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/
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Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein-sticks-15ct?a_aid=DruryOutdoors
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Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-phorm-energy?a_aid=DruryOutdoors
Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydration-sticks?a_aid=DruryOutdoors
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