Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game.From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped him. You’ll hear the story of his first elk, the lessons he learned from his dad, and how a close encounter with a moose hunt led to some wild conversations.But this episode goes deeper than just stories; it’s packed with practical elk calling strategies, early-season tactics, and Dirk’s philosophy on how to “roleplay” like an elk to provoke aggressive bulls. Whether you're new to archery elk hunting or a seasoned caller, you’ll walk away with tactics you can use this season.🎯 What to expect:Why Dirk’s first elk changed everythingLearning to elk call before ever hearing one in real lifeBackcountry gear talk, bugle tips, and how not to blow a setupStrategic early-season calling breakdownsCharging bulls, bark chuckles, and when to make your move🙏 The episode opens with a prayer and dives deep into faith, hunting, and fatherhood.Subscribe to the channel for more episodes that blend grit, growth, and the backcountry lifestyle.https://phelpsgamecalls.com/ Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcasthttps://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook
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Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West
Got questions? Send us a text!Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the mindset and strategies that have kept him punching tags across multiple states for decades.Whether you’re chasing your first bull or looking to sharpen your edge in over-the-counter units, this conversation is full of wisdom earned through time in the field.In this episode:Zach’s top elk hunting story: solo success with a muzzleloader bullHow to pass on hunting as a lifestyle to your kidsWhy mental toughness—not just physical shape—kills elkHow he stays in the mountains 30+ days each fallWhy you don’t need to go 10 miles deep to find elkHis tips for early season meat care, basecamp vs backpack hunting, and closing the distance on bullsLessons from 20+ years hunting Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and AlaskaThe single biggest mistake most new elk hunters makeRead Zach’s articles:Search Zach Bowhay on HuntStand, Eastmans, Western Hunter, and North American Elk Magazine Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcasthttps://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook
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Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth
Got questions? Send us a text!In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all with a wild twist of humor and honesty.If you’re into elk hunting, CrossFit-style training, macro tracking, or just hearing gritty stories from the backcountry, this one’s for you.What you'll hear in this episode:Nate’s first archery elk hunts and brutal learning curvesHow he dropped 80 lbs and transformed his health for mountain huntingHis paranormal backcountry encounter that left him shakenNutrition, macros, and how to train for elk seasonLessons in marriage, faith, and personal disciplineWhat happens when you light a blanket on fire… during a special momentWhether you’re preparing for September elk season, chasing whitetails, or grinding through your own fitness transformation, Nate’s story proves that grit, humor, and belief can take you anywhere. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcasthttps://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook
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Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate
Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode of Gear Talk, we go deep into clothing systems for backcountry hunting. From the hot debate of Merino wool vs synthetic base layers to how to layer effectively without overpacking, this is your ultimate breakdown of what to wear, when, and why.Whether you’re prepping for spring bear or late-season elk, this episode is packed with field-tested insight and hard-earned gear wisdom. Be warned, you may walk away adding a few items to your cart. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcasthttps://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook
Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode, we dive deep into the backcountry, from the comfort of basecamp hunts to the grind of true backpack-style missions. We swap personal hunting stories, break down gear essentials like backcountry chairs, and talk about how to balance comfort and pack weight when you're miles deep.We also hit on one of the most underrated challenges: nutrition. What to bring, what to leave, and how to fuel your body without overloading your pack. Plus, we tackle the mental side of fear packing, bringing too much gear just in case, and how to cut weight the smart way.Whether you're a seasoned mountain hunter or planning your first backcountry trip, there’s something in here for you.Topics Covered:Basecamp vs Backpack HuntingBackcountry Nutrition TipsComfort vs Weight Trade-offsFear Packing & Where to Cut WeightThese are the conversations we wish we had before our first hunt deep in the hills. Learn from our lessons, laugh at the mistakes, and take away a few tips to make your next trip lighter, smarter, and a little more comfortable. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcasthttps://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook
Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.
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