Episode 17: Sitka Gear, Hunting Partnerships & the Systems That Win in the Mountains with John Barklow

Episode 17: Sitka Gear, Hunting Partnerships & the Systems That Win in the Mountains with John Barklow

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Cody O'Reilly interviews John Barklow, who shares his extensive knowledge and experiences in hunting, military training, and personal growth. Barklow discusses his current projects, including his new book 'Knowledge from Storms' and his work with Sitka Gear. The conversation delves into the importance of mental toughness, teamwork, and the value of shared experiences in hunting. Barklow emphasizes the significance of setting immediate goals and the role of quality gear in outdoor success, while also reflecting on the challenges of finding good hunting partners. In this conversation, Cody O'Reilly and John Barklow discuss the essential components of a successful hunting clothing system, innovations in hunting apparel, the future direction of Sitka, the importance of hunting partnerships, and the safety considerations when hunting with others. Barklow outlines the eight essential pieces of clothing for hunters, emphasizing their functionality and adaptability. He also shares insights into upcoming products and the challenges of developing new technologies in hunting gear. The discussion highlights the value of camaraderie in hunting experiences and the necessity of preparedness for safety in the field. In this conversation, John Barklow shares his insights on hunting styles, particularly focusing on elk and whitetail hunting. He discusses his preferred tactics for elk hunting, emphasizing the importance of mobility, efficiency, and learning from experience. Barklow also highlights the significance of setting realistic goals and the value of gaining experience through various hunting opportunities. As he shares his upcoming hunting plans, he expresses a desire to help others succeed in their hunting endeavors.Chapters 00:00Introduction and Current Endeavors 02:54Knowledge from Storms: The Journey of Learning 05:47Military Experience and Mental Toughness 09:08The Importance of Shared Goals in Hunting 11:55The Value of Teamwork and Partnership 15:04Experiences in Solo vs. Group Hunting 17:59The Role of Quality Gear in Outdoor Success 27:09The Eight Piece Clothing System 37:20Innovations in Hunting Apparel 43:30Future of Sitka and Hunting Gear 47:44The Value of Hunting Partnerships 53:19Safety in Numbers: Hunting with a Buddy 58:08Hunting Styles and Preferences 01:01:50Elk Hunting Tactics 01:07:23Strategies for Success in Elk Hunting 01:12:18The Importance of Mobility and Efficiency 01:17:04Learning from Experience and Setting Realistic Goals 01:19:04Upcoming Hunting Plans and Future Aspirations Resources * Knowledge from Storms (Book) [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Knowledge+from+Storms+John+Barklow] * Sika Gear [https://sikagear.com/] * Outdoor Class - Backpack Hunting Course [https://outdoorclass.com/]

Episode 16: Walking with Grizzlies - Jason Matzinger on Bear Recovery, Conservation & Western Hunting

Guest: Jason Matzinger — Host of IntoHigh Country on Sportsman Channel, award‑winning conservation filmmaker, andlifelong Montana hunter. Episode Summary: Cody sits down with JasonMatzinger to talk spring bear season, the explosive rise of grizzlypopulations, and the importance of telling real conservation stories. Jasonshares how he built Into High Country, why he creates long‑form conservationfilms, and what it takes to produce cinematic hunting content in rugged westerncountry. They also dive into the future ofhunting, the responsibility of today’s hunters, and how to pass the torch tothe next generation. 🔥 Key Topics Covered Spring bear hunting in Montana Dry winters, bear movement, andlow sightings Rifle vs. bow for spring bears Jason’s filmmaking origins andearly solo filming Building a professional film crew The purpose behind Project Elk,Mule Deer, Landlocked, Selective New film: Walking With Grizzlies Grizzly bear delisting, populationdata, and conflict Conservation ethics &generational responsibility Filming gear, Canon setups, andfield workflow Hunting solo vs. building a team 🎬 Featured FilmsMentioned Project Elk — How hunting fundsconservation Project Mule Deer — Migrationcorridors & habitat Circle of Life — Governor tags& wildlife funding Project Landlocked — Public landaccess issues Selective — The true meaning oftrophy hunting Walking With Grizzlies — Grizzlyrecovery & delisting 📍 Where to Find Jason Instagram: @jasonmatzinger TV: Into High Country on SportsmanChannel Streaming: MOTV, CarbonTV,Waypoint TV YouTube: Into High Country Episode Timestamps 00:03 — Opening: Bear Hunting inMontana 01:06 — Weather Differences AcrossStates 01:25 — Low Bear Sightings & ABlonde Bear Encounter 02:09 — Archery vs. Rifle forSpring Bears 02:56 — Introducing Jason &Into High Country 03:46 — Busy Spring: Family,Banquets, Sheds, Turkey, Bears 04:41 — Football Talk: MontanaState Bobcats 06:04 — Jason’s Son: Rodeo,Trades, and Future Plans 07:54 — Jason’s Background &What Drives Him 10:05 — Walking With Grizzlies:New Documentary 13:48 — Conservation Values &Passing the Torch 15:19 — Why Grizzlies Must BeDelisted 20:21 — Grizzlies Expanding IntoNew Areas 21:44 — Early Filmmaking Years 24:01 — Building a ProfessionalFilm Crew 26:29 — The Difficulty of Self‑FilmingHunts 28:22 — Camera Gear & FilmingSetup 29:37 — Jason’s Films & TheirPurpose 36:10 — Chasing a Ghost: The GiantBull Elk Film Jason describes the multi‑yearjourney of hunting a legendary bull. 38:36 — What It Takes to Kill aMonarch Bull 43:15 — How to Consistently KillMature Animals 46:48 — Favorite Species to Hunt 48:00 — Elk Tactics: Calling,Water, and Strategy 52:52 — A Wild Story: ThePorcupine Killer 01:00:35 — Upcoming Hunts Nebraska whitetails, Patagonia redstag, and a future desert sheep hunt. 01:03:04 — Solo vs. Hunting WithOthers 01:08:15 — Walking With GrizzliesRelease Plans 01:09:16 — Where to Find Jason’sWork Social media, Sportsman Channel,MOTV, YouTube, CarbonTV, Waypoint.

Episode 15: Elk Bros Breakdown - Real-World Elk Hunting Tips for Better Success in the Field.

Summary Join Cody O'Reilly as he interviews Joe Giglia from Elk Bros about elk hunting strategies, coaching, and the importance of experience and camaraderie in hunting. Discover expert tips on calling, positioning, and building hunting partnerships to improve success in the field. Key topics Elk hunting strategies and coaching Importance of calling and positioning Building effective hunting partnerships Guest name Joe from Elk Bros sound bites "Elk can be just five to ten feet away" "Use calls at the right time for success" "Elk respond to decoys and calls together" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elk Bros and Joe's Passion 04:10 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting 10:01 The Birth of Elk Bros: A Journey of Passion and Loss 18:04 Innovative Teaching Methods in Elk Hunting 24:06 The Walmart Analogy: Finding Elk in the Woods 30:02 Understanding Elk Behavior and Calling Techniques 40:09 The Power of Distress Calls in Elk Hunting 46:12 Elk Behavior and Calling Techniques 51:31 Night and Midday Hunting Strategies 59:59 Elk Bros Coaching and Guided Hunts 01:08:14 The Dynamics of Hunting Partnerships Resources Elk Bros Website - https://elkbros.com Blue Collar Elk Hunting Podcast - https://bluecollarelkhunting.com Guest links Website - https://elkbros.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/elk_bros

Episode 14: Mountain Hunting Fitness - Rucking, Gear & Mental Toughness with Gage Smith.

Summary Join Cody O'Reilly and Gage Smith as they explore the worlds of hunting, mountain training, jiu-jitsu, and personal development. Discover insights on rucking, mental toughness, gear optimization, and building community among hunters and athletes. Topics * Rucking training for mountain hunts * Mental toughness and discipline * Gear optimization and injury prevention * Building community among hunters and athletes * Mastering Mountain Hunting and Fitness: Gage Smith's Journey * From Powerlifting to Elk Hunting: Gage Smith's Story Chapters 00:00The Thrill of the Hunt and Fitness Journey 01:59Jiu Jitsu: A Mental and Physical Challenge 06:14Training for the Mountains: Rucking Regimen 12:17Injury Prevention and Recovery Techniques 14:10The Path to Personal Training 16:06The Rewards of Coaching and Mentorship 20:16Strength Training and Performance 30:17Peptides: The New Frontier in Fitness 37:40Building Partnerships in the Hunting Community 40:09The Joy of Hunting and Personal Achievements 42:47Adapting to Different Hunting Environments 46:47The Mental Challenges of Western Hunting 49:11The Importance of Companionship in Hunting 53:41Finding the Right Hunting Partner 56:32Creating a Supportive Hunting Community 58:39Future Hunting Plans and Aspirations 01:07:11Advice for New Hunters and Training * ⁠⁠Join Team Hunt community⁠⁠ [https://jointeamhunt.com/] * ⁠⁠SmithStrengthSurvival Instagram⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/SmithStrengthSurvival] * ⁠⁠SmithStrengthSystem coaching⁠⁠ [https://smithstrengthsystem.com/] * ⁠⁠Oryx Outdoors⁠⁠ [https://oryxoutdoors.com/] * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/SmithStrengthSurvival] * ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://smithstrengthsystem.com/]

Episode 13: The Future of Western Hunting - Inside Bridger Watch & JoinTeamHunt with Jeremy Gilbertson

Summary Join Cody O'Reilly and Jeremy Gilbertson as they share their journeys from Minnesota to Western mountain hunting, discussing strategies, safety, gear, and the innovative Bridger Watch that is revolutionizing hunting technology. Sound Bites * "Look into overlooked pockets for elk." * "Hunting early and late is crucial." * "Always be in your best spot at dawn." Resources * Bridger Watch [https://bridgerwatch.com/] * Cody Rich's Elk Hunt Podcast [https://theelkhuntpodcast.com/] * The Rich Outdoors Podcast [https://therichoutdoors.com/] * Elk Bros Adventures [https://elkbroshunting.com/] Guest links * Instagram [https://instagram.com/jeremy.gilbertson] * Facebook [https://facebook.com/jeremy.gilbertson] Chapters 00:00From Minnesota to Mountain Hunting: A Shared Journey 03:39The Evolution of a Hunter: Early Experiences and College Adventures 08:10The Transition to Mountain Hunting: Discovering New Challenges 18:39Overcoming Adversity: A Life-Changing Elk Hunting Experience 19:46Living the Dream: Hunting in New Mexico 31:12Guiding and Mentoring: The Elk Bros Experience 36:42Introduction to Bridger Watch 39:03Innovative Features of the Smartwatch 41:29Team Dynamics and Company Culture 44:53Safety in Hunting: The Importance of Companionship 49:06Transitioning from Solo to Team Hunting 52:18The Value of Shared Experiences in Hunting 56:05Join Team Hunt: A New Hunting Community 59:59Skills Development and Learning in Hunting 01:04:01Planning for Upcoming Hunts 01:09:08Conclusion and Future Aspirations