Got questions? Send us a text! Back by popular demand! We are re-airing this episode from Summer 2025 on how to kill elk EVERY YEAR! It's just in time for September! Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the mindset and...

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with mule deer hunter Martin Chag to break down what it takes to consistently find and hunt mature bucks in pressured, general units. Martin shares how older mule deer behave differently, what their body language can reveal about their next move, and why he often avoids stalking a bedded buck altogether. Instead, he focuses on predicting where the deer is headed and setting up an ambush. We also dive in...

Got questions? Send us a text! What does it take to build a premium rifle company from the ground up—and document the failures, risks, and hard-earned wins along the way? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis and Chris sit down with the guys behind THEORY1, Jamieson Crast and Austin Miller. They share the story behind THEORY1, their approach to developing precision rifle systems, and why they chose to show the real process instead of presenting a polished highlight reel. The ...

Got questions? Send us a text! Backcountry nutrition can make or break your hunt—and expensive gear won’t compensate for poor preparation. Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition returns to the Mountain Dude Podcast to explain how hunters should fuel before, during, and after demanding days in the mountains. Kyle breaks down hydration, sodium intake, recovery, affordable backcountry meals, food storage, and the common nutrition mistakes that can drain your energy when it matters most. We also...

Got questions? Send us a text! UFC legend Chad Mendes joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to talk about the mindset, discipline, and preparation that carried him from a small California farm town to the highest level of mixed martial arts. Chad opens up about starting wrestling at five years old, becoming a two-time NCAA All-American, fighting for multiple UFC titles, and what it truly feels like when the cage door closes. He also shares stories from his battles with José Aldo, the origins of hi...

Got questions? Send us a text! Hunting is about more than filling tags—it’s about the experiences, lessons, and traditions we pass down to the next generation. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris records remotely after a 24-hour scouting trip with his four-year-old son, Kai. Together, they talk about searching for mule deer and antelope, learning new country, balancing hunting with family, and making the outdoors enjoyable for young kids. Chris also shares practical advice f...

Got questions? Send us a text! Professional hunter, guide, and lifelong outdoorsman Dan Whitmus returns to the Mountain Dude Podcast for one of our favorite conversations yet. With over 300 days a year spent in the field, Dan shares what it's really like to make a living chasing adventure across Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, and beyond. From surviving grizzly bear charges and a bush plane crash to helping first-time hunters experience their very first harvest, this ep...

Got questions? Send us a text! What if taking better care of yourself meant more seasons in the mountains with the people you love? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jake Arvold and Kaylee Stevens of First Phorm Outdoors to talk about the deeper purpose behind fitness, faith, hunting, and living a life that allows you to experience more. Jake shares the incredible story behind the creation of First Phorm Outdoors—from leaving college after hearing a li...

Got questions? Send us a text! What happens when a man refuses to settle for a life of comfort, routine, and simply going through the motions? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jonathan McCormick of Red Beard Outdoors to discuss faith, family, fitness, hunting, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Jonathan shares the incredible story of overcoming a life-threatening condition at birth, how mentorship introduced him to western hunting, and why he believ...

Got questions? Send us a text! What separates hunters who occasionally get lucky from hunters who consistently find and kill mature mule deer year after year? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young and Dennis sit down with Idaho bowhunter Travis Nowotny to dive deep into the mindset, scouting strategies, and stalking tactics that have helped him become one of the most respected mule deer hunters in the West. From summer scouting and locating target bucks to closing the fin...