Best Initial Ascent Packs Podcasts (2025)

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Training, Faith & 40+ Packouts a Year: "Hollywood" Dave Beronio 1:04:27

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3d ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks, Dave’s story is one of relentless drive and intentional living. He opens u…

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Ep. 23: Moe's Dall Sheep Pack Dump 2:16:40

4d ago2:16:40

2:16:40

In this Episode we break down the gear Moe is taking on his 16 day solo Dall Sheep hunt. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/

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The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay 1:18:31

10d ago1:18:31

1:18:31

Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunter…

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Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life Challenges: Cody McCarthy 1:17:03

18d ago1:17:03

1:17:03

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early…

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Ep. 22: Our Favorite Knives (for now) 1:46:50

19d ago1:46:50

1:46:50

In today's episode, Dalton and Moe bring out their knife collections. Budget, steel type, and favorite profiles are all discussed, as well as some new knives that they will be trying soon. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/…

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The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham 1:32:24

26d ago1:32:24

1:32:24

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game. From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped h…

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Ep. 21: Initial Ascent Packs: Dennis Stokes 1:23:34

1M ago1:23:34

1:23:34

In this episode of the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton Gray and Moriah Humphries chat with Dennis Stokes, co-owner of Initial Ascent packs, about his journey from Florida to Idaho, and the innovative development of their carbon fiber backpack frames. Dennis also shares a heartfelt story of a mule deer hunt honoring his late father, discu…

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Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West 1:00:40

1M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Got questions? Send us a text! Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the…

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Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth 1:04:48

1M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Got questions? Send us a text! In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all w…

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Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate 1:15:39

2M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Got questions? Send us a text! 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…

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Ep. 20: Archery Bear Bait Kills and Final Season Recap 2:05:25

2M ago2:05:25

2:05:25

In this episode of The Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton and Moe are joined by Dalton’s wife, Tabitha, and friend Hunter Brook. Together, they share stories from spring bear baiting season in Alaska, including setup mishaps, successful kills, and encounters with grizzlies. They also detour into discussions on European bears, hunting gear, …

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Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips 1:13:32

2M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 …

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The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley 1:04:31

2M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 co…

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Ep. 19: Bowhunting Alaska: Bear Camp Stories 1:20:01

2M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

Dalton and Moe share their experiences from an Alaskan bear baiting camp. This episode blends bowhunting tips, wildlife encounters, and the charm of outdoor life in the Last Frontier. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/…

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Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED! 1:01:46

2M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 packou…

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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:27

3M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 t…

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Ep 18: Brown Bears, Baits, and Gear 1:39:12

3M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Dalton shares a thrilling brown bear hunt. With Moe, they dive into bear baiting woes and gear. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/By The Great Alaska Hunting Company LLC

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GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:26

3M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 o…

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200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES 1:16:54

3M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 f…

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Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast 12:45

3M ago12:45

12:45

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 relen…

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Ep. 17: Grizzly Gunned Down on Parks Hwy: Tourists Lose It 1:47:03

3M ago1:47:03

1:47:03

Moe hosts Hunter, while Dalton is out guiding. Hunter recounts a tense grizzly bear hunt on a busy Alaska highway. Facing tourist outrage and threats, Hunter shares the chaos of the kill. The episode dives into raw hunting experiences and Alaska’s wild challenges. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.h…

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Ep. 16: Spring: Bear Baiting and Sheep Dreams 1:25:22

4M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Dalton and Moe have a conversation about their spring hunting plans, focusing on bear baiting and sheep hunting in Alaska. They discuss the nuances of shot placement, the effectiveness of different firearms, and the challenges of game management. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ …

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Ep. 15: Archery and Adrenaline: Hunting Tales with Andrew Wilson 1:36:50

4M ago1:36:50

1:36:50

This episode features guest Andrew Wilson, a key member of Screaming Eagle Archery, sharing tales from his hunting adventures, including an ibex hunt in Kyrgyzstan. The trio dives into archery gear, bear hunting strategies, and the nuances of rifle choices. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbu…

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Ep. 14: Sheep Hunting Politics: Lew Bradly Interview Part 2 47:31

4M ago47:31

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In part two of the Lou Bradley interview on the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, Lou discusses the declining sheep population in Alaska and its causes, including weather changes and predator issues. He shares insights on effective management strategies, such as limiting hunter harvests and implementing predator control. This episode offers valuable pe…

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Ep. 13: Blood, Sweat, and Horns - Rampages: Lew Bradley Interview Part 1 1:10:48

5M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

This week, Dalton and Moe have the pleasure to interview legendary sheep hunter and author, Lew Bradley. Lew is the author of the Rampages book series, which is often considered to be the premiere collection of sheep hunting information and stories ever published. Lew shares stories from years gone by of “the good old days” of sheep hunting in Alas…

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Ep. 12: Bears, Baits, No Apologies: Bear Bait Stories 1:52:49

5M ago1:52:49

1:52:49

In this episode of the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton Gray and Moriah Humphries share their excitement for spring bear baiting in Alaska. They share hunting stories and discuss equipment choices from over a decade of experience bear baiting. They highlight their love for bear baiting, beyond just predator management or meat provision, a…

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Ep. 11: Gear Talk Q&A: Puffy Pants, Tents, and Tighty Whities 2:04:47

6M ago2:04:47

2:04:47

In this episode, hosts Dalton Gray and Moriah "Mo" Humphries answer listener questions about puffy gear and tents for mountain hunting in Alaska. Also included are comical tales of cotton tighty-whities and a geodesic tent tumbling in the wind. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ In…

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Ep. 10: Hunting Gear Talk: .300 Win Mag, Short Mag, and Tikka Rifles 1:28:40

6M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

In this episode of the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton Gray and Moriah "Moe" Humphries, broadcasting from Fairbanks, Alaska, dive into a listener-requested discussion about their preferred rifle cartridges: the .300 Winchester Magnum (Win Mag) and the .300 Winchester Short Magnum (Short Mag). Recorded around March 2, 2025, the episode co…

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Ep. 9: Winning The Lottery Twice with Matt Saiz 2:03:24

7M ago2:03:24

2:03:24

In this episode Dalton and Mo talked with friend Matt Saiz about his most recent sheep hunt where he killed a great ram on a coveted draw tag in Alaska. Matt recaps his previous sheep hunt where he drew the same tag and also shot his first ram. Matt tells us his story with the ups and downs of a tough mountain hunt, but through patience was able to…

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Ep. 8: Restoring Access: Executive Orders and Alaskan Wildlife 1:57:05

7M ago1:57:05

1:57:05

In this episode, we discuss recent executive orders from the White House that have proposed significant changes to the Alaskan outdoors, particularly in relation to resource management and hunting regulations. Central to our discussion today is the discussion to reopen the Ambler Road project, which aims to facilitate access to vital mineral resour…

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Ep. 7: Hunting Bullet Construction - What We’ve Learned 1:33:40

8M ago1:33:40

1:33:40

This episode is a follow up to a previous episode about cartridges and now heads into a more important variable, bullet selection and construction for big game hunting in Alaska. Dalton and Moriah discuss various bullet designs, including cup and core, bonded bullets, monometal designs, and hard casts, illustrating how each affects expansion, weigh…

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Ep. 6.5: Initial Ascent Packs: 8K Pack System Review 34:52

8M ago34:52

34:52

Join Dalton Gