Welcome to episode 489 of the podcast. Today I’m joined by Ross Sevy of Switchback Outdoors. Ross is an avid hunter and family man. I really enjoyed this podcast as we dove into the struggles and challenges of  building a YouTube Channel. Ross has been producing hunts on YouTube for 10 years as a side hobby and more recently getting more serious about making it a business. His recent series Icon Tour – “The Species” is mid way through with some really great hunts up so far. Be sure to go check it out here. His most recent release features an extremely tough backcountry horseback elk hunt. We talk a lot about this hunt and some of the struggles that come with taking horses in the backcountry.

Show Notes: 
Intro – Icon Tour & Youtube Content – 03:48
Beginning & Current Goals – 15:26
Youtube Monetization Pros & Cons – 24:18
Mistakes & Challenges – 32:47
Horse backing Unknowns, Pros & Cons – 38:55
Early Seasons & Backcountry Elk Hunts – 49:39
The Influence & Effects of Confidence – 58:53
Switchback Outdoors Give Aways – 1:08:06

Before we get started I want to tell you about my good buddy Mark Livesay and his e-scouting course.  Spending your hunting season going into an area where there are no elk is just wasting your hunting season. We all been there so excited to go on your big hunt only to find no sign of the animals. or worse your favorite spot has people everywhere. The Treeline Academy e-scouting course will teach you to find hunting spots that actually have elk right from the comfort of your home. On top of that Mark’s e-scouting course will teach you to be a more successful hunter by showing you how to organize hunts, with hunt plans, backup plans, and really how to be for more prepared for that trip of the year or trip of your life. With 30 hours of modules this is by far and away the most valuable asset you can give yourself. The ability to read maps, terrains, and areas like a seasoned pro. I promise you this is an invest in elk hunting abilities. Head over to TreelineAcademy.com sign up for the e-scouting course and prepare to be completely blown away at the amount of knowledge Mark is going to bring you. Use the TRO code to save $20 of your course.

This podcast is also brought to you by On X maps. On X maps is my go-to for both in the field navigation but also this time of year as I am e-scouting. I spend hours and hours pouring over maps to figure out how locate that potential giant or maybe just how to get away from people. On x elite members now have an even more benefits with the new elite members benefits program. Now with your elite On X membership get a free Top Rut membership as well. Upgrade to elite and start planning more out of state hunts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Whats up podcast listeners today my good friend and backcountry hunting master Ryan Lampers dive into a couple topics that came up post 2020 hunting season. Before we dive into the podcast I want to tell you about a huge Giveaway I am doing. Made with MEAT is a really cool new company that is making Direct to consumer meat processing equipment. You have probably seen me post about it and even todays guest Ryan Lampers. Right now we are doing a giveaway over on our Patreon. If you are not familiar with Patreon, Patreon is our premium content. Designed to so that diehard fans could support their favorite creators and also get exclusive content. With Patreon we have been able to have less corporate intrest in mind and focus on making the best elk and mule deer content we can provide. I know a lot of people scoff at paying for a podcast but I promise you its far more than just a podcast its like continuous education for your elk and mule deer hunting career and we have a lot of really cool things happening over on our Patreon this year. One of which is giving away a $700 Chamber Vaccum Sealer that is probably the greatest processing thing I have ever owned. If you have ever had to deal with cheap crappy vaccum sealers you will thank the heavens above when you use one of the chamber vaccums. Head over to our www.patreon.com/therichoutdoors check out the hundreds of bonus episodes and get read to win the best Chamber Vaccum you have ever seen.

This podcast made possible by goHUNT.com. GoHUNT’s Insider membership gives you access to all the tools you need to put the best tags in your pocket and get you going on better hunts. If you want to be a better hunter having the right tag is a big piece of the puzzle. I use goHUNT.com constantly this time of year to help me have the best tags I can get or even to just plan out my fall. Stop wasting time and effort on crappy hunts, spend money on the tools that are going to make you successful and not gear that makes you look cool. Use the Code TRO when you join to get 50 points toward the goHUNT gear shop.

Show Notes: 
Intro – Passing the Torch – 03:45
Balancing Self Interest & Family – 19:05
Is the Backcountry Dead? – 23:43
Goals & Transitions – 37:51
Ryan’s Advice Planning for 2021 – 46:40
Hunting Summit 2021 Sign-Ups – 55:55

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Here in Bozeman you get to meet so many cool people. Over the last year I have had the pleasure of getting to know Shannon Waters as she launched her new brand Gastro Gnome meals, a backpacking meal company making some of the best meals I’ve ever had. When I was first introduced to Shannon I probably had some preconceived notions, San Fransisco chef moves to Bozeman and starts a backpacking food company. It wasn’t long before Shannon threw those stereotypes right out the window. Shannon has this ability to be all in, something my over analyzing brain lacks seriously. Thats not to say makes rash decisions, or even impulse. Shannon has an ability to deeply analyze something and then act without doubt.

Recently Shannon picked up hunting and actually had a great first year. Coming from the high end restaurant world of farm to table it was a natural progression into hunting your own food even though she has experienced kick back from within her circles.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Today I am joined by Kurt Raciot the founder of Stone Glacier and Lyle Hebel head of marketing. Kurt has been solo hunting big mountains and particularly sheep for most of his hunting carrier. I love the way Kurt approaches the mountains and hunting in general. Kurt is what you might call a minimalist. In fact Stone Glacier was truly founded on redefining ultralight hunting mainly because Kurt was a solo hunter who needed the ability to come out in one load with a sheep and all of his gear.

in my opinion Kurt is just one of those people who looks at the world differently. He has the ability to look at a problem and ask how would I solve this in my own way. From hunting to gear design this has served him well over the years.

In this podcast we talk about hunting big mountains, extended trips, relying on yourself and even dive into some design flows. Lyle just got back from an epic trip to Alaska where he was able to take a Dall Ram as well as great Mountain Goat on the same trip.

Show Notes: 
Intro – About Kurt – 04:19
Lyle’s AK Sheep Hunt – 10:19
Minimalism & Pushing It Solo – 23:43
Logistics & Execution of Mountain Hunts – 35:26
Stone Glacier: Design & Innovation – 40:50
Closing Advice & Gear Go-To’s – 55:21

This podcast brought to you by the awesome folks at Maven Built Optics. Maven is such a cool company and a great group of people. I also love that they are a small Wyoming company making big waves. Maven is a Direct to consumer optics company which means they don’t have huge mark ups. One of the most common questions you guys the listeners ask me is to compare mavens to something at an equal price point. I can’t say it enough Maven blows everything in a similar price point out of the water. Stop comparing products based on price. This is why I say Maven is the best bang for your buck by far and away, it’s not even close. Good glass is a must have. From their rifle scopes to binoculars, and spotters I highly recommend their optics. I haven’t gotten my hands on the new range finder but Maven recently just released a rangefinder that looks pretty sweet as well. Use the Code TRO-GIFT to get a free gift with purchase.

Today’s podcast brought to you by the great folks over at On X Maps. The #1 GPS hunting app with onX Hunt and onX Offroad. They have you covered for all the activities. On X recently launched 3D maps which is an amazing feature that basically brings google earth into the app allowing you to not only see the terrain in 3D but also be able to easily see all of your way points as well. I love this new feature and saves quite a bit of time when escouting or when in the field. Use Code TRO to save 20% off your membership at www.onXmaps.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Almost a year ago I ended up sitting with Seth and Scott Perkins at an event we were both at. Honestly I had know idea who they were but we hit it off like we were old friends from years back. Seth, Scott and I stayed in touch and actually talked often. On a whim I told them they should think about coming is Montana for an elk hunt some day. Ironically at our first meeting I spent most of the time convincing them that going on an elk was not a huge deal and anyone can do it. Boy would I grow to eat my words on that one. As fate would have it they drew tags their first year and the adventure planning would begin. Seth and Scott brought their nephew and camera man Spencer out to document the whole adventure and as of today the first half of that adventure is out on their YouTube Channel. with the second half coming out this weekend.

Hunting has been such a huge piece of my life and I can honestly say I have had some amazing experiences and met some truly amazing people along the way. I would consider these guys as close of friends as anyone and am thankful for such a great experience with them.

If you have never heard of the Bearded Butchers you have to check out their YouTube Channel. Never in a million years would I think I could get sucked into a video of someone cutting up a beef but something about the whole thing sucks you in and you wont regret it. Awesome dudes and truly consider them good friends.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS