Zachary Craig Hanson's Blog, page 2

Trapping Reel

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Trap Checking Barefoot on a 6* Morning

Thanks to a buddy, I was able to bring along some new gopro cameras on my backcountry wolf, water, and marten line last week. Should have some cool footage to show, inclusive of some of my own stupidity, such as leaving my waders at the trailhead and having to go into the river barefoot to check.

Pirates Looking at 40

There is no way we are finding this bear… it’s too dense in this buckbrush and it’s been an hour since we found the last specks of blood. Without tripping over it, we won’t find him. He’s gone.

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Those were the words rattling inside the rational part of my brain. Words I suppressed and refused to say out loud to my two hunting partners who were on hands and knees inspecting every leaf, stick, and rock for blood within a 25 foot radius in front of me.

Instead, I shut off those rational comments and mouthed off a half-hearted encouragement. One that mimicked the tone of eeyore trying to motivate winnie the pooh. At the sound of my pitiful rally cry, I received no response, only blank and dejected stares. With nothing left to say, the void of speech was consumed by the silence of the mountains and was accentuated by the quickly fading sunlight. We had to find this bear.

In a twist of irony, it was silence and suppression that hurled us into our bear-tracking predicament 18 hours prior. Sitting on the high-side of a hill overlooking a baited barrel that I had been working for weeks, Sam Singleton and I were at the ready. It was the first night of our multi-day hunt and the wind was just right. I had confidence, too, because if my trail cameras were calibrated correctly, bears were beginning to skirt the edges of daylight and come in for a sweet treat near last light – which was coming upon us fast.

Staring at the bait barrel Sam and I were hopeful, but as each minute passed closer to darkness my cognition jumped to tasks that had to be done later… What would I cook for dinner? How is our other hunting partner, Johnny Mack – host of the Soul Seekers podcast & TV show – doing on his unplanned dash to town for new film equipment? What are tomorrow’s hunt plans going to be?

Then in one of those hazed moments of distractedness, Sam snapped me out of my monkey-mind with a simple and stoically-delivered sentence, “Zach, bear. A big bear.”

It didn’t take long for my eyes to connect to what we thought was a huge jet-black bear meandering up the drainage toward the barrel. With just minutes of shooting light left in the day, the big bruin stopped in his tracks a little over one hundred yards away before he turned around. In an effort to not miss our opportunity I eagerly whispered to Sam, “If you have a shot, take it.”

As Sam adjusted himself on a log lying in front of us, I scrambled to get my phone out of my pocket to capture video of the beast since this hunt was intended to be filmed for a TV show on the importance of mentorship and conservation. Yet, as my iPhone peaked out from my pants pocket, the suppressed twang of Sam’s 7mm PRC rifle rang out and made impact with the bear.

We both watched as the bear kicked like a mule and b-lined down the drainage it had just walked up without so much as breaking a single stick or letting out any groan or growl.

It was only silence.

At that moment, Sam and I were elated. We were four hours into a multi-day hunt and we found ourselves in full confidence that we had just put down a big boar. After a few high-fives and mutual reassurances, we waited until darkness fully engulfed us and made our way to the scene of the impact.

With headlamps shining, the small depression where our barrel lay took on a different look altogether. Shadows were being cast from the wispy aspens that shook in the breeze making it hard to figure out the precise location we believed the bear had been standing in. Once we had pinpointed the location, however, we couldn't find a single positive sign of an impact. Not one droplet of blood, not one tuft of fur, not even a track in the loose dirt was present to indicate that a bear had ever even been there.

With nothing to discover, the demons of self-doubt made their first, but certainly not last, appearance on this hunt. They started their ugly manifestation with the questions Sam and I began to ask each other in the pitch black of a moonless night… Are you sure this is where the bear was? How confident were you that you hit the bear? Wouldn’t we have heard it groan on impact? Where was his death moan?! And the wicked list went on…

Dejected, but not quite defeated, we both decided it best to not bump the potentially injured bear in the dark and come back the next morning with fresh eyes to confirm what we believed to be the “best” worst case scenario - a clean miss.

As with any hunt where a round has been fired and an animal is left unfound, it doesn’t take an alarm to roll out of bed. No, our now complete band of middle aged pirates which included Johnny Mack & Sam Singleton of the Soul Seekers podcast and TV show and myself were wide awake come 4am. With no fanfare we chugged our coffee, grabbed our rifles, and headed up the mountain.

