Blog
Ep. 92 | The Dawn of Masculinity
CBD & My Experience
By William Branum
The transition from military to civilian life was the toughest military mission I had ever been on. I went from being surrounded by a TEAM of World Class Professionals who challenged me every day to NO TEAM, NO PURPOSE, and NO MISSION.
I’ve spent my entire adult life in the military and 23 of those 26 years as a Navy SEAL. As a SEAL, every morning I woke up, knew what I was going to do and with whom I would do it. I was surrounded by a badass team with a badass mission. Then in the summer of 2018, it was gone.
My nightly routine consisted of just one glass of vodka on the rocks to turn off the noise in my head. One glass turned into another, and another and so on. Eventually the noise would reduce enough for me to go to sleep. This habit started before my retirement, but had definitely intensified after I retired. I had to drink myself into a drunken mess to quiet my mind, slow down, and be able to rest.
I had heard of CBD oil while I was on active duty but wasn’t about to risk putting my final years in the military or my Top Secret Clearance in jeopardy. I am also a child of Nancy Reagan’s War on Drugs, “Just Say No!” so I was hesitant to try it. A year after my retirement, I was in Virginia and had lunch with a former SEAL Team mentor. I told him about my interest in CBD and discussed purchasing it while I was in town. I was still unfamiliar with its benefits but was curious to know more. Coincidentally he owned some and gave me a bottle.
That night I noticed that I slept a little better and woke up a little less agitated as I had in the previous months. Over the next 30 days with continued use of the CBD Oil, I felt small increments of improvement in my attitude as well as unexpected improvements in pain management. Some of the sharp stabbing pain I had been experiencing began to decrease in intensity. Additionally, when I ran out of CBD oil much of the pain and ailments started to reoccur.
Water boils at 212 degrees F. I was living around 210 degrees F. Taking CBD helped bring down the temperature, 208, 205, 200… It helped me get out of the RED ZONE that I was living in and moved me into something closer to ORANGE or YELLOW, a better headspace. The new headspace allowed me to practice better self-talk, so I could work on myself as well as start to quiet the noise in my head without alcohol. I’m still working on me and CBD is a big tool in my tool box.
CBD had such a life changing effect on me that I started my own CBD company to share the highest quality CBD available to veterans and first responders. Naked Warrior Recovery’s mission is to help you recover from mental and physical trauma, no matter how big or small.
How CBD works: CBD is a non-psychoactive (you don’t get high) molecule from the hemp plant. It has been shown to have many medicinal effects on all mammals. CBD supports the Endocannabinoid System, a giant neuro-receptor connected to every other system in the body (ie. Central Nerves System, Digestive System, Immune System, Respiratory System, etc.).
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is supported by endogenous cannabinoids that all mammals create. Sometimes the body does not produce enough natural cannabinoids to support the ECS. CBD works like a multivitamin to support the ECS to help bring it back into balance. When the ECS in balance, it helps bring the other systems into balance. A few other benefits that have been observed from CBD use are reduced chronic inflammation, elliptic seizures, pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, acne, and Parkinson’s.

There is still a lot to be learned about this natural remedy, but the future looks bright! There are studies coming out almost daily on PUBMED about CBD and the Endocannabinoid System.
For more information on CBD go to www.nw-recovery.com and also check out Episode 91 of The Soulful Hunter Podcast where Johnny Mack and I dive into our experiences with it.

Ep. 91 | Naked Warrior Recovery CBD with Will Branum
Ep. 90 | Nourish Your Soul with Jana Waller
Ep. 89 | Purpose, Passion & Custom Knives with Shay Butler
Ep. 88 | Soulful Series Chapter 5: Call To Action
Ep. 87 | From Rodeo Cowboy to Hunter with Tim Endsley
Ep. 86 | Soulful Series Chapter 4: Silence & Awareness of Nature
Ep. 85 | Hunting, Health & More with Ryan Lampers
Ep. 84 | Soulful Series Chapter 3: Margin & Slowing Down
The Holy Grail
By Josh Austin | Instagram – @ihikeupperleft
We all have that “holy grail” hunt; the one that haunts your dreams, the one that keeps you up at night waiting for those special permit results to come in, the one that will create memories for a lifetime if only you could just put all the pieces together to make it work. Sometimes that “holy grail” hunt isn’t even yours. Let me tell you about my hunt of a lifetime. A hunt where I never even picked up a weapon.
Continue reading “The Holy Grail”Turkey Hunting 101
By Travis Arnott
Veteran turkey hunters all too often hear the phrase “I don’t know where to go” or “I don’t know anyone to show me the ropes” when talking with new hunters. A quick look into how I got started may help put your fears at ease. After all, hunting in the spring when the temps are in the 60’s and 70’s and not 38 and raining, is a nice change from the grey Pacific Northwest that we deal with quite often.
Continue reading “Turkey Hunting 101”Ep. 83 | Turkey Hunting with Travis Arnott
Ep. 82 | Soulful Series Chapter 2: Rest & Recovery
Ep. 81 | Hunter, Father & Conservationist with Jason Matzinger
Spicy Italian Baked Bear Spaghetti
By James Forslund
There is a common misconception surrounding bear hunting and the meat that it provides. For centuries, original inhabitants of America used to prefer bear meat over venison. They considered the meat to taste better, they rendered the fat down to cook with and to waterproof things. All the while venison was mostly used for its buckskin. This recipe is a favorite of ours and a great introduction to bear if you have never tried it.
Read morEEp. 80 | Soulful Series Chapter 1: Gratitude
Ep. 79 | Hunting with an Outfitter with Jordan Lee
Ep. 78 | Face The Storm with Tim Douglas
Ep. 77 | You Can’t Out Give Good with Jeff Forrester
Contact Your Legislators & Get Involved!
By Johnny Mack
In today’s world of nonstop political action and divisiveness, it’s time we as hunters start getting involved more and have our voices heard. If you have never written a letter or called your local legislator to let them know how important hunting, fishing and trapping are to you and your life, then now is the time.
Continue reading “Contact Your Legislators & Get Involved!”Ep. 76 | The Power of Words & Intention with Justin Atherton
Ep. 75 | Building Your Own Custom Rifle with Northland Shooters Supply
Washington Backcountry Placed 3rd!!!
We are excited to announce that Washington Backcountry’s submission into the 2021 Badlands Film Festival was selected as a finalist and placed 3rd!!! If you were not able to watch the live streaming event, you still can by going to badlandsfilmfest.com.
For all of you who want to cut right to the chase and watch our featured film “Soul Seeker” you can do so by going to the Washington Backcountry YouTube channel. While you are there, you can also stay up to date with every episode of The Soulful Hunter Podcast and don’t forget to subscribe as we have a lot of amazing content planned for 2021.

Soul Seeker follows Johnny Mack’s journey of how hunting transformed his life along with how it has the power to transform other’s through primal adventure. His message of “Mentorship is Conservation” is the foundation upon what Washington Backcountry stands for. Being a Soul Seeker is defined by more than just going hunting or squeezing the trigger. It is solidified by the idea that hunting and the experiences associated with it are life transformative.
Just like a spark can be ignited in someone’s soul through their experience, it is OUR job to pass the torch onto others making sure hunting lasts for generations to come. Seeking out new people and getting them started in hunting, while simultaneously building a community of support is the least WE as hunter’s can do to give back to something that has provided so much for us. You cannot out give good and you too can become your own Soul Seeker. #mentorshipisconservation
Instagram: @washington_backcountry Facebook: Washington Backcountry Twitter: @WAbackcountry
Instagram: @thesoulfulhunterpodcast Facebook: The Soulful Hunter Podcast
In collaboration with Revol Entertainment.
www.revolentertainment.com Instagram: @revolentertainment
GEAR REVIEW: Tag Wallet by The Crazy Elk Company
By Johnny Mack
Sometimes in life you don’t realize what you have been missing out on until you experience it first hand and understand the need for it. This was my initial reaction when I came across the Tag Wallet by The Crazy Elk Company. As a newer hunter I was always concerned with how much electrical tape or zip ties I needed to carry with me on a hunt in order to attach my notched tag.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Tag Wallet by The Crazy Elk Company”Ep. 74 | The Journey of a Hunter with Donnie Vincent
Ep. 73 | Take a Stand with Sportsmen’s Alliance
2021 Badlands Film Festival
By Johnny Mack
I’m excited and honored to announce that my film with Washington Backcountry in collaboration with REVOL Entertainment has been selected as a finalist in the Badlands 2021 film fest. You can watch it during the live streaming event on Feb 5th.

JOIN US THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH AT 9 PM EST FOR OUR FIRST LIVE STREAM EVENT OF THE BADLANDS FILM FESTIVAL.
The evening will include:
Hunting films from both professional and amateur filmmakers
Live trophy presentation for feature and short film categories
Prize Giveaway featuring over $15k in prizes
Event should run approximately 2 hours total
Go to the link below to register to win and to watch the film fest.

#soulseeker #mentorshipisconservation #badlandsfilmfestival #badlandsgear #unconditional #hunt
Ep. 72 | Annihilator Broadheads with Micah Brown & Brandon Brodie
Ep. 71 | Mule Deer with Robby Denning
Ep. 70 | Coyote Hunting 101 with Al Morris
GEAR REVIEW: Initial Ascent IA4K Backpack
By Johnny Mack
When it comes to hunting gear, people often talk about a good pair of boots and a comfortable backpack as being the most essential gear to make or break a hunt (besides your weapon of course). After spending several seasons hunting and packing out animals, I was always left with a excruciating pain between my shoulder blades that would eventually beat me down and made me despise the pack I was wearing.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Initial Ascent IA4K Backpack”Hunting 101: Part 6 – Choosing What Species To Hunt
by Johnny Mack
Once you make the decision to start hunting, it is easy to focus on just one animal as your target goal. Before you get locked in to any specific target animal, there are a few things you might want to consider. More often than not, new hunters focus on hunting one target species, rather than the art of hunting itself.
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 6 – Choosing What Species To Hunt”Ep. 69 | Living the American Dream with Tyler Kath
Ep. 68 | Take Control of Your Mind & Life with Thomas Mifsud
Ep. 67 | What’s new with OnX Hunt & Catching Up with Dylan Dowson
Second Focal Plane (SFP) vs First Focal Plane (FFP) – What’s the difference?
By Johnny Mack
If you are new to hunting or shooting and you are in the market for a rifle scope, the amount of options available can be overwhelming at times. Do you go with locking/target turrets, adjustable parallax, what magnification, second focal plane or first etc.? Understanding the differences between second focal plane (sfp) and first focal plane (ffp) rifle scopes is very important.
Continue reading “Second Focal Plane (SFP) vs First Focal Plane (FFP) – What’s the difference?”Ep. 66 | Finding Yourself & Learning to Hunt with Brittany Gaither
Ep. 65 | Untethering Your Soul with Johnny Mack
GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD Gen II
By Johnny Mack
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II is a power house of an optic. Whether you are competing in a PRS match or out in the wild pursing game, this scope has the ability to do it all. With all things in life, there are pros and there are cons. Hopefully this article will help you figure out if this is the right scope for you.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD Gen II”Ep. 64 | Parenting and Hunting with Kate Small
Ep. 63 | Finding the Courage to Mentor with Justin Spruiell
Ep. 62 | The State of the Union with Ryan McMillan
We Need Your Help!
2020 has been a year like none other! At Washington Backcountry and The Soulful Hunter Podcast we believe and stand firmly upon the notion that YOU CAN’T OUT GIVE GOOD. With that being said, the kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital are taking the brunt of this pandemic as visitation and other things have been dramatically affected and cut. One of the biggest things that WE can do as a community to bring light and love to them is by contributing financially. We can circle around and support them during these trying times by contributing money to purchase toys and gifts for the children and to brighten their lives a bit this holiday season.
We sincerely ask that you would find it in your heart and wallet to help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 to buy toys for the children at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Every little bit helps. From a $1 donation to whatever you can afford, you cannot out give good. We also ask that you share this link with your community of friends, family and businesses and let’s create a legacy of love in this world. Thank you and be blessed.
For Tax deduction purposes:
Seattle Children’s Hospital Tax ID #911156519
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE AND SHARE!!

Ep. 61 | Exciting News from Initial Ascent with Dennis Stokes & Kate Small
Ep. 60 | Hunting, Fatherhood & Nutrition – with Kyle Kamp
Ep. 59 | Energy, Connections & Positivity – with DeeAnn Servey
The Longest Two Minutes of Your Life | An Intro Into Waterfowl Hunting
Ep. 58 | Giving Back, Helping Others & Great Stories – with Chris Mann
Ep. 57 | Public Land Etiquette, Unspoken Rules and More – with Paul Servey
Ep. 56 | The Importance of Getting New People Involved – with Will Webber
Ep. 55 | Using Predator Hunting To Recruit New Hunters – with John Bair
Ep. 54 | Learn How To Backpack – with Emory Wanger
Ep. 53 | How To Take Pics & Video In The Field Like A Pro – with Clint Easley of Revol Entertainment
Ep. 52 | Brotherhood of the Traveling Pack – with Steve Opat & Dennis Stokes
Broadhead Review
By Johnny Mack
After spending all winter dreaming about the fall hunting seasons, I started to take inventory of my gear and look into what items I wanted to switch out or try. Broadheads were at the top of my list. Not because I didn’t like the head I was previously using, but because there is an abundance of cool technology and heads to choose from on the market these days.
Continue reading “Broadhead Review”Ep. 51 | Carbon TV, Hunting & More – with Jules McQueen
Ep. 50 | Grayboe Gun Stocks and Hunting – with Ryan McMillan
Ep. 49 | All Things Arrow – with Garrett Weaver
Ep. 48 | 2020 Hunting Season Kickoff – with Johnny & Megan Mack
This Is How I Hunt – No. 41 Dylan Dowson
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special.
Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 41 Dylan Dowson”Ep. 47 | Pursue Your Passions – with Steve Opat
This Is How I Hunt – No. 40 Lauren Hill
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special.
Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 40 Lauren Hill”Ep. 46 | The Legacy We Create – with Todd Bumgardner
Dutch Oven Wild Game Roast
By Weston Alexander
A good pot roast is a staple of many families and definitely one of ours. Households across America have their own recipes that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s the meal that warms our bellies and also our souls. It the center of where we gather for great conversations and to spend quality time with the ones we love. In this recipe I share my take on the pot roast but add my ow twist to it. This recipe is done with a Dutch oven in an open fire.
Read morEGEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor UHD 12×50 Binoculars
By Johnny Mack
In the spring of 2020 I had the privilege of using Vortex Razor UHD 12×50 binoculars on my bear hunt. I was beyond elated to be able to use them while hunting after looking through them at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo. The first time I looked through them I was blown away with the quality of glass. Previously I was using Vortex Razor HD binos and even though those were very good, the UHD’s are hands far better and in a class of their own.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor UHD 12×50 Binoculars”GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD 4000 Rangefinder
By Johnny Mack
This past spring, I had the pleasure of using the Vortex Razor HD 4000 rangefinder on my Washington state spring bear hunt. I was super excited to finally have a rangefinder that matched my binoculars and rifle scope in optical clarity and sharpness. I have used multiple rangefinders in the past only to feel disappointed when trying to range an animal in low light and then not be able to find it.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD 4000 Rangefinder”Ep. 45 | Backcountry Eats – with Seth Adams of Peak Refuel
Ep. 44 | Callin’ Coyotes – with Minor League Predator Control
Ep. 43 | Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors – with Brittany Waldman
COMING SOON: SOUL SEEKERS YOUTUBE SERIES
Back To The Basics of Elk Hunting
Ep. 42 | Let’s Talk Backpacks – with Dennis Stokes of Initial Ascent
This Is How I Hunt – No. 39 Chris Mann
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 39 Chris Mann”
Ep. 41 | Talking Turkeys – with Matt Schmitz
Ep. 40 | Spring Bear Update Weekend 2
Dungeness Crab Stuffed Morel Mushrooms
By Tony Ellersick
On the first weekend of the 2020 spring bear season, we stumbled across a large harvest of morel mushrooms. Knowing that they are prized and still require skill to find, I found it fitting to throw a recipe together for everyone who is looking for a good morel recipe. In this recipe I’m combining land and sea to make an awesome spring time meal or appetizer. Dungeness crab and morel mushrooms pair together so well! Both texture and flavors explode and after making this dish it easily became a favorite combo!
Continue reading “Dungeness Crab Stuffed Morel Mushrooms”This Is How I Hunt – No. 38 Chase Harris
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 38 Chase Harris”
Ep. 39 | The Price is Wrong – with Brian Lynn of Sportmen’s Alliance
Ep. 38 | The Art of Masculinity with Johnny Elsasser
Ep. 37 | Mule Deer Foundation with JJ Hinton & Steve Belinda
Ep. 36 | The Provider Life with Christian Armstrong
Ep. 35 | Spring Bear Update
Ep. 34 | Is Hunting a Right? – with Allen Ernst of SCI
The Soulful Series | Chapter 6 Rob Keating
Ep. 33 | Why You Should Join the Sportsmen’s Alliance – with Brian Lynn
GEAR REVIEW: Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
By Johnny Mack
This last year I decided to try out a fixed blade knife for processing game instead of constantly having to remember to refill my replaceable blades. Once I settled on the Benchmade Altitude, I knew that a fixed blade is only as good as how sharp you keep it. With that in mind, I set off to find a small, lightweight and convenient sharpener that I could trust and rely upon while hunting.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener”Ep. 32 | Blacktail Hunting 101 – with Tom Ryle
Ep. 31 | Fuel The Pursuit – with Ryan Munsey & Mike Lum
3 Reasons To Rethink Your Backpacking Food
By Ryan Munsey & Mike Lum
Continue reading “3 Reasons To Rethink Your Backpacking Food”GEAR REVIEW: Benchmade Altitude Knife
By Johnny Mack
A good knife is something to be valued, and in the words of Benjamin Franklin, “There never was a good knife made of bad steel.” This statement still rings true today and Benchmade delivered when creating the Altitude.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Benchmade Altitude Knife”The Soulful Series | Chapter 5 Clint Easley
Ep. 30 – The Why Series | Chapter 5 – Predator Hunting
First Aid Kits | From your vehicle to the backcountry
By Dennis Deitchman
Being prepared for anything in the backcountry is vital. Whether it is equipment or learned skills, everyone should be prepared with some sort of medical kit. Even if it’s as simple as a couple bandaids (although you really should have a more thought out kit). I have two kits I use. One is for backpacking. It is very small, lightweight, and packs a punch in what it can do for me. The other is for my truck, and smaller outings where weight doesn’t matter.
Continue reading “First Aid Kits | From your vehicle to the backcountry”This Is How I Hunt – No. 37 Steve Opat
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 37 Steve Opat”
Ep. 29 – Bear Hunting 101 with Clay Newcomb
Ep. 28 – Turning Tragedies Into Triumphs with Rudy Nunez of Tactacam
The Soulful Series | Chapter 4 Adam Kunz
Ep. 27 – From Washington to Wisconsin with Mark Boardman of Vortex Optics
Ep. 26 – OnX Hunt with Dylan Dowson
Ep. 25 – The Journey of an Elk Hunter with Jeff Winslow
Ep. 24 – From Bucks to Bears with Shane Vander Giessen
Ep. 23 – Becoming a Hunter with Ian Padron
The Power of Social Media
Johnny Mack of Washington Backcountry recently had the pleasure to talk with Chad Ryker, the host of the Backcountry Rookies Podcast about the power of social media and the influence it can have in today’s society. Give a listen and let us know what you think.
Wild Game Cassoulet
By John Brooks
IG:@jbrooks999
When people think of French food, they think of stuffy, complicated, unsatisfying cuisine: fragile sauces or soufflé that fail with the smallest inattention. This is sometimes true, but what is also true is the countryside in France is full of down to earth hard-working people who cook very good food with what the landscape provides. This recipe is just that. It incorporates waterfowl, some tougher chunks of critter, bacon, and beans. The ingredients in this recipe are less important than the process. Once you get the process down, you can make this dish personal, and use what you have.
Continue reading “Wild Game Cassoulet”Why Societal Pressures Have Created an Aversion to Hunting
by Lou Lou Durant
Society wants to domesticate us.
Think back to when we were little kids. Unburdened by the plagues of everyday life – work, politics, social conflict… That was true, unadulterated freedom.
We were open books before our pages were written on. And, we weren’t the ink that originally wrote our story. It isn’t until we become adults where we truly begin to evaluate the belief systems that we learned as children.
This is all to say that before we had our instincts stifled by omnipotent societal pressures and the melodrama of everyday expectations, we were free.
Continue reading “Why Societal Pressures Have Created an Aversion to Hunting”Ep. 22 – Hunting While Spiritually Intoxicated with Anna Lisa Brashear
Join Us At The Western Hunt & Conservation Expo
Mentorship, Conservation & Primal Adventure
What does the next generation of hunting look like?
February 13-16, 2020 • Salt Palace Convention Center • Salt Lake City
Continue reading “Join Us At The Western Hunt & Conservation Expo”Ep. 21 – The Why Series | Chapter 4 – Legacy
Ep. 20 – From Rookie to Mentor with Jason Grove
Ep. 19 – The Better Half of Hunting
Wild Game Avocado Burger with Rosemary/Sun Dried Tomato Mayo
By Dennis Deitchman
There’s a million burger recipes out there, but this is one of my favorites. It’s more than a plain ol cheeseburger, but not over the top and impossible to eat. For your burger, you are going to want to add fat to it, as most wild game has little to no fat content. You can do this with beef fat, pork fat, lots of oil, or even frozen butter cubes mixed in. I look for about 10% fat in my grinds, and you can even play with your grind and add different cuts to it.
This Is How I Hunt – No. 36 Dan Ness
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 36 Dan Ness”
Ep. 18 – The Healing Power of Hunting with Chad Ryker of Backcountry Rookies
Smoked Elk Meatloaf
Smoked Elk Meatloaf by Weston Alexander
For those of you looking to do something a little different with your ground meat, give this recipe a try. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Continue reading “Smoked Elk Meatloaf”Ep. 17 – The Why Series | Chapter 3 – Mentorship
The Soulful Series | Chapter 3 John Brooks
Ep. 16 – Facing Fears & Getting Dialed In with Josh Kirchner
This Is How I Hunt – No. 35 Clint Easley
by Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 35 Clint Easley”
At least it’ll eat good…
by Johnny Mack
This last weekend I had the blessing of shooting my very first buck. Something that I had waited a very long time for. It was a wonderful late season rifle hunt for whitetail in the upper northeast part of the state of Washington. I was hunting in a game management unit (GMU) that was open for any buck (meaning if it has antlers, it was legal to shoot).
Continue reading “At least it’ll eat good…”A NIGHT TO TALK HUNTING, CONSERVATION & BUILD COMMUNITY
Wild Game Shepherd’s Pie
Wild Game Shepherd’s Pie by Dennis Deitchman
If you find that your ground meat stash just never seems to go down, and you can only handle so many burgers, Shepherd’s Pie is a great recipe to use up some of that bulk game that can feed you and your family for a few days. This is similar to a chili or a stew, where you just throw in whatever ya got. It’s a great hearty meal for whenever the temps start dropping outside as well.
Continue reading “Wild Game Shepherd’s Pie”Ep. 15 – What is Primal Adventure?
The Soulful Series | Chapter 2 Christian “Rev” Armstrong
This Is How I Hunt – No. 34 Paul Servey
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 34 Paul Servey”
The Soulful Series | Chapter 1 Jeremy Sample
Inspiration vs. Motivation
by Johnny Mack
While doing some reflection as to why people choose to hunt, I kept coming back to this concept of motivation vs. inspiration. In a world driven by technology and social media, I wanted to know what are some of the deciding factors people need in order to begin a journey of something new.
Continue reading “Inspiration vs. Motivation”Ep. 14 – The Hunting Narrative with Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins
This Is How I Hunt – No. 33 Rob Keating
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 33 Rob Keating”
Ep. 13 – The Why Series | Chapter 2 – What Is Conservation and Why Do We Need It?
Wild Game Chili Recipe
Wild Game Chili by Dennis Deitchman
One of my favorite meals to cook with wild game is a big ol’ pot of chili. It’s versatile and you can feed a whole family on it for a few days. Plus the longer it sits the better it tastes. Overall, it is very simple to make, as long as you pay attention to a few key points in the process. When choosing a meat to use, you can go a few different ways, but the process stays basically the same. If you want all ground you can do that. If you like yours chunky you can use cubed or stew meat, or a combo of both. It really is whatever you have laying around. For my chili recipe I used ground antelope, and elk breakfast sausage. Let’s get started:
Continue reading “Wild Game Chili Recipe”Ep. 12 – Balancing Purpose with Passion
This Is How I Hunt – No. 32 Dan Stanton
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 32 Dan Stanton”
This Is How I Hunt – No. 31 Derek Depew
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 31 Derek Depew”
Ep. 11 – Recruiting a Non-Hunter with Tucker Stine
This Is How I Hunt – No. 30 Dave Dowty
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 30 Dave Dowty”
Ep. 10 – The Wild’s Call with Jess Patrick
Hunting 101: Part 5 – Packing For Your Adventure
By Johnny Mack
Anytime you leave your vehicle and head off on an adventure, you should always be prepared to answer 2 simple questions. Can you respond positively to an emergency or accident? And can you safely spend a night (or more) outside? Being able to answer those questions can be the difference between life or death.
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 5 – Packing For Your Adventure”This Is How I Hunt – No. 29 Ian Burrow
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 29 Ian Burrow”
Episode 88: East Meets West Podcast | Mentorship is Conservation with Johnny Mack
On episode 88 of the East Meets West Podcast, Johnny Mack joins host Beau Martonik for a interesting and reflective podcast. Rather than talking about tips and tactics, they talk about mentorship, adventure and the deeper meaning to hunting. Johnny ends by talking about his first successful elk hunt after 4 years of trying.
Continue reading “Episode 88: East Meets West Podcast | Mentorship is Conservation with Johnny Mack”Ep. 9 – The Why Series | Chapter 1 – What It Means To Be An Ambassador For Hunting
Ep. 8 – Mentoring and Changing Lives with Jeff Barlow of Nimrod Outdoors
Ep. 7 – Elk Hunting with Sitka Ambassador Dan Ness
Ep. 6 – Waterfowl Hunting 101 with Tommy Sandoz
Ducks, Putts and Pints
Washington Backcountry’s next event is on the books and scheduled for August 11th from noon to 4pm at Flatstick Pub in South Lake Union (609 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109). This event is focused on building community and recruiting new hunters. We are partnering with Ducks Unlimited and the Washington State Department of Wildlife to focus efforts in recruiting new waterfowl hunters but ultimately to get more people involved in hunting and the outdoors. If you have any questions, please reach out and get a hold of us. We look forward to seeing you there!


Ep. 5 – The Power of Purpose with Tim Corcoran
This Is How I Hunt – No. 28 Jeff Barlow
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special.
Ep. 4 – The Why with Jana Waller
Ep. 3 – Powderhook & The Power Of Hunting with Eric Dinger
This Is How I Hunt – No. 27 Jeff Lusk
By Johnny Mack
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special.
A Matter Of Legacy
By Johnny Mack
legacy | ‘legesē | noun:
A thing handed down by a predecessor.
Continue reading “A Matter Of Legacy” This Is How I Hunt – No. 26 Dustin Coy
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why put in so much time, money and effort if percentages do not go in your favor? I know why I do it. I do it because the effort it takes to successfully harvest an animal is unlike any other feeling in life. Because with no risk there can be no reward. It is what makes hunting and harvesting your own meat so special. Continue reading “This Is How I Hunt – No. 26 Dustin Coy”
Mountain Hunter Box
If you are a hunter and active on social media these days, there is a good chance that you might be familiar with subscription boxes focused on providing items specifically tailored to the outdoorsman. Being someone that is very picky when selecting gear for my adventures, I was hesitant to dive in and see what the hype was all about.
Continue reading “Mountain Hunter Box”Ep. 2 – Lessons Learned with Tony Ellersick
This Is How I Hunt – No. 25 Ryan Lampers
Hunting is hard. Flat out. It takes patience, courage, and grit. More often than not you are left with an unfilled tag in your pocket and a long walk back to the truck. So why do it? Why