Beyond The Kill

On this episode, we will be talking about crucibles. Tests of one’s physical and mental capacities that are severe and transformational. The kind of tests that, upon completion, have changed who we are, how we think and re-define what we’re capable of. Adam is joined by a group of people before and after their attempt to complete the 47-mile Rim to Rim to Rim trail around the Grand Canyon. An event that without a doubt qualifies as a crucible. For a couple of the first timers, this event represents the most severe physical undertaking of their lives and teaches them more than a few lessons they won’t soon forget! Whether you need motivation, inspiration or just like hearing about a good old fashioned suffer-fest this one’s not to miss!

On this episode Adam is joined by Rob Shaul, founder and head strength coach at the Mountain Tactical Institute in Jackson, Wyoming. Rob and his team have been exclusively training mountain and tactical athletes longer than virtually anyone else in the industry and know what works and what doesn’t where it matters most—in the field. More importantly Rob and his team have a near fanatical dedication to testing and proving that their systems, programs and training produce the results they’re looking for whether they’re training a hunter, free-skier, solider or LE officer. These guys are always questioning and always looking to improve upon everything they produce and recommend. MTI is without a doubt one of the best training resources for the mountain athlete available today. If you’re not sure how to train for backcountry pursuits this episode will set the record straight! Web: www.mtntactical .com Chassis Integrity Article: Evolution of our Chassis Integrity Theory Instagram: @mountain_tactical

***WARNING: SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE IS USED IN THIS EPISODE*** In this episode Adam is joined by Andrew Arrabito, founder and chief bladesmith of Half Face Blades. Andrew and his team build some of the most rugged, beautiful—and outright intimidating—knives and axes on the market today. If you haven’t checked out their work you’ve been missing out on some of the most unique and functional blades the knife and tool world has seen in a very long time. Whether you’re looking for a knife, axe or hatchet for hunting, tactical or general outdoor applications Andrew and his crew can build you a tool that not only looks and feels incredible but performs at the highest level imaginable. These are the kind of blades that will stay in your family for generations. Adam and Andrew delve into Andrew’s tactical background, the cultural and practical world of knives and axes, and most importantly WHY Andrew puts such an immense amount of time, effort and soul into each knife that he produces. If you’re as interested in k

***WARNING: SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE IS USED IN THIS EPISODE*** In this episode Adam is joined by Mike and Kelly from the very popular Rookie Hunter podcast. These two guys started their refreshingly honest, very well produced and informative show just over a year ago and have been growing, both as hunters and podcasters, ever since. The conversation covers everything from how Mike and Kelly got into hunting later in life, to their successes, failures and lessons over their first two seasons. From whitetails, to mulies and a 7 x 8 bull elk these guys have been hard at it and aren’t slowing down any time soon! Tune in for a great discussion filled with lessons, stories and of course a few rabbit holes mixed in for good measure! Web: www.therookiehunter.com Instagram: @rookie_hunter_podcast  

In this episode Adam is joined by a guest that he has been waiting to interview for a very long time: Mr. Shane Mahoney. This is one of the most important podcasts we have, and likely ever will, air. Regardless of your beliefs on where hunting stands in today’s day and age and how hunting fits within the current narrative of conservation, food and animal welfare this is a must listen episode for all hunters of all nationalities. Shane Mahoney is the President and CEO of Conservation Visions Inc. A Newfoundland native, he holds both an Honors and a Master of Science degree in Zoology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Shane has over 30 years of experience working primarily as a scientist, wildlife manager, policy innovator and strategic advisor – all within the scope of the greater conservation movement. His work has impacted both the scientific and professional wildlife communities, as well as NGOs and the hunting and non-hunting public. On this show Adam and Shane discuss hunting as a vehicle for

In this episode Adam welcomes Connor Gabbott of @cedarandsagebrush back to the show. Connor is a chef by trade but more importantly loves to hunt solo and one hell of a photographer, and film maker. The bulk of Connor’s hunting success has been achieved on solo hunts and on this show Adam and Connor dive into the subject of solo hunting: the pros, cons, and Connor’s lessons and observations from hunting both solo and with other people. They also dig into the deeper side of hunting solo and whether this popular and glamorized concept is a modern phenomenon driven and enabled by technology or simply the next evolution of hunting in the modern age. Connor and Adam bring very different perspectives and experiences to this topic and have a conversation that is sure to get you thinking and maybe even spur you into action! Instagram: @cedarandsagebrush  

On Episode #39 Adam welcomes Matt Comment back to the show. Matt was originally on the podcast a few months back and in that episode briefly touched on some of the nutritional changes he’d made in the lead up to his NWT Dall sheep hunt last summer. These changes helped him show up ready for anything the NWT might throw at him and he came home with a Dall ram that dreams are made of. After that episode aired we received a ton of requests to bring Matt back on to dive into the details of what, why and how he made the changes to both his training and backcountry diet. So by popular demand, Matt is going to take us through how and why he made the changes he did and what exactly he packed, food wise, on that hunt. Matt also covers how he manages to make dream hunts for species like Stone sheep, Dall sheep, elk and mule deer happen, on a regular basis, despite not being a rich man by most measures. This episode is packed with tips, tricks and real world lessons that you can employ right away no matter what you

On this short “in-between-isode” Adam runs solo on a topic he feels very strongly about…when and why you should be training outdoors! www.journalofmountainhunting.com www.MTNSTRONG.com  

On this episode Adam is joined by Brady Miller, Digital Content Manager at goHUNT.com and an admitted mule deer fanatic. This is one wide ranging conversation! Brady is not only a gifted photographer and accomplished mountain hunter but his passion for the outdoors is unparalleled and that passion comes through in spades on this episode. Adam and Brady dive into his upbringing and background before joining goHUNT.com, his tips and tactics for maximizing Western hunting opportunities EVERY year, the technology debate within the hunting industry, gear, effective archery practice techniques, bow tuning and of course mule deer…with a few random topics mixed in for good measure! This is a LONG episode but for good reason as Brady is filled with passion and knowledge and there was just no way to cut this one short. Enjoy! Web: www.gohunt.com Instagram: @brady_j_miller

On this episode Adam goes solo with his post-hunt “Hot Wash” from his February 2017 BC mountain goat hunt. The Hot Wash is a mainstay of many elite level military and law-enforcement units. A concerted exercise where the successes, failures and observations borne out of a given endeavor are reviewed and discussed so the team (or individual) can refine and improve upon their performance on every level. This is something we’ve covered in the JOMH previously, specifically as it relates to MENTAL fitness, and in this episode Adam covers his Top 5 takeaways from his recent late season goat hunt in the north coastal mountains of BC. This was an epic adventure through and through and Adam shares some key lessons and observations on gear, mindset and life that all mountain hunters can learn from.

When it comes to hunting shows, films or videos it takes a lot to impress us. So, it’s with zero exaggeration that we say THE YUKON WILD is one of the most awe inspiring and impressive productions we’ve seen in a long, long time. On this episode, Adam is joined by the host of this upcoming series, Greg McHale. Greg is one interesting dude with an incredibly diverse background: collegiate hockey player, RCMP officer, wrangler/packer, hunting guide, professional athlete, bush pilot and businessman. Greg brings all this experience and more to bear in this awesome episode jam packed with stories, tips, strategies and a fair number of laughs. His personality and philosophies on training, hunting and life in general made this one of the most fun episodes we’ve recorded to date. Greg’s the kind of guy you’d love to grab a beer with or sit around the fire with while sipping whiskey and telling lies. Uh, we mean stories ;) Greg and his team at THE YUKON WILD have produced something truly special with this new ser

***WARNING: SPARSE BUT STRONG LANGUAGE IN THIS PODCAST*** What does it take to launch, grow and scale a business in the outdoors industry? How do you turn your passion and love for the outdoors into a profitable business that supports you and your family? What kind of mindset does it take to succeed when everything is on the line and nothing seems to be going your way? Well in this episode, Adam and Heather dig in on all these subjects and more. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for the outdoors into your job or a business you can be proud to own, THIS is the episode you need to listen to. Heather shares the trials, tribulations and outright failures she’s had to navigate while leading Heather’s Choice through a year of substantial growth. Growth in large part due to support from the hunting community! This is a PACKED episode of tips, tactics, insights and stories that expose the realities of starting and running a business while staying true to your core values. If anyone is an example of

Even if you don’t know the name Chris Denham, you’ll almost certainly recognize one of the many companies he’s a part of. From Western Hunter and Elk Hunter magazines, to Wilderness Athlete, The Outdoorsmans and of course Western Hunter TV, Chris is one of the more prolific businessmen in the industry today. And he isn’t slowing down any time soon. With thirty years of hunting and shooting industry experience under his belt, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and perspective to bear on this episode of BTK. Chris’ thoughts on everything from why we hunt, to social media, optics and how to tackle new areas are not to be missed. Adam and Chris also make a BIG announcement towards the end of the podcast that represents huge news for the podcast and the JOMH so be sure to see this one through to the end. Despite being one of our longest podcasts to date, this episode will fly by! Instagram: @thewesternhunter Web: www.westernhunter.net  

This episode was recorded on location at Sheep Show 2017 and brings you a mix of short form interviews with various companies and personalities within the industry. Interview 1: Adam gets his first in-person look at the new SUBALPINE line from SITKA in a second interview with Sitka’s John Barklow. John walks us through the design philosophy, extensive testing, and product specs behind the launch of this exciting new line. Interview 2: Adam visits the GUNWERKS booth to spend some time with Mike Davidson, Director of Manufacturing & Operations. Mike brings us up to speed on some exciting new models, and course offerings and gives his input on what Gunwerks rifle he’d recommend Adam take on an upcoming winter mountain goat hunt. Interview 3: Adam visits with one of BTK’s first guests, Mark Paulsen, founder of WILDERNESS ATHLETE. Coach P as he’s affectionately known breaks down the new ELITE products WA launched a few months ago. This is a highly informative interview about what goes into these innovati

