Limited Time, Limited Ammo: How Scout Snipers Prep for Hunting Season | Ep 017

Most hunters don't have unlimited range days or cases of ammo. They have jobs, families, and a few weekends before season opens. In this episode, Phillip Velayo, Jon Bumpus, and Steve Holland break down how the "time-poor hunter" should train when every round and every hour counts. Between the three of them, you're hearing from former Marine Scout Snipers, instructors, and hunters who have taken game at distance with everything from 6.5 Creedmoor to solid copper in California. No theory for theory's sake — just what actually carries over from the range to the field. In this episode, we cover: - The "time-poor hunter" and why bigger calibers don't fix weak fundamentals - ELD-M vs. ELD-X terminal performance — and what happens when you hit heavy bone - Solid copper results at distance, including a 675-yard shot - Is tripod shooting an advanced skill or a foundational one? - Controlled range environments vs. uncontrolled field environments - Glassing and target reference points — the most undertrained hunting skill - Scanning patterns that keep your brain from filling in what isn't there - A structured range plan for limited ammo: zero and trajectory validation in the first 20 rounds - Building breaks through dry fire before live fire drills - Training in cold weather and real-world conditions - Multi-use gear, survival essentials, and why you still carry a hand call Whether you're prepping for your first long-range hunt or trying to get back to your standard after an off-season, this is the framework for making limited training time count. 🎧 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0WhBQn3hUE1XarAFwAd2OU?si=8cc5f61c6e814f79 🎧 LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cadre-podcast/id1806120823 🎯 TRAIN WITH US: https://www.thecadretraining.com 🎒 KIT: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources 📋 FREE DOPE CARD: https://www.thecadretraining.com/resources ⏱ TIMESTAMPS TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Cold open: why every piece of gear needs more than one job 01:21 – The time-poor hunter: four range trips, 100 rounds 02:12 – Using a bigger caliber to cover weak skills (.338 Lapua on whitetail) 03:01 – 6.5 Creedmoor on elk at 420 yards 03:49 – ELD-M vs. ELD-X: real-world terminal performance 05:10 – ELD-M penetration up close and shoulder shots 07:25 – Solid copper at distance 09:13 – Breaking down a chaotic last-light mule deer shot 10:20 – Why four range trips won't build confidence 12:47 – A strong foundation brings you back faster 14:36 – Steve's year-round sustainment plan 17:50 – Garage dry-fire drills with your tripod 19:14 – Is tripod shooting an advanced skill or a foundational one? 21:56 – Wobble zone management 23:41 – Controlled vs. uncontrolled environments 24:44 – Shooting through sagebrush and micro-terrain 26:48 – "Do you know your knots?": performing without looking 28:20 – Engagement speed and reading terrain 31:03 – What you should be thinking in the first 30 seconds 32:06 – Jon's antelope from a standing tripod 34:06 – Limited-ammo training: dry reps, then one live round 35:52 – The non-negotiables: zero, chrono, confirm trajectory 37:22 – Building breaks and timed drills 38:46 – Train in the conditions you'll hunt in 40:46 – The most undertrained hunting skill: glassing 41:08 – Target reference points: the Frank Church muley 44:33 – Scanning right to left 45:41 – Gear management, ranging through vegetation, and anchor points 49:59 – 7 PRC recoil from field positions 52:13 – Rifle weight and knowing your limitations 57:02 – Best hunting cartridge: 6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor 59:34 – Is PEAK ammunition worth it? 1:03:18 – Shot placement and wobble zone 1:04:45 – Pack dumps and online critics 1:09:10 – Hunting-season pack minimums 1:12:04 – Hand calls, rear bags, and emergency food 1:14:20 – Why the InReach is always in the pack 1:16:49 – What's next: 2027 schedule and Texas courses 1:18:34 – Law enforcement curriculum and drone integration 1:20:40 – Phil's fall hunts and the Seven Devils team sniper match 1:21:52 – Training for sniper matches: holdovers and night operations 1:23:51 – Wrap-up CONNECT WITH THE TEAM Phillip Velayo – https://www.instagram.com/velayo_0317 Jon Bumpus –  https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.jon Steve Holland –  https://www.instagram.com/steve_haf The Cadre –  https://www.instagram.com/thecadre.training Precision Through Chaos.