The Mountain Dude Podcast

Initial Ascent
  • 5.0 (56)
  • Wilderness

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.

  1. 2d ago

    The Hardest Lesson in Bowhunting: Matt Clark

    Got questions? Send us a text! One bad shot nearly made Matt Clark walk away from bowhunting forever. A year later, he found himself back in the elk woods with an opportunity to rewrite the story. On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with Matt Clark to talk about the highs and lows of archery elk hunting, overcoming failure, and finding strength through faith, family, and perseverance. After a heartbreaking encounter with a big bull elk the previous season, Matt questioned whether he wanted to pick up his bow again. The experience weighed heavily on him, but with encouragement from his wife, prayer, and a renewed commitment to becoming a better hunter, he decided to keep going. Fast forward to September 2026. Hunting unfamiliar Idaho terrain, battling intense thunderstorms, and navigating the challenges of public land elk hunting, Matt found himself face-to-face with another bull. This time, everything came together. Beyond the hunt, Matt shares his experience as a competitive precision rifle shooter, the importance of knowing your equipment, and how discipline and mental toughness translate into hunting, fatherhood, business, and everyday life. **In this episode:** - The elk encounter that almost ended Matt's bowhunting journey - Overcoming the emotional weight of losing an animal - Finding redemption during the 2026 Idaho archery elk season - Public land elk hunting tactics and calling strategies - Hunting through severe weather and challenging conditions - Building confidence through archery practice and preparation - Lessons from competitive precision rifle shooting - The importance of faith, family, friendship, and perseverance - Why failure can become one of life's greatest teachers At Initial Ascent, we believe the mountains demand a lot from us, and your equipment should help you rise to the challenge. Our modular hunting pack systems are designed to carry heavy loads more comfortably, with simplicity, durability, and performance at the forefront. Explore Initial Ascent Pack Systems: https://initialascent.com Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast for conversations about western hunting, faith, family, personal growth, and the lessons learned along the way. #MountainDudePodcast #ElkHunting #Bowhunting #ArcheryElkHunting #PublicLandHunting #InitialAscent #IdahoElkHunting Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    The Hardest Lesson in Bowhunting: Matt Clark

  2. Oct 27

    He Left Everything Behind to Chase His Dream | Weston Homa

    Got questions? Send us a text! What would you do if you stopped waiting for the perfect moment and finally chased your dream? On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, we sit down with western hunter, ultramarathon runner, and Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast host Weston Homa to talk about faith, discipline, mental toughness, and what it takes to build a life around the things you love. Weston grew up hunting whitetails, turkeys, and bears in Pennsylvania, but his passion for western hunting eventually led him to make a life-changing decision. He sold his house, packed up everything he owned, and moved across the country to Idaho without family or much of a support system waiting for him. What started as a dream of chasing elk in the mountains became a lifestyle built around hunting, personal growth, and pushing his physical and mental limits. Weston shares how he went from struggling to run a single mile to completing ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race, and running the Boston Marathon. He explains why embracing discomfort, building daily discipline, and learning from failure have helped him find success both in the mountains and in life. We also dive into his approach to western hunting, backpacking preparation, nutrition, endurance training, and an unforgettable Idaho mule deer hunt with his father. And before the episode ends, Weston inspires Initial Ascent co-founder Dennis Stokes to make a commitment of his own: run a marathon by May 31, 2027. In this episode: Why Weston left Pennsylvania to pursue western hunting in Idaho Overcoming fear and taking the leap to chase your dreams How to shorten the learning curve in western big game hunting Building mental toughness through running and endurance training Going from running one mile to completing a 100-mile ultramarathon Daily discipline, faith, and creating productive habits Nutrition, recovery, and physical preparation for backcountry hunting An unforgettable Idaho mule deer hunt with his father Why failure and discomfort are necessary for personal growth Dennis commits to running his first marathon Whether you're preparing for your first western elk hunt, training for a physical challenge, or trying to find the courage to pursue something bigger, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out to get started. FOLLOW WESTON HOMA YouTube: Search Weston Homa Podcast: Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts Instagram: Search Weston Homa ABOUT INITIAL ASCENT The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent, a hunting pack company focused on helping hunters carry heavy loads more comfortably. Whether you're headed deep into the backcountry for an extended elk hunt or packing out your hard-earned harvest, Initial Ascent pack systems are built around comfort, simplicity, and modularity. Explore Initial Ascent packs and gear: https://initialascent.com Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast for conversations about western hunting, backcountry adventures, faith, fitness, personal growth, and the lessons learned through doing hard things. Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    He Left Everything Behind to Chase His Dream | Weston Homa

  3. Oct 20

    How Nate Illingworth Finally Found Success Hunting Elk

    Got questions? Send us a text! Four years of setbacks. Five elk seasons. Countless lessons learned. And one moment that made it all worth it. On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, we're joined by Nate Illingworth for a conversation filled with hunting stories, humor, faith, perseverance, and the lessons learned through years of chasing elk. After spending seasons struggling to find elk, missing opportunities, and questioning his approach, Nate finally experienced the moment he'd been working toward: harvesting his first elk with a bow. But the story didn't end with the shot. After hours of searching with almost no blood to follow, Nate stopped to pray. What happened next turned an already unforgettable hunt into an emotional experience that brought him to tears. Nate also shares the story of his first black bear hunt in Washington, an unforgettable backcountry pack out, helping his wife harvest an elk, and why he believes becoming a successful hunter starts long before hunting season. Along the way, we dive into the importance of preparation, mental toughness, ethical shot placement, and how the challenges of elk hunting can teach us valuable lessons about life. In this episode: Nate's four-year journey to his first archery elk The emotional recovery of his first elk with a bow How faith and perseverance helped him through difficult moments Hunting public land elk and learning from failure Why preseason archery practice matters Nate's first Washington black bear hunt and brutal pack out Helping his wife successfully harvest an elk Aggressive elk hunting tactics and building confidence Lessons about life, discipline, and never giving up Whether you're an experienced elk hunter, preparing for your first archery season, or simply someone who believes in the value of doing hard things, this episode is a reminder that success is built through preparation, persistence, and faith. ABOUT INITIAL ASCENT The Mountain Dude Podcast is proudly presented by Initial Ascent, makers of innovative hunting pack systems engineered to carry heavy loads more comfortably. From early-season archery hunts to demanding backcountry pack outs, Initial Ascent pack systems are built around comfort, simplicity, and modularity. Explore Initial Ascent: https://initialascent.com Subscribe for more conversations about elk hunting, backcountry adventures, personal growth, faith, and the lessons learned in the mountains. Carry heavy loads. Keep climbing. Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    How Nate Illingworth Finally Found Success Hunting Elk

  4. Oct 13

    Late Season Hunting Gear, Archery Lessons & a Backcountry Shelter Fail | Chris Young & Dennis Stokes

    Got questions? Send us a text! What changes in your hunting gear when September turns into November? And what happens when you hike six miles into the backcountry with the wrong tent? On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes talk through hard-earned archery hunting lessons, their favorite gear, and how they prepare for late season elk hunts. Chris recaps his September mule deer season, sharing the challenges of stalking bucks in open country, getting an accurate range, and knowing when to pass on a shot. He also reflects on taking his four-year-old son hunting and why those shared experiences matter more than filling a tag. Then we dive into backcountry hunting gear, comparing early season setups with the clothing, insulation, and shelter systems needed for November. From merino versus synthetic base layers to insulated boots, puffy pants, and choosing between the IA5K and IA8K, this conversation is packed with practical insights from time in the field. Plus, Chris and Dennis tell the story behind a shelter mix-up that left two hunters at the snow line with a one-person tent and a valuable lesson about checking your gear before heading out. Topics include: • Spot and stalk mule deer hunting lessons • Rangefinding challenges in open country • Introducing kids to hunting • Stalking shoes and the Initial Ascent Scout • Early season versus late season hunting gear • Base layers, mid layers, boots, and gloves • Choosing a pack for longer, colder hunts • Hot tent setups and checking borrowed gear Explore Initial Ascent pack systems and accessories: https://initialascent.com Subscribe for more hunting stories, backcountry gear discussions, and conversations about carrying heavy loads on the mountain and in life. #MountainDudePodcast #InitialAscent #BackcountryHunting #HuntingGear #ElkHunting #MuleDeerHunting Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    Late Season Hunting Gear, Archery Lessons & a Backcountry Shelter Fail | Chris Young & Dennis Stokes

  5. Oct 6

    7 Years of Bowhunting Led to THIS Bull | IDAHUNT

    Got questions? Send us a text! Seven years of bowhunting. Countless hard lessons. Then one opportunity that made it all worth it. On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with two from inside Initial Ascent, Chase and Cody, to relive an unforgettable September that ended with three brothers tagging three big bulls in one week. Cody shares the story of his first successful archery harvest, a giant 6x7 bull, and the years of frustration, buck fever, and persistence that led to a moment he’ll never forget. Chase follows with his own emotional hunt, breaking down changing weather, close encounters, and the final stalk that brought everything together. But some of their favorite memories came from helping others. Chase and Cody spent much of their season volunteering at a veterans’ elk camp, calling for hunters and sharing the excitement of first encounters. They explain how those experiences made them better hunters and gave the season a deeper meaning. From staying calm at full draw to sharing success with your brother, this episode is about the lessons and memories that keep us coming back to the mountains. Topics include: • Cody’s seven-year journey to his first archery harvest • Hunting herd bulls that won’t commit to calls • Adjusting tactics during a September heat wave • Managing buck fever and staying present during the shot • Shot placement, recovery, and knowing when to wait • Volunteering at a veterans’ elk camp • Faith, brotherhood, and finding meaning in the hunt • Why helping other hunters builds valuable experience Subscribe for more hunting stories and lessons from the mountain, and check out IDAHUNT on YouTube for Chase and Cody’s hunting films. What’s the biggest lesson elk hunting has taught you? Let us know in the comments. Presented by Initial Ascent. #MountainDudePodcast #InitialAscent #ElkHunting #Bowhunting #ArcheryElk Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    7 Years of Bowhunting Led to THIS Bull | IDAHUNT

