Zachary Craig Hanson's Blog, page 3

Climbing Cringe Mountain

Day 72 - I am often guilty of skirting around things that scare me. The funny thing, though, is what scares me the most are things you may not expect… A perfect example of this is the internet. Yes, yes, I know that’s a broad statement but the internet scares me because despite my background in technology, I don’t know crap about leveraging the internet to actually make money.  I see marketers, influencers, and other online educators preaching about things like SEO, funnels, channels, blah, blah, blah… and as a “technologist,” I truly wrote that off as hullabaloo gibberish.

See! My naivety extends beyond just the outdoors.

So, what have I done to help get over this fear of the unknown? Well, I have fallen back on the one thing that has gotten me through scary first time engagements in the past… I found a coach. Yes, yours truly is now being coached by someone that I consider a friend and who is a hands-down G in the internet marketing space. In fact, those reading this should go to your instagram to see if you are already following him (which you probably are) – @brandonturp.

But Zach, Brandon is a financial advice wizard, how is he going to help you build out your notably less refined outdoor content?! Well, I am glad you asked! Outside of his community building expertise, Brandon also happens to be a great mentor and is on his own quest to figure out how replicable his process to internet domination is. Honestly, our conversations so far have been on the emotional level around why I have been so resistant to much of what the internet has to offer. The main thread that has surfaced is my fear of coming across as cringey or unauthentic, which is an internal battle I believe many of us (especially in the macho-rooted outdoor industry) struggle with. To combat this, Brandon has had me do a few things… First and foremost, I need to get comfortable with the tools of the trade… which means starting the YouTube channel I said I would (PS: go subscribe), posting more reels on Instagram, and starting a Skool community. 

As I head out today to spend time at the Western Hunt Expo to rub elbows with many of the industry greats, I am going to be embracing (and promoting) all of my channels with my head held high with no fear of judgment… because at the end of the day, it’s just content… and it’s content that is fun to make!

PS: If you want to get a glimpse into what Brandon has going on, check out his own Skool community all about… well, communities!

PSS: If you are going to be at the Hunt Expo in SLC this week, come say hi to me in booth #2225

Daily Prompt: What areas of your life are you holding yourself back in? Could employing a coach help you break through that barrier?:

Motivational Quote: 

“Do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it … that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer a fear.”

 — Dale Carnegie

Rewilding Action: Having experienced a few battery issues while driving backcountry roads, I have fallen in love with high powered battery jump packs.  My first one was a heavier DeWalt pack that probably weighed 20+ lbs and took up a lot of room on the floor of my truck. But, as technology goes, things have quickly become lighter and more efficient, which has birthed cool packs such as the one I now own which is about the size of two iPhones stacked end-to-end… the Hulkman. This puppy holds a great charge, can jump just about anything and is extremely lightweight and can fit in your glove box. I know I often don’t praise technology but this thing is pretty nifty to have on hand.

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To Trade Show, or not to Trade Show...

Day 71 - Trade shows. We in the outdoor industry are currently in the thick of it and attending these shows are equally as exhausting as they are rewarding. Thankfully, I get to show up to a few of these shows each year and reap the benefits. But, why does these shows matter to you, the hunt and self-sufficiency curious? Well, it matters because these shows are and amazing place to get your feet wet in all facets of living a more outdoor-focused life. 

Between SHOT show, the SCI convention, the Great American Outdoor Show, and the Western Hunt Expo you can get exposure to nearly every single brand and influencer that makes up the $34B a year outdoor market. What’s great about these shows is that there is usually a representative from all corners of the industry… you have up and coming tent manufacturers, knife makers, fire starting companies, and everything in between. Plus you often have access to some of the brightest minds who, in my experience, are open to having hallway conversations about your interests and struggles. 

On top of getting to rub elbows with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, there are also great seminars available on a variety of topics. Want to learn more about hunting Black Bear from an expert? Cool, you are probably covered! Want to learn about adult-onset hunting? Ya, there is probably a seminar about that. Want to learn how to write for the outdoor industry? Oh, Jim Shockey is doing that just down the hall. 

So, if you are still learning about what it means to be a hunter, trapper, and conservationist… take the time to see what industry shows are going to be near your town this year or next and make a plan to go… you won’t regret it!

P.S. For anyone who will be at The Western Hunt Expo next week, I will be there Wednesday through Sunday in booth #2225!

Signing books last week at the SCI convention in Nashville, TN.

Daily Prompt: Have you ever been to a trade show of any kind? If so, what was the experience like and what did you take away from it?:

Motivational Passage:

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty."

 -- Winston Churchill

Rewilding Action: As hokey as the show can be, I would suggest folks watch the History Channel show “Mountain Men.” Of course much of the content is scripted, but if you are a trapping and hunting curious individual, it does give the viewer a good idea of the overall lifestyle. They cover everything from set making, checking lines, to lure making! If nothing else, it makes for pretty good dramatic TV.

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Navigating a Sea of Mixed Signals

Day 70: Why is it that opportunities are often clothed in the best camo to match the terrain in which they hide? It feels to me that the path that is “meant to be” is always covered with brush and takes pruning to clear it in order to see if it’s even a path at all… It’s never obvious and it almost never has giant fluorescent lights coaxing you in the right direction. It can feel as if finding the right opportunity is the same as an animal stumbling into a blind trail set you left out for an entire season, playing more to luck than skill.

And boy is that tiring. A lifetime of searching, pruning, and redirecting in order to find the one “true path.” The path that brings the fulfillment, the paycheck, and the joy. A path that at times seems near but more often feels obscured by the tools being used to cut that path… the tools that often take more than they give… things like the social media, zoom, and other techno-first requirements of today’s world that feel more like a sedative than a life enhancer.

So, how do we know if we are even meandering in the right direction? Well, my current hypothesis is that no, we cannot know if our natural wanderlust will ultimately be fruitful. But, we can certainly lean on two things to give confidence in finding our predestined path. One is covering the basics of mental land navigation and the second is faith.

For the former, I have a mental walking cadence just like I do for physical land navigation… In the physical world, I know it takes me roughly 76 normal stride steps to travel 400m and I can count those out when I am trying to find a mark in the woods. That also tells me how far away I am from my origin point if I start to go astray or input the wrong destination… allowing me to quickly get back to the starting line if need be. I’ve built out something similar in my mind to help keep my bearings when I go down a new or unknown path… think of it like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs and having an escape hatch. 

As for the second part, faith, this is still a relatively new one for me. Yes, I have always been someone who believed in faith and fate, but I was always driven more by ego and the need to control situations. Hindsight being what it is, it’s clear that many of my past “successes” which I took the credit for were more me stumbling on to my path and claiming that I had been out looking the whole time. But, readjusting my attitude to recognize that there is an element to this whole thing that is out of my control (a difficult thing for a type-a person like me to do) has helped in fostering an overall recalibration of my mental state.

Stay vigilant in your search for opportunity, build a strong mental fortitude to trudge through the jungle, and keep your faith as a north star.

Daily Prompt: What is the most difficult part in your ability to unearth opportunity? Are you stumbling on fools gold? Or, maybe you aren’t even looking? Sit and evaluate what your biggest hold up is in uncovering your own path to success:

Motivational Passage:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Rewilding Action: I believe that most of the folks reading this blog hold a desire to disconnect from the status quo of suburban life… With that mindset it could be easy to turn a blind eye to some of the bills that are introduced (and thankfully struck down in most instances) within our federal government. Without sounding like an alarmist, there was a bill recently introduced that could threaten the ability of folks with a preparedness mindset to congregate and train. This bill (broadly speaking) contains loose language that would restrict the number of people that can get together to train in anything related to combatives… which could apply to the most apparent things like shooting at a gun range, but could also include sports like jiu jitsu or even wrestling. As part of our self-sustained vigilance ethos, we should all be keeping a close eye on what is being proposed in congress that could make the exchange of information we are sharing here more difficult: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3589/text

