Tag: Outdoors

This Is How I Hunt – No. 39 Chris Mann

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 38 Chase Harris

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in gear review, Hunting

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Benchmade Altitude Knife

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in gear review, guns, Hunting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 37 Steve Opat

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 36 Dan Ness

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 35 Clint Easley

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 34 Paul Servey

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 33 Rob Keating

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 32 Dan Stanton

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 30 Dave Dowty

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 29 Ian Burrow

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 28 Jeff Barlow

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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. 28 Jeff Barlow” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 27 Jeff Lusk

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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. 27 Jeff Lusk” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 26 Dustin Coy

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 25 Ryan Lampers

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 24 Mark Huelsing

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt – No. 23 Christian Armstrong

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

Hunting 101: Part 4 – Understanding Wind & Thermals

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 22 Chad Ryker

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 21 Travis Greenwood

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

Is Mentorship What’s Missing In Hunting?

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast

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?” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 20 Jon Collins

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 19 Wesley Smith

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 18 Tyler Nelson

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 17 Kyle Kamp

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, nutrition, Outdoors

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 16 Lexi Hokett

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 15 Taren Weigandt

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 14 Josh Kirchner

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 13 Jared Larsen

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, hiking, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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” →

Join us in building community and hear why mentorship is conservation.

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, Shooting

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.” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 12 Garrett Weaver

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast

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” →

Ep. 33 – It’s never too late with Johnny Mack

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors, podcast

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No.11 Tom Ryle

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: MAVEN B.2 11×45 BINOCULARS

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in gear review, guns, hunter, Hunting, Outdoors, Shooting

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.

Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: MAVEN B.2 11×45 BINOCULARS” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 10 Chase Gunnell

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

Mentorship is conservation.

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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.” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 9 Tony Wintrip

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, hunter, Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 8 Jeremiah Doughty

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Hunter’s Blend Coffee

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in coffee, gear review, hunter, Hunting

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.

Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Hunter’s Blend Coffee” →

Hunting 101: Part 2 – How To Find Animals

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, How To, Hunting, Inspiration, Shooting

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” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 7 Andrew McKean

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Crispi Lapponia

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in boots, gear review, hiking, Hunting, Shooting

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.

Continue reading “GEAR REVIEW: Crispi Lapponia” →

This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 6 Beau Martonik

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

Hunting 101: Part 1 – Finding Land To Hunt

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in How To, Hunting, Outdoors

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Vortex Viper PST Gen II

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, Hunting, Shooting

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.

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This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 5 Hannah Kycek

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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.

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This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 4 Jana Waller

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

GEAR REVIEW: Seekins Precision SP-10

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in guns, Hunting, Shooting

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.

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This Is How I Hunt Series – No. 1 Jason M Grove

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

The Use Of Social Media – Meeting Hunting Partners & Building Community

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

Nutrition In The Backcountry – How To Eat For Success

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, nutrition, Outdoors, Uncategorized

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” →

More Than Meets The Eye – Using Scouting As A Recruiting Tool

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →

Hunting Answers The Call To Fulfill Our Need For Spiritual Health

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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.  

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Wellness & Hunting – A Perfect Match

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

By Johnny Mack

Wellness & Hunting

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.

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The Journey Begins

Posted on by Washington Backcountry in Hunting, Inspiration, Motivation, Outdoors

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” →