Host Weston Homa compiles the TOP 10 lessons taught by the 10 BEST backcountry hunters that appeared on the show as guests as the platform approaches the one-year anniversary mark.
This episode reveals the five key pillars that transform ordinary hunters into top-tier killers.
You are going to hear key insights that make up the success recipe to become a consistently successful backcountry hunter form the masters of the craft.
From hunting tactics and animal behavior to woodsmanship and mindset, tune in to hear from:
Cameron Hanes
Aron Snyder
Brian Barney
John Barklow
Dan Staton
Cody Rich
Travis Nowotny
Robby Denning
Sam Davis
Braxton Hamilton
Whether you’re an aspiring hunter or a seasoned vet, this episode offers actionable strategies to elevate your game and achieve greater success in the mountains.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Setting the stage for a top-tier training and hunting knowledge compilation 01:15 – The significance of woodsmanship & gear ownership – Aaron Snyder’s stories 03:19 – The importance of communication plans in backcountry hunts – John Barklow’s insights 05:10 – Hunting tactics: glassing and animal pattern recognition – Brian Barney & Travis Nowotny 09:00 – Mule deer specific strategies: terrain, patience, and animal behavior – Braxton Hamilton & Robby Denning
17:00 – Elk hunting lessons: watching and understanding elk movement – Cody Rich
19:50 – Physical fitness for mountain hunts – Dan Staton of Elk Shape
22:55 – Mindset and grit: relentless attitude with Sam Davis & Cameron Hanes
26:20 – Final thoughts on winning mindset and success in hunting and life
32:00 – Wrap-up:
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Takeaways:
- Master Your Gear: Always double-check and maintain your equipment to avoid mishaps in the field.
- Practice Land Navigation: Develop skills in using maps and compasses to navigate unfamiliar terrain confidently.
- Understand Animal Behavior: Study the habits and patterns of your target species to improve your hunting strategy.
- Glassing Techniques: Learn to glass effectively by considering light and terrain to spot game more efficiently.
- Patience in Stalking: Cultivate patience and move slowly to increase your chances of a successful stalk.
- Communication Plans: Always have a communication plan in place, both for safety and coordination with your hunting partners.
- Physical Fitness: Maintain year-round fitness to ensure you’re physically prepared for the demands of backcountry hunting.
- Mental Resilience: Develop a strong mindset to handle the challenges and setbacks of hunting.
- Pattern Recognition: Use past experiences to identify promising hunting grounds and animal behaviors.
- Improvised Shelters: Be prepared to build shelters if caught in unexpected weather or away from camp.
- East-Facing Slopes: Focus on east-facing slopes for better feeding and bedding opportunities.
- Watch and Wait: Sometimes observing animals without immediate action can lead to better opportunities.
- Surround Yourself with Winners: Learn from and be inspired by those who excel in the field.
- Continuous Improvement: Always seek to improve your skills, whether in shooting, fitness, or strategy.
- Dog Mentality: Adopt a relentless attitude, never quitting even when the going gets tough.