  6. Sep 29

    The E-Scouting Guru and Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay

    Got questions? Send us a text! This episode was so good that we had to run it again. On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay: the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunters how to create detailed hunt plans before they ever set foot in the mountains. We dive into Mark’s journey from poring over topo maps to becoming one of the leading voices in e-scouting, elk hunting strategy, and hunt planning. He shares how technology like Google Earth, OnX Maps, and his own toolkits can give hunters an edge, but also why mental preparation, grit, and perseverance are just as important as any map or waypoint. Topics we cover in this episode include: How to break down new country using e-scouting for elk hunting The importance of creating Plan A, B, C (and beyond) for every hunt Why llamas are game-changing pack animals for backcountry hunters The mental spiral: how mindset often makes or breaks a hunt Tips for archery elk hunters and rifle hunters alike Why surrounding yourself with tougher hunting partners leads to growth Mark’s philosophy on never quitting early and how faith guides his approach to hunting and life Mark also shares personal stories about 36+ years of elk hunting, running llamas in the backcountry, and how stepping into new terrain every season has sharpened his skills. Whether you’re prepping for archery elk season, looking to up your digital scouting game, or just want to learn from one of the most knowledgeable elk hunters alive, this episode is full of wisdom and practical takeaways. Learn more at https://www.treelineacademy.net/ Follow Mark on Instagram: @treeline_pursuits Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    The E-Scouting Guru and Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay

  7. Sep 22

    Eight Hours of Stalking a Mule Deer… Then Everything Fell Apart: Chris and Rodger Pt 2

    Got questions? Send us a text! Chris Young and Roger Holscher continue their early-season hunting recap from the desert in Part 2 of the Mountain Dude Podcast. After days of difficult conditions and close calls, Chris finally locates a group of mule deer bucks and begins an eight-hour archery stalk through open sagebrush. With shifting wind, passing vehicles, limited cover, and four alert bucks working against him, every decision matters. Chris breaks down the stalk from beginning to end, including how he used the terrain, managed his approach, selected a buck, and worked within bow range before an uncontrollable moment brought the entire opportunity crashing down. The conversation then moves beyond hunting tactics. Chris and Roger speak honestly about missed opportunities, self-doubt, the pressure hunters put on themselves, time away from family, and the emotional lows that come when a hunt does not end as planned. Most importantly, they discuss learning to control the controllable, accepting what you cannot change, and finding the motivation to saddle back up and keep hunting. Topics include: Spot-and-stalk mule deer hunting  Closing distance in open sagebrush  Managing unpredictable wind  Stalking multiple bedded bucks  Archery hunting under pressure  Learning from unsuccessful opportunities  Handling failure and self-doubt  Balancing hunting with fatherhood and family  Controlling the controllable  Why bowhunters keep coming back If you have ever spent hours building toward one opportunity only to watch it disappear, this episode will feel familiar. Watch Part 1 to hear Roger’s complete early-season mule deer story and the beginning of Chris’s desert hunt. Learn more about Initial Ascent Pack Systems:  https://initialascent.com/ Thanks for listening to the Mountain Dude Podcast. Subscribe to the channel, leave us a five-star review, and share this episode with another hunter. Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    Eight Hours of Stalking a Mule Deer… Then Everything Fell Apart: Chris and Rodger Pt 2

  8. Sep 15

    Two Misses, One Buck and a Brutal Start: Part 1- Chris and Rodger

    Got questions? Send us a text! Chris Young and Roger Holscher sit down from hunting camp to recap the highs and lows of early-season desert mule deer hunting. In Part 1, Roger shares the complete story of his archery mule deer hunt, including two painful misses, lessons learned from hunting unforgiving rimrock country, and the opportunity that finally brought everything together. Roger also explains how he approached hunting water, dealt with extreme heat, managed shifting wind, and stayed confident after things went wrong. Chris then begins the story of his own seven-day desert hunt, where difficult access, mechanical problems, unpredictable conditions, and elusive mule deer quickly turned the trip into a grind. This episode is an honest conversation about archery hunting, missed opportunities, persistence, fatherhood, and defining success on your own terms. Topics include: Early-season desert mule deer hunting  Spot-and-stalk bowhunting  Hunting mule deer over water  Learning from missed shots  Reading wind and difficult terrain  Managing heat in the desert  Staying confident after failure  Hunting for experience instead of outside approval  Balancing hunting, fatherhood, and family Part 2 continues with Chris’s hunt and one of the longest, most emotionally demanding mule deer stalks of his season. Learn more about Initial Ascent Pack Systems:  https://initialascent.com/ Thanks for listening to the Mountain Dude Podcast. Subscribe to the channel, leave us a five-star review, and share this episode with another hunter. Sign up for a chance to win $9,000 of premium backcountry hunting gear at www.initialascent.com. Giveaway ends November 14th! Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

    Two Misses, One Buck and a Brutal Start: Part 1- Chris and Rodger
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Initial Ascent
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mountain Dude Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mountain Dude Podcast

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