About this episode

Mark Huelsing discusses the mindset that distinguishes elite hunters from others, focusing on mental toughness and persistence.

Mark Huelsing (Brand Manager at Exo Mtn Gear and host of Hunt Backcountry Podcast) joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a raw conversation on intentional business, US-made gear, long-term mindset over short-term growth, and why mental toughness separates good hunters from great ones. They dive into the Experience Challenge, death hikes, avoiding rage-content culture, persistence on multi-day hunts, and how to train your mind like your body. Packed with practical wisdom for backcountry hunters who want to level up physically, mentally, and ethically. Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer…

People in this episode

Host: Dustin Diefenderfer

Guest: Mark Huelsing

Topics covered

• mental toughness
• hunting mindset
• backcountry training
• entrepreneurship
• persistence
• ethical hunting

Keywords

• mental toughness
• hunting
• backcountry
• training
• entrepreneurship
• mindset
• persistence

Sponsors

MTNTOPS Supplements, Sig Sauer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Exo Mtn Gear, Hunt Backcountry Podcast, MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab

Products: MTNTOPS Supplements

More episodes of MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer

• Jim Shockey: Truth About Hunting and His Final Thoughts | MTNPOD #170 · June 1, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Fitness Lab Discussion: Fully Guided Nutrition with Kyle Kamp · May 28, 2026 · 43 min
• Dean Karnazes: Ultra Marathon Man on Longevity, Greece & Never Quitting | MTNPOD #168 · May 18, 2026 · 55 min
• Fred Eichler: Closest to Death in Africa & Why He Still Hunts Recurve | MTNPOD #167 · May 11, 2026 · 58 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer podcast page.