Show Notes:

• Introduction & Catch-Up (00:00 – 02:00)
  • Cody reconnects with Jared and Zach, reminiscing about past episodes and their shared history, including bow-shooting sessions at the South Cottonwood house.
  • Montana Wild’s return is teased, setting the stage for a discussion about their renewed focus.
• Wednesday Hikes & Competitiveness (02:00 – 10:00)
  • The group discusses their weekly Wednesday hikes in Montana, inviting listeners to join for fitness and camaraderie.
  • A conversation about competitiveness unfolds:
    • Jared and Zach describe themselves as striving for excellence while prioritizing being “good humans” over cutthroat competition.
    • They explore the challenge of balancing the desire to be the best with realistic commitments (e.g., family, finances).
    • Cody reflects on aging and shifting priorities, noting that the need to “beat everyone” fades but competition remains a driver for growth.
  • Key takeaway: Competition sharpens skills, but obsession with being the best can detract from personal balance.
• Competitive Shooting & Skill Development (10:00 – 25:00)
  • The discussion shifts to competitive shooting, particularly NRL (National Rifle League) and PRS (Precision Rifle Series).
    • Challenges: Financial barriers (ammo, barrel life), time constraints (range access), and the need for extensive reps to build experience.
    • Mental toughness: Top shooters excel by making good decisions under pressure, harnessing adrenaline, and maintaining a “state of awareness” (flow state).
    • Common mistakes in shooting:
      • Overconfidence at mid-range distances (300-400 yards).
      • Poor fundamentals (e.g., excessive cheek or grip pressure) amplified by recoil in hunting scenarios.
      • Max-zooming scopes, leading to hyper-focus and missed impacts.
    • Hunting application: Competitive shooting builds muscle memory for target acquisition, position-building, and wind calls, translating to better hunting performance.
  • Practical tip: Shoot in windy conditions and off natural rests (e.g., rocks, logs) to simulate hunting scenarios.
• Caliber Selection & Hunting Philosophy (25:00 – 32:00)
  • Jared and Zach advocate for calibers that inspire confidence over chasing “big magnums” (e.g., 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag).
    • Recoil sensitivity (pre-ignition movement) can undermine shot execution, making lighter calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or PRC ideal for most hunters.
    • Focus on shot placement (double-lung, behind the shoulder) rather than “dropping” animals with heavy calibers.
  • Cody shares a humbling 800-yard miss, reinforcing the importance of knowing your limits (e.g., capping shots at 600 yards for elk/deer).
  • Resource: Check Montana Wild’s video on hunting rifle setups for a deeper dive (linked on their YouTube channel).
• Hunting Strategies & Mental Toughness (32:00 – 45:00)
  • Jared and Zach discuss what sets them apart as backcountry hunters:
    • Mental toughness: Relentless commitment to covering ground (12-14 mile days, 4,000-5,000 ft. vert) and glassing diligently, even in tough conditions.
    • Adaptability: Constantly exploring new areas, learning from failures, and refining e-scouting to match real-world habitat.
    • Teamwork: Hunting as a duo allows them to push each other, share knowledge, and cover more ground effectively.
  • Common pitfalls: Hunters get stuck in familiar spots, prioritize “getting away from people” over habitat quality, or fail to glass long enough.
  • Late-season tactics:
    • Seek big storms, snow cover, and cold for mountain buck hunts.
    • Balance active hunting (creeping pockets) with patient glassing from vantages.
    • Backpacking vs. day hunting: Jared prefers deep backpack hunts (7+ miles in), while Cody leans toward lighter day hunts to maximize mobility.
• Montana Wild’s Relaunch (45:00 – End)
  • Jared and Zach outline their vision for Montana Wild:
    • Content: High-quality hunting and fishing films, focusing on adventure-style backcountry hunts with cinematic production (a departure from low-effort YouTube vlogs).
    • Products: Plans to develop gear, leveraging their industry experience (e.g., Stone Glacier) to create purpose-driven equipment.
    • Shooting Schools: Mountain-focused courses to teach side-hill and cross-canyon shooting, with Jared leading instruction and Zach offering complementary perspectives.
  • Challenges: Bootstrapping the business with limited resources, balancing content creation with product development.
  • Where to follow:
    • Instagram & YouTube: @MontanaWild for updates on content, hunts, and shooting courses.
    • Website (montanawild.com) is under construction but will evolve.
• Key Quotes:
  • “Good process equals good results. Focus on the process, not the outcome.” – Zach
  • “The best part of the hunt is the millisecond of executing the shot. Don’t rush it—embrace it.” – Jared
  • “If you hike long enough and glass hard enough, you’re gonna find critters.” – Jared
• Resources & Links:
  • Montana Wild’s YouTube channel for hunting rifle setup videos and upcoming content.
  • Follow @MontanaWild on Instagram for hunt recaps and shooting school announcements.
  • For caliber selection insights, revisit Montana Wild’s rifle video (linked on their YouTube).
• Call to Action:
  • Join Cody, Jared, and Zach for a Wednesday hike in Montana to build fitness and connect with the community.
  • Subscribe to Montana Wild’s YouTube and Instagram for premium hunting content and updates on their mountain-focused shooting schools.