The Hunt Stealth Podcast

#080 - Brian Call | Elk Hunting for Beginners

I had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Call on The Gritty Podcast at BLK FLG HQ for a conversation about bowhunting, starting later in life, and what hunting has done for me personally. In this episode, Brian and I talk about the story behind The Hunt Stealth Podcast, how my son Jaxon helped pull me into archery hunting, and why I wanted to build a podcast for people who are new to hunting. We also get into the early days of trying to figure out tags, units, gear, and what it feels like to draw back a bow for the first time and realize there’s something different about this pursuit. A big part of the conversation centers around the learning curve of archery hunting. Brian shares years of hard-earned elk hunting knowledge, from reading wind and thermals to understanding how elk move from bedding areas to feeding areas. We talk about why the wind can make or break a hunt, how to identify pockets where the wind behaves consistently, and why mastering those little details can make a hunter far more effective. I also share the story of my first close encounter with a bull elk: a moment where I was drawn back, watching him come through the scrub oak, only to have the wind shift at the last second. I never released an arrow, but that encounter hooked me for life. Brian breaks down why those moments matter so much for new hunters—because they prove that it’s possible. This episode is packed with lessons for anyone trying to become a better bowhunter, especially those grinding through OTC tags, tough country, missed chances, and the frustration of learning by failure. We talk about patience, solo hunting, hunting with friends, building confidence, getting more “at bats,” and why every close call teaches you something. For new hunters, bowhunters, elk hunters, and anyone chasing growth through hard things, this conversation is all about the process: showing up, learning the wind, staying patient, and falling in love with the grind. 5 Key Takeaways Bowhunting gives you purpose beyond the hunt - Ryan talks about how archery and hunting helped him get healthier, stronger, more focused, and more disciplined. Getting close is what hooks you - Ryan’s close encounter with a bull elk proved that success was possible, even without releasing an arrow. That moment made him want to chase elk forever. The wind is everything - Brian breaks down how elk use wind and thermals to survive, and why hunters have to understand wind patterns before making a move. New hunters need more “at bats" - Bowhunting is hard because every encounter teaches a lesson. The more opportunities you get, the faster you learn how animals move, react, and beat you. Patience kills more animals than aggression - The episode highlights the importance of slowing down, watching, waiting, and not blowing up a good spot just because you’re eager to make something happen. Discount Codes: BSN KNG Code: STEALTH - bisonking.com [ www.bisonking.com ] BLK FLG Code: STEALTH - blkflg.com [www.blkflg.com]

#079 - Nate Illingsworth | The Influencers... Influencer

In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Nate Illignsworth for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of hunting, growth, and what it takes to level up in the field. Nate shares his journey, lessons learned through failure, and the mindset required to push through the tough seasons every hunter faces. From strategy and preparation to the mental battles that come with chasing elk in the mountains, this episode dives deep into what separates average hunters from those who consistently find success. This isn’t just about hunting... it’s about discipline, resilience, and becoming the kind of man who doesn’t quit when things get hard. If you’re a new hunter or someone grinding to improve, this episode will hit home. Key Takeaways: 1. Failure is part of the process - The best hunters aren’t the ones who avoid failure, they’re the ones who learn from it faster. 2. You don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of preparation - Success in the field starts long before the hunt. 3. Mental toughness separates hunters - When things go quiet, cold, and frustrating, that’s where most people quit. 4. Consistency beats intensity - Small improvements over time will outperform random bursts of effort. 5. Hunting reveals who you really are - The mountains don’t lie... your mindset and discipline show up real quick. Follow Nate Illingsworth: Instagram: @nate_illingsworth DISCOUNT CODES: BSN KNG - Code: STEALTH 10% OFF BLK FLG - Code: STEALTH 20% OFF Muley Maniacs - Code: STEALTH 20% OFF Sheepfeet - Code: STEALTH 10% OFF

#078 - Kade Maddock | Creators Camp, Coues Deer and Why Most Hunters Fail

In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Kade Maddock of Madd Hunts to talk about growing up in a hunting family, building an outfitting business in Mexico, and the launch of the Creators Camp Collective—a collaboration of hunting creators working together to produce powerful storytelling and brand partnerships in the hunting industry. Kade shares the story of a multi-year mule deer hunt, lessons learned from failure, and how patience, persistence, and boots-on-the-ground scouting ultimately led to success. The conversation also dives into predator management, hunting in Mexico, and why the journey of hunting matters more than the score of the animal. Key Takeaways: * Boots on the ground beats everything. The only way to truly understand an area and its animals is by putting in the miles. * Patience kills more animals than aggression. Rushing stalks or forcing opportunities often leads to blown chances. * Focus creates success. Hyper-focusing on one specific animal can deepen the hunting experience and sharpen your skills. * Predator management matters. Coyotes and other predators can heavily impact deer populations and livestock if left unmanaged. * The journey matters more than the score. The memories, experiences, and time spent hunting often outweigh the final measurement of an animal. Follow Kade Maddock: Instagram: @kademadd_hunts [https://www.instagram.com/kademadd_hunts/] + @madd_hunts [https://www.instagram.com/madd_hunts/] Youtube: @MADDhunts [https://www.youtube.com/@MADDHunts] + @CreatorsCampCollective [https://www.youtube.com/@CreatorsCampCollective] Website: www.maddhunts.com [https://maddhunts.com/]

#077 - Trevor Trifaux | Big Game, Bird Dogs and Mental Toughness

In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with Trevor Trifaux of Compass Grid Labradors to talk about hunting, dog training, and the lessons learned through years in the field. Trevor shares stories from growing up around predator control with his father, getting hooked on bowhunting, and the grind that comes with chasing bears, moose, elk, and deer. They also dive into Trevor’s work breeding and training Labradors, along with his mission to help veterans and first responders get dogs that can support them both in life and in the outdoors. Key Takeaways: * Hunting success comes from time in the field, patience, and learning from failure. * Trevor’s passion for the outdoors was shaped early through hunting and trapping with his father. * Dogs can play a powerful role not just in hunting, but also in supporting veterans and first responders. * Labrador retrievers are incredibly tough, versatile hunting dogs built for harsh conditions and real work. * The hunting lifestyle teaches resilience, adaptability, and respect for both the animals and the process.

#076 - Lee Harrison | Why Most Outdoor Brands Are Marketing Wrong

In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan sits down with Lee Harrison, founder of Spark Media House, to break down the current state of marketing in the hunting and outdoor industry. Lee shares his journey from small-town Colorado athlete to working with powerhouse brands like Kuiu, YETI, Leica, Schnee’s, and Sitka — and how that experience shaped his mission to help small and mid-sized outdoor brands “punch above their weight.” The conversation dives deep into: * Why in-person activations are becoming more powerful than ever * The evolution (and current reality) of social media marketing * Why affiliate marketing isn’t what it used to be * The importance of stacking marketing touchpoints * And how brands can build real loyalty instead of chasing one-time customers Ryan and Lee workshop real-world examples (including BSN KNG) to show how small brands can grow through collaboration, community, and smart execution — not just ad spend. If you’re a hunter, entrepreneur, or outdoor brand builder, this episode is packed with practical strategy you can apply immediately. DISCOUNT CODES: * BSN KNG Code: STEALTH 10% OFF * BLK FLG Code: STEALTH 10% OFF * MULEY MANIACS Code: STEALTH 10% OFF * SHEEPFEET Code: STEALTH 10% OFF