On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we talk about the perception of Hunters on Social Media and the Bowmar / Under Armour debacle.
Was Under Armour wrong? Do hunters have a responsibility to present hunting in a way that satisfies the wider public? Sometimes we hunters naively wield the "hunting is legal" shield and turn our backs on the non-hunting public. The problem is, when the non-hunting public sees a hunt they perceive as heinous and cruel, the public simply votes to make th activity illegal. And then… "legal" is gone. "Legal" does not protect hunting. Perception matters. #WhyYouHuntMatters #percievedShallowMotivesArentGoodEnough #PerceptionIsReality Aron Snyder and I discuss these issues in today's podcast.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we talk to our friends, Sarah and Josh Bowmar of Bowmarfitness. As many of you know, josh killed a bear with a spear in May. He made a video of his hunt and the video caused a public outcry. It is legal to hunt bears in Alberta Canada with a spear. Due to the public outcry, the Alberta government launched a formal investigation into the Bowmars and their spear-hunt and determined that this hunt was completely legal and the investigation has been closed. Sarah Bowmar was partnered with Under Armour at the time of the hunt. Under Armour dropped Sarah in the wake of the media backlash and issued a formal PR statement that they do not condone spear hunting and that Josh was reckless. In this podcast we talk to Josh about the spear hunt. We learn about his motives and qualifications for spear hunting. We get his take on the Under Armour deal.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we hang out with Crossfit legend, Chris Spealler. Legend might seem like a strong word to some but to me and many others, Chris Spealler is the epitome of the word legend. The dictionary says a legend is (quote) “a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well.”
And by this definition; Chris Spealler is, by all accounts, a legend. Spealler is a former college wrestler from a family of standout athletes, Chris Spealler quickly became one of CrossFit’s leading ambassadors, impressing and inspiring newcomers to the sport with his underdog spirit, unequaled work ethic, and warm personality. A competitor at the very first CrossFit Games in 2007. He was the only performer from the ’07 Games who was also in the 2014 games.
Spealler continues to train and coach at CrossFit Park City in Utah, where he lives with his wife Sarah and their children Roark and Myla and where we recorded this podcast.
I’m a huge fan of Chris Spealler for a hundred reasons. Not least of which is his commitment to his family. And so it was only natural to include all of them on this podcast. Spealler’s wife Sarah shares how they met and began dating, which is a wild story. Chris shares his fitness knowledge. And we talk about mental toughness; something Spealler knows and understands all too well. Hunting is altogether new to Chris. So I ask the Gritty Bowmen community to welcome the Spealler family into the hunting life.
Chris has just started his own podcast called Icon Athlete Podcast. If you want to learn more about fitness or just like Chris Spealler, do me a favor, and go and subscribe to his podcast. I especially enjoyed his recent podcast with Matt Chan, a fellow Crossfit Games Athlete, who IS, in fact, also a bowhunter. Check it out!
Featured on this podcast:
http://iconathlete.com/the-vault/
https://www.instagram.com/cspealler/
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisSpealler
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/icon-athlete-podcast/id1126149472?mt=2
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we hang out with the one and only, Zac Griffith of Summit Productions. About two years ago I was scoping-out archery elk hunting films on Vimeo and I came across ZAC’s channel and a film called “Golden Brown.” I hit the play button. I loved it. First of all, late-season archery elk hunts are very uncommon; I saw this dude bowhunting elk in a freakin’ blizzard--the contrast was beautiful; the elk “popped” against the snow like so much “Brown Gold.” And Zac’s edit of the film was all his own--completely unique; in true Zac Griffith style. Zac marches to the beat of his own drum. And I respect this. Because Zac doesn’t produce content to please a broad audience. Zac creates content that speaks to him. His movie style is all his own, like his flat-brim hats and rap music; which seem to drive some country folk crazy. For my part, I like Zac Griffith. I like his raw and real, what-you-see-is-what-you-get personality. Zac doesn’t pretend to be anything but who he is. And I like his artistry. It’s different. And although not all of it resonates with me, I like how Zac bridges the gap between his world and where he grew up to that of the more traditional hunting community--making those inner-city dudes feel welcome in the mountains, with bow in hand, with the rest of us, connecting with nature.
Featured on this podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/zacgriffith_com/
https://www.facebook.com/zac.griffith.7
Zac Griffith Wyoming Archery Mule Deer
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we visit with friend Scott Carr at Brent Hahn's home in Salem Oregon at after Joel Turner’s Iron Mind Hunting shooting clinic. I first met Scott at the Train To Hunt event in Enumclaw Washington. My first impression of Scott, watching him shoot and run the Train To Hunt course, is that he’s an animal--a fierce competitor who gives everything he’s got. The man has heart, determination, and an iron will.
Scott didn’t used to be the fit guy he is today. In fact, before Train To Hunt, Scott was your typical 9 to 5, overweight, company man. But Scott made decision to change all that. And this weekend he took 3rd-place in the 2016 Train To Hunt Nationals Event, Master’s Division. There are a lot of things that impress me about Scott Carr--but one thing that stands out to me is how he makes a decision to get better and then finds a way to do it.
On this podcast, Scott tells his inspiring story. We get a peak into his mind and we learn a little about how he thinks and what drives him. Scott is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met who also wants to crush you in a competition. I think that’s one of the reasons I like him so much. He’s a competitor, and fierce one. Meet Scott Carr.
Featured on this podcast:
Enumclaw, WA - TTH video short http://www.grittybowmen.com/gritty-bits/
https://www.facebook.com/scott.carr.3532
https://www.instagram.com/scarrhunts/
Joel Turner
ironmindhunting.com
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we tour the Hoyt Factory Head Quarters in Utah and hangout with our friend, Jeremy Eldridge, Hoyt’s Marketing Manager. Aron Snyder couldn’t make this trip so Jordan Harbertson of MTN OPS fulfilled the co-host role in Aron’s absence. I’m excited to share this podcast. Hoyt has been around for nearly 100 years. They have a rich history and a promising future. This year’s Hoyt Defiant Bow is among the best I’ve ever shot and seeing the behind the scenes engineering and manufacturing of this bow only made it more impressive. It’s a great time to be a bow hunter. Compound bow technology is at an all time high. The accuracy and effectiveness of today’s equipment is truly amazing. The information about how to shoot and hunt is only a keyboard or a smartphone away and more and more people are getting into archery every day. With movies like Hunger Games with Katniss and her Hoyt Buffalo, Avengers with Hawkeye and Merida from Disney’s Brave, archery and bowhunting is in the spotlight in a positive and inspiring way. And whether you shoot Hoyt or not check out Hoyt’s #IAmDefiant videos on YouTube. You’ll see some inspiring people with some inspiring messages.
hoyt.com
https://www.facebook.com/HoytBowhunting/
https://hoyt.com/iamdefiant
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen I get to hang out with my friend, Ryan Lampers; although I call him Donnie Vincent Lampers. Ryan has a very Donnie Vincent-esque look that makes me think of films like Rivers Divide and Tera Nova--and when I look at Ryan, I find myself reciting Donnie lines in my head like, “Sometimes hunts go quick. Sometimes they take years. But one thing’s for sure, there’s always a story… and one that’s usually worth telling.” Or this line, “Don’t confuse me with being anything else other than proud. Proud to be a hunter. It’s time we stop apologizing for how we get our protein. This is who we are.”
But Ryan is not Donnie. Although I would argue that he gives Donnie a run for his money in the cool hair department. Ryan is Ryan. A tough dude who consistently kills old and mature big game animals on public land on over-the-counter hunts, year after year. And his success rate doesn’t surprise me after watching him compete at my first Train To Hunt course in Enumclaw Washington earlier this year. Ryan can shoot--most importantly, he can shoot under extreme pressure. I watched him do this at two Train To Hunt events. And I tried mightily to throw him off his game--heckling and taunting him. Sticking a camera in his face and threatening to show the world his failures. All in good fun, of course. I was impressed. And not only can he shoot, he can grind physically; winning a podium spot at three separate Train To Hunt Challenge Events. And he’s a cool dad to boot.
On this podcast we talk about what it takes to be a good hunter. I ask Ryan how he succeeds on public land, OTC hunts on big, big-animals every year. It’s good stuff. I really like Ryan Lampers. You will too.
Featured on this podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/sthealthyhunter/
https://www.facebook.com/ryan.lampers
Hillary Lampers
https://www.instagram.com/dochillary/
https://www.facebook.com/drhillarynd
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we learn how to become a better shooter from Joel Turner, owner of Iron Mind Hunting. Joel’s instruction is much different from any other shooting instruction I have ever received. This is a quote from Joel that touches on his philosophy. “People get stuck in the rut of thinking tactics and gadgets will solve their problems. What I am here to show you is it’s not the tools you have but the system you must have in place to be effective.” At first glance, it is easy to dismiss Joel’s ideas and training as “snake oil” or as the same thing you’ve heard from countless other efficient shooters. But, although seeming subtle, I found Joel’s ideas and teaching methods profoundly different from anything I have heard before. I cannot recommend Joel Turner’s shooter-training enough. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or new to the game, Joel is an effective teacher with an Iron Mind. You don’t want to miss this podcast.
At the end of this podcast Joel shares some deep thoughts on how to call-in big bulls using what he calls the “Bull Calling Cows” bugle. It’s a fascinating concept and Joel has the track record to back-up his theory. It’s interesting stuff. Something I’ll probably be trying out on my next elk hunting adventure. You can find everything you want to know about Joel Turner at www.ironmindhunting.com - Check him out. You won’t regret it.
Iron Mind Hunting
Additional notes courtesy of GB listener Nick Strand… Thanks Nick!
Recoil bracing - input into the shot
- it happens when we anticipate the explosion
Seek controlled shot *under pressure*
- be able to stop shot at any time
“Do not shoot an arrow unless it’s perfectly controlled.”
Speech and movement are linked
- fix speech pattern to fix movement
No slow movement - wasting muscle energy and increase fatigue
***Draw Sequence***
Draw - get it done, stick it on there
Aim - put your pin on it
- watch it to keep it
- compare to driving, keep it between the lines
- keep pulling
- compare to football player “keep running!” *keep means to continue*
- put concentration in to movement that makes bow go off
- slow steady pressure *DO NOT speed up words*
- to speed up shot, increase aggression instead of speed
“Good concentration equals good shooting.”
Closed loop - controlled, can stop shot at any time - DESIRED
Open loop - movements lead to actions, can’t stop shot sequence
- open loop shooters will “only get as good as your recoil bracing allows you to.”
**Need to be able to switch from open loop to closed loop when necessary
Snap Shot
- efficient, not necessarily accurate
- good hunters, calm killers but not consistent 3D shooters
Shooting is all about concentration and control. Do not go on auto-pilot.
Shooting is simple, but it’s not easy.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen Aron Snyder drops some knowledge about his shot sequence process and "rednecking" his recurve Hoyt Buffalo.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we hang out with friend, Tim Burnett of SOLO HNTR. Earlier this year, I showed Tim a film I was working on to get his opinion on my edit of the film. Long story short, the hunt is a solo blacktail deer hunt. Tim asked me if I wanted to share my film on his TV Show, SOLO HNTR, and the rest is history. The film first debuted at the Full Draw Film Tour earlier this year. But now you can see the film on the SOLO HNTR TV Show that airs this week, starting August 9th on the Outdoor Channel. For more TV show times, go to SOLOHNTR.com or look-up SOLO HNTR on the Outdoor Channel. But if you’re like me, and you don’t really do the TV thing, Tim crushes it on Youtube. You can find a ton of great of content on the SOLO HNTR website and the SOLO HNTR Youtube channel. If you miss my film on the TV show, you can still see it when Tim posts it to YouTube. I hope you enjoy this podcast. I always enjoy hanging out with Tim Burnett. Tim is real. What you see is what you get and I find that refreshing.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen, we hang with the Hushin boys in our Hotel room after midnight at the Total Archery Challenge. Hush is a group of guys who share their hunting and fishing adventures on their YouTube Channel, HUSHIN. On this podcast you meet the guys behind HUSHIN; Casey Lavere, Eric Chesser, and Brian Mclrea. There is sooo much to love about these guys it’s no wonder they have the largest digital hunting channel on the web. These guys are genuine to the core. They’re super funny and they never take themselves too seriously. And in a world of judgemental keyboard warriors; the HUSH crew is a breath of fresh air--always respectful and open and kind to everyone they meet; Slow to judge and unafraid to be themselves. This is a good podcast. You don’t want to miss it. After the show, check them out at gethushin.com and at hushin on YouTube.
Today, 9:40 AM
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen, Aron Snyder and myself, visit with our friend, David Brinker, of Sitka Gear. We recorded this podcast at the ATA Show, more than six months ago in January of this year. This is a podcast you should watch if you have time. You will never see a more uncomfortable and awkward Aron Snyder in your life; which is well worth watching. But the best part of this podcast is watching Brinker bust out songs on his guitar in the middle of the ATA Show at the MTN OPS booth for all to see. And David shares a song he wrote himself. And I love the song. I love the song for many reasons, and some these reasons are pretty-well summed up by these quotes:
“The music I listen to will tell you more about me than my mouth ever could.”
AND
“If anyone tells you a song is important to them, you should turn it up loud; close your eyes and really LISTEN. Because in the end, you will know that person much better.”
“Music has a great power for bringing people together. With so many forces in this world acting to drive wedges between people, it’s important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity.”
I could not help but notice how Brinker’s talents brought disparate people together; blurring boundaries between competing brands and companies. And I learned more about David by listening to his song than I ever could in a 1-hour conversation on a podcast. And the next time you’re outside watching the sun rise, I hope you don’t take for granted how splendid it really is.
If you’re like me and you really enjoyed Brinker’s song, “Something ‘Bout a Sunrise”--you can download the mp3 from the show notes of this podcast at Grittbowmen.com. The song is free. It’s just about sharing a good hunting song and bringing people together. Do me favor, get on Facebook and Instagram and follow David Brinker Music--I love to see people pursue interests that fulfill them and change the lives of the people around them. David Brinker Music is one of those things. Give him a follow and if you like his music, and if you ever see David, stop by, shake his hand and let him know what you think.
On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we recap part one of the British Columbia Bear Hunt with Primitive Outfitters & Aron Snyder.