Steven is without question one of the most talented photographers in the hunting business today. His emphasis on capturing the ENTIRE experience has set him apart as a true master of his craft. Wise beyond his years, in large part due to the adventurous life he’s lived, Steven shares his tips, thoughts and philosophies on how to capture engaging imagery that strikes a chord with BOTH hunters and non-hunters alike. This is a long episode but for good reason. Steven and Adam dive into a whole host of subjects, not just photography. Photography tips and insights, gear, fitness and even some crazy hunting stories from Steven’s globetrotting adventures are all included in this engaging interview with one of the best ambassadors this “sport” currently has. Instagram: @stevendrakephoto Web: www.annulicollective.com

This episode is obviously not coming to you live in the strict sense BUT it was recorded live on location in NZ in two separate locations at different points in the trip. The first part was recorded deep in the Southern Alps a few days into the hunt while we were holed up in a hut waiting out a nasty bit of weather and the second part was recorded at the end of the trip the day we flew out. This episode covers a mix of hunting action, trip details and the Kiwi perspective on conservation and game management, a topic that in NZ has a very different meaning than in North America. Our Kiwi guides, Joseph and Tim take us inside the intricacies of species specific conservation in New Zealand and why it’s such a unique place to hunt with no seasons and no bag limits. A BIG THANK YOU to Joseph Peter owner of HARD YARDS HUNTING NZ for an incredible experience and Connor Gabbott of CEDAR & SAGEBRUSH for the excellent film and photography work on this trip! Joseph Peter Instagram: @hardyardshunting_ Connor Gab

On this episode Adam goes solo with his post-hunt “Hot Wash” from New Zealand. The Hot Wash is a mainstay of many elite level military and law-enforcement units. A concerted exercise where the successes, failures and observations borne out of a given endeavor are reviewed and discussed so the team (or individual) can constantly refine and improve upon their performance on every level. This is something we’ve covered in the JOMH in the Mountain Fitness column, specifically as it relates to MENTAL fitness, and in this episode Adam digs into his Top 5 takeaways from his bowhunt for Himalyan Tahr in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. From gear to food and fitness, Adam puts it all on the table in this behind the scenes look at what was the toughest hunt he’s ever experienced in his life. A BIG THANK YOU to Joseph Peter owner of HARD YARDS HUNTING NZ and Tim "The Butcher" Butcher for an incredible experience! Instagram: @hardyardshunting_  

***WARNING - THERE IS SOME VERY SPARSE BUT STRONG LANGUAGE IN THIS PODCAST*** On this episode Adam is joined by JOMH subscriber and chef Connor Gabbott, co-founder of Cedar & Sagebrush Productions. Connor came on the show to recount his incredible solo goat bowhunting story and talk about hunting for, as he coined it, the Trophy Experience. Connor’s story is chalk full of lessons, elation and heartbreak…the kind of stuff mountain hunting is all about. Over a few glasses of scotch, Connor and Adam dive into the preparation, commitment and excitement of Connor’s coastal mountain goat hunt in some of the most challenging terrain on the South Coast of BC. As a full-time professional chef, Connor brings an interesting background to the podcast and his thoughts on why he hunts and the “trophies” we all chase in one form another are not to be missed. If you like a good mountain hunting story that will have you smiling, shaking your head and cringing from one moment to the next, sit back and enjoy! Instagram:

On Episode 27 Adam is joined by Gray Thornton, President & CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. Gray is without question one of the true leaders in the hunter-conservation movement and through his leadership WSF shows just how effective and powerful a modern conservation organization can be when it leads from the front. In this podcast Adam and Gray dive into both the historical and modern successes of the WSF and some of the most important current issues mountain hunters need to be up to speed on when it comes to conservation in general and of course wild sheep conservation specifically. They tackle some controversial issues like allocation, non-resident funding and the bridge between hunters and non-hunters. Gray is one of those guys that speaks from the heart on all matters and this episode is one of our more thought provoking shows to date! Web: www.wildsheepfoundation.org Instagram: @wildsheepfoundation

On Episode 26 Adam is joined by Kenton and Ryan Clairmont, the brothers behind Train to Hunt and the Train to Hunt Challenge. This is the motivation episode! The best gear and preparation in the world won’t mean squat if you’re not motivated to get out the door and practice with your equipment and physically and mentally train like your hunt depends on it. Kenton, Ryan and Adam dive into this incredibly important but somewhat mysterious element of physical and mental preparation. The key? Determining what uniquely motivates YOU. Kenton and Ryan also walk us through the Train to Hunt Challenge, an event that should be on every serious mountain hunter’s radar. These two guys know what it takes to succeed physically and mentally in the mountains and backcountry and have designed a training system and event series that is without a doubt one of the best in the business. It’s a great conversation with two guys who really know what it means to put in the HARD YARDS! Web: www.traintohunt.com Instagram: @traintoh