Continue reading “Ep. 162 | The Hunter’s Quest with Hunter McWaters”
Tag: Johnny Mack
Ep. 161 | Spring Bear Preparation with Will Webber
Ep. 160 | Boots are the Foundation of Your Hunt with Stephen & James Lathrop
Ep. 159 | Mentoring, Turkeys & The Crazyelk Company with Ross Sharp
Ep. 158 | Creating Your Own Solution with Shane Wise
Ep. 157 | The District of Conservation with Gabriella Hoffman
Ep. 156 | What To Pack For A Backcountry Bear Hunt with Dennis Stokes
Ep. 155 | Turkey Calling 101 with Travis Arnott
Ep. 154 | A Legacy Continued with Raylene Proto
Ep. 153 | Social Media & Hunting | The Good, The Bad & The Ugly with Will Webber & Johnny Mack
Ep. 152 | Recap of Hunt Expo & Why You Might Want To Go with Will Webber & Johnny Mack
Ep. 151 | A Modern Day Survivalist with Ray Livingston
Ep. 150 | HUXWRX Suppressors and E-Forms with Jeff Davis
Ep. 149 | Hound Hunting For Bears with TJ Pace
Ep. 148 | The Power of Intent While Shooting with Joel Turner
Ep. 147 | Aim Small, Miss Small with Jeff Winslow
Ep. 146 | United We Stand, Divided We Fall with Charles Whitwam
Ep. 145 | Once in a Lifetime with Jana Waller
GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Radian Carbon Tripod
By Johnny Mack
A year ago I night hunted for coyotes standing upright for the very first time off of a tripod. What I found is shooting off a tripod is an absolute game changer unless your tripod falls short in stability or height. The tripod I was using at the time was a perfect mix of lightweight and sturdiness but only from the sitting position. Shortly after that hunt, Vortex Optics released the new Vortex Radian Carbon Tripod and I knew that I needed to get my hands on one to see how it would handle afield.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Radian Carbon Tripod”Ep. 144 | From Faith to Custom Blades Hunting with Rob McKibbin
Ep. 143 | The Art of Nighttime Predator Hunting with Minor League Predator Control
Ep. 142 | Celebrating the Rewilding Success with Jess Caldwell
Ep. 141 | From Hiker To Hunter with Will Webber
Ep. 140 | What sets Kryptek Apart with Butch Whiting
Ep. 139 | Live Trapping Bobcats with Brad McBeain
GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD 12×50 vs. Razor UHD 12×50 Binoculars
By Johnny Mack
Purchasing high quality binoculars is an investment that should not be overlooked and can impact the outcome of your hunt. Over this last year, I had the pleasure of trying out a few different models of Vortex Optics and was able to compare them side by side.
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Razor HD 12×50 vs. Razor UHD 12×50 Binoculars”Ep. 138 | Calling coyotes with Cody Sanchez
Ep. 137 | Become A Better Marksman with Ian Kelbly
Ep. 136 | Wisdom beyond His Years with Samong Yang
Ep. 135 | Don’t lose sight of the task at hand with Johnny Mack
Ep. 134 | Save The Date with Johnny & Megan Mack
GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Carbon Summit II
By Johnny Mack
Looking for a new lightweight carbon tripod? The new Vortex Carbon Summit II might just be the one for you!
Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Carbon Summit II”Ep. 133 | All About Bears with Douglas Boze
Ep. 132 | It starts at the foundation with Joe Elliston
Ep. 131 | Soulful Series: Not Giving Your Energy Away
Watch Season 1 of Soul Seekers NOW
by Johnny Mack
The entire first season of Soul Seekers is now live and streaming on CarbonTV! Soul Seekers follows adult onset hunter, Johnny Mack and friends (Clint and Tony) on their journey to ignite their souls through primal adventure while seeking to transform the lives of others. Leading with the mission of “Mentorship is Conservation” and standing upon the belief that you cannot out give good, there is always something to be learned and shared when hunter recruitment and mentorship are at the forefront of everything.
You can catch every episode for FREE by downloading the carbontv app on ios and android platforms as well as Apple TV, Roku, Firestick, or Google Play stores.
Watch all 9 episodes of Season 1 Now
Ep. 130 | To Make An Impact You Must Reach The Heart with Johnny Mack
Ep. 129 | The Bear Tech with Kolby Morehead
Ep. 128 | All things suppressed with Jeff Davis of OSS suppressors
Ep. 127 | Growing up a hunter with Autumn Stawecki
Ep. 126 | Hunting Sheep in Alaska with Jared Larsen
Ep. 125 | A Deeper Dive Into Taxidermy with Matthew Klope
Ep. 124 | Courage is Contagious with Greg Anderson
Ep. 123 | Let’s Talk Taxidermy with Rick Matthes
Ep. 122 | Elk Calling 101 with Al Morris
Ep. 121 | Seize the Moment & Rise Up with Caleb Stillians
Ep. 120 | Soul Seekers with Two-Shot Tony & Clint Easley
Ep. 119 | Know Your Worth with Hannah Kycek
Ep. 118 | Be The One with Johnny Mack
Ep. 117 | Rewild Yourself with Jess Caldwell
Ep. 116 | What’s Your Why? with Johnny Mack
Ep. 115 | Preseason Scouting with Ian Padron
GEAR REVIEW: Pulsar Thermal Optics
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”Ep. 114 | You Can’t Out Give Good For The Polaske Family Benefit with Shay Butler
Ep. 113 | What you get with an OnX Subscription with Dylan Dowson
Ep. 112 | Setting Goals with Johnny Mack
Ep. 111 | A Higher Level of Accuracy with Ian Kelbly
Ep. 110 | Let Your Yes Be Yes with Johnny Mack
Ep. 109 | Origins of The Crazyelk Company with Ross Sharp
Ep. 108 | The Power of Self Talk with Johnny Mack
Ep. 107 | The In’s & Out’s of Wild Sheep with Andy Kelso
Ep. 106 | Are You Healthy with Johnny Mack
Ep. 105 | Hunting, Conservation & Blood Origins with Robbie Kroger
Ep. 104 | Giving Back with HHA USA with Chris Hamm
Ep. 103 | Wishes For Warriors with Bryan “Bam” Marshall
Ep. 102 | Kenzi’s Story with Mike Burnside
Ep. 101 | From Field To Plate with Jeremiah Doughty
Ep. 100 | What You Do Is Not Who You Are with The Mack Brothers
Ep. 99 | Big Game Hunting 101 with Fred Kloecker
Ep. 98 | Identifying What You Want
Ep. 97 | Advocacy vs. Conservation with Brian Lynn
Ep. 96 | A Day Afield is Better Than None at All
Ep. 95 | Vortex Wear, Hunting and More with Brandon Schroeder
Ep. 94 | Taking Care of Your Soul with Jules McQueen
Ep. 93 | Western Bear Foundation with Joe Kondelis
Ep. 92 | The Dawn of Masculinity
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
Ep. 83 | Turkey Hunting with Travis Arnott
Ep. 82 | Soulful Series Chapter 2: Rest & Recovery
Ep. 81 | Hunter, Father & Conservationist with Jason Matzinger
Ep. 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
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
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
Ep. 47 | Pursue Your Passions – with Steve Opat
Ep. 46 | The Legacy We Create – with Todd Bumgardner
GEAR 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
COMING SOON: SOUL SEEKERS YOUTUBE SERIES
3 Reasons To Rethink Your Backpacking Food
By Ryan Munsey & Mike Lum
Continue reading “3 Reasons To Rethink Your Backpacking Food”Ep. 29 – Bear Hunting 101 with Clay Newcomb
Ep. 28 – Turning Tragedies Into Triumphs with Rudy Nunez of Tactacam
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.
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. 20 – From Rookie to Mentor with Jason Grove
Ep. 19 – The Better Half of Hunting
Ep. 18 – The Healing Power of Hunting with Chad Ryker of Backcountry Rookies
Ep. 16 – Facing Fears & Getting Dialed In with Josh Kirchner
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…”Ep. 15 – What is Primal Adventure?
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. 12 – Balancing Purpose with Passion
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”A Matter Of Legacy
By Johnny Mack
legacy | ‘legesē | noun:
A thing handed down by a predecessor.
Continue reading “A Matter Of Legacy” Ep. 1 – The Beginning Of Primal Adventure
Episode 63 – Backcountry Mentorship with Johnny Mack
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”