Living Country In The City

Trent Marsh of Spypoint joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss the loss of the “outdoor generalist” and how that affects hunting. Trent and Sam discuss how more and more increasingly niche hunting interests have created severe issues when it comes to hunting advocacy. Trent emphasizes that experiencing more of hunting and the outdoors in different ways allows us to be more informed and more effective in our defense of hunting. As Trent says, “I would rather walk down the buffet and try a little bit of everything than go to an all-you-can-eat prime rib dinner and just be stuck on one.” They then go on to discuss the fast evolution of trail cams in recent history along with hunting technology in general and what defines the line of ethics when it comes to that technology. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/227. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caleb Stillians, Alaska hunting guide, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative at SHOT Show to discuss hunting and guiding in Alaska. Caleb breaks down some of the regulations of hunting in Alaska and what makes up his duties as a guide. He discusses some of his favorite animals to guide for including the majestic Dall Sheep and the perilous brown bear. Caleb goes on to tell his hair-raising brown bear encounter story and provides some of his best tips for hunters planning a trip to Alaska. When it comes to mission, Caleb tells us that he wants to inspire people to hustle, rise up and be better than they were yesterday. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/226. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Stallone of Days in the Wild joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to alert listeners to a critical issue affecting predator hunting in Arizona and the whole of the United States. John and Sam discuss how, while hunting is often an individual sport, each person having their own niche, it’s critical that we lock arms to stand up against attacks from anti-hunting groups. They introduce the conservation group he’s been spearheading, HOWL for Wildlife which has been instrumental in stopping other attacks in the past. John informs us that the Humane Society is currently leveling an attack at predator hunting in Arizona and across the US and it’s critical that hunters submit their comments ASAP. John tells us that it doesn’t matter our political affiliation, if you have a love for wildlife, this is something you need to do. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/225. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the ins and outs of primitive hunting as well as spilling some of his expert advice. After years of rifle hunting, shooting big deer, and just the same old deal every time, Ryan got into primitive hunting to challenge himself and consistently raise the bar. Through his passion for primitive hunting, he started “Hunt Primitive” to involve others and spread the same passion and knowledge. Although there are many misconceptions about primitive hunting, Ryan works hard to make sure all information is on the line. Some people consider it unethical to harvest deer using such an age-old method, but Ryan has repeatedly proven them wrong. He says it’s not specifically about ethics, it’s about efficiency. Because if you’re efficient in your shots, you’re ethical in your shots. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/224. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raymond Rowe aka Erik of the Viking Raiders, WWE Superstar, hunter and homesteader joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about some of the highs and lows of being self-sustaining. Raymond and his wife Sarah live a raw and rugged life, hunting and producing their own food. While industries force animals into an unnatural pace of life, this family moves at the speed of the animal for a better end result. If you take care of the animal, they’ll take care of you. Raymond and Sam, discuss how posting a picture of an ethical kill lost Sarah thousands of followers and how the conversations regarding hunting on social media tend to devolve into a hateful bashing of anyone whose viewpoints don’t align. Raymond also talks about his first deer harvest and the highest of highs along with the lowest of lows he experienced from the beginning to the end of his hunt. A lot of people that hate or disagree with hunting and ranching don’t understand what all goes into it… at the end of the day, “life eats life.” See more on

Clint Walker, firearms aficionado and fellow Montanan, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss selecting your ideal hunting rifle. Clint goes over the importance of getting a “smart choice” rifle, which means choosing one that will get the job done, but also has ammo available, especially during times of scarcity. Clint talks about his time shooting in precision long-distance tournaments with the rifles he built. He then goes into his first hunting experience and how, even though he’s great at target shooting, it doesn’t always translate into a perfect shot on an animal. After his realization that he had no clue how to dress an animal, Clint turned to YouTube and the numerous helpful how-to videos available. He says you have to get out of your comfort zone and try new things to feel a rush you’ve never experienced. Later on Sam and Clint discuss long distance shooting on animals when you have so many things to factor in and how it’s crucial to be comfortable with your rifle or any weapon and the shot you

Ryan Michler, host of the Order of Man podcast and author of Sovereignty, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to dive into difficult life decisions that result in making us better people. Ryan says life is a series of trade-offs. While circumstances may differ for everyone, we can always challenge ourselves and work hard to get to where we want to be in life. They talk about how past all the excuses, investing your time, investing in yourself, and making sacrifices will help you grow as an individual. Later, Ryan and Sam discuss how hunting requires a lot of hard work, especially through the preparation, knowledge, skill, and practice required for success. Hunting teaches patience and perseverance that both guys agree have helped them become better people. They also discuss Ryan’s mastermind extension of Order of Man, The Iron Council, where ambitious and motivated men connect and work to improve 4 key areas of their lives.  See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/221 Learn more about your ad ch

Lt. John Nores, retired CDFW game warden, recipient of the California Governor’s Medal of Valor and author of Hidden War and War in the Woods, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss the largely unknown battle for our public lands against the drug cartels. John and Sam discuss the issues that hunters and conservationists face coming up against anti-hunting activist groups, such as mountain lion management and get into some of what differentiates a game warden from a park ranger. John also looks back on his unique journey to becoming a game warden and how his time working in rough areas of Southern California directed his career path towards special operations. John and Sam then dig into the difference between legal and illegal grows, the destructive effect illegal grow operations have on wildlife and habitat areas and the extreme level of crime associated with those illegal grows due to cartel involvement. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/220. For AD-FREE EPISODES, please subscribe

Kevin Laslie, a long-time supporter of the podcast, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about his Utah moose hunt and filling his first tag after years of struggle. With no luck in meeting other hunters through working at Cabela’s, He finally connects with other hunters through the GoWild hunting app. Kevin ends up drawing a once-in-a-lifetime moose tag in Utah and planning with his guide. Although the pressure was on to harvest a giant bull, he drowned out the voices and chose his own measure of success. It’s always an option to start with upland and waterfowl when getting into hunting and learning from others, how to pack out and dress animals, etc. In the end, you’ll never stop learning and each animal brings its own set of challenges so it’s important to keep hunting hard for that success story that’ll leave you proud and grateful.  See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/219. For AD-FREE EPISODES, please subscribe via Patreon at patreon.com/thewildinitiative. Get discounts on huntin

Christian Schauf, founder of Uncharted Supply Co., joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss the importance of being prepared while hunting and adventuring. Christian tells Sam a little about some of his emergency encounters and about the event that inspired him to start his survival and emergency product company, Uncharted Supply Co. He emphasizes that life skills are diminishing among the newer generations, which can lead to chaos, panic, disaster, or worse. Even though time in the wilderness can often be dangerous, especially when you’re far removed from others, the benefits of relaxation, focus, and peace are well worth it. Always make sure to track where you’re going and where you’ve been, and let someone know your plans.  See more on the show notes page at thewildintiative.com/218. For AD-FREE EPISODES, please subscribe via Patreon at patreon.com/thewildinitiative. Get discounts on hunting, fishing and outdoor products at thewildinitiative.com/discounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho

The Honorable Steve Daines, US Senator for Montana joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to highlight and discuss some of the major issues faced by outdoorsmen in Montana and across the US. With the influx of people to the state, Senator Daines reminds new residents about the importance of preserving the wildlife and the land that play a key role in making Montana such a beautiful place to call home or simply visit. The senator stresses the major issue of extreme environmental groups and politicians attempting to curry favor acting on emotion rather than science and facts when it comes to subjects such as responsible logging and grizzly bear management. Senator Daines admonishes us that while Montana’s future is bright, greater actions need to be taken to preserve the great state. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/217 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hank Shaw, wild game chef and author of Hunt, Gather, Cook, Buck, Buck, Moose and more, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk wild game cooking. Hank and Sam find some common ground when they talk about living in California and growing up fishing. They discuss different ways they cook wild game, misconceptions about older animals vs younger animals and even game that most wouldn’t consider eating. A good point Hank points out is most people are “cooking the tender parts too much and the tough parts too little” which can result in a dislike towards certain meat/game. Hank goes over the proper dry-aging process, creating master stock, what hot boning is, and many more tidbits to getting tender, tasty meat. It doesn’t matter how you eat your animal, it matters that you eat your animal.  See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/216 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dark Waters, the master of YouTube horror, joins Sam again on The Wild Initiative for this special Halloween bonus episode. Dark Waters and Sam have a discussion of American paranormal creatures and monsters and give each a Dark Waters Creature Threat Rating. They discuss the Chupacabra, Blue Dogs, The Jersey/Leeds Devil, Mothman, the Wendigo, La Llorona, Slenderman, The Rake and many more. They also discuss the differences between Bigfoots, Yetis and Skunk Apes as well as talk through some true stories featuring mermaids, vampires and bat-faced humanoids. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robbie Kroger with Blood Origins joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss the loaded term “trophy hunting”, high fence hunting, and some problematic issues within the hunting community/industry. Robbie and Sam talk about what it means to be a trophy hunter and the hunting community being its own enemy when it comes to tearing each other down and judging each other's hunts/kills. Robbie elaborates on how Blood Origins isn’t afraid to go up against anti-hunters and educate them, explaining how they’re wrong in a respectful way. Sam and Robbie continue on to discuss the benefits and consequences of hunting. As a result of Blood Origins’ efforts, a number of accounts have blocked them due to Blood Origin’s advocacy affecting their business, following, engagement, etc. Robbie and Sam both agree that we as hunters can’t put ourselves on a pedestal and that we need to bring to light what is wrong and what is right in hunting. It’s important to be honest and own up to our mistakes. Robbie states he’s only interest

Kara Schuett of Yellow Sally Fishing and Montana Bucks & Ducks joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to throw back a few beers and talk about hunting and fly fishing in the great state of Montana. Kara and Sam catch up on life and discuss Kara’s projects, Yellow Sally Fishing, a fishing-themed clothing line for women and girls, and Montana Bucks & Ducks, her and her husband’s outfitting and guide service. Kara also discusses her involvement with Warriors & Quiet Waters, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting post-9/11 combat veterans and equipping them with everything they need to begin fly fishing. As the beer starts flowing, Kara and Sam cover just about everything, telling hunting stories, how putting in for tags generates funds for conservation, the best hunting dogs, why White Claws are so damn refreshing on the river and fantastically odd-named fishing flies. See more on show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/214 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Beaty, the infamous Prince of Poachers, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to delve into his intriguing past as a renegade in the woods. From poaching 116 prized whitetail deer to surviving on raw deer meat for an astonishing 27 days straight, Charlie recounts his wild experiences, including evading law enforcement, and discusses how his life took a profound turn when he embraced Christianity and left his unlawful ways behind. In this candid conversation, he sheds light on the repercussions of choosing the path of an outlaw hunter and reflects on his book, with part two promising insight into his personal family journey. It's important to note that this podcast isn't intended to glorify poaching; Charlie's transformation is a testament to the potential for change. Charlie reflects on his journey from a life of illegal hunting to a spiritual awakening, revealing moments of poaching deer, even surviving on raw deer meat during an extraordinary 27-day period. He shares stories of running afoul of the law a

Tana Grenda of Bristol Bay Fitness joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about her experience huntin’ Alaska. In this episode, Tana tells Sam about her bull moose bowhunt and what could only be described as hunting and being chased by a zombie bear. Later they discuss how long you should look for an animal after wounding it and what it means to be a hunter that doesn't give up and betters themselves in the outdoors by constantly getting out of comfort zones. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/212. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Phillips, entrepreneur, and filmmaker joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about the aspects of finding purpose in life. In this episode, they discuss the difference between harvesting vs killing animals, what it feels like having a full freezer and the importance of truly helping veterans. Later, they go into finding purpose through doing what you love and why being a minimalist may just work for you. See more on the show notes page at thewildintiaitive.com/211. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vaughn NeVille of TheManSpot joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to bullsh*t just a bit about the outdoors and hunting. In this episode, they discuss how social media can bring out the worst in people while also bringing a lot of value to others. They later go on to talk about Vaughn's greatest hunting story, bear encounters and the status of our 2nd Amendment. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/210. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randy Newberg, the host of Fresh Tracks and Hunt Talk Radio, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to talk about stories and lessons throughout his hunting career. In this episode, they discuss spending time in the field, filling tags, how much effort goes into their hunts, and more. See more on the show notes page at thewildinitiative.com/209. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices