Days In The Wild - Big game Hunting podcast

Solo vs. Social: The Psychology of the Hunt with Beau Martonik

“Solo vs. Social: The Psychology of the Hunt with Beau Martonik”
✍️ Episode Description:
In this compelling episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with hunter, writer, and East Meets West podcast host Beau Martonik to dig into the mental side of hunting—specifically the contrast between solo and social hunting experiences. Beau opens up about how hunting alone in remote terrain builds resilience, sharpens instincts, and forces you to confront your inner world. We also explore the camaraderie of camp, the challenges of balancing solo ambition with shared experiences, and how both play a vital role in shaping today’s hunter.
If you've ever questioned whether you're more effective—or more fulfilled—hunting alone or with others, this episode will speak directly to you.
📌 Topics We Cover:
The mindset differences between solo and group hunts
Why solo hunting builds personal growth and mental toughness
How social hunting cultivates community and tradition
Making space for solitude while still honoring shared camp culture
Gear choices that support both independence and team hunting
Learning to embrace discomfort and silence in the backcountry
Lessons Beau’s learned through years of chasing whitetails and mountain bucks
💬 Notable Quotes:
“Solo hunts strip away the noise and reveal what kind of hunter—and person—you really are.”
“There’s power in both solitude and community; the key is knowing what you need in each season.”
🧠 Key Takeaways:
Solo hunting demands higher levels of self-reliance, decision-making, and mental stamina
Group hunting offers emotional support, shared knowledge, and deeper traditions
The choice between the two is often less about success and more about personal evolution
Understanding your psychological needs in the field can elevate your overall hunting experience
🔗 Connect with Beau Martonik:
🎧 Listen to his podcast: East Meets West📸 Instagram: @beau.martonik🌐 Website: www.eastmeetswesthunt.com
📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate the show, and share with fellow hunters—whether they ride solo or run with a crew. Stay tuned for more deep dives into hunting, mindset, and the wild places we chase.

Backcountry sets ups and Philosophy w/ Steven Drake

n this episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with backcountry hunter and elite outdoor photographer Steven Drake to unpack his approach to gear, preparation, and the mental edge needed to thrive deep in the wilderness. We dive into his minimalist yet functional backcountry pack system, how he balances photography and hunting in extreme terrain, and the hard-earned lessons that shape his mountain mindset.
Whether you’re dialing in your gear list or just looking for inspiration from someone who truly lives the wild, this episode is loaded with insight, authenticity, and practical takeaways.
📌 Topics We Cover:
Steven’s exact backcountry gear loadout—what makes the cut and why
The philosophy behind “gear with purpose”
How to prioritize weight vs. comfort for extended hunts
Balancing camera gear with hunting efficiency
Mindset shifts that separate successful backcountry hunters
Why Steven believes in failing forward as a way to grow
Lessons learned from grueling hunts in Alaska, the Rockies, and beyond
💬 Notable Quotes:
“If everything in your pack doesn’t serve a purpose, it doesn’t belong there.”
“The most valuable skill in the backcountry isn’t shooting—it’s adapting.”
🧠 Key Takeaways:
Intentional gear selection makes you more efficient, not just lighter.
Simplicity in systems leads to mental clarity in high-stress situations.
Physical preparation is essential, but mental resilience is the real game-changer.
Photography and hunting don’t have to compete—they can fuel each other.
🔗 Connect with Steven Drake:
📸 Instagram: @stevendrakephoto🌐 Website: www.stevendrakephoto.com
📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your hunting crew. And don’t forget to check out previous episodes of Days in the Wild for more insight from the field.

Throwback Braxton McCoy

I'm proud of Braxton he has been carrying the torch for public lands and has helped it to enter in to the mainstream conversation. I heard him recently on Tucker Carlson Made me think back to our podcast back in 2018 
 
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Days in the Wild, John Stallone sits down with combat veteran, author, and elk hunting guide Braxton McCoy. Braxton shares the harrowing story of surviving a suicide bombing in Iraq, enduring dozens of surgeries, and ultimately forging a new path in the wilderness as a guide and advocate for healing through the outdoors.
From the battlefield to the backcountry, Braxton opens up about trauma, resilience, and the role hunting played in reclaiming his identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the restorative power of nature and the strength of the human spirit.
📌 What We Cover:
Braxton’s story of survival and recovery after his near-fatal injury in Iraq
The physical and emotional toll of trauma—and how the outdoors became his refuge
Why elk hunting helped him reconnect with his purpose and identity
The value of mentorship, grit, and persistence in both life and the hunt
His philosophy on what it means to truly live a wild and meaningful life
💬 Notable Quotes:
“I wasn’t looking for healing when I started hunting again—I was looking for purpose. The healing came anyway.”
“The backcountry doesn’t care about your excuses. It’s honest—and that’s why it saves people.”
🔗 Connect with Braxton McCoy:
📘 Author of The Glass Factory📸 Instagram: @braxtonmccoy🌐 Website: www.braxtonmccoy.com
If this episode moved you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear Braxton’s story. Stay wild—and stay strong.

Throwback Mule Deer Hunting on the Wasatch Front with Kip Fowler

Throwback 
Title: Mule Deer Hunting on the Wasatch Front with Kip Fowler
 
Show Notes:
A Southern Utah native, Kip now lives and hunts in Northern Utah, along the Wasatch Front. Backpacking bow hunting in the high country is one of his specialties, and he shares some of his advice for how to improve your hunting game.
 
Kip was always worried about becoming too reliant on technology, but there came a point when he realized that it was actually holding him back and it cost him a prize deer. That’s when he started to look for tools that would make the hunt easier, and he shares some of his adaptations.
 
It’s so easy in bowhunting to get discouraged, especially when you have moments where you get so close, but then something goes wrong. “Really successful bowhunters are constantly trying to eliminate the things that could go wrong”, says Kip. And they stick with it.
 
A lot of bowhunters will spend tons of time practicing their shot, testing their equipment, and planning their hunt. But they’ll forget to try out the food they’re going to eat ahead of time, and that can lead to some seriously unpleasant surprises out in the backcountry. Don’t forget to test your food, and your body’s reaction, before you head out.
 
Pictures can help you remember a hunt, but they don’t tell everything. Kip and I both have journaled some about our hunts, and the details we recorded are so much different and more helpful than just looking at pictures.
 
If you loved this podcast, don’t keep us a secret. Like us, share us, and leave us a review so that we can keep bringing you hunting stories from some of the greatest experts in the backcountry.
 
What’s Inside:
When water sources and feed sources are an important part of the hunt.
Where is it easier to hunt mule deer: the desert or the high country?
Why mental fortitude is going to help you on the hunt.
How nail polish, sharpies, and other hacks can help you make small improvements.
 
 
Mentioned in this Episode:
Days in the Wild on itunes
Days in the Wild on Podbean
Phoenix Shooting Bags
 
Short Description:
As a lifelong bowhunter, Kip Fowler has some tips to take your bowhunting to the next level. In addition to telling some great hunting stories, Kip focuses on some of the smaller details today that can add up and make your bowhunting experience more successful and enjoyable.
 
Tags:
Utah hunting, mule deer hunting, hunting on the Wasatch Front, improve your bowhunting, bowhunting technology, bowhunting tips and tricks, bowhunting hacks

Finding Motivation for Hunting and for Life Eric McCormack

🎙️ Podcast Episode: The Mindset of Champions with Eric McCormick
Description:What does it take to train the world’s toughest athletes? This week, we sit down with Eric McCormick—renowned personal trainer for legendary endurance hunter Cameron Hanes . Eric shares powerful insights into cultivating an unbreakable mindset, staying positive through adversity, and building the discipline required to excel at the highest level. 
In This Episode:✅ Eric’s journey from passionate athlete to elite trainer✅ What it’s like working with Cameron Hanes ✅ How to overcome limiting beliefs and mental roadblocks✅ Daily habits and routines to stay positive, motivated, and disciplined✅ Advice for anyone wanting to level up their fitness or mental toughness✅ Why purpose matters more than motivation—and how to find yours
Key Quotes:
“Every day you show up, you’re building a version of yourself you’ll meet down the road—make sure it’s someone you’re proud of.” – Eric McCormick
About Eric McCormick:Eric is a sought-after trainer known for pushing the limits of physical and mental endurance. His work with Cameron Hanes, David Goggins, and countless others has inspired athletes, hunters, and everyday warriors to break through barriers.
Resources & Links:🔗 Follow Eric on Instagram🔗 Visit Howl for Wildlife🔗 Learn more about Cameron Hanes
Listen & Subscribe:Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Elk Hunting W/ Zach Bowhay

Elk Hunting With Zach Bowhay 

Public Lands Sell off Senate 2025

Get your voice heard 

Public Lands NOT FOR SALE

Michael Cravens and I have a quick impromptu conversation about the public lands situation, Its very important you listen in and take action because weather you think it does or not it affects you  TAKE ACTION

The Anatomy Hunter

Brian Johnson The Anatomy Hunter A Deep Dive with The Anatomy Hunter | Days In The Wild In this powerful episode, we sit down with The Anatomy Hunter to explore the biology, philosophy, and raw emotion behind the hunt. We talk about shot placement, best practices, shot angles etc. This is a good one you don't wanna miss 👉 Subscribe, like, and share to keep the conversation alive. #HuntingPodcast #AnatomyHunter #Conservation #EthicalHunting #HunterEthics
John Stallone  Youtube link The Anatomy Hunter 

Hunting Stories and Mile High Hunt Expo

We talk various hunting stories and about the hunts donated to howl