Acting as a new set of eyes, Johnny quizzed us perpetrators on the scene of the crime. He stood and triangulated the probable location of impact as Sam and I artfully reenacted the late-evening scene from the night before. With our new lead investigator and mentor on the case, Sam and I were hopeful that he would drum up clues we had missed and soon be drawing a chalk outline around where the bear should be laying. Yet, after an hour or so into the full investigation in the morning light, nothing was found.

All of the logical assumptions we followed told us the bear, if hit, would be taking the path of least resistance, which was the well beaten game trail that was flanked on either side by steep hillsides. That trail was this bear’s only option for escape, which dumped into a creek ¾ of a mile below us… and on that path we found nothing.

With a pat on Sam’s shoulder we reluctantly concluded the obvious and began consoling him on his lost opportunity and failed shot before we put our mind toward the spot-and-stalk plans for the rest of the day.

Intuition is a funny thing. Like a summer campfire that was not fully dowsed, each one of us had embers of hope crackling in our souls that were voiced through numerous “what-if scenarios,” which were distracting us from our hunt.

“What if that bear is down past the creek?” Johnny Mack would say, before I would retort with, “Or, what if that bear somehow decided to run uphill?”

A little time in silence would pass while we glassed up north facing slopes only to be interrupted by Sam, “Guys, what if that bear was so big that blood had trouble running down its fur?”

By the time we sat down for our mid-day meal the what ifs were all we could talk about. With a silent agreement, one usually reserved for friends that have known each other for much longer, we knew we had to go back and put more time into finding Sam’s bear. Once we downed our last spoonful of our dehydrated meals, we agreed that we needed to trust our guts – which were all aligned that our bear was still out there – and not give up this search. We hatched a plan and were in short order ready to execute.

With a renewed pep in our step we decided to work the drainage from the bottom up. Spread out like a fan in the creek bottom we looked like American GIs wading through rice paddies searching for Charlie as we held our rifles over head battling against the buck brush. Communicating only through whistles and hand gestures we made our way up the narrowing drainage until we finally stumbled upon a clue we had previously missed.

A sprung wolf trap.

You see, the drainage we were working is one that is a superhighway for all manner of critters, including some large canines that I have captured on my trail cameras. As a licensed wolf trapper, I had steel on the lower end of that drainage where I had seen wolf sign over the last few weeks. What Johnny Mack realized in that moment is that our bear had to have hit that wolf trap as he ran down the drainage – veering it off of the “obvious” path of least resistance and up the steep slope to the bear's left. Then, in a scene that would fit well in any HBO drama series, Johnny Mack looked at Sam in a flash of paternal mentorship and said, “Do me a favor and walk fifteen feet up the hillside and see if you see anything.”

While Sam disappeared into the timber, Johnny Mack and I investigated the sprung trap to look for hair or any sign of what animal may have tripped it, but we were cut short by the beautiful sound of Sam’s ever-stoic voice, “Guys, you aren’t gonna believe this… I’ve got blood.”

Passing excited glances, Johnny Mack and I dropped the sprung trap in the trail and bolted up to Sam’s side. As Sam stepped out of the way, there it was… the first downed log up the steep embankment was coated on both sides with the color of crimson. We had first blood. Good blood. The track was on.

Any hunter who has seen a working dog trail an animal knows it’s a sight to behold, but if you are looking for a close second all you need is to track an animal with Johnny Mack. At that first sight of blood he transformed before our eyes into a bloodhound tracking an escaped convict. Spurts of blood quickly led to a pool about midway up the steep hill and Johnny Mack was on fire – no speck of life force was unfounded. As I stood in awe watching him work outward from that pool of blood, our speed and tenacity began to slow for the first time – after about 20 minutes we had lost the trail.

Perplexed, we reconvened at the last major blood sight to have a gentlemen’s pow wow. Like a counsel of elders we offered up our theories – of which, all of them would turn out to be wrong – and decided it best that we slow down our search to ensure we didn’t lose this animal or our spirits.

It was 2 p.m.

What followed was nothing short of a condensed version of a brotherhood initiation. It was the same as being “beat-in” for a gang, getting a branding on Yellowstone, or going through a high-standard evolution during military training. For the next seven to eight hours, we suffered – together.

Myself and the Soul Seeker’s hunting crew crawled on hands and knees searching for droplets of blood all while lugging rifles, packs, camera gear, and what would turn out to be not nearly enough water. During our little “training evolution,” we each went through our own mental battles as we hit our own individual walls. When the trail would go hot, we would be elated and eager… and when the trail would inevitably go cold a few feet later… we would collectively let out a sigh.

If someone were to have come up on us in the woods during those low points they may have thought they were sneaking up on an early 20th century chain-gang busting up rocks. For during those low points we would hum and sing our favorite praise songs, which was a surprising glue to our budding friendship and a literal plea for help to our Higher power.

Each time we cried out a line from The Lion of Judah or my more elementary suggestion of Jesus Loves Me, it seemed as though we were answered with the gift of blood. Intermixed between our heavenly pleas we had three main roadblocks where the group collectively almost threw in the towel. In those three moments God gave us each the opportunity to reinvigorate the whole by guiding one of us to the smallest trickle of blood and putting us once more on the trail. It was through this faith-filled leapfrog approach that we began to once again get closer and closer to the last light of day. Over a five hour time frame we had worked just over one mile through the thickest, nastiest, and brutal foliage before the terrain opened up into a beautifully green knoll.

It was 7 p.m.

In most cases we would have celebrated the freedom of travel that this new terrain provided, but in the case of tracking our bear it proved to almost be the final nail in our emotional coffin – that bear could have run anywhere.

Frantically looking for any sign of tracks or blood, we spread out across the hill. We pulled out binoculars and glassed the trails in front of us and all silently prayed that yet another clue would be found.

Despite our best efforts and prayers we reconvened after 45 minutes of searching with nothing to show and no clue as to which way to go. The demon’s of self-doubt again dropped out of the trees, popped out behind bushes, and ambushed us at that moment… We were defenseless. Under their assault we all marked our OnX maps with where we had last found blood and repelled the demons with talks about coming back the next morning with fresh eyes.

With the doubt-demons temporarily held at bay, Sam listfully walked off into the buckbrush below us while Johnny Mack and I talked about getting some more water and concocted hunt plans for the next few days. As Jonny Mack and I sat on that hillside it was wild to watch Sam walk off.

It was as if he were drunk and mourning a great loss. His eyes weren’t looking down, but up toward the sky, as he let his hands gently roll over the buckbrush at his sides. Each step down that hill took him deeper and deeper into the bushes and it looked as if he were walking out into the ocean and letting the bigness of the landscape swallow him whole.

Once Sam was out of sight down that embankment Johnny and I went back to our conversation. However, our talks were cut short by a lightning strike of words that shot up from the hill below and struck at Johnny and I’s feet.

With the same words that started us on our quest seven hours earlier, Sam stoically called out, “Guys, you aren’t gonna believe this… I’ve got blood.”

Leaping to our feet, Johnny and I scrambled with our equipment to look down the steep side of the hill. Sure as day, there was Sam looking up at us with only the white of his teeth and the pop of crimson on the log beside him standing out in the fading light.

Johnny Mack pushed to the front as his tracking-dog spirit took a hard hit of this proverbial smelling salt and was once again off to the races. It felt like it took only a few more bounds before a silence once again fell over the group. Johnny Mack was perched on a log looking straight down into buck brush, with Sam right behind him, and I behind Sam. We all watched as Johnny Mack slowly turned around and with no words we saw the one thing that had been missing the entire day… a smile.

In that fraction of a second, before our ears picked up the verbal confirmation from Johnny Mack saying, “Boys… Dead Bear!” each one of our hearts exploded with joy.

A conjoined primal scream was let out on the side of that mountain as we each embraced and high-fived each other like we had just won the super bowl. A feeling that only a group of men who put faith in each other and God can feel – the cementing of a blood-oath brotherhood.

The hours of toil that followed to break down that huge bear went by without a single complaint. We each worked with our hands deep inside the animal which our demons of self-doubt nearly convinced us to let go. We worked with our knife blades cutting meat, trimming fat, and pulling hide until the wee hours of the morning – laughing and recounting our journey the whole time. We were present.

That presence, unaffected by cell phones, was capped off by our mid-morning hike out. We each shared the load of meat and equipment and were back to camp at 2am. Each one of us were sore, tired, and happy. We had found our bear and we brought him home.

My hope for every man or woman who has lost their way in life gets to pursue a primal experience such as this one. Nothing can recalibrate the human soul faster than going after an apex predator, shooting it, tracking it with your community, and bringing it home to be consumed by your loved ones.

If you enjoyed this story and resonate with the message of self-sufficiency, grit, and mentorship then please check out my best-selling book, Turning Feral, on Amazon. Furthermore, if you want to hear our first hand recounting of this hunt go check out and subscribe to the Soul Seekers podcast or tune into the Soul Seekers channel on CarbonTV where this hunt will air during season five.

About the Author:
Zachary Hanson is an adult-onset hunter and trapper. He is the author of the best-selling book ‘Turning Feral,’ and the host of the Okayest Trapper podcast. By trade, Hanson is an expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning product management.

He holds degrees from the College of Charleston and Johns Hopkins University. A backcountry enthusiast committed to sustainable living, he lives with his wife and three children at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in rural Idaho.

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Piss & Vinegar

“I would love to get attacked by a bear at least once,” were the words I heard spill out of my friends mouth, “Of course, I don’t want to take a full mauling, but just knowing I could survive it is something I’ve thought a lot about.”

Contemplating life behind the scope the night before the attack. (Photo Credit: Eric Becker)

My friend, an elk hunter and Wyoming native, had a penchant for saying the quiet things out loud. Though I didn’t outwardly express my agreeance to his wild assertion, I too, secretly wished for a close encounter with dangerous game. 

Though it may seem bizarre to smooth palmed knowledge workers and suburbanites, I think that desire is what every man setting out into the woods is truly seeking. A sense of adventure, of self reliance, and ultimately the chance to test the bounds of your own mettle.

Every hunter fantasizes about the worst case scenario and runs it through his brain during quiet hours laying in bed or sitting in a tree stand. You imagine the space, the creaking of the twigs underneath your feet, and the arm-hair-raising feeling that you are not alone. You imagine what the charge of a bear, mountain lion, or water buffalo would look like with the animal closing distance quickly. You then of course imagine drawing your rifle or side arm with smooth and controlled poise and bringing it to bare like Wyatt Earp.

Yes, every man dreams of being tested and rising to the occasion, but most hunters only ever get to live those fantasies out in their heads. Rarely does the chance to get tested, and to come out unscathed, ever present itself. 

Yet, when it does, it happens fast.

In my own pursuit of the outdoors, I’ve found myself interacting with all manner of dangerous critters. I’ve come across grizzlies in west yellowstone while elk hunting, dealt with mountain lions on my trap line, and have come face to face with more wolves and black bears than I can count. Though all of these encounters have been exhilarating in their own right, most of them always end the same way, with the animal running off after catching a whiff of my distinct human scent. This is especially true for black bears. The large, mostly docile, dog-like critters that roam the pacific northwest woods that I call home. 

So, when I came up on two black bears feeding on a deer carcass out behind my cabin on a cool September morning, I wasn’t concerned. In fact, I was excited. It was just after first light and my friend and I were planning on doing a day hunt for deer with a muzzleloader and I just so happened to be carrying my seekins .300 win mag in case we saw any bear. As luck would have it, we had two less than 100 yards below us with the wind in our favor.

Buy My Book 'Turning Feral'

Taking a half squat on the open hillside, my buddy and I took a few minutes to observe these bears who were fighting over the intestinal remains of whatever animal had met its demise. In no rush, we watched as they circled the downed animal and I made sure that my rifle was in a fireable state.

As we sat there in silent observance, the first tip of bad luck on our scales occurred as the wind made an abrupt change. Feeling it on the back of my neck I knew it was only a matter of seconds before the two bears caught our scent and hightailed it out of there. In my mind I had already written off the chance to shoot either of the bears and took the time to slip my rifle safety back on. 

Still in a low slavic style squat with my rifle over my lap I looked over my left shoulder toward my buddy who was about five feet behind me and whispered, “Wind switched, but still pretty cool!” Then in the time it took for me to utter those words and turn my head back down toward the critters, everything played out just as I had predicted… mostly. 

Both bears picked their heads up and looked up at myself and my hunting partner. With perked ears, I was waiting for them to skedaddle and run, but what happened next was that unexpected outdoorsman wish come true, a charge. 

In less than five seconds, both bears took off toward us at a dead run. With huffs and growls, the smaller of the two bears was in the lead and closing the distance fast. Instinctively, I stood up and had the wherewithal to switch my rifle off of safety and yell as loud as I could “HEY, BEAR.”

At that yell, the larger of the two bears cut a hard left and ran off to my right at about twenty yards. The smaller bear, however, never lost her stride. Somehow, I managed to pull up my rifle and put the crosshairs of my leupold scope right on the white patch of her chest. Without thinking twice I pulled the trigger and sent a 180gr. bullet right through her chest plate, through her heart, which exited immediately out of her right shoulder. Dropping about twenty yards in front of me she was down without a fight and without a death moan. 

Instant death.

Not quite comprehending what had just happened, I racked another round into my bolt action rifle and turned my attention to the other bear who was now unaccounted for and prowling somewhere to our right. We slowly backed away from the scene of the crime while staying frosty and doing our best to calm our extremely heightened nerves. After making enough ruckus to give even the most seasoned roadie tinnitus, we sat overlooking the scene of the action. Below was a good sized black bear with a hole in her chest and both my hunting partner and I were in disbelief.

My hunting partner, Eric, laying next to our charging bear. Notice the frontal entry wound on her chest.

“Did those bears fucking charge us?!” he asked with his 10mm pistol in his hand. With only the ability to respond with a head nod we both shared several expletives before deciding to go and see the downed bear to confirm whether we had actually just been charged by a set of black bears or whether it had all just been a weird fever dream.

As I stood over the 200 lb juvenile black bear I felt a sense of both relief and frustration. I couldn’t understand why the bear attacked, but I was happy with the way I responded. Although I didn’t walk away with claw marks across my back, we did grow an appreciation for what even these smaller animals are capable of in regards to aggression and covering large distances quickly. Although I may not be a grizzled outdoorsman with decades of experience, this does put another feather in my cap for wild experiences out hunting and trapping, and ticks the box for the thing we all want but don’t always admit to—a test.

A decent yield of bear fat! Bear Back Straps for Dinner

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Podcasts, New Book, and Updates

So, it’s been quite a while since I have kept up with our bi-weekly blog. That said, I have been quite busy. First and foremost, I started a new book project on the importance of trade education. It’s now largely ‘done’ and going into some much needed editing phases. My hope is to share some snippets here to gather some feedback from this community… so standby for that.

On the other end of the spectrum, the podcast has been going great. I will list out some of the episodes below, but guests like Fred Eichler, Alan Probst, Joe Goodman, and a whole host of trapping legends and newbies have been gracious enough to join me and chat all things trapping.

We also helped defeat prop 127 in Colorado with a lot of hard work and dedication. I was lucky enough to go down and represent trappers at the Colorado Rendevouz this past August and hang out with some great like minded folks.

Pick up a copy of Turning Feral

I’ve also had a pretty great year of hunting. I helped my buddies from the SoulSeekers nation fill a great bear tag in my back yard this spring, shot a nice fall bear at 15 yards, killed a good sized back country mule deer with my close friend, trapped an otter and beaver on opening day with my daughter, and still have late season archery elk left! I’ll be posting some writing around those adventures soon.

Stay tuned for some other things coming down the pipe as well!

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So many guests, so little time

First and foremost, I have been quiet. Why? Well, sometimes writing into the void can feel just like that… And, instead of pushing stuff into the ether of the internet, I have relaxed my digital voice.

But, even with the lack of digital pen to paper, I have been working. Not just on my new day job (yay for no longer being unemployed), but I have been churning out Okayest Trapper Podcast episodes while occasionally moonlighting on other podcasts to talk about my book, Turning Feral:

So, if you have been relying on this newsletter for updates, you can check below for the full on list of the most recent episodes:

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OTP Ep. 009 w/ Adam Grenda

In this episode of the "Okayest Trapper" podcast, host Zach Hanson delves into the multifaceted life of Adam Grenda, a figure celebrated for his prowess in the outdoors. Grenda's credentials as a husband, father, pilot, hunter, and trapper offer a captivating glimpse into a life led with intensity and passion. The conversation uncovers Adam's journey from his humble beginnings in North Idaho to becoming a respected figure in the trapping community, highlighting his adventures across varied landscapes, from the rugged terrains of Alaska to the plains of Idaho and beyond.

Adam's story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to his passions. His approach to trapping, characterized by a deep respect for wildlife and a keen understanding of animal behavior, showcases the complex relationship between humans and nature. The podcast episode intricately details the art and science behind trapping, emphasizing the importance of reading animal signs and the role of weather in influencing trapping success.

One of the most compelling narratives shared during the episode is Adam's unique gift to Donald Trump Jr., a bear baculum, which adds a touch of humor and illustrates Adam's unconventional character. This anecdote sets the stage for a deeper exploration into Adam's trapping techniques, particularly his use of aviation to access remote areas rich in wildlife. The discussion around the challenges and triumphs of trapping in Alaska's harsh conditions reveals Adam's adaptability and ingenuity.

Listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Adam's trapping expeditions, from the meticulous preparation involved in setting traps to the strategic thinking required to outsmart some of nature's most cunning creatures.

Beyond trapping, the podcast touches on Adam's love for flying, a passion that has not only facilitated his outdoor endeavors but also shaped his identity. His journey from learning to fly in Idaho to navigating Alaska's unforgiving landscapes as a seasoned bush pilot exemplifies his adventurous spirit and relentless pursuit of his dreams.

The conversation also delves into the personal aspects of Adam's life, including his role as a father and his efforts to pass on his love for the outdoors to his children. The challenges and rewards of balancing family life with the demands of trapping and flying are candidly discussed, offering insights into the personal sacrifices and satisfactions that come with pursuing one's passions.

Links

Adam Grenda’s Instagram

Stuck N the Rut Youtube

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Heading East w/ New England Naturals

In a captivating episode of the "Okayest Trapper" podcast, host Zach Hanson delves into the life and expertise of Jake DeBow, a wildlife biologist and passionate trapper from Northern New Hampshire. This episode stands out for its comprehensive exploration of the intersection between traditional trapping practices and modern conservation efforts, shedding light on the nuanced balance between human activities and wildlife management.

Jake DeBow brings a unique perspective to the table, blending his academic background in big game management with hands-on trapping experience. This combination allows him to articulate the role of trapping within the broader context of wildlife conservation, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting the ethical considerations involved. His initiative with New England Naturals, a small business that sells handmade, natural products, including those derived from their trap line, serves as a prime example of sustainable and ethical use of natural resources. Through social media, Jake and his wife have successfully used their platform to educate over 60,000 followers about trapping, breaking down myths, and making the practice more accessible to newcomers.

The conversation transitions smoothly from light-hearted banter about everyday life to more profound discussions on the importance of physical fitness for backcountry activities, the challenges of trapping in different terrains, and the significance of maintaining traditional skills in a modern world. Jake's recounting of his journey from a curious child on his father's trap line to a seasoned trapper and wildlife biologist is both inspiring and informative, offering listeners a personal glimpse into the life of someone deeply connected to the natural world.

One of the most compelling aspects of the episode is Jake's emphasis on education and outreach. Through anecdotes and insights, he underscores the importance of presenting trapping in a positive light, leveraging social media to reach a broader audience, and engaging in constructive dialogues about wildlife management. This approach not only enriches the podcast with practical advice for aspiring trappers but also contributes to a more nuanced understanding of trapping's role in contemporary wildlife management.

The episode is a testament to the "Okayest Trapper" podcast's commitment to providing its audience with engaging, informative content that bridges the gap between traditional outdoor activities and modern conservation ethics. By featuring guests like Jake DeBow, the podcast enriches the conversation around trapping and wildlife management, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the complex interplay between human activities and the natural environment.

Links:

New England Naturals Instagram

New England Naturals Store

Vermont Trapping Association Video

MTNTOUGH Fitness (Promo Code: OKAYEST30)

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Mountain Men w/ Paul Antczak

The latest episode of "The Okayest Trapper" podcast, hosted by Zach Hanson, features an incredibly engaging and insightful conversation with Paul Antczak, a renowned trapper with a wealth of experience across the United States. This episode not only delves into the specifics of trapping and wildlife management but also touches upon personal stories, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge and entertainment.

Key Highlights and Insights

Paul Antczak's Background: Paul's journey from trapping muskrats in southeastern Wisconsin to becoming a well-known figure in the trapping community and a star on the History Channel's "Mountain Men" offers an inspiring narrative. His story emphasizes the importance of mentorship, passion for the outdoors, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge within the field of trapping.

Trapping Techniques and Experiences: Paul's discussion on the evolution of his trapping skills, particularly his transition from trapping coyotes to wolves, showcases the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in trapping. His insights into the challenges of wolf trapping, including the mental game and strategic aspects, provide valuable lessons for both novice and experienced trappers.

Conservation and Ethical Considerations: The episode thoughtfully addresses the role of trapping in wildlife management and conservation. Paul's emphasis on responsible trapping practices, including the ethical treatment of animals and consideration of local wildlife populations, underscores the importance of trapping as a tool for conservation.

Impact of Social Media and Public Perception: The conversation on the impact of social media on trappers and the importance of careful sharing is particularly relevant in today's digital age. Paul's advice to focus on one's own trapping journey, rather than comparing oneself to others online, offers a poignant reminder of the value of authenticity and dedication to the craft.

Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge: Paul's gratitude for mentorship and his desire to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of trappers highlight the communal aspect of the trapping community. His partnership with Tom Orr and the transition to becoming an instructor at the FTA Trappers College exemplify the importance of sharing expertise and supporting others in their trapping endeavors.

Personal Reflections and Life Lessons: The episode is peppered with personal anecdotes and reflections that add depth to the technical discussion. Paul's stories about his encounters in the wilderness, the challenges he has faced, and the lessons learned along the way provide a human element that enriches the overall narrative.

Conclusion

This episode of "The Okayest Trapper" podcast stands out as a comprehensive exploration of the art and science of trapping, highlighted by Paul Antczak's extensive experience and thoughtful perspective. The blend of practical advice, personal stories, and discussions on broader themes related to trapping and wildlife management make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the outdoors. Zach Hanson's ability to draw out these insights while fostering a conversational and informative atmosphere underscores the quality and value of this podcast to its listeners.

Links:

Paul Antczak’s Youtube Channel

FTA Trappers College

MTNTOUGH Fitness (Promo Code: OKAYEST30)

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The Okayest Trapper - Ep 4

Full HD Video:

Links Mentioned:

MTNTOUGH.com: Use promo code OKAYEST30 for a free 30-day trial

Phelpsgamecalls: Website & Instagram

MeatEater: Website & Instagram

Behind the Scenes Breakdown: The Okayest Trapper - Episode 4 w/ Jason Phelps

In a recent episode of the "Okayest Trapper" podcast, host Zach Hanson engages in a captivating conversation with Jason Phelps, an icon in the world of elk calling and a seasoned trapper. This episode not only sheds light on Phelps' illustrious journey in the great outdoors but also serves as a masterclass in the art and science of elk calling and trapping, underscored by a shared commitment to conservation and the preservation of hunting traditions.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Stature

Phelps' narrative is one of humble beginnings, profound passion, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Growing up in Washington state, his early exposure to trapping and the influence of family members laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong pursuit. The discussion takes listeners through Phelps' evolution from a curious novice to a recognized authority in elk calling and trapping. His recount of the trials, learnings, and eventual success in trapping various species, including bobcats and beavers, provides an authentic glimpse into the patience and perseverance required to excel in this challenging endeavor.

A Fusion of Passion and Innovation

What sets this episode apart is Phelps' deep dive into the intricate relationship between trapping, hunting, and conservation. His transition from trapping to becoming a leading figure in the elk calling community underscores a broader narrative of adaptation and innovation. Phelps shares insightful reflections on how trapping laid the foundational skills that propelled his success in elk hunting and call manufacturing. This evolution from trapping to elk calling illustrates a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, highlighting Phelps' role in advancing hunting practices while maintaining a reverence for wildlife and habitat conservation.

Beyond the Call: A Vision for the Future

Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes insights into the meticulous research and development process that Phelps undertakes in crafting elk calls that are as effective as they are ethical. His emphasis on creating calls that resonate with both seasoned hunters and novices alike reflects a broader mission to support sustainable hunting practices and wildlife management.

A Call to Action for Conservation

The episode goes beyond personal achievement, with Phelps and Hanson engaging in a critical dialogue on the future of hunting and trapping. They discuss the challenges posed by changing regulations, habitat loss, and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Phelps' perspective as both a trapper and an entrepreneur offers a unique vantage point on the symbiotic relationship between hunting, conservation, and community education.

Final Thoughts

This "Okayest Trapper" podcast episode with Jason Phelps is more than just a conversation; it's a comprehensive exploration of the passion, challenges, and ethical considerations that define the modern hunting and trapping landscapes. Through Phelps' journey, listeners are reminded of the importance of preserving traditional practices while embracing innovation and conservation. As the episode concludes, one can't help but feel inspired to contribute to the stewardship of our natural resources, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the profound connection with the wilderness that hunting and trapping provide.

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