The Mountain Dude Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, filmmaker and backcountry hunter Martin Chagnovich shares the story behind his film Chasing 200, which documents his years-long pursuit of a 200-inch mule deer buck in the rugged Utah mountains. The conversation explores Martin’s roots in hunting, growing up in a hunting family, and turning his outdoor passion into a full-time career through storytelling and content creation. He discusses the discipline, sacrifice, and emotional weight behind the hunt, emphasizing that true success comes from relentless persistence, self-motivation, and respect for the animal.

Martin recounts the highs and lows of the hunt featured in Chasing 200, including scouting over 30 locations, enduring harsh weather, and finally harvesting the buck while self-filming the experience. He also touches on earlier films like The Art of the Film, his gear preferences (favoring the IA5K and Cub from Initial Ascent), and the broader life lessons hunting has taught him. More than just a kill story, Martin hopes his work inspires others to deepen their passion for wildlife, appreciate the process, and chase growth both in the field and in life.

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.

Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast

Saison 1 · Épisode 1

lundi 9 juin 2025 • Durée 12:45

In this kickoff episode, host Chris Young along with the Initial Ascent owners Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes gather around the table to set the stage for something bigger than gear talk or hunting stories (though you’ll get plenty of both). This podcast is about diving deep into faith, failure, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better men, hunters, fathers, and leaders.

From sharing the roots of the Mountain Dude brand to praying over the mission of the podcast, this episode sets a firm foundation in values: God first, family next, and a lifestyle of doing hard things with integrity. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes banter, the story of the Mountain Dude logo, and what you can expect in future episodes, including candid conversations with business owners, seasoned hunters, and those who’ve overcome trials worth learning from.

Whether you're chasing elk in the high country or navigating life’s tougher trails, this is for you.

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.

GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young

Saison 1 · Épisode 3

mardi 17 juin 2025 • Durée 01:06:29

In this episode, our host Chris Young shares the full story of his 2025 Idaho spring bear hunt. From rivers crossed with pack rafts to glassing for days in high mountain wind, this conversation captures the highs, lows, and lessons of a truly special backcountry experience. Along the way, Chris reflects on the power of sticking it out until the last light—and how faith, friendship, and a relentless drive led to the harvest of a giant boar.

What to expect:

A detailed breakdown of Chris’ 2025 spring bear hunt

Reflections on spiritual solitude and time with God in the mountains

The wild pack-out, taxidermy decisions, and lessons learned

A recap of the 2024 blond-phase bear and what made this year different

Tips for new bear hunters on when to push and when to be patient

Subscribe for more raw, real hunting stories that go beyond the kill.

For gear, stories, and to support the podcast, visit
www.initialascent.com

#MountainDudePodcast #InitialAscent #SpringBearHunt #BearHunting #BackcountryGear #FaithInTheField #HuntingStories

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.

They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small

Saison 1 · Épisode 4

mardi 24 juin 2025 • Durée 01:09:31

Justin and Kate Small, two of the best predator hunters on the planet, share their expertise on wolf hunting tactics that can make you a more effective hunter.

• Kate's background includes nursing in Tanzania where she spent four months providing healthcare in poverty-stricken areas, including two months living with the Maasai tribe
• Justin grew up hunting out of necessity and credits his Boy Scout experience for teaching him essential outdoor skills
• The couple explains how wolves devastated game populations in Idaho and Oregon, with each wolf consuming approximately 20 big game animals annually
• Wolves reproduce annually with multiple females per pack breeding, allowing populations to grow up to 40% each year if unmanaged
• Winter is identified as the optimal wolf hunting season due to mating behaviors making wolves more territorial and vocal
• Justin and Kate emphasize the importance of learning wolf patterns and behavior through observation rather than immediate pursuit
• The couple shares dramatic success stories, including an instance where a wolf charged them from 2,000 yards away during breeding season
• In one area where they reduced a wolf pack from approximately 8 to 2 members, they witnessed the elk population grow from about 10-15 to 500 over five years
• Their Western Wolf Academy teaches hunters how to drastically reduce the learning curve for successful predator hunting

To learn more about predator hunting or sign up for their courses, follow Kate (@kate_small_outdoors) and Justin (@justin.small.outdoors) on Instagram or email kate.small.outdoors@gmail.com.

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.

Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED!

Saison 1 · Épisode 5

mardi 1 juillet 2025 • Durée 01:01:49

In this episode, we sit down with legendary hunting guide Dan Whitmus, a man who’s lived over 30 years in the wilderness guiding hunters through Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, and the American West. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories, including surviving a self-inflicted knife wound deep in the bush, 300+ pound solo packouts, close calls with grizzlies, and the spiritual journey of chasing sheep and wolves across some of the most remote country on Earth.

What You'll Learn:

-Alaska float hunting and remote wilderness survival

-Field surgery using dental floss and a sewing needle

-How to train for high-load, high-mileage mountain hunts

-The role of faith, mindset, and physical endurance in extreme environments

-Why Dan trusts his Initial Ascent pack with every ounce of weight

Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, training for your first sheep hunt, or just love authentic wilderness storytelling, this episode delivers on every level.

Have a question for Dan or want to learn more about the gear that makes these hunts possible? You can text us!

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.

The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley

Saison 1 · Épisode 6

mardi 8 juillet 2025 • Durée 01:04:35

In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, a former architect to the stars turned full-time filmmaker and mountain hunter. From designing homes for Hollywood elites to filming in the remote wilds of Alaska, Clint’s story is one of bold transitions, relentless creativity, and a calling to something deeper. This conversation is packed with humor, grit, and insight into how passion and purpose can intersect through faith and hard work.

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.

Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips

Saison 1 · Épisode 7

mardi 15 juillet 2025 • Durée 01:13:36

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 Hunting

Backcountry Nutrition Tips

Comfort vs Weight Trade-offs

Fear Packing & Where to Cut Weight

These 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 #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

Want to watch the episode on YouTube:

Click here.

Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate

Saison 1 · Épisode 8

mardi 22 juillet 2025 • Durée 01:15:42

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 #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

Want to watch the episode on YouTube:

Click here.