593 | Long Drives, Lessons Learned, and Packing Elk with the Family
About this episode
Chad shares his late start to hunting and a memorable family road trip that culminated in an elk harvest.
In this episode of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we hear from Chad—a full-time Vermont ski patroller and long-time podcast listener who got a late start to hunting in his 30s. Chad shares his journey of transitioning from Eastern woods to Western big game, including the extreme logistics of driving 40 hours cross-country to hunt elk on public land solo. Chad is also joined by his 10-year-old son, Eli, to share the story of a memorable, multi-generational family road trip out West that ended in an unforgettable evening elk harvest surrounded by bugling bulls in the sagebrush. Key Talking Points & Takeaways Late-Start Advantage: How starting hunting in his mid-30s shaped Chad’s perspective and growth as an archer and Western hunter. Cross-Country Logistics: Practical strategies for executing solo, long-distance hunts, including managing drive times, gear setups, chest freezers, and local meat processing. Sticking to an Area: The long-term benefits of learning a single unit year after year, understanding pressure patterns, and adapting tactics accordingly. Family Western Trips: How to balance solo hunting passions with family travel, seamlessly blending family vacations with…
Sponsors
Exo Mtn Gear
More episodes of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
- 594 | Overcoming Limits in the Backcountry with Dan Jordan
- MM 308 | The Truth About Waterproof Hunting Packs (And more...)
- MM 307 | Elk Hunting Mindset, Game Bags, 10mm vs 9mm for Bear Defense, & More...
- 592 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (Before the Hunt)
- 591 | Completing the Mission (Expert Roundtable)
- MM 306 | We're Back (The "Monday Minute" Returns)
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Hunt Backcountry Podcast podcast page.