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The Hunter's Brief delivers essential news updates on policy changes affecting hunters and anglers across America and internationally. We cover everything from public lands battles to state wildlife management decisions in a quick, informative format.

• 500,000 acres of public land in Utah and Nevada saved from controversial sale
• Growing federal deficit threatens future conservation funding
• Florida considering reinstating annual bear hunt with over 4,300 black bears in the state
• Washington State bans feeding deer, elk, and moose to prevent disease spread
• Ohio raises antlerless deer limit on public lands from one to two
• Utah increases non-resident hunting fees and requires licenses for wildlife management area access
• California updates Black Bear Management Plan for first time in 27 years
• Wales introduces environmental law targeting wildlife recovery
• South Africa expands big game hunting permits for elephants and rhinos

Tune in next time for more wild updates and keep your boots muddy and your lines tight!

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What happens when neighbors spot you arriving home at midnight, covered in blood, without your wife who's normally always by your side? For Jake Walsh, it became the perfect storm of misunderstanding that culminated in one of the most memorable hunting stories you'll ever hear.

Jake's path to becoming a hunter wasn't traditional. Growing up surrounded by hunters who "put a bad taste in his mouth," he avoided hunting throughout his youth. It wasn't until adulthood when concerns about food quality and factory farming practices pushed him to seek cleaner protein sources. Armed with nothing but YouTube videos and podcasts—particularly Steven Rinella's field dressing tutorials—Jake taught himself how to hunt just five years ago.

What makes Jake's journey particularly fascinating is how quickly his passion transformed into innovation. Frustrated with traditional climbing methods for tree hunting, he developed the Bandit Climber—now a sought-after ultralight climbing system. His artistic talents led to creating Rut's Mini Mounts, hand-painted replica trophies that help hunters preserve their memories in miniature form. Both businesses were born from authentic experience rather than market opportunity.

If you've ever wondered about the unexpected places hunting can take you—from suspected criminal to entrepreneur—this episode delivers with humor, heart and genuinely useful insights about modern hunting culture. Have you encountered similar misunderstandings about your hunting lifestyle? Share your story and check out Jake's innovative hunting products at raccoonrigs.com.

Links:
www.raccoonrigs.com

Social tags:

@stealthyclimber

@raccoonrigs

@ruttsminimounts

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Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

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Stepping into the wild with a poorly designed backpack can turn dream hunts into nightmares—something Joe Elliston learned firsthand before co-founding Initial Ascent. His journey from an 86-pound disaster pack to creating one of hunting's most respected backpack companies forms the backdrop for this captivating episode filled with unforgettable stories from the backcountry.

Joe's tale of his son Brody harvesting a turkey while half-dressed—camo pants around his ankles, no shirt, and hat backward—brings comic relief and proves sometimes success comes despite our mistakes. But the mood shifts dramatically as Joe recounts a bone-chilling encounter with a wolf pack that surrounded their camp at what was later identified as a wolf "rendezvous point." The pack's eerie, guttural howls continued for hours, forcing them to pack out in darkness with wolves following uncomfortably close behind.

Through these experiences, Joe reveals how adversity sparked innovation. The miserable first backpacking trip where his youngest son shivered in soaked sleeping bags became the catalyst for Initial Ascent's mission to build packs that carry heavy loads comfortably. His Bennett Mountain elk hunt story, complete with unexpected access challenges and eventual success, showcases the persistence that drives both hunting and entrepreneurship.

Whether you're planning your next backcountry adventure or simply enjoy authentic hunting stories, Joe's experiences offer valuable insights and reminders of why we venture into wild places despite the challenges they present. His passion for sharing the outdoors with his sons and building equipment worthy of life's most meaningful moments shines through every story.

https://initialascent.com/

🔭 Upgrade Your View with Vortex Optics! Experience unparalleled clarity and precision with our top-of-the-line binoculars, scopes, and more. Check out our full range at VortexOptics.com

Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

Support the show

Hunting Stories Instagram

Have a story? Click here!