. Hunt smarter. Know where to go. Discount Code: TRO — saves you 10% at checkoutTimestamp Chapters0:00 Intro & Cold Open — Cody Rich welcomes listeners and introduces the episode topic — glassing as a skill.2:15 Sponsor Read — Tricer Tripods — Fast, light, simple. Use code TRO for 10% off at tricer.com.4:30 Sponsor Read — Stone Glacier — The Sky Archer 6,400 and a full suite of mountain hunting gear. Use code TRO at stoneglacier.com.6:00 Welcome Cody Nelson / Two Cody's Walk Into a Podcast — Introductions, backstory on past phone calls, and how Cody Nelson ended up at Tricer.10:30 Cody Nelson's Background — Arizona, Jay Scott & 12 Years in Elk Camp — How glassing shaped Cody's entire hunting philosophy and career.15:00 Why Most Hunters Suck at Glassing — The #1 problem: people are simply in too big of a hurry. The three pillars of effective glassing introduced.20:45 Hunting for Tomorrow — The Philosophy — Find the elk today. Hunt them tomorrow. How patience and obser
- Apr 17, 20261h 0m
The Rookie Season: Taking First-Time Hunters from Zero to Tagged Out
What's up everyone! This week I've got Dillon Deitz back on the podcast—probably for the ninth time, which makes him the most requested guest in the history of Elk Hunt. And by "requested," I mean Dillon requests to be on the podcast. But honestly, I love having this guy on because he's genuinely one of the most passionate people I know about getting new hunters into the game. Dillon just dropped a new film series called "The Rookie Season," and it's honestly one of the coolest projects I've seen in the hunting space in a long time. The premise is simple but powerful: take grown adults with zero hunting background—I'm talking computer geeks, software engineers, people who've never even thought about hunting—and show them that hunting isn't some secret club reserved for people who grew up doing it. The tagline says it all: "Hunting is not for everybody, but it could be for you." Over the course of the series, Dillon takes three complete rookies—people who didn't even know why you have to check the wind—and teaches them everything from hunter safety to field dressing to making ethical long-range shots. And here's the wild part: all three of them filled deer tags within a couple days. We're talking a one-handed Asian kid named Brandon who almost died on a mile packout, a guy named Solomon who made a 600-yard shot on his first hunt and then packed a deer seven miles in five-degree weather (oh, and he forgot his inhaler because he has bad asthma), and a hundred percent disabled veteran named Steven who Dillon rattled in a buck for after scrambling to get him a tag at the last minute. This conversation is part tactics, part philosophy, and part Dillon being sick as a dog but refusing to quit (which is very on-brand). We dive into why deer hunting is the perfect gateway for new hunters, why Dillon is obsessed with mountain whitetails instead of the yard deer everyone else shoots, and his absolute deadly system for rattling in bucks during pre-rut. Spoiler: he's rattled in five or six bucks this year alone, and his method is shockingly simple. We also get into why Dillon believes taking new hunters into the field reminded him of the magic he'd been taking for granted—like watching a moose for the first time through someone else's eyes and realizing how cool this whole thing actually is. It's the same feeling you get when you invite someone to your house for the first time and suddenly notice everything differently. If you're someone who's ever thought about getting into hunting but felt intimidated, or if you've been hunting for years and want to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place, go watch The Rookie Season on Dillon's YouTube channel. And if you're already a hunter, share this episode with someone who's been on the fence about trying it. Dillon's proving that hunting is accessible to anyone willing to put in the work—and that's something we need more of. Sponsors OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're literally leaving elk on the table. LiDAR cuts through the trees and shows you micro terrain details—benches, contours, hidden pockets—that regular topo maps just can't show. It takes your mapping to the next level and makes you a better hunter. If you're not an Elite member yet, now's the time. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%. Tricer - Big news from Tricer—they just dropped the updated AD and BC tripods with new TriTech technology. The center post is now a T-post, which makes it smaller diameter, packs down tighter, and a couple inches shorter. Drew is constantly innovating and coming up with new ideas, and this tripod system is cleaner and simpler than ever. If you're on the fence, check out the new setup. Head to tricer.com and use cod
- Apr 10, 20261h 6m
Chasing Bulls in Colorado: Stories from Bob Terilliger
Welcome back to the Elk Hunt Podcast, your go-to source for everything elk hunting. I’m your host, Cody Rich, and this week I’m joined by the legendary Bob Terilliger, a man who’s been living the elk hunting dream for over three decades. From his roots hunting whitetails and turkeys in New York to guiding full-time elk hunts in Colorado, Bob shares stories, wisdom, and hard-earned lessons from a lifetime chasing bulls in some of the toughest country out there.We dive deep into Bob’s journey—from moving west in the ’90s, killing his first bull, to guiding for nearly two decades, and how staying in shape and embracing the grind made all the difference. Whether you’re a DIY hunter or chasing your first bull, Bob’s insights on packing elk, learning the land, and hunting smarter will get you fired up for the season ahead. Sponsored By:Tricer Tripods — If you want gear that’s fast, light, and simple, Tricer’s your go-to. From tripods to bino mounts and bipods, their gear helps you glass better and hunt smarter. I’ve been using their bipod for years and it’s a game changer. Check them out at tricer.com and use code TRO for 10% off your order.Stone Glacier Gear — I’ve packed out more animals than I can count with my Stone Glacier Sky Archery 6,400 pack. Whether you’re day hunting or on a 10-day alpine trek, their minimalist, lightweight gear stands up to the toughest mountain hunts. Visit stoneglacier.com and use code TRO for a discount on gear that lasts.OnX Maps — The ultimate tool for elk hunters who want to own the mountain. OnX Maps helps you navigate private and public lands with confidence, so you can spend more time hunting and less time guessing. Head to onxmaps.com and enter code TRO for savings on your subscription.Time Stamp Chapters 00:00 — Introduction & Sponsor Shoutouts 05:00 — Bob’s Hunting Roots & Early Years in New York 12:30 — Moving to Colorado: The Dream Begins 20:45 — First Bull & Learning the Elk Country 30:00 — Transitioning from Corporate to Full-Time Guide 40:15 — Lessons Learned: Fitness & Hard Work in Elk Hunting 50:00 — Guiding Stories & Memorable Hunts 58:00 — Staying Active & Hunting Into Your 60s and Beyond 1:05:00 — Final Thoughts & Advice for Elk HuntersThree Key Takeaways:Fitness is your greatest asset — Bob’s success came from being in top shape, allowing him to access tough country others wouldn’t dare tackle. Elk hunting is as much about endurance as it is skill.Learn the land, pack smart — From horses to packing techniques, understanding your environment and how to move efficiently with heavy loads can make or break your hunt.Adapt and evolve — Bob’s journey from corporate life to full-time guide shows the power of following your passion and adapting your lifestyle to live the dream.
- Mar 13, 20261h 0m
Get Close, Stay Close: Jerrod Lile's Simple Elk Hunting Philosophy
What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Jerrod Lile, CEO of Hunting Fool and one of the most underrated elk hunters you've never heard enough from. Jerrod spent 14 years working alongside Dan Evans at Trophy Taker—yeah, THE Dan Evans—and the stories and lessons he picked up during that time are absolute gold. This conversation goes deep. We talk about how Jerrod went from being a good shooter to a great archer after Dan called him out on his bad habits, the mental game required to perform under pressure (spoiler: it's just like you to make a good shot), and why he's helped 15 first-time bowhunters kill their first elk. Jerrod breaks down his hunting philosophy into one simple mantra: get as close as you can for as long as you can, and good stuff will happen. But this episode isn't all tactics and tips. Jerrod gets brutally honest about the emotional rollercoaster of elk hunting—from getting too cocky after a string of successes and missing a giant bull at 35 yards, to the heartbreak of his father passing away in the middle of a 23-point Arizona hunt. That story alone is worth the listen. It's raw, it's real, and it's a reminder that elk hunting is about so much more than antlers. We also dive into the psychology of hunting with other people (spoiler: it usually makes you worse), why repeating the same game plan year after year is a trap, and how to pivot when things aren't working. Jerrod doesn't hold back on his mistakes—like setting up a comfy wall tent camp in Arizona and being too stubborn to relocate when the pressure got heavy—and the lessons he's learned from them. If you want to hear from someone who's been in the trenches for decades, worked with legends, and still gets humbled by elk every single season, this is the episode for you. Jerrod is humble, authentic, and full of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from putting in the work year after year. Sponsors Stone Glacier - If you're in the market for a new pack, Jerrod and I both run Stone Glacier gear. I packed out a lot of animals this year with the Sky Archer 6400, including a couple elk. The thing I love about Stone Glacier packs is they work whether you're on a 10-day backpack trip or day hunting from the truck. Minimalist design, tough as nails, and they collapse down so you don't need multiple packs. Built by mountain hunters for mountain hunters. Check out the Sky Archer 6400 at stoneglacier.com and use code TRO. Tricer - Tricer makes way more than just tripods. One of my favorite products is the RP Bipod—a legit hunting bipod with all the features you'd expect from a high-dollar setup. At 10.5 ounces, it's lightweight enough to take on any hunt. Comes with everything: long legs, short legs, works on Picatinny or Arca. For $350, it's a no-brainer. I've shot a lot of critters off mine. Head to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10%. OnX Hunt - We didn't have an OnX ad in this episode, but if you're a Hunting Fool member or thinking about becoming one, OnX Elite members get Hunting Fool for free. Plus, OnX is running a giveaway right now through April 15th—a hunt for two, no charge to enter. Just visit the OnX website, click the single sign-on button, and you're automatically entered. Check it out at onxmaps.com. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: The underrated elk hunter you need to hear from 04:30 - Working alongside Dan Evans at Trophy Taker 09:15 - Going to first and second grade together 14:20 - The
- Feb 25, 20261h 7m
How an X Games Legend Approaches Elk Hunting Like a Competitor
What's up everyone! This week I'm sitting down with Chris Burandt—yeah, THE Chris Burandt. X Games gold medalist, backcountry snowmobile legend, and someone I've looked up to since the original Schooled videos dropped. If you grew up watching extreme snowmobiling, you know exactly who this guy is. But what a lot of people don't know is that Chris is also a serious elk hunter who's been chasing bulls with a bow for over 25 years. This conversation is incredible because we dive deep into what it takes to master a craft—whether that's throwing backflips at X Games or stalking a giant public land bull for 20 straight days. Chris breaks down his journey from hating hunting as a kid (sitting in the cold while his dad napped) to becoming obsessed with bowhunting after reading Cam Hanes' book and having his mind blown on his very first day in the woods. We talk about the parallels between high-level snowmobiling and elk hunting, why both require you to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and how Chris's ability to read terrain from a snowmobile gives him a massive advantage when hunting big country. He also gets brutally honest about the mistakes he's made—including missing a giant bull at 46 yards after spending an entire season prepping for that exact moment, and what he learned from it. One of the most fascinating parts of this episode is Chris talking about spending 20 days hunting ONE bull on public land in Colorado without making a single call until the moment he shot. We break down the chess match, the patience required, and whether he should've been more aggressive. This is a masterclass in strategic hunting, mental preparation, and the sacrifice required to be a true 10-percenter. If you want to hear from someone who's mastered pressure situations at the highest level and is now applying that same intensity to archery elk hunting, this episode is for you. Chris is real, humble, and just getting started in this game—and that makes his perspective incredibly valuable. Sponsors Tricer - I run Tricer gear, and for good reason. They just dropped the updated AD and BC tripods with new TriTech technology—smaller diameter center post, packs down smaller, couple inches shorter, and a cleaner top. Drew is constantly innovating and pushing the limits on what a tripod system can do. From tripods to bino mounts, panheads, and bipods, Tricer makes gear that's fast, light, and simple. Head to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Stone Glacier - If you're a mountain hunter, you know gear weight matters. Every ounce counts when you're grinding up and down mountains all day. Stone Glacier was built by Kurt, a legit mountain sheep hunter who designed minimalist, lightweight gear that actually holds up in the nastiest conditions. No gimmicks, no BS—just mountain gear built by mountain hunters. Whether it's packs, sleeping bags, or shelters, they've got you covered. Check them out at stoneglaciergear.com and use code TRO at checkout. OnX Hunt - We didn't have an OnX ad in this episode, but if you're not using OnX, you're missing out on the most essential hunting tool out there. Detailed maps, property boundaries, offline access, and now weather data that takes topography into account. Become an Elite member at onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Meeting a childhood hero 04:15 - Why Chris kept elk hunting separate from his snowm
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