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The Cremation of Sam McGee

Day 69: There are few poems that speak to me on a visceral level. ‘Knight in the Panthers Skin”, “Do not go gently into that good night,” and a new addition “The Cremation of Sam McGee.” As with all good things these poems, writings, and philosophical excerpts don’t just randomly find there way to me, but are often sent by trusted confidants who know my love of well written prose.

“The Cremation of Sam McGee” is a new entrant into my orbit and it’s a special one because it was recommended by a trapper that I look up to. She recounted to me that as a child she would be out in the deep backcountry helping her father run his traplines. Then each night after a long day of work, surrounded by the great nothingness of the wilderness, her father and trapping buddies would sit in the wall tent and read unique poems around the wood burning stove. To her “The Cremation of Sam McGee” wasn’t just a fun poem about backwood oddities of yesteryear, but rather a kinetic etched memory that she would carry with her forever… A poem that held the power to pull back fond memories of a time spent in solitude with her dad doing the tough work of a backcountry fur trader.

As a father, those stories bring me joy and motivate me to create similar experiences for my children. Yes, carrying kids on a trapline is hard. Yes, curating an environment that is safe is challenging. Yes, putting kids first can result in a much lower fur yield… but, getting a chance to paint a portrait of joy that my children can carry with them and remember me by, forever, is critical. Nothing is guaranteed in this life and though I yearn for a long ride on this earth, there are never any guarantees… and the lasting memories I build with my kids will be visceral, real, and not etched through the screen of a phone or tablet.

I hope you enjoy the poetry of Robert Service as much as I have, and maybe think of sharing it with your kids while you all sitting around an open camp fire!

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

      By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

      That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

      But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

      I cremated Sam McGee.

Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.

Why he left his home in the South to roam 'round the Pole, God only knows.

He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;

Though he'd often say in his homely way that "he'd sooner live in hell."

On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.

Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail.

If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see;

It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.

And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,

And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead were dancing heel and toe,

He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess;

And if I do, I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request."

Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; then he says with a sort of moan:

"It's the cursèd cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone.

Yet 'tain't being dead—it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;

So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you'll cremate my last remains."

A pal's last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;

And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.

He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;

And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.

There wasn't a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,

With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, because of a promise given;

It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: "You may tax your brawn and brains,

But you promised true, and it's up to you to cremate those last remains."

Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code.

In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.

In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,

Howled out their woes to the homeless snows— O God! how I loathed the thing.

And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;

And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;

The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;

And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.

Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;

It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the "Alice May."

And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;

Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "is my cre-ma-tor-eum."

Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;

Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;

The flames just soared, and the furnace roared—such a blaze you seldom see;

And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.

Then I made a hike, for I didn't like to hear him sizzle so;

And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.

It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don't know why;

And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.

I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;

But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;

I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.

I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked"; ... then the door I opened wide.

And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;

And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: "Please close that door.

It's fine in here, but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm—

Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it's the first time I've been warm."

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

      By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

      That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

      But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

      I cremated Sam McGee.

Daily Prompt:  Do you have any vivid memories of time with your family as a child? What experiences were the most impactful?:

Motivatonal Passage:

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people."

Nhat Hanh

Rewilding Action: So, one thing that is a game changer in providing an offensive approach to harvesting meat and fur are thermal scopes. In a world where you can see at night and others can’t, you have a distinct advantage. Now, there are many regulations and state-by-state varies on what type of quarry you can take at night with thermal optics, but investing in a nice set of thermals or NVGs could make all the difference in a survival situation. Some that I have been getting a lot of great feedback on are are the trijicon Reap-IR and IRay Clip On, but many other great brands are popping up every year. Take a look around and if your budget allows, take the dive in and you won’t regret it.

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The Okayest Trapper - Ep 3

Behind the Scenes: The Okayest Trapper - Episode 3 with Shane Mowery

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Episode Insights and Analysis: In the third episode of "The Okayest Trapper," host Zach Hanson delves into the life and experiences of Shane Mowery, the founder of BoneManiacs. The episode offers a rich tapestry of storytelling, seamlessly blending the outdoors with personal anecdotes.

Mowery's Journey: Mowery's story is a compelling narrative of transformation from a simple trapper in the East to a multi-faceted outdoorsman in Idaho. His disdain for his earlier stomping grounds back East and the shift to the diverse hunting grounds of Idaho offers a stark contrast in his life's journey. His initial encounters with trapping, particularly the homemade rabbit traps, provide a charming, almost nostalgic look at his beginnings.

Shane in his element!

Hunting and Trapping Philosophies: Mowery brings a unique perspective to hunting and trapping, a blend of practical skills and a philosophical approach to wildlife. His views on houndsmen and trappers' disputes reveal a deeper understanding of the outdoor community and its challenges.

The Wolf Situation in Idaho: A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the complex and controversial issue of wolf hunting in Idaho. Mowery's insights on this topic are particularly enlightening, shedding light on the ecological and social impact of wolves in the region.

Technology in Hunting: Mowery touches upon the influence of technology in modern hunting, both as a tool and a hindrance. This reflects a broader theme in outdoor pursuits, where traditional methods meet modern innovation.

Challenges of Being an Outdoorsman: The episode also highlights the trials and tribulations faced by modern outdoorsmen. Mowery's experiences with social media criticism and his approach to solitude in nature resonate with many in the community.

Personal Anecdotes: Shane Mowery shares personal stories, from rabbit trapping as a kid to his current practices in training hounds with live traps. These stories are not just informative but also add a personal touch, making the listener feel connected to Mowery's experiences.

Final Thoughts: Overall, this episode is a masterclass in podcast storytelling, balancing informative content with personal narratives. Mowery's life and experiences offer a window into the world of hunting and trapping, a world that is complex, challenging, and deeply connected to nature.

Links Mentioned:

Shane on instagram

Bonemaniacs on CarbonTV

Full (albeit blurry) Video:

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The Road to 10,000

DAY 68: The road of life is always paved with difficulty. Folks who are prepared for those difficulties always seem to fare better and are less rattled when they hit those unexpected bumps in the road. Just like investing in nicer shocks for your vehicle, you can also invest in yourself by priming yourself for doing hard physical things on a regular basis.

How often should you be doing large volume physical feats that push you to your limits? Well, the consensus on this is pretty mixed… Some say that doing one exceptionally hard thing each year is enough (an ultramarathon, etc.), while others attest to more frequent - even weekly - challenges. Having subscribed to different types of fitness routines over the years, I think the right answer is to do hard things as often as you can. Whether that’s once a year or twice a week… find the cadence that is right for you, but make sure you are getting hard things done with some regularity. Plus, the more you do extreme physical exercise the less daunting doing another will seem, which will ultimately bleed over into giving you better emotive control of your personal life.

Not feeling inspired, or maybe you don’t know where to start? You can always follow a few different accounts of people who push themselves regularly and offer up challenges of all sorts. Folks who inspire me include: 

Michael Ester and his 2% crew who do monthly “Burn the Ships” workouts to find that that edge

MTNTOUGH Fitness always does a “buy-in” and “buy-out” workout for their minimum gear daily workouts that are pretty epic (PS: you can use the promo code OKAYEST30 for a 30 day free trial!)

Jason Khalipa has a new Train Hard fitness app that also includes some ‘top of the mountain’ type of workouts

Clark Mountain Athletics is always posting awesome content showing how to push yourself further in mountain terrain and also host some epic wellness retreats up in my hometown (could be a great excuse to come visit me?)

If none of those examples tickle your masochistic fancy then you can always make up something on your own. A data geek buddy of mine messaged me the other day asking if I wanted to get in 10,000 kettlebell swings by the end of February – instead of thinking about whether this was feasible or not, I dove right in. Thankfully I have a group of friends who are also like minded (and maybe lack good judgement) and always seek out new challenges, so I put out the bat signal and others have been joining in on the fun.

If you want to join in the kettlebell swinging bandwagon, jump in while the water is warm – the average amount of swings per day is 370 and any kettlebell weight is acceptable. Whether you do this 10k kettlebell swing challenge, one of the ones listed above, or cut your own challenge trail, just ensure that you are pushing yourself to the limits physically as often as you can - you never know when you will need to tap into that calloused grit and resilience in your everyday life!

Daily Prompt: When was the last time that you were really challenged physically? How did you feel afterward?:

Motivational Passage:

“You have to learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and push your limits.”

Jesse Itzler

Rewilding Action: Having a solid pack and pack frame is vital to rucking around heavy loads on hikes, hunts, or personal fitness challenges. There are boatloads of great companies but my personal favorite from a versatility perspective is Initial Ascent. Yes, they are an Idaho based company and are pricey, but my pack frame and bag have been all over the country with me hunting and trapping in some gnarly terrain. Other great bags I have used are GoRuck (I still have an original GR1 from 2009 ish?), Mystery Ranch, and Stone Glacier. Choose what’s right for you, but make sure you have one and that you load it up regularly to get out into the wilderness.

At an original GorRuck event back in 2010 - That same GR1 is still my go-to travel bag, albeit a little more worn.

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It Doesn't Smell Like Roses

Day 67: There is a reason that Mike Rowe’s television show “Dirty Jobs,” was such a hit back in the day. I remember catching episodes where he would tag along with garbage truck drivers, sewer repair men, and farmers in order to show the muck, stench, and literal crap that those folks had to wade through everyday just to do their jobs. The funny thing is, myself and the majority of our country couldn’t fathom how people did those sorts of jobs – the very jobs that kept our country running! Yes, our country had pacified us city dwellers so much that it was hard to imagine how anything actually worked or ran. Water turned on, our toilets flushed, and we were all happily oblivious to the thankless work that went on out of sight to keep it that way.

Now, fast forward a few decades and here I sit as a pseudo homesteader with my finger on the trigger of a self-sustained life, and you know what? It stinks. Literally. What people who dream of a “life off grid” don’t realize is that to provide for every aspect of your needs with some degree of modernity is quite difficult, and often gross. 

Want to eat meat? Well, those animals you hunt down have to have all of their entrails removed, the brains extracted, and ultimately be hand processed into table fare. Then, if you want to make the most of the animal, you will be stinkily tanning its hide or even turning its stomach lining into a purse, which I assure you is as gross as it sounds. 

Want to have running toilets? Well, you probably can guess that our excrement doesn’t just magically disappear into the ether after every flush. If you have a clog in a sewer pipe it’s on you! And with a family of four or more, I can guarantee that this is a job that will come up at some point or another.

Need fresh eggs to eat? Well, those hardy chickens also poop a lot. And when I say a lot… I mean a lot. It can get everywhere and if you don’t stay on top of cleaning it and using it as a compost, then you can quickly find yourself slipping in it and having a bad day.

The examples could continue for a while, but you get the gist. Most urban dwellers have been so far removed from the “dirty” side of living that when you start having to do these things yourself, it can be overwhelming. But, with that said it’s not impossible to start learning!

Daily Prompt: What dirty things are taken care of for you? Is your trash taken to a landfill on your behalf? Do you pay a monthly sewage bill to keep your crap out of sight? Once you identify the many ‘gross’ areas that you pay to not see, maybe take some time to go and see how it is done. Visit your landfill and take in the smell, take a tour of a local butcher or farm, or maybe even visit a sewage treatment plant and then write about it here:

Motivational Passage:

“And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” 

Matthew 13.22

Rewilding Action: As an extension of the daily prompt, I think it’s extremely important for people to understand how public services work. Trash, sewage, water treatment, etc. Look at your monthly bills and go to the website of each of your public works pages and see what information they have – how is your sewage and water treated? Is your trash burned or buried? If you were suddenly thrust into having to provide for each of these things on your own, how would you do it?

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The Butterfly Effect

Day 66: Not everything is what you expect it to be. Thirteen years ago I was living by myself in the small village of Rustavi in the Republic of Georgia. This was a small enclave of people about an hour's bus ride outside of the country’s capital and was nestled in the foothills that lead down toward Azerbaijan. On one of my commutes back from the Tbilisi police headquarters where I worked I stopped at a local bazaar to get something for dinner. I picked up some bread, cherries, ground meat, and being a particularly hot day I requested a cold bottle of water, which the old man running the stall handed to me directly out of his tiny refrigerator.

After paying, I went on my way toward my soviet-style ground floor apartment which was about a two mile walk away. About halfway there I pulled out the sweating bottle of water, unleashed the cap, and took a big swill to quench my thirst. Instead of the sweet relief of cold water on my throat, I was met with a burning sensation that fired up through my nasal passages and caused me to spew the liquid all over the cracked sidewalk in front of me. Looking down at the cold bottle, I quickly realized that the old man at the food stall had accidentally handed me the one thing that was helping him get through his day… grape-skin vodka hidden in a regular water bottle… a liquor better known as chacha or Georgian moonshine.

The taste of that particular style of soviet hillbilly liquor was seared into a corner of my brain that will never be scrubbed away and will likely be the starting point of my future dementia. But, the point here is not about accidental encounters with 95 proof homemade liquor, but rather that many times in life we expect one thing and get something else. In that moment I, for some unknown reason, walked the whole mile back to the stall to take that bottle of trash back to the poor old man. He was elated to see me bringing back his crutch for which he gave me a live chicken. Yes, a whole clucking, live-as-day, chicken. A chicken that I reluctantly tucked under my arm and quickly anthropomorphized on my walk home. Not knowing what to do with my new friend, I called a local acquaintance to help me reluctantly dispatch and eat the poor thing.

Yes, this is a bit of a butterfly effect story in-so-much that this is the true origin story of my getting exposure to a more self-sustained lifestyle. At that time in my life I had no intent of Turning Feral, yet sometimes when you take a hold of something thinking it’s one thing you find out the contents are wholly different than what you were expecting – and in those moments when things unexpectedly taste the most vile, if you keep your eyes open you may find yourself experiencing things that will alter the trajectory of your life.

The view from my ground floor apartment. If I remember correctly, the folks gathered here are trying to help an older family member who got into a bottle of Chacha and could not stand on his own. Circa 2010

Journal Prompt: What unexpected events in your life have put you on a path to explore self-sustainability?:

Motivational Passage: 

Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of few perceives what has been carefully hidden in the recesses of the mind.

-Phaedrus

Rewilding Action: What’s in your winter car kit? I recently put together a little video about the top 10 things I always carry with me while driving our winter road. Take a minute to see what you have available if you get stuck in your vehicle for longer than an hour… Are you missing anything?

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Partnership is Key

Day 65: One of the key aspects of living a life that is less reliant on others is, ironically, others… For those who read my book Turning Feral, I ended it by preaching about the need for community, or in common millennial parlance, a “tribe.” But, there is another element I did not talk about, which is the support you have to find in your nuclear family, which in my case has been my wife.

Living an outdoor life is not easy – several times a year I am gone for at least a week to hunt, trap, or otherwise screw off in the woods. Which, without sugarcoating it, leaves behind in its wake a multitude of difficult things for my better half to juggle. Half completed projects, kids, snow shoveling, fire starting, etc., all while trying to maintain her own aspirational pursuits. Frankly it’s one heck of a job – but one that she takes on over and over again with a genuine smile.

Yes, at times during my absence things get hard, things feel like they are impossible and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel – the cabin is a mess, a pipe isn’t draining, the kids are sick… and in those moments when we communicate I do feel an urge to get home, but she always ends it with an encouragement for me to stay out and finish what I set out to do. A priceless gem of support that I get to enjoy. Why is that so near and dear to my heart? It’s because never had that kind of nuclear support before I met my wife. I’ll spare the details of past relationships, but I’ll end this by saying that community and building a tribe is important, but finding the right day-to-day partner to battle through the good and bad with is even more important. It can often mean the difference between achieving your dreams or watching them slowly wash away with the sands of time. So choose wisely.

Daily Prompt: What does your support system look like to achieve your dreams? Is your tribe aligned with that goal? What about your significant other?:

Motivational Passage:

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

T.S. Eliot

Rewilding Action: Winter is here across the US… cars are sliding off roads and into ditches left and right. But, what should you be carrying with you during this time of year? Well, I carry several essentials — Chains are number one, but often times these aren’t legal on certain roads, so check with your local state authorities before you slap some on your wheels, which is augmented by (in no particular order of importance): A pistol & carbine, sleeping bag, universal med kit (w/ torniquete), tire repair kit, handheld ham radio, jet boil with a few freeze dried meals, shovel, fire starter, and extra water. I’ll be doing a longer form video soon about the full winter driving kit breakdown.

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Okayest Trapper Podcast - Ep. 2

Podcast Episode AnalysisHost and Guest Introduction:

Zach Hanson: Engaging and enthusiastic about trapping and hunting. He brings a friendly and conversational tone to the podcast.

Kate Small: Comes across as knowledgeable and passionate about her craft. Her background in emergency medicine and neuroscience, along with her experience as a big game hunter and trapper, adds depth to the discussion.

Episode Themes & Key Discussions:

The episode covers a wide range of topics from trapping techniques, wildlife management, to personal experiences in hunting and trapping.

Kate Small's story of bidding on wolf traps at a banquet and her initial experiences in wolf trapping provides a compelling narrative.

The discussion about managing wolf populations and the impact on the ecosystem is informative and highlights the complexities of wildlife management.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The conversation flows naturally, suggesting a well-prepared host and a guest comfortable with the topic.

The podcast seems to aim at educating and engaging its audience on hunting and trapping, with a focus on practical advice and real-life experiences.

The mention of products like Trapline Coffee and the Nationals Trappers Association indicates a subtle approach to promotion, aligning with the interests of the audience.

Impact and Takeaways

Listeners are likely to gain valuable insights into wolf trapping and the broader context of wildlife management.

Kate Small's experiences and perspectives may inspire and educate aspiring trappers and hunters, particularly in the nuances of predator management.

Reflection:

The second episode of "The Okayest Hunter" podcast, featuring host Zach Hanson and guest Kate Small, offers a deeply engaging and insightful exploration into the world of trapping and wildlife management. Kate Small, with her rich background in emergency medicine and neuroscience, coupled with her prowess in big game hunting and trapping, brings a unique and authoritative perspective to the discussion. This episode skillfully balances technical advice on trapping with broader themes of wildlife conservation, making it not only an educational resource for enthusiasts but also a thought-provoking listen for a broader audience. The natural flow of conversation and professional production quality further enhance the listening experience, showcasing the podcast's commitment to delivering both informative and relatable content. Overall, this episode stands out as a compelling blend of personal experience and practical guidance, effectively capturing the complexities and fascinations of the outdoor hunting and trapping world.

Links & Show References:

Kate Small on Instagram

Western Wolf Academy

Trapline Coffee

National Trappers Association

Full Video: