How to Actually Kill Big Mule Deer: Travis Nowotny

How to Actually Kill Big Mule Deer: Travis Nowotny

Got questions? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507915/fan_mail/new] What separates hunters who occasionally get lucky from hunters who consistently find and kill mature mule deer year after year? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young and Dennis sit down with Idaho bowhunter Travis Nowotny to dive deep into the mindset, scouting strategies, and stalking tactics that have helped him become one of the most respected mule deer hunters in the West. From summer scouting and locating target bucks to closing the final yards on a mature deer, Travis shares decades of hard-earned lessons from chasing giant bucks on public land. The conversation goes far beyond hunting tactics. Travis opens up about balancing family, business ownership, and an obsession with hunting while building a life that allows him to pursue what matters most. He also shares one of the most powerful lessons he's learned after years of chasing mature bucks: "You can't kill the buck if you don't try." In This Episode: How Travis scouts for mature mule deer Finding target bucks before season opens Spot-and-stalk tactics for open-country mule deer Wind, thermals, and closing the final distance Why confidence kills more bucks than gear Lessons learned from decades of bowhunting Balancing family, business, and hunting The mistakes that cost hunters opportunities on giant deer If you're preparing for mule deer season, looking to become a more effective bowhunter, or simply enjoy hearing from hunters who consistently get it done, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you can apply this fall. GOAT KNIVES 4TH OF JULY SALE Travis is also the founder of Goat Knives, a company built around creating lightweight, purpose-built knives for serious hunters. For a limited time, Goat Knives is offering 15% OFF sitewide through July 4th, making it a great time to upgrade your hunting kit before the season. Check them out: GoatKnives.com Follow Travis: @travisnowotny Mountain Dude Podcast Hosted by Chris Young Faith. Family. Hunting. Becoming better in the mountains and in life. #MountainDudePodcast #TravisNowotny #MuleDeerHunting #Bowhunting #PublicLandHunter #WesternHunting #ArcheryHunting #BigBuckHunting #SpotAndStalk #BackcountryHunting #GoatKnives #HuntingPodcast #MuleDeer #IdahoHunting #ChrisYoung Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ [https://initialascent.com/] Want to watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]: Click here [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/?hl=en] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/initialascentpack/]

The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury

Got questions? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507915/fan_mail/new] If you've watched hunting films featuring Brady Miller, Brian Call, Nate Simmons, John Gabrio, or projects produced alongside some of the biggest names in western hunting, there's a good chance you've already seen Luke Dusenbury's work. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with one of the most respected storytellers behind the camera in the hunting industry. Luke shares how a devastating college baseball injury led him to photography, what he's learned after spending nearly 100 days a year in the field, and the unique perspective he's gained by filming some of the best hunters in the country. The conversation dives into storytelling, backcountry hunting, faith, purpose, entrepreneurship, and the moments that have shaped Luke's career. The episode also explores another major setback that nearly ended his hunting season, how that experience changed his perspective, and why it ultimately inspired the creation of Vessol—a new lightweight power solution built specifically for hunters, filmmakers, and backcountry adventurers. Whether you're passionate about hunting, content creation, business, or faith, this episode is packed with lessons on perseverance, purpose, and trusting God's plan. Topics Covered: Filming hunts professionally Lessons from top western hunters Backcountry storytelling and cinematography Recovering from a major injury Entrepreneurship and product development The story behind Vessol Faith and purpose in difficult seasons What makes a hunting film memorable Check out Initial Ascent Packs: Initial Ascent Follow Luke: Luke Dusenbury Photography Follow Vessol: Vessol This is the Mountain Dude Podcast, where we climb higher together. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ [https://initialascent.com/] Want to watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]: Click here [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/?hl=en] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/initialascentpack/]

Why They Started Filming Their Hunts and Never Stopped: Mtn2Mtn Media

Got questions? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507915/fan_mail/new] On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with the crew behind Mtn2Mtn Media to talk about the passion, purpose, and chaos behind documenting life in the backcountry. From filming hunts with family and friends to building a growing llama packing operation, this episode dives deep into what it really means to pursue adventure while staying grounded in the things that matter most. We talk spring bear hunting, backcountry filmmaking, balancing hunting with family life, the importance of slowing down and enjoying the experience, and how storytelling can inspire the next generation of hunters. The guys also break down their unique llama setup for extended backpack hunts, the realities of filming DIY hunts, and why camaraderie in the mountains matters more than punching a tag. If you love authentic hunting stories, backcountry adventure, and conversations about purpose, grit, and preserving the hunting lifestyle, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Check out Mtn2Mtn Media: Instagram & YouTube: Mtn2Mtn Media This episode is presented by Initial Ascent Built for hunters who demand comfort under heavy loads, Initial Ascent pack systems are designed to help you go farther, stay longer, and carry heavy loads more comfortably. Shop Initial Ascent Packs & Gear: Initial Ascent Pack Systems Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with hunters, outdoorsmen, and people who are driven to climb higher together. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ [https://initialascent.com/] Want to watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]: Click here [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/?hl=en] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/initialascentpack/]

The Battle Every Hunting Father Understands | Kevin Guillen

Got questions? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507915/fan_mail/new] What happens when fatherhood, business, fitness, and western hunting all collide? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Kevin Guillen from Wilderness Athlete to talk about the deeper side of hunting, balancing family and ambition, and why the wilderness still calls men to do hard things. Kevin shares his journey from growing up hunting ducks in California, working for Fish & Game, and eventually helping rebuild Wilderness Athlete from the ground up alongside his wife and team. The conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, intentional living, physical fitness, fatherhood, and the reality of balancing adventure with responsibilities at home. This episode goes far beyond hunting stories. It’s about purpose, discipline, gratitude, and becoming the kind of man your family can look up to. Topics in this episode: Building Wilderness Athlete Entrepreneurship in the hunting industry Fatherhood and balancing hunting with family life Western hunting culture Fitness and longevity for hunters Backpack hunting lessons The truth about social media hunting success Why obstacles create growth Staying mentally and physically sharp Intentionality in life and the outdoors Follow Kevin & the brands: Wilderness Athlete Western Hunter Magazine If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder to keep climbing higher. #MountainDudePodcast #WildernessAthlete #WesternHunter #BackcountryHunting #Fatherhood #HuntingPodcast #ElkHunting #Entrepreneurship #Fitness #MountainDude Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ [https://initialascent.com/] Want to watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]: Click here [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/?hl=en] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/initialascentpack/]

From American Idol to Backcountry Elk Hunting | Sean Curtis

Got questions? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507915/fan_mail/new] On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris sits down with Sean Curtis for one of the most honest and grounded conversations we’ve had on the show yet. Sean shares his journey from growing up in Wyoming and teaching himself how to hunt, to playing college baseball, competing on American Idol, and touring as a country musician for nearly a decade before ultimately walking away from the road life to focus on faith, family, and the mountains. The guys dive deep into: learning elk hunting through failure solo hunting and what it teaches you about yourself why elk hunting becomes an obsession balancing ambition with fatherhood the importance of time with your family finding purpose beyond success how modern hunters are adapting to increasingly educated elk Sean also opens up about the moment he realized he was watching his kids grow up through FaceTime calls from the road, and why he canceled an entire tour schedule to come home and be present with his family. If you’re passionate about western hunting, archery elk hunting, fatherhood, faith, and becoming a better man both on and off the mountain, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Check out Sean here: Instagram: @sean307curtis If you’re looking for a backcountry hunting pack system built for serious mountain hunters, check out the IA5K, the Scout, and the rest of the lineup at: Initial Ascent Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ [https://initialascent.com/] Want to watch the episode on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]: Click here [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtuBjj0frhbOPxo2sYhqngh0iZbS0HB0b&si=SnYDRlx3RyhFNfi1]. Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/initialascent/?hl=en] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/initialascentpack/]