Welcome back to another episode of Cutting the Distance. Today, I'm joined by my good buddies with cul Timber Productions, Bryant Sentmon and Corey Toombs. Welcome to the show, guys.

Welcome back to another episode of Cutting the Distance. Today, I'm joined by my good buddies with cul Timber Productions, Bryant Sentmon and Corey Toombs. Welcome to the show, guys.

Thanks Jeb absolutely yeah, thanks for having us.

Thanks Jeb absolutely yeah, thanks for having us.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I don't know how far back, you know, our relationship goes. I think it was probably at the Pacific Northwest Sportsman Show, you know, us in our booth, you guys walking by, and I think you know about that, you know, I don't know what was it seven eight years ago you guys started. Is that correct? Is that timeline correct about when you guys started it is?

And I don't know how far back, you know, our relationship goes. I think it was probably at the Pacific Northwest Sportsman Show, you know, us in our booth, you guys walking by, and I think you know about that, you know, I don't know what was it seven eight years ago you guys started. Is that correct? Is that timeline correct about when you guys started it is?

Yeah, I think when we started this you were one of the first partners we started speaking with and that was twenty seventeen. So we had started talking to you a couple of years before that, hunting around the Pacific Northwest here. But in terms of Haul Timber origination, around twenty seventeen is when we started.

Yeah, I think when we started this you were one of the first partners we started speaking with and that was twenty seventeen. So we had started talking to you a couple of years before that, hunting around the Pacific Northwest here. But in terms of Haul Timber origination, around twenty seventeen is when we started.

Yep, yep. And you know, I like to say I've got a knack for when you talk to somebody, you know who they are. They're good guys, they're good hunters, and so like I was, you know, drawn to you guys, wanted to work with you, and you know, fast forward to twenty twenty four, twenty twenty five, you guys, you know, a successful Elk Obsession project which we've been able to be a part of and collab on that, which we're going to get to more more later. But yeah, you guys do it right. You guys are successful and like you know, I can't wait to kind of explain the Elk Obsession story and where the project came from and what it's all about.

Yep, yep. And you know, I like to say I've got a knack for when you talk to somebody, you know who they are. They're good guys, they're good hunters, and so like I was, you know, drawn to you guys, wanted to work with you, and you know, fast forward to twenty twenty four, twenty twenty five, you guys, you know, a successful Elk Obsession project which we've been able to be a part of and collab on that, which we're going to get to more more later. But yeah, you guys do it right. You guys are successful and like you know, I can't wait to kind of explain the Elk Obsession story and where the project came from and what it's all about.

Yeah, well, thank you. And I think a nice thing is having in common with you hunting here in the Pacific Northwest. It seems like when you cut your teeth here, you know, you can find success kind of wherever you go. At least that's what we like to tell ourselves.

Yeah, well, thank you. And I think a nice thing is having in common with you hunting here in the Pacific Northwest. It seems like when you cut your teeth here, you know, you can find success kind of wherever you go. At least that's what we like to tell ourselves.

So yeah, yeah, it's true. And in every I've got to imagine more of our listeners aren't from Washington and Oregon, So I'm probably gonna make more people upset than I am. Like, agree with me, but we've seen it a lot right where guys from here. If you're a if you're a quote unquote killer around home, you're gonna be good wherever you go. Now, we've taken lots of guys that, you know, celebrity hunters or very successful hunters show up here on the coast and they're like, oh, we didn't have any success. I'm not saying it's true, not saying it always works that way, but I'm I'm pretty confident that a coastal Roosevelt elk killer can go anywhere in the world and be good.

So yeah, yeah, it's true. And in every I've got to imagine more of our listeners aren't from Washington and Oregon, So I'm probably gonna make more people upset than I am. Like, agree with me, but we've seen it a lot right where guys from here. If you're a if you're a quote unquote killer around home, you're gonna be good wherever you go. Now, we've taken lots of guys that, you know, celebrity hunters or very successful hunters show up here on the coast and they're like, oh, we didn't have any success. I'm not saying it's true, not saying it always works that way, but I'm I'm pretty confident that a coastal Roosevelt elk killer can go anywhere in the world and be good.

You understand the struggle.

You understand the struggle.

Yep, yep, Yeah, it's it's uh when you cut your teeth here, they're they're razor sharp. I guess when you when you go out to the rest of the world the elk hunt.

Yep, yep, Yeah, it's it's uh when you cut your teeth here, they're they're razor sharp. I guess when you when you go out to the rest of the world the elk hunt.

Yeah, I would agree. I mean, when it comes to pressure and thick country and places that people don't want to elk elk hunt, and quiet elk on top of that, you know, you find ways to be consistently successful in that environment. Yeah. The eye openers when you start going somewhere else where you can see elk and they view a lot.

Yeah, I would agree. I mean, when it comes to pressure and thick country and places that people don't want to elk elk hunt, and quiet elk on top of that, you know, you find ways to be consistently successful in that environment. Yeah. The eye openers when you start going somewhere else where you can see elk and they view a lot.

So yeah, yeah, and uh Now I feel like though you know, we got I feel like I grew up in the heydays maybe or like just right on the edge of the heyday's kind of declining, where it was like it was as good as it got like I don't want to say it was easy, but even for Roosevelt, like it was some of the spots we hunted were pretty dang easy. Now it's you know, it's like video games when you're a kid, Like you could beat the game on like beginner level, right, but then you crank it up the expert and you can't get Like now, it's like hunting on level expert around home, Like if you're consistently killing elk, like I I trust you can kill elk, you know, even more so anywhere because we just don't have near the elk we did just you know, fifteen to twenty years ago.

So yeah, yeah, and uh Now I feel like though you know, we got I feel like I grew up in the heydays maybe or like just right on the edge of the heyday's kind of declining, where it was like it was as good as it got like I don't want to say it was easy, but even for Roosevelt, like it was some of the spots we hunted were pretty dang easy. Now it's you know, it's like video games when you're a kid, Like you could beat the game on like beginner level, right, but then you crank it up the expert and you can't get Like now, it's like hunting on level expert around home, Like if you're consistently killing elk, like I I trust you can kill elk, you know, even more so anywhere because we just don't have near the elk we did just you know, fifteen to twenty years ago.

Yeah. I think one thing to note is Brian and I really got into elk hunting and jumped deep in the deep end probably ten maybe twelve years ago. So we don't know what the heyday was, so we don't know any better. Yeah, like we just we just this is going to be the struggle. This is what it takes, and we weren't spoiled. So in that regard, it sounds like, but yeah, we don't we don't know what that heyday look like, and uh, spin time in the woods and make it happen.

Yeah. I think one thing to note is Brian and I really got into elk hunting and jumped deep in the deep end probably ten maybe twelve years ago. So we don't know what the heyday was, so we don't know any better. Yeah, like we just we just this is going to be the struggle. This is what it takes, and we weren't spoiled. So in that regard, it sounds like, but yeah, we don't we don't know what that heyday look like, and uh, spin time in the woods and make it happen.

Yep, yeah, and you could. I think most hunters, if you get after, you're gonna have opportunities. Still, yeah, it's not as many opportunities as we did. You might not get four or five shot opportunities, but you're probably gonna get your one or two if you hunt hard and and and do it right. So yeah, that's uh, we're gonna roll in. So usually we do like two to three like hand fed questions here, but we're gonna start off with some just absolutely random questions. And I'm curious to see your guys's reasoning. And I didn't give these guys these questions before. So you have to think on the fly. If you had to pick one animal that was your hunting guide for a season, what animal would that be? And why?

Yep, yeah, and you could. I think most hunters, if you get after, you're gonna have opportunities. Still, yeah, it's not as many opportunities as we did. You might not get four or five shot opportunities, but you're probably gonna get your one or two if you hunt hard and and and do it right. So yeah, that's uh, we're gonna roll in. So usually we do like two to three like hand fed questions here, but we're gonna start off with some just absolutely random questions. And I'm curious to see your guys's reasoning. And I didn't give these guys these questions before. So you have to think on the fly. If you had to pick one animal that was your hunting guide for a season, what animal would that be? And why?

Well?

Well?

I know, I'm I'm picking a pack of wolves because they do the most damage on elk, right, So yeah, I think that's gonna be my pick.

I know, I'm I'm picking a pack of wolves because they do the most damage on elk, right, So yeah, I think that's gonna be my pick.

All Uh, it was gonna be wolves or a mountain lion, So I'll take a mountain non.

All Uh, it was gonna be wolves or a mountain lion, So I'll take a mountain non.

Yeah, that's right. When my head was out when I first read the question, I'm like, what would what would I I pick? But it's got to be wolves, right, The most efficient you know, killer out in the mountains, and if you're a cougar hunting by yourself, you might be just aspective as a wolf. So I think those are probably the top two.

Yeah, that's right. When my head was out when I first read the question, I'm like, what would what would I I pick? But it's got to be wolves, right, The most efficient you know, killer out in the mountains, and if you're a cougar hunting by yourself, you might be just aspective as a wolf. So I think those are probably the top two.

Yeah, and if you like to call in bulls, you know you want to be vocal. We're not going to sneak around like a mountain lion.

Yeah, and if you like to call in bulls, you know you want to be vocal. We're not going to sneak around like a mountain lion.

So yeah, yeah, yeah, you can howl and like direct the pack and be a little bit of a strategist if you're.

So yeah, yeah, yeah, you can howl and like direct the pack and be a little bit of a strategist if you're.

A wolf, that's right.

A wolf, that's right.

Uh, what's the weirdest or most unexpected things you guys have ever found in the woods or saw in the woods?

Uh, what's the weirdest or most unexpected things you guys have ever found in the woods or saw in the woods?

Hmmm.

Hmmm.

Brian and I were on the coast one year and uh, we you have to remind me on the music, but we were sleeping in the back of the truck, just wanted to be there bright and early and uh, hunting roosevelts. I think Bryant had the tag. And it's probably two in the morning and we're in the middle of nowhere and all of a sudden, this truck comes flying in like speakers blaring.

Brian and I were on the coast one year and uh, we you have to remind me on the music, but we were sleeping in the back of the truck, just wanted to be there bright and early and uh, hunting roosevelts. I think Bryant had the tag. And it's probably two in the morning and we're in the middle of nowhere and all of a sudden, this truck comes flying in like speakers blaring.

It was like metal right, yeah, total tweaker status for sure, and.

It was like metal right, yeah, total tweaker status for sure, and.

We were like, are we gonna have to get out? And like we got the handguns there, like what's going on? And they were like shouting and yelling and screaming at each other and we're like what, Like I thought I got away from the city. But yeah, it was definitely a surprise right before opening day with the at two in the morning.

We were like, are we gonna have to get out? And like we got the handguns there, like what's going on? And they were like shouting and yelling and screaming at each other and we're like what, Like I thought I got away from the city. But yeah, it was definitely a surprise right before opening day with the at two in the morning.

Just somebody miss going to party in the woods or pretty much.

Just somebody miss going to party in the woods or pretty much.

Yeah, yeah, picking the same dead end road we did. And yeah, and as hard as it is to sleep, you know, prior to like going out El Cunning, you're all amped up, you're excited, you're crammed into the back of a truck, and then you have that going on for four hours in the middle of the night. It really really was awesome.

Yeah, yeah, picking the same dead end road we did. And yeah, and as hard as it is to sleep, you know, prior to like going out El Cunning, you're all amped up, you're excited, you're crammed into the back of a truck, and then you have that going on for four hours in the middle of the night. It really really was awesome.

Yeah yeah, yeah, really helped makes you make sure you're your best on an opening day there. That's right mine, I'll share mine a little bit. And I'm like anti alien, like anti all of this stuff. Right now. I was hunt down by Riodoso, which is close to you know, quote unquote Alien country. All the weird stuff that down there and uh still unidentified, like red and orange glowing thing above me that would like light up the ground almost like a lightning bolt. As I was walking out at night, I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't there. I still don't necessarily know what it was, if it was a drone or like more of like a military type drone, but something I have no idea what it was, and it was. It kind of freaked me out, and I just stopped looking at it and thought if I didn't look at it, that it wasn't there. But it made you know those little like ground flower fireworks that like they sit and make those little triangles on the ground. It had a noise like that as well. So that's when I first spotted it. And then as I was walking, it like lightning flashes of light, you know, I didn't catch them, but then when you'd look up, it was like six to eight like green or orange lights, and I'm just like, man, that's I don't like this stuff. I don't believe in that sort of like I don't I'm not necessarily you know, but it definitely bothered me the rest of the walk out.

Yeah yeah, yeah, really helped makes you make sure you're your best on an opening day there. That's right mine, I'll share mine a little bit. And I'm like anti alien, like anti all of this stuff. Right now. I was hunt down by Riodoso, which is close to you know, quote unquote Alien country. All the weird stuff that down there and uh still unidentified, like red and orange glowing thing above me that would like light up the ground almost like a lightning bolt. As I was walking out at night, I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't there. I still don't necessarily know what it was, if it was a drone or like more of like a military type drone, but something I have no idea what it was, and it was. It kind of freaked me out, and I just stopped looking at it and thought if I didn't look at it, that it wasn't there. But it made you know those little like ground flower fireworks that like they sit and make those little triangles on the ground. It had a noise like that as well. So that's when I first spotted it. And then as I was walking, it like lightning flashes of light, you know, I didn't catch them, but then when you'd look up, it was like six to eight like green or orange lights, and I'm just like, man, that's I don't like this stuff. I don't believe in that sort of like I don't I'm not necessarily you know, but it definitely bothered me the rest of the walk out.

So, uh, yeah, I can see why you wouldn't want to stare at that. Then you might they might have to do the men in Black thing where they put the pen out. Yeah, and then you can't remember what you saw.

So, uh, yeah, I can see why you wouldn't want to stare at that. Then you might they might have to do the men in Black thing where they put the pen out. Yeah, and then you can't remember what you saw.

I guess Roswell was the talent. Let's so you like between Riodoso and Roswell, right, and so it's like the area that supposedly has most of that activity in the light work.

I guess Roswell was the talent. Let's so you like between Riodoso and Roswell, right, and so it's like the area that supposedly has most of that activity in the light work.

There's got any chances? Yeah, what are What are the chances though, that all the sightings happen in that same area?

There's got any chances? Yeah, what are What are the chances though, that all the sightings happen in that same area?

You know?

You know?

That's something funny?

That's something funny?

Yeah, all right. If you guys could swap lives with any historical hunting figure for a week, who would it be?

Yeah, all right. If you guys could swap lives with any historical hunting figure for a week, who would it be?

WHOA Uh, I'm gonna go with Jim Shockey. I think that's just one that growing up watching the Outdoor Channel and just thinking about all the adventures and everything that he's seen, like culture and places and different animals, and I mean all the way down to all the food that he tries, and I think, uh just I mean even just to sit down with him and listen to stories would be a kick. So I think that's one that came to mind for me.

WHOA Uh, I'm gonna go with Jim Shockey. I think that's just one that growing up watching the Outdoor Channel and just thinking about all the adventures and everything that he's seen, like culture and places and different animals, and I mean all the way down to all the food that he tries, and I think, uh just I mean even just to sit down with him and listen to stories would be a kick. So I think that's one that came to mind for me.

Yep, Yeah, that's a good one. Let's see, man, I'm not much of a history buff, so, but I think he's a few years older than me. I might have to just go with Remy. You know, Remy's a guy that's been in the Elkwood's probably more than anyone I can think of, and the variety of being able to guide hunters go out get it done with a traditional bow, a compound. Yeah, that's that's probably you know, someone that I would like to spend a few hunting seasons in their shoes.

Yep, Yeah, that's a good one. Let's see, man, I'm not much of a history buff, so, but I think he's a few years older than me. I might have to just go with Remy. You know, Remy's a guy that's been in the Elkwood's probably more than anyone I can think of, and the variety of being able to guide hunters go out get it done with a traditional bow, a compound. Yeah, that's that's probably you know, someone that I would like to spend a few hunting seasons in their shoes.

Yeah. Yeah. I thought about this question as I was getting it all laid out, and I'm like Gordon Eastman was one because he kind of started the whole camera thing and got to hunt some really cool stuff, you know, stone sheep, doll sheep, all of that. And then like of course Fred Behar, you know, he kind of got to hunt in the heydays. So it's like I was taking like one of those two, like turn it back a little bit more, Yeah, just to see what it was like back then. I really like Gordon Eastman's story of like he started this whole like filming the hunt, you know, way back in the day where he had to carry the thirty pound camera round and I can only imagine like battery management and stuff that we have to deal with now, Like how does he deal with that on a on a true wilderness type hunt.

Yeah. Yeah. I thought about this question as I was getting it all laid out, and I'm like Gordon Eastman was one because he kind of started the whole camera thing and got to hunt some really cool stuff, you know, stone sheep, doll sheep, all of that. And then like of course Fred Behar, you know, he kind of got to hunt in the heydays. So it's like I was taking like one of those two, like turn it back a little bit more, Yeah, just to see what it was like back then. I really like Gordon Eastman's story of like he started this whole like filming the hunt, you know, way back in the day where he had to carry the thirty pound camera round and I can only imagine like battery management and stuff that we have to deal with now, Like how does he deal with that on a on a true wilderness type hunt.

We're complaining about a handheld camquarder that weighs like two pounds, and these little batteries and they had a big old tripod and a probably twenty pound camera.

We're complaining about a handheld camquarder that weighs like two pounds, and these little batteries and they had a big old tripod and a probably twenty pound camera.

Yep, yeah, yeah, it's uh yeah, first world problems I guess that we've got now.

Yep, yeah, yeah, it's uh yeah, first world problems I guess that we've got now.

Yeah, you're right, Fred Bear with the you know, traditional archery story would be pretty awesome too.

Yeah, you're right, Fred Bear with the you know, traditional archery story would be pretty awesome too.

Yeah, yeah, I know what your guys answer to this one. I think I know what your answer is. If you can only hunt one species for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Yeah, yeah, I know what your guys answer to this one. I think I know what your answer is. If you can only hunt one species for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Yeah, that's a lock.

Yeah, that's a lock.

Yep, it would be elk for me, that's for sure.

Yep, it would be elk for me, that's for sure.

Yeah. I did notice that Corey does have a deer tag in his pocket this year, which we'll talk a little bit more about. I love elk. I would still pick elk, but meal deer is a close second for me. I just I love it. I know you can't call him in, I know you don't get to interact with him, but I love like it's a different chess match, right, we always call elk hunting and calling a chess match where meal deer is just different. It's a different game. And yeah, I love I love meal deer hunting as well. But if I had to pick, it would be olk if you had to pick, if you had if you two had to trade each other out for a different hunting partner, a nowadays celebrity hunting partner, who would it be? And why.

Yeah. I did notice that Corey does have a deer tag in his pocket this year, which we'll talk a little bit more about. I love elk. I would still pick elk, but meal deer is a close second for me. I just I love it. I know you can't call him in, I know you don't get to interact with him, but I love like it's a different chess match, right, we always call elk hunting and calling a chess match where meal deer is just different. It's a different game. And yeah, I love I love meal deer hunting as well. But if I had to pick, it would be olk if you had to pick, if you had if you two had to trade each other out for a different hunting partner, a nowadays celebrity hunting partner, who would it be? And why.

We won't pick you or Dirk to make it even okay? So uh, I mean I'm probably gonna steal Bryant. Uh that he just mentioned. Remy is someone I also admire just everything that Bryant highlighted. I think as a guide as a d I y solo hunting and getting it on camera like all the above, and then across the board on weapon choices. So I think it would just be uh. And he seems to even though he's very serious, he seems to be take it easy and have fun at the same time.

We won't pick you or Dirk to make it even okay? So uh, I mean I'm probably gonna steal Bryant. Uh that he just mentioned. Remy is someone I also admire just everything that Bryant highlighted. I think as a guide as a d I y solo hunting and getting it on camera like all the above, and then across the board on weapon choices. So I think it would just be uh. And he seems to even though he's very serious, he seems to be take it easy and have fun at the same time.

So yeah, and I would probably have to go with Ryan Lampers. Yeah, although my wife might wonder why I disappeared for three weeks when I told her I'd be back in two. But yeah, just the the skill set of being able to stick it out and have a target animal in mind, you know, it's just to yeah, and have the willingness to look over an area and really find that mature animal that you want and put all your eggs in that basket. I think is a skill set that not a lot of people have, and it would be neat to see that play out.

So yeah, and I would probably have to go with Ryan Lampers. Yeah, although my wife might wonder why I disappeared for three weeks when I told her I'd be back in two. But yeah, just the the skill set of being able to stick it out and have a target animal in mind, you know, it's just to yeah, and have the willingness to look over an area and really find that mature animal that you want and put all your eggs in that basket. I think is a skill set that not a lot of people have, and it would be neat to see that play out.

Yeah, his patience is like next level. And I've I've been fortunate to hunt with Ryan and yeah, he's he's got the skill set. And what I've like about both the guys you mentioned is like, I this is gonna I'm very confident in my skill set, right, but I always feel that there are guys that are better. And I think if you're not, if you stop learning, like you you know anything we do, like you should always be learning. Well, it's like these guys are maybe doing it at a higher clip or a different clip or you know. It's like we always joke about Ryan like you'd be scared to be the biggest elk or meal deer in that unit when he shows up and it's like, well, why what does he do? And it's it's nice to get some confirmation on like he does ninety percent the same as I do, but he you know that ten percent is he's more patient, or he might not run in, or he may he might not risk the wind as much as I would. He's going to do a two mile loop around. And so for that reason, like I like guys that I feel like have a technical skill that maybe I overlook or don't put as much emphasis on, and and so I like both of those choices by you guys for that reason, like I always want to get better or just see what they're doing versus what we do. Yeah, great answers.

Yeah, his patience is like next level. And I've I've been fortunate to hunt with Ryan and yeah, he's he's got the skill set. And what I've like about both the guys you mentioned is like, I this is gonna I'm very confident in my skill set, right, but I always feel that there are guys that are better. And I think if you're not, if you stop learning, like you you know anything we do, like you should always be learning. Well, it's like these guys are maybe doing it at a higher clip or a different clip or you know. It's like we always joke about Ryan like you'd be scared to be the biggest elk or meal deer in that unit when he shows up and it's like, well, why what does he do? And it's it's nice to get some confirmation on like he does ninety percent the same as I do, but he you know that ten percent is he's more patient, or he might not run in, or he may he might not risk the wind as much as I would. He's going to do a two mile loop around. And so for that reason, like I like guys that I feel like have a technical skill that maybe I overlook or don't put as much emphasis on, and and so I like both of those choices by you guys for that reason, like I always want to get better or just see what they're doing versus what we do. Yeah, great answers.

Very well rounded skill sets, that's for sure.

Very well rounded skill sets, that's for sure.

Yeap. Yeah. Put a bow on their hand, put a rifle in their hand, put them in the rut, put them out of the rut, like they just they're hunters, you know, and they got it figured out. So personal record for the most brutal packout, what's it looked like, you guys, I'm sure you guys remember that one.

Yeap. Yeah. Put a bow on their hand, put a rifle in their hand, put them in the rut, put them out of the rut, like they just they're hunters, you know, and they got it figured out. So personal record for the most brutal packout, what's it looked like, you guys, I'm sure you guys remember that one.

Well, that's got to be Alaska, right.

Well, that's got to be Alaska, right.

Yeah, I think it's got to be Alaska Cariboo.

Yeah, I think it's got to be Alaska Cariboo.

Yep, that was brutal. There was a we were seeing fifteen to twenty black bears a day, it seemed like, and we were just like, no way, like, we're not even gonna touch these because how far we were into the area with two caribou tags even though there were four of us, we knew we didn't want to come back in if we had to. And yeah, that was that was brutal. We took out two cariboo between the four of us. I don't remember, Ryan, you have to correct me. I don't know. Seven eight miles.

Yep, that was brutal. There was a we were seeing fifteen to twenty black bears a day, it seemed like, and we were just like, no way, like, we're not even gonna touch these because how far we were into the area with two caribou tags even though there were four of us, we knew we didn't want to come back in if we had to. And yeah, that was that was brutal. We took out two cariboo between the four of us. I don't remember, Ryan, you have to correct me. I don't know. Seven eight miles.

Yeah, we were seven and a half miles in on foot. Yeah, after being boted across a lake. So it was it was quite the adventure to get up in there. And we had eight days worth of camp on our backs to get up in there.

Yeah, we were seven and a half miles in on foot. Yeah, after being boted across a lake. So it was it was quite the adventure to get up in there. And we had eight days worth of camp on our backs to get up in there.

So and we were done on day two, so we had all the food for those remaining days in our packs. I was like out there dumping all my trail mix out every little ounce I could. And yeah, we were we were up above tree line. So then even though it's seven and a half miles, we'll call it. You quickly got down into the brush and you're fighting the alders as you've experienced them in Alaska and the racks that are hitting everything on the way down. And yeah, well over one hundred pounds of pack.

So and we were done on day two, so we had all the food for those remaining days in our packs. I was like out there dumping all my trail mix out every little ounce I could. And yeah, we were we were up above tree line. So then even though it's seven and a half miles, we'll call it. You quickly got down into the brush and you're fighting the alders as you've experienced them in Alaska and the racks that are hitting everything on the way down. And yeah, well over one hundred pounds of pack.

So yeah, I was actually able to weigh my pack on that one when we got done. And because we had camera gear split, camp gear split, you know, a stove, we kind of had the full the full repertoire there and I was out a hundred and twenty four pounds on the way out for seven and a half miles, miserable. And then the best part of that was I actually sat on a bee's nest.

So yeah, I was actually able to weigh my pack on that one when we got done. And because we had camera gear split, camp gear split, you know, a stove, we kind of had the full the full repertoire there and I was out a hundred and twenty four pounds on the way out for seven and a half miles, miserable. And then the best part of that was I actually sat on a bee's nest.

I was just gonna say, you gotta we got.

I was just gonna say, you gotta we got.

We got down below tree line and we're trying to find our trail. And when we say trail, there was a section there that I mean, the only thing it was was maybe a crease in the willows to kind of fight your way through. And I said, I ended up sitting down on a bee's nest and had to bail and kind of drag my pack because I knew I didn't want to come back to that spot to get my pack. And yeah, that that really topped things off. I think I got stung three times. That's a great, great way to uh yeah, that's a great way to split up a seven and a half mile pack out with one hundred and twenty four pound pack.

We got down below tree line and we're trying to find our trail. And when we say trail, there was a section there that I mean, the only thing it was was maybe a crease in the willows to kind of fight your way through. And I said, I ended up sitting down on a bee's nest and had to bail and kind of drag my pack because I knew I didn't want to come back to that spot to get my pack. And yeah, that that really topped things off. I think I got stung three times. That's a great, great way to uh yeah, that's a great way to split up a seven and a half mile pack out with one hundred and twenty four pound pack.

Next question, if you could relive one day as it's happened in the wood, which day would you guys pick?

Next question, if you could relive one day as it's happened in the wood, which day would you guys pick?

What was that?

What was that?

If you could relive like one day in the Elk Woods, like you know, Ordiar woods, like your best day hunting, which would it be in the story behind it?

If you could relive like one day in the Elk Woods, like you know, Ordiar woods, like your best day hunting, which would it be in the story behind it?

Oh, I think I'll start off here. So I actually just looked back at the date twenty twenty two. I took my dad out archery l cunting. My dad's turning sixty this year, and he shoots a traditional traditional longbow and called in a nice five point herd bull Roosevelt and he took that bull at fourteen yards on the Oregon coast. So yeah, that was you know, that was actually the first branch antler bull he had taken with a long bow under twenty yards and it was a bow that was built by my grandfather. So that was just kind of full circle. One of the best archer l cunting days. The only thing Corey wasn't there to help us pack it out, But outside of that, it was one of the best days.

Oh, I think I'll start off here. So I actually just looked back at the date twenty twenty two. I took my dad out archery l cunting. My dad's turning sixty this year, and he shoots a traditional traditional longbow and called in a nice five point herd bull Roosevelt and he took that bull at fourteen yards on the Oregon coast. So yeah, that was you know, that was actually the first branch antler bull he had taken with a long bow under twenty yards and it was a bow that was built by my grandfather. So that was just kind of full circle. One of the best archer l cunting days. The only thing Corey wasn't there to help us pack it out, But outside of that, it was one of the best days.

So awesome.

So awesome.

Yeah, I think Brian and I get to hunt a lot together and with Kyle and Alex as well, and we love those days. But that those times where you can help a loved one reach something for the first time. Like you'll see the connection here. I would tie it back to Missy, my wife, when she killed her first bowl with a bow on the organ or Washington Coast, being able to be there with her and call that bull in nice and tight and see her emotion and her shaking after she released the arrow and knew it was true, and just going through all of that with her for the first time and then walking up on the bull, like those are moments that you'll definitely remember for the rest of your life.

Yeah, I think Brian and I get to hunt a lot together and with Kyle and Alex as well, and we love those days. But that those times where you can help a loved one reach something for the first time. Like you'll see the connection here. I would tie it back to Missy, my wife, when she killed her first bowl with a bow on the organ or Washington Coast, being able to be there with her and call that bull in nice and tight and see her emotion and her shaking after she released the arrow and knew it was true, and just going through all of that with her for the first time and then walking up on the bull, like those are moments that you'll definitely remember for the rest of your life.

Yeah, well, you guys are gonna make me feel like I'm like self serving because I'm going to go to like my twenty twelve bowl the big Bull. But my family I was able to get a phone call out thankfully, and they got to come and help pack it out. So it was kind of cool sharing that with them. But it was that one not just because it's the biggest bull ever killed and did it kind of you know, the di y over the counter way Annie was substantial, but it was just it was kind of all intertwined with like the call company just getting started. Like you kill a ball like that, get to share it with your family, you know, all the laughs we had on the pack out and the pack in. You know, my my uncles are all aging and so you know, guys that used to be able to get after it, like struggled to get in. They're they're moaning and complaining about why do you kill it so far from the truck, and then like they're moaning and complaint on the way out, and then when you finally get to the tailgate, then it's all like high fives and you know everybody's stoked. But uh, that yeah, that was That's probably that one. And then you know, my wife did kill her first, you know, a good six point bowl on a on a draw tag, and that was fun. You know, we had had a like when you draw special tags, you know, big groups show up right and they're in and out. But we had went a little too long into the hunt. Everybody had to go home. So it was cool for like it to be me and my wife on the mountain, you know, kill it and then call those people back to help pack. So it was it was cool to do that as well.

Yeah, well, you guys are gonna make me feel like I'm like self serving because I'm going to go to like my twenty twelve bowl the big Bull. But my family I was able to get a phone call out thankfully, and they got to come and help pack it out. So it was kind of cool sharing that with them. But it was that one not just because it's the biggest bull ever killed and did it kind of you know, the di y over the counter way Annie was substantial, but it was just it was kind of all intertwined with like the call company just getting started. Like you kill a ball like that, get to share it with your family, you know, all the laughs we had on the pack out and the pack in. You know, my my uncles are all aging and so you know, guys that used to be able to get after it, like struggled to get in. They're they're moaning and complaining about why do you kill it so far from the truck, and then like they're moaning and complaint on the way out, and then when you finally get to the tailgate, then it's all like high fives and you know everybody's stoked. But uh, that yeah, that was That's probably that one. And then you know, my wife did kill her first, you know, a good six point bowl on a on a draw tag, and that was fun. You know, we had had a like when you draw special tags, you know, big groups show up right and they're in and out. But we had went a little too long into the hunt. Everybody had to go home. So it was cool for like it to be me and my wife on the mountain, you know, kill it and then call those people back to help pack. So it was it was cool to do that as well.

That's awesome. Yeah, and getting the big group together, I'm sure was a blast on those you know, it sounds like you're twenty twelve BWL, especially to have a whole group to celebrate something like that.

That's awesome. Yeah, and getting the big group together, I'm sure was a blast on those you know, it sounds like you're twenty twelve BWL, especially to have a whole group to celebrate something like that.

What's your one piece of advice you'd give to your younger self before you started this whole journey.

What's your one piece of advice you'd give to your younger self before you started this whole journey.

H Well, I know when it comes to tall timber and trying to film our archery l hunts, it would be just kiss some of those bulls goodbye when you got a camera in your hand, because you're gonna screw some things up, that's for sure. So yeah, that's as you know, there's definitely some of those scenarios that just trying to run a camera and a tripod, and especially in those early days, you're just gonna blow some things up. And I would just tell myself enjoy the journey. You know, if you stick with it, there's gonna be even more of those in their place.

H Well, I know when it comes to tall timber and trying to film our archery l hunts, it would be just kiss some of those bulls goodbye when you got a camera in your hand, because you're gonna screw some things up, that's for sure. So yeah, that's as you know, there's definitely some of those scenarios that just trying to run a camera and a tripod, and especially in those early days, you're just gonna blow some things up. And I would just tell myself enjoy the journey. You know, if you stick with it, there's gonna be even more of those in their place.

Yeah, yeah, that's something male echo would be enjoying the journey. I think early on you're enjoying the journey, and then everyone's kind of guilty of this would be you look at social media and you see all these bulls dying and different age classes, and you start trying to compare, and you get you can get lost in the in the end result and only the end result. And I think when you lose track of the journey and growing as an individual, growing as a hunter, becoming well rounded, that's an important thing and don't lose loose track of that, because that's when you're truly having fun and enjoying the outdoors and joy enjoying the hunt and joining your your hunting partner in the camp. So that would be something that I would share with my myself.

Yeah, yeah, that's something male echo would be enjoying the journey. I think early on you're enjoying the journey, and then everyone's kind of guilty of this would be you look at social media and you see all these bulls dying and different age classes, and you start trying to compare, and you get you can get lost in the in the end result and only the end result. And I think when you lose track of the journey and growing as an individual, growing as a hunter, becoming well rounded, that's an important thing and don't lose loose track of that, because that's when you're truly having fun and enjoying the outdoors and joy enjoying the hunt and joining your your hunting partner in the camp. So that would be something that I would share with my myself.

Gotcha, good good advice if you had to go on a on a one month hunting trip, so back to the lamper's style, He's going to be out in the woods for a month and not have to check back in. But you can only bring one food eye them to eat the whole time. What would it be.

Gotcha, good good advice if you had to go on a on a one month hunting trip, so back to the lamper's style, He's going to be out in the woods for a month and not have to check back in. But you can only bring one food eye them to eat the whole time. What would it be.

I feel like I'm cheating here, but I would just be like peaks. I could. I could survive on on peaks easy, but that's a whole meal, so I don't know if that counts.

I feel like I'm cheating here, but I would just be like peaks. I could. I could survive on on peaks easy, but that's a whole meal, so I don't know if that counts.

But yeah, just you're just screwing dehydrated the whole time.

But yeah, just you're just screwing dehydrated the whole time.

Yeah, I could survive. I mean, my my hunting partner whoever I'm with, might not might not like that after a while.

Yeah, I could survive. I mean, my my hunting partner whoever I'm with, might not might not like that after a while.

But yeah, let's see, I'd probably have to go more of the jerky route. Yeah, jerky or pepperoni. I feel like just some solid protein can can keep me going, you know, and I can't eat too much sugar too often when I'm out there, it just messes me up. So sticking with jerky might get me by Yeah.

But yeah, let's see, I'd probably have to go more of the jerky route. Yeah, jerky or pepperoni. I feel like just some solid protein can can keep me going, you know, and I can't eat too much sugar too often when I'm out there, it just messes me up. So sticking with jerky might get me by Yeah.

I was thinking about it too, and I think I would probably you know, have to have to like lean towards like a Loan Dieger, you know, something that's like temperature stable, but you could eat meat the whole time and you know, me eventually's gonna turn out there. But like Lon Dieger, I think is like built for just you know, the entire ride, and it would be something you know, maybe Pemmican, which is I'm not a huge fan of the flavor at times, but it's like, you know, that's what the the old timers used to eat on the long journeys, and it's like you could probably make do with that. But you know, similar to you Briant, like I don't. I don't. I try to stay away from sugar at times, but then when I do, it's like then you're just living off a sour patch kids as you hike up and down the trails, and it's just like it's either all in or all out. Yeah.

I was thinking about it too, and I think I would probably you know, have to have to like lean towards like a Loan Dieger, you know, something that's like temperature stable, but you could eat meat the whole time and you know, me eventually's gonna turn out there. But like Lon Dieger, I think is like built for just you know, the entire ride, and it would be something you know, maybe Pemmican, which is I'm not a huge fan of the flavor at times, but it's like, you know, that's what the the old timers used to eat on the long journeys, and it's like you could probably make do with that. But you know, similar to you Briant, like I don't. I don't. I try to stay away from sugar at times, but then when I do, it's like then you're just living off a sour patch kids as you hike up and down the trails, and it's just like it's either all in or all out. Yeah.

Yeah, Corey should have plenty of suggestions because that's he does more eating than hunting. Out there usually. So yeah, I feel like when I get into hunt mode, I just I know you have to force yourself to eat sometimes, but it's I struggle to just pack down a lot of calories and I'll find myself running at a pretty big deficit for five six days in a row. Yeah. But yeah, Corey, he does more eating than hunting usually.

Yeah, Corey should have plenty of suggestions because that's he does more eating than hunting. Out there usually. So yeah, I feel like when I get into hunt mode, I just I know you have to force yourself to eat sometimes, but it's I struggle to just pack down a lot of calories and I'll find myself running at a pretty big deficit for five six days in a row. Yeah. But yeah, Corey, he does more eating than hunting usually.

Yeah. See, I'm not built like you guys. I'm a little thicker, so like my body can take the five to six days. You guys don't have a whole lot of days of reserve built up.

Yeah. See, I'm not built like you guys. I'm a little thicker, so like my body can take the five to six days. You guys don't have a whole lot of days of reserve built up.

Yeah, it's it would usually drop ten or fifteen pounds after a hunting the season, Yeah for sure.

Yeah, it's it would usually drop ten or fifteen pounds after a hunting the season, Yeah for sure.

Yeah, Okay, this one, I don't I'm curious to hear your answer on this one. Dold you rather fight one elk size the squirrel or ten squirrel sized elk.

Yeah, Okay, this one, I don't I'm curious to hear your answer on this one. Dold you rather fight one elk size the squirrel or ten squirrel sized elk.

I think I'm going ten squirrel sized elk for that one.

I think I'm going ten squirrel sized elk for that one.

Yeah, start stifling on them versus Yeah, squirrels. Squirrels are mean anyways. And now if it's that big and then big old teeth like I'm and if they're as quick as they still are, like you'd be in trouble.

Yeah, start stifling on them versus Yeah, squirrels. Squirrels are mean anyways. And now if it's that big and then big old teeth like I'm and if they're as quick as they still are, like you'd be in trouble.

Yeah, And they're always like disease ridden. You get one scratch on yourself and you're you know, you're gonna just start deteriorating out in the woods or something.

Yeah, And they're always like disease ridden. You get one scratch on yourself and you're you know, you're gonna just start deteriorating out in the woods or something.

So all right, excellent. If you were in charge of renaming one big game animal that's inappropriately named in your opinion, what would you call it?

So all right, excellent. If you were in charge of renaming one big game animal that's inappropriately named in your opinion, what would you call it?

You might have you might have stumped me here, might have got you game animal inappropriately named.

You might have you might have stumped me here, might have got you game animal inappropriately named.

See, I'll give you I'm gonna answer, and then I'll give you guys some time. So I always, I always pitch a little you know, crap towards white tail deer, right, and so like they're always down on the low land, and so we I just always like they should be called like the swamp rat, Like they just they're down there, they're overtaking mill deer country. They're they're you know, they they can live wherever. And I'm like, I just feel like whitetails should have been renamed like something to do with a rat.

See, I'll give you I'm gonna answer, and then I'll give you guys some time. So I always, I always pitch a little you know, crap towards white tail deer, right, and so like they're always down on the low land, and so we I just always like they should be called like the swamp rat, Like they just they're down there, they're overtaking mill deer country. They're they're you know, they they can live wherever. And I'm like, I just feel like whitetails should have been renamed like something to do with a rat.

Yeah, that's a good one. Let's see when you guys can pass it.

Yeah, that's a good one. Let's see when you guys can pass it.

We don't have to get held up unless you can think of something.

We don't have to get held up unless you can think of something.

You know, you're kind of sending me down that same path. I'm pretty avid. Blacktail deer hunter, you know, and you hear blacktails called a timber ghost for a reason, especially a mature black tail buck and a few of the mature blacktail bucks that I've killed and just have those jet dark chocolate antlers, and you can tell they they don't see the sunlight often, which you know, definitely puts right in line with that that timber ghost name for sure.

You know, you're kind of sending me down that same path. I'm pretty avid. Blacktail deer hunter, you know, and you hear blacktails called a timber ghost for a reason, especially a mature black tail buck and a few of the mature blacktail bucks that I've killed and just have those jet dark chocolate antlers, and you can tell they they don't see the sunlight often, which you know, definitely puts right in line with that that timber ghost name for sure.

Yeah. Yeah, we we always said like if deer were you know, if vampires were deer, they'd be the blacktail because the same thing. They just they're scared of the light. They just will not you know, back the day when I was younger, we would always run around and we would spotlight a lot, you know, off season, just just to see what was around. And you're like, oh, there's big bucks all over. You come out for an entire season, you can't find anything, and it's just like these things, Yeah, they just they hate daylight. And yeah, I've always you know, everybody gets into the white tail hunting and like, oh these deer, these big bucks never showed, but they'll be on camera. I'm like, well, guess what, there's a deer that does it even better than that, Like come out to the coast and come out blacktails. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah, we we always said like if deer were you know, if vampires were deer, they'd be the blacktail because the same thing. They just they're scared of the light. They just will not you know, back the day when I was younger, we would always run around and we would spotlight a lot, you know, off season, just just to see what was around. And you're like, oh, there's big bucks all over. You come out for an entire season, you can't find anything, and it's just like these things, Yeah, they just they hate daylight. And yeah, I've always you know, everybody gets into the white tail hunting and like, oh these deer, these big bucks never showed, but they'll be on camera. I'm like, well, guess what, there's a deer that does it even better than that, Like come out to the coast and come out blacktails. Yeah.

Yeah, there, they'll give you a run for your money for sure.

Yeah, there, they'll give you a run for your money for sure.

Yeah. I swear I wasn't running cameras on the Washington coast, so I wouldn't know about any any bucks that were bigger than a four.

Yeah. I swear I wasn't running cameras on the Washington coast, so I wouldn't know about any any bucks that were bigger than a four.

Yep, yep. Yeah. They get to what three and a half, four and a half, and they just like something snaps in their mind and they know how to survive, they know how to do They just they live without daylighting for the most part.

Yep, yep. Yeah. They get to what three and a half, four and a half, and they just like something snaps in their mind and they know how to survive, they know how to do They just they live without daylighting for the most part.

Yep.

Yep.

All right, So here's my last question, and don't throw anything at me because it might not be like a straightforward answer. But let's say aliens are somebody that had no idea what we do here on Earth, and you had to try to explain hunting to them, like how do you draw that picture?

All right, So here's my last question, and don't throw anything at me because it might not be like a straightforward answer. But let's say aliens are somebody that had no idea what we do here on Earth, and you had to try to explain hunting to them, like how do you draw that picture?

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is that explaining it to an alien can't be much different than explaining it to an anti So there you go. I would have to say, it's just one of the most challenging and fulfilling ways to harvest your own meat and food. And that's you know, the biggest thing for me is providing for my family, and we're gone so much in the fall with what we do and then your family being able to live out off that for the rest of the year. But yeah, I feel like I've had that conversation with a few antis over the years or aliens. I mean, so that's uh, yeah, I think there would be some similarities there.

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is that explaining it to an alien can't be much different than explaining it to an anti So there you go. I would have to say, it's just one of the most challenging and fulfilling ways to harvest your own meat and food. And that's you know, the biggest thing for me is providing for my family, and we're gone so much in the fall with what we do and then your family being able to live out off that for the rest of the year. But yeah, I feel like I've had that conversation with a few antis over the years or aliens. I mean, so that's uh, yeah, I think there would be some similarities there.

Yeah, I don't know why I went to I'm gonna have to like draw a picture, like I don't know, I'm not gonna be able to communicate with them. I took it so literally.

Yeah, I don't know why I went to I'm gonna have to like draw a picture, like I don't know, I'm not gonna be able to communicate with them. I took it so literally.

You're trying to go to like hieroglyphics and like.

You're trying to go to like hieroglyphics and like.

Yeah, rong, Like I'm gonna have to go verbal cues like pull a bow back, like the act of it, like show eating. Yeah, but no, I think on Bryant's point would just be to add to it, would just be explaining to them the understanding of where your food comes from. Yep, Like that is the most important thing.

Yeah, rong, Like I'm gonna have to go verbal cues like pull a bow back, like the act of it, like show eating. Yeah, but no, I think on Bryant's point would just be to add to it, would just be explaining to them the understanding of where your food comes from. Yep, Like that is the most important thing.

Yeah. And so whether it's aliens or just you know, being able to justify what we do, it's like, yeah, there's no lineage, you know, even these I'm gonna go on a little rant here, even these antis or vegans or people that disagree with hunting, like you wouldn't be here, like your lineage has meat in it somewhere, there's no way you got here, and so like, yeah, fast forward to today where there's options, but back in the day, there weren't options. And so like we continue to carry on their traditions the ways. Call me, you know, polish, my tinfoil hat up, call me crazy, But it's like I like the idea that I eat a lot of beef too, So I'm being a little hypocritical, but I do like the idea that the majority of the red meat I eat, like it doesn't have any antibiotics. It doesn't have if it gets sick, it dies, if it lives, and I get to kill it, then I get to eat it. Like it's just and and you know, being raised on it, I think it's more healthy. And I would be lying to say that I the hunting is something that like one keeps me in shapey around, keeps me like sharpened as a as a person. It you know, being competitive and and school sports, like it allows me to continue to be competitive, whether it's against myself or with the you know, the animals we take. And so like it's and and I'm involved like my like Bryant said, I'm involved in where my food comes from, Like the blood's not anybody's else's hand, Like I understand what it took to get that on the plate. Hopefully I can pass that on to my kids. And so yeah, I think you know, Ronella said it before, like not hunting is like the weirdest thing he's ever seen, Like it's the opposite, Like why we looked at as the is the wrong ones. I'm like it, you go back two generations, maybe three generations, Like it would be unheard of for somebody to question while you're out there hunting. Where now you fast forward sixty seventy eighty years and all of a sudden, we're you know, we're we're you know, crazy, sadistic murderers, blood thirsty, whatever you want to call it. Like, no, this is this is normal, normal for every for ninety nine point five percent of like time on the earth. This is how people lived and survived.

Yeah. And so whether it's aliens or just you know, being able to justify what we do, it's like, yeah, there's no lineage, you know, even these I'm gonna go on a little rant here, even these antis or vegans or people that disagree with hunting, like you wouldn't be here, like your lineage has meat in it somewhere, there's no way you got here, and so like, yeah, fast forward to today where there's options, but back in the day, there weren't options. And so like we continue to carry on their traditions the ways. Call me, you know, polish, my tinfoil hat up, call me crazy, But it's like I like the idea that I eat a lot of beef too, So I'm being a little hypocritical, but I do like the idea that the majority of the red meat I eat, like it doesn't have any antibiotics. It doesn't have if it gets sick, it dies, if it lives, and I get to kill it, then I get to eat it. Like it's just and and you know, being raised on it, I think it's more healthy. And I would be lying to say that I the hunting is something that like one keeps me in shapey around, keeps me like sharpened as a as a person. It you know, being competitive and and school sports, like it allows me to continue to be competitive, whether it's against myself or with the you know, the animals we take. And so like it's and and I'm involved like my like Bryant said, I'm involved in where my food comes from, Like the blood's not anybody's else's hand, Like I understand what it took to get that on the plate. Hopefully I can pass that on to my kids. And so yeah, I think you know, Ronella said it before, like not hunting is like the weirdest thing he's ever seen, Like it's the opposite, Like why we looked at as the is the wrong ones. I'm like it, you go back two generations, maybe three generations, Like it would be unheard of for somebody to question while you're out there hunting. Where now you fast forward sixty seventy eighty years and all of a sudden, we're you know, we're we're you know, crazy, sadistic murderers, blood thirsty, whatever you want to call it. Like, no, this is this is normal, normal for every for ninety nine point five percent of like time on the earth. This is how people lived and survived.

It's a way of life. I mean, the whole year is how how you go about your life. It revolves around that. If you're fishing or hunting, or being outdoors, or your families going on these trips, you're introducing your kids to it. It's just a way of life, and it gives you something you're passionate about, it gives you a why, It just all the above. Yeah, And so I think it's just that if you again, it's the personal take and a little bit of a ramp myself with just if you share camp or share a room, or have conversations with like minded people hunters, anglers, you'll quickly realize we all. I mean they're kind, they're generous, they're wealth and knowledge. They'll give you their shirt off their back. And so when you are in share a passion like that, you know you're in the right crowd. There's no doubt about it. And then the I mean all the way to you walk out to your freezer and you got meat for the whole year, if it's seafood or if it's red and meat, I mean not having to go to the store for those things. It's it's priceless.

It's a way of life. I mean, the whole year is how how you go about your life. It revolves around that. If you're fishing or hunting, or being outdoors, or your families going on these trips, you're introducing your kids to it. It's just a way of life, and it gives you something you're passionate about, it gives you a why, It just all the above. Yeah, And so I think it's just that if you again, it's the personal take and a little bit of a ramp myself with just if you share camp or share a room, or have conversations with like minded people hunters, anglers, you'll quickly realize we all. I mean they're kind, they're generous, they're wealth and knowledge. They'll give you their shirt off their back. And so when you are in share a passion like that, you know you're in the right crowd. There's no doubt about it. And then the I mean all the way to you walk out to your freezer and you got meat for the whole year, if it's seafood or if it's red and meat, I mean not having to go to the store for those things. It's it's priceless.

So yeah, yeah, it's a I mean there's people that train, you know, all year long for like an iron man or a triathlon, and and to me, elk hunting is the ultimate iron man, right. And then on top of that, you're accomplishing, you know, this extremely physical feat and you're coming home with hundreds of pounds of meat to share with with family members, and there's just not there's nothing else out there like it where it's it's so rewarding physically mentally draining and then rewarding and then you're ending up with that end result.

So yeah, yeah, it's a I mean there's people that train, you know, all year long for like an iron man or a triathlon, and and to me, elk hunting is the ultimate iron man, right. And then on top of that, you're accomplishing, you know, this extremely physical feat and you're coming home with hundreds of pounds of meat to share with with family members, and there's just not there's nothing else out there like it where it's it's so rewarding physically mentally draining and then rewarding and then you're ending up with that end result.

Yep, yep. I have a quick question. I'm gonna throw another one just before we and it's more to do with what you know, we talk about meat and that's one thing that like has been very important, even you know, I remember growing up Grandpa like stacking the freezer like horns didn't matter, antler size, this or that, like it was it was what we did, Like we lived off of red meat. Have you guys, because I'm starting to struggle with a little bit, like you know, you walking You mentioned walking out to your freezer and so I can pull sheet meat, but I'm like, don't really say like we're filling the freezer with sheet meat because it's very expensive, right or you know, we do get you guys talked about hunting, no call over, and it's like the travel to get there, the this or that becomes like very expensive. How are you guys like justifying that that whole idea now that you know it is becoming more expensive, but at least you do get the meat. You know, you do get that, and so it's that's one of those things I've been struggling with a little bit. Is you know some of these bucket lists hunts or or some of these things where you know the cost per pound is definitely going up now that I don't hunt around home. But the reality is I still get to feed the family. You know, wild game, you know, for ninety percent of the meals.

Yep, yep. I have a quick question. I'm gonna throw another one just before we and it's more to do with what you know, we talk about meat and that's one thing that like has been very important, even you know, I remember growing up Grandpa like stacking the freezer like horns didn't matter, antler size, this or that, like it was it was what we did, Like we lived off of red meat. Have you guys, because I'm starting to struggle with a little bit, like you know, you walking You mentioned walking out to your freezer and so I can pull sheet meat, but I'm like, don't really say like we're filling the freezer with sheet meat because it's very expensive, right or you know, we do get you guys talked about hunting, no call over, and it's like the travel to get there, the this or that becomes like very expensive. How are you guys like justifying that that whole idea now that you know it is becoming more expensive, but at least you do get the meat. You know, you do get that, and so it's that's one of those things I've been struggling with a little bit. Is you know some of these bucket lists hunts or or some of these things where you know the cost per pound is definitely going up now that I don't hunt around home. But the reality is I still get to feed the family. You know, wild game, you know, for ninety percent of the meals.

Well, I mean I'll start with if I wasn't hunting, I would be doing something else, So that could be I mean sometimes I get out and my golf. I'd give you golfing more. I mean, there's so many other things that you'd be doing. Joke is, my wife loves happy hour. I'm not a huge happy hour person, like go get drinks. Like I'm doing something that's healthy, I'm staying active. I most likely would be spending similar amount of money if I was going and doing other things throughout the year. And then also like yeah, you ultimately, if you have a successful year, you got you got an ELK or two, potentially three ELK. Now I'm able to feed not only my family, but my extended family, my friends, I can share meat with them, might introduce them to elk meat or deer meat, even bear meat. I'm sure we're I live right outside Portland. I used to travel into Portland for a corporate job and to bring some summer sausage into for the Christmas party, and to tell them it was bear meat was a crack up. And then they loved it and they've never eaten eaten bear meat before. And to be able to introduce people to things like that, I just all of those things can line really is what does it for me and justifies it on my end?

Well, I mean I'll start with if I wasn't hunting, I would be doing something else, So that could be I mean sometimes I get out and my golf. I'd give you golfing more. I mean, there's so many other things that you'd be doing. Joke is, my wife loves happy hour. I'm not a huge happy hour person, like go get drinks. Like I'm doing something that's healthy, I'm staying active. I most likely would be spending similar amount of money if I was going and doing other things throughout the year. And then also like yeah, you ultimately, if you have a successful year, you got you got an ELK or two, potentially three ELK. Now I'm able to feed not only my family, but my extended family, my friends, I can share meat with them, might introduce them to elk meat or deer meat, even bear meat. I'm sure we're I live right outside Portland. I used to travel into Portland for a corporate job and to bring some summer sausage into for the Christmas party, and to tell them it was bear meat was a crack up. And then they loved it and they've never eaten eaten bear meat before. And to be able to introduce people to things like that, I just all of those things can line really is what does it for me and justifies it on my end?

Yep. Yeah.

Yep. Yeah.

And there's no other like time where actual meat from the grocery store is as expensive as it's ever been, right, and when you start actually calculating it per pound, and then you start looking at a you know, a thousand dollars out of state tag and you add in the fuel, and you add in you know, the food, and then it actually went on a successful hunt, your bottom line is actually doing pretty well.

And there's no other like time where actual meat from the grocery store is as expensive as it's ever been, right, and when you start actually calculating it per pound, and then you start looking at a you know, a thousand dollars out of state tag and you add in the fuel, and you add in you know, the food, and then it actually went on a successful hunt, your bottom line is actually doing pretty well.

Yep.

Yep.

So you know, and and not every hunt are we successful. But that's one unique thing and nice thing about our group of four guys is we share meat with each other from successful hunts if needed at the very end, to make sure you know, we've all got some to help out. But yeah, there's no when you go look at the price of a good steak in the grocery store, you find out real quick that a hunting tag is not a bad deal.

So you know, and and not every hunt are we successful. But that's one unique thing and nice thing about our group of four guys is we share meat with each other from successful hunts if needed at the very end, to make sure you know, we've all got some to help out. But yeah, there's no when you go look at the price of a good steak in the grocery store, you find out real quick that a hunting tag is not a bad deal.

Yeah, yeah, it's not. It's still pencils out, you know, as long as it isn't a sheep or something of that nature. But you know, you know, deer and elk still you know, maybe not deer, but it's still it's still out. You know, there's other things besides the money. You're still probably you know, right there with with store bought and uh you know, but but you got the adventure. And like I say, I I never shy away from there is something like deep inside that that adventure is worth something entertainment value, whether you know, whether I'm going to a concert or this or that, like you said, happy hour, like it's my way and what I want to spend my money on as well.

Yeah, yeah, it's not. It's still pencils out, you know, as long as it isn't a sheep or something of that nature. But you know, you know, deer and elk still you know, maybe not deer, but it's still it's still out. You know, there's other things besides the money. You're still probably you know, right there with with store bought and uh you know, but but you got the adventure. And like I say, I I never shy away from there is something like deep inside that that adventure is worth something entertainment value, whether you know, whether I'm going to a concert or this or that, like you said, happy hour, like it's my way and what I want to spend my money on as well.

So yeah, yeah, that's why I limit myself on those extreme adventure hunts because I know the more often I do it, the more I'm gonna be digging into my savings. Account because it's uh yeah, it's like a drug, and once you get a taste of it, you're just gonna want more and more of those type type of hunts. And I think you're right in the thick of it.

So yeah, yeah, that's why I limit myself on those extreme adventure hunts because I know the more often I do it, the more I'm gonna be digging into my savings. Account because it's uh yeah, it's like a drug, and once you get a taste of it, you're just gonna want more and more of those type type of hunts. And I think you're right in the thick of it.

Yeah, I am, and and I gotta I gotta soften soften the wife up with these like repeat discussions like are you sure we don't want to like work an extra five years and retire a little bit later so I can go on another sheep hunt or do the slam or no, it's probably not going to happen, but yeah, yeah, So thank you guys for entertaining us on those quick questions. So let's jump into why we brought you guys here, the Elk Obsession project. Give us a little background on Tall Timber productions to begin with, and kind of how you guys got here.