Hunting. Recruitment. Mentorship.
By Johnny Mack
If you are a fan of predator hunting, there is no better way to do it than going out at night and leveling the playing field by using thermal optics. If you want to do it right, have a higher chance of success and be able relive your hunt for later enjoyment, then look no further than Pulsar Thermal Optics.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Pulsar Thermal Optics”
By Dennis Deitchman
I have always been pretty physically fit, and what I thought was mentally fit. In reality, I was just being stubborn and completing tasks in hopes of coming out the other side “fixed”. I could not be in the moment. I could not recognize my accomplishments for what they actually were, and never felt like my successes were ever good enough. I didn’t feel as if it was me accomplishing these feats, I always felt as if it were someone else checking these boxes off I had created in my mind. I felt that since I struggled while doing something hard, and there were thoughts of giving up the whole time, that I was unworthy to even mention it. I almost felt ashamed that I would struggle so much on hard hikes, long unsuccessful hunts, or intense workouts. I was always putting myself down, saying I was not good enough, and nitpicking every little thing. Always striving for “perfection” and in my eyes, always falling short.
Continue reading “With No Risk, There Is No Reward”
By Chris Torborg
IG: @chris.torborg
If you are reading this you have repeatedly heard some form of the following statements about wild game:
If you or a loved one has said a form of one of these statements, I have a solution for you – learn proper cooking techniques and the right recipes.
There are three root causes for wild game to not taste good:
1. Improper meat care
2. Overcooking
3. Not cooking it long enough.
This recipe covers braising meat which in turn solves problem #3. When you cook meat low and slow something magical happens, the muscles and connective tissue break down and meld into the flavors you surround them with. This recipe is a fool-proof way to make any wild game taste good enough for anybody to eat. And I mean ANYBODY, mother-in-laws included.
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.
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”
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”
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.
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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!”
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
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In collaboration with Revol Entertainment.
www.revolentertainment.com Instagram: @revolentertainment
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”
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
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”
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”
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?”
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”
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!!
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”
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”
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”
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.
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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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
By Ryan Munsey & Mike Lum
Continue reading “3 Reasons To Rethink Your Backpacking Food”
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”
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”
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”
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.
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”
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”
February 13-16, 2020 • Salt Palace Convention Center • Salt Lake City
Continue reading “Join Us At The Western Hunt & Conservation Expo”
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.
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”
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”
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”
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…”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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!
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.
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.
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. 26 Dustin Coy”
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”
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. 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 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. 24 Mark Huelsing”
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. 23 Christian Armstrong”
By Johnny Mack
Being a successful hunter requires a lot of grit, patience, knowledge and a little bit of luck. One of the ways to build your own luck, is to understand how and why wind and thermals play an important role in the success of your hunt. Luck is often confused with preparation and experience. In part 4 of our Hunting 101 series we are going to cover and explain the importance of wind and thermals while hunting. Applying this information while out in the field will not only help you but also explain why things did not go as planned .
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 4 – Understanding Wind & Thermals”
By Johnny Mack
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Try to take yourself back to your mindset when you were there? Were you nervous? Unsure? Felt lost and maybe even overwhelmed?
Continue reading “A Letter From The Soulful Hunter”
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 Series – No. 22 Chad Ryker”
By Johnny Mack
If you have been following along with our Hunting 101 series, you should now have the knowledge and confidence to find land to hunt on (part 1) as well as be able to find animals (part 2). Part 3 is everything you need to know about the importance of optics and glassing for success. The term “glassing” is an action word to describe the use of binoculars or spotting scopes to look for animals.
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 3 – Optics & Glassing For Success”
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 Series – No. 21 Travis Greenwood”
If you are an old salty veteran or brand new to hunting, you might have heard that hunter numbers have been declining for some time now. Every year that passes, the hunting community loses more hunters than it gains and the trend is not looking good.
Continue reading “Is Mentorship What’s Missing In Hunting?”
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 Series – No. 20 Jon Collins”
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 Series – No. 19 Wesley Smith”
On March 9th, Washington Backcountry hosted one of their social events to build community for anyone who loves to hunt or anyone wanting to learn how. It was a fun evening getting to know everyone and packed with great conversation. One of the highlights of the event was having representation from the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife there to partner with us on our mission to transform lives through primal adventure.
Continue reading “Building Community with Washington Backcountry”
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 Series – No. 18 Tyler Nelson”
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 Series – No. 17 Kyle Kamp”
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 Series – No. 16 Lexi Hokett”
Johnny Mack of Washington Backcountry recently had the pleasure to talk with Chad Ryker, the host of the Backcountry Rookies Podcast about his vision and mission for the hunting community. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Backcountry Rookies Podcast, it was developed to help new hunters learn ideas and hunting tactics, in order to have success in hunting the western states. The podcast can be found on iTunes, Stitcher as well as the Sportmen’s Nation Network.
Continue reading “Backcountry Rookies Podcast Ep. 28 – Mentorship & Recruitment with 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 Series – No. 15 Taren Weigandt”
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 Series – No. 14 Josh Kirchner”
Johnny recently had the pleasure to chat it up with Emory Wanger of the By Land Podcast. The By Land Podcast is focused on better backpacking but breaches a variety of topics that take place in the backcountry. Whether you are a hiker, backpacker, hunter, or nature enthusiast, the By Land Podcast will have something for you. The podcast can be found on iTunes, Stitcher as well as other popular platforms.
Continue reading “Episode 63 – Backcountry Mentorship with 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 Series – No. 13 Jared Larsen”
Whether you are new to hunting or an old crusty veteran, we would love for you to join us on Saturday March 9th at 6:30 pm to talk hunter recruitment, mentorship, share stories and much more. Representation from the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife will be present to engage in conversation as well. If you want to build community and friendships within the hunting community, be sure to attend. Feel free to message us if you have any questions.
Continue reading “Join us in building community and hear why mentorship is conservation.”
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 Series – No. 12 Garrett Weaver”
Recently Johnny had the pleasure of chatting it up with Garrett Weaver of the On Point Podcast. In the episode, Johnny shared his journey of how he got into hunting, his first archery elk hunt, and a lot more.
Continue reading “Ep. 33 – It’s never too late with 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 Series – No.11 Tom Ryle”
By Johnny Mack
If you are in the market for binoculars, spotting scope, or a rifle scope and have not heard of Maven optics, listen up. Maven jumped into the optics market in 2014, and is based out of Lander Wyoming. The company is built upon the idea that optics can be developed without compromise in quality or performance, all without the big box store markup.
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 Series – No. 10 Chase Gunnell”
By Johnny Mack
Washington Backcountry was founded upon the belief that mentorship in all aspects of life is important and needed. Earning your stripes is paramount for reflection and growth. However, sometimes the concept of earning your stripes is put before the teaching and learning process. Continue reading “Mentorship is conservation.”
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 Series – No. 9 Tony Wintrip”
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 Series – No. 8 Jeremiah Doughty”
Do you smell it? The beautiful aroma of delicious fresh coffee being made in the morning. That wonderful sound of coffee dripping down into a pot, or percolating on the stove. These are the sounds that remind us that it is time to focus. That it is time to prepare.
By Johnny Mack
Finding animals to hunt is difficult. I used to believe that if you simply walked into the woods, you would find them. Turns out, that is not the case. Over all my years of backpacking and hiking, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have come across deer, bear or any other game animals while in the wild. Hunting is difficult as proven by harvest statistics every year. In the state of Washington approximately 20% of hunters successfully harvest a buck yearly. To find animals you need to understand the three basic things needed for survival: food, water and shelter. Just like humans, animals would prefer not to travel miles and miles to get each one. If you can narrow it down to all three within a close distance, you are on the right track.
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 2 – How To Find Animals”
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 Series – No. 7 Andrew McKean”
Come join Washington Backcountry to celebrate the 2018 hunting season at Hellbent Brewing Company on December 8th @ 7pm.
Continue reading “COME JOIN US AT THE 2018 SEASON CELEBRATION”
By Johnny Mack
I have spent most of my life in the woods starting with backpacking when I was 7 years old. That first trip was a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail in northern Washington. Growing up I hiked in any pair of available athletic shoes that my mother wouldn’t kill me for ruining. Year after year, hike after hike, were spent stomping around the wilderness with some type of everyday rubber soled average athletic shoe. Although hiking in those shoes proved to be comfortable for the way they fit, they were by no means waterproof, durable or had enough support.
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 Series – No. 6 Beau Martonik”
By Johnny Mack
This last weekend Washington Backcountry had the pleasure of hunting mule deer with a new hunter who reached out to us for some help and guidance. It was the first time that we had the opportunity to practice what we preach when it comes to mentoring new and prospective hunters.
Continue reading “Hunting 101: Part 1 – Finding Land To Hunt”
By Johnny Mack
There is an abundance of optics companies these day all competing for your dollar and loyalty. Vortex Optics is one of those companies and they have developed quite the cult following in recent years. That following was built upon their “VIP” warranty. It states that no matter what happens, your Vortex product will either be fixed or replaced. In the world of hunting, if your optics fail, you are going to have a slim chance of success. Hopefully you will never have to test their warranty, but it is nice to know it is there.
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 Series – No. 5 Hannah Kycek”
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 Series – No. 4 Jana Waller”
By Johnny Mack
Washington Backcountry recently had the pleasure of heading over to Lewiston Idaho to the home of Seekins Precision. If you have never heard of Seekins Precision before, one of the best “freedom manufacturers” in the country, they specialize in rifle and small parts manufacturing.
The 2018 hunting season has been highly anticipated by the team here at Washington Backcountry. August marked the opening of fall bear here in Washington as well as the newest arrival to the Washington Backcountry family. Our team member Tony Ellersick welcomed his first child and baby boy Karsten to the world while team members Wes and Johnny hit the mountains for Wes’s first ever backpack hunt.
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 Series – No. 3 Jeff Winslow”
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 Series – No. 2 Jason Phelps”
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 Series – No. 1 Jason M Grove”
By Johnny Mack
Five years ago I met my best friend and now my wife through the power of the internet and social media. We didn’t know each other growing up nor did we even know of each other’s existence until we met using the free dating app Plenty Of Fish. It was love at first sight and it has been nothing but love ever since. The irony of it as it relates to hunting is, people have no problem using the internet to meet their spouses and significant others, but how many people will not use it to meet hunting partners or build community in the hunting world? Continue reading “The Use Of Social Media – Meeting Hunting Partners & Building Community”
By Johnny Mack
We recently had the pleasure of getting to know and talk with Registered Dietician Kyle Kamp of Valley To Peak Nutrition located in Boise Idaho. Kyle has been featured on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast presented by EXO Mountain Gear (https://exomountaingear.com/124/), and is an amazing person who decided to make a change in his own personal life after realizing how unhealthy he was and the hardships it was causing. Kyle decided to pursue nutrition and exercise to make a change in his own life, and after losing 140 pounds, he chose to become a licensed and registered dietician as a way to inspire and help others on their own journey. Continue reading “Nutrition In The Backcountry – How To Eat For Success”
By Johnny Mack
Summer is here and hunters are in full-blown scouting mode for this coming fall. Welcoming summer brings about velvet antlers, new adventures, and plenty of fresh air as people are looking forward to exploring the different parts of the country. As hunters are hitting the hills, there is another group of outdoor public land enthusiasts gearing up to do the same. Continue reading “More Than Meets The Eye – Using Scouting As A Recruiting Tool”
By Johnny Mack
Have you ever been questioned about your passion or obsession with hunting? How about being told that all you focus on or talk about is hunting and chasing animals. My wife hounds me nonstop about how it is always on my mind and preoccupies my thoughts. She says it is the best worst thing to happen to me and our family. It might be sad to say, but I can’t help it. Fulfilling my innermost primordial call to hunt and be wild is at the core of my existence, and hunting answers that call.
Continue reading “Hunting Answers The Call To Fulfill Our Need For Spiritual Health”
By Johnny Mack
How much thought do you put into health and wellness? Do you prepare every off season for your next adventure or does your health ebb and flow like the ocean tide depending on what you have planned? The term “wellness” is synonymous with health, and is a common word that most people would be able to understand or describe. Yet even with it being common, it is not something that is used in everyday language nor do people truly understand the full breadth of its meaning. Wellness is something that most hunters would associate with exercise and healthy eating, and for the most part, that is true. However there is so much more to the term than what the general public probably knows.
Thanks for joining me!
Who we are: Washington Backcountry came about out of an idea born in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Hunting and the outdoors are not just a passion but also a way of life for us. We strive to be ambassadors for the hunting and outdoor community, while serving as a resource for those who are unsure about where to start. Continue reading “The Journey Begins”