Why You’re Not Ready for a Western Hunt (According to a Guide) | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 434

Why You’re Not Ready for a Western Hunt (According to a Guide) | 100% Wild Podcast Ep. 434 Join hosts Matt Drury and Tim Kjellesvik as they welcome professional guide Austin Land from Wild Country Outfitters. Austin shares what it takes—mentally, physically, and logistically—to prepare for a successful western big game hunt. From high-elevation fitness prep to glassing strategy, gear advice, and celeb camp stories, this episode dives deep into what separates successful hunters from those who struggle in the mountains. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Podcast intro and Austin’s “Taylor’s husband” identity 01:30 – Fitness and diet during guiding season 03:00 – Carnivore diet and weight fluctuation during hunting season 05:00 – What animals are hardest to guide: elk, mule deer, or pronghorn? 08:00 – The price of a guided hunt and why it’s worth it 10:00 – Importance of good optics and new rangefinding tech in DeerCast 14:00 – Navigating mountain terrain without digital maps 17:00 – Satellite connectivity, Starlink, and Garmin inReach 19:45 – Physical prep: how to train and what to expect in terrain 24:00 – Surprising physical challenges (like sore shoulders from archery) 26:00 – How guides assess hunters’ capability and mindset 30:00 – Shooting ability: ethical concerns and training gaps 32:00 – Dealing with hunter ego and maximizing your guided experience 34:00 – Celebrity clients and weird camp stories 39:00 – Hunting’s place in culture—Rogan, Zuck, Kardashians, and ethics 44:00 – Killing two giants: Austin’s back-to-back Iowa and Missouri bucks 50:00 – How to book a hunt with Austin 55:00 – Insane elk hunting clip breakdown 57:00 – Elk behavior after the shot and the purpose of post-shot calling 58:30 – Join the Rack Pack + listener shoutouts 1:02:00 – Favorite hunting snacks and final thoughts from Austin Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/share/g/n73gskJT7BfB2Ngc/ Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deercast/id1425879996 Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.druryoutdoors.deercast.app Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein-sticks-15ct?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar-15ct?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-phorm-energy?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydration-sticks?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentWild?fbclid=IwY2xjawHG5cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHS-OqetdhlMV6LGrV5KfUBO7fjYcduyut_LzgxrQnEgBbe_vPXGCMgF1Sw_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialDruryOutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors Twitter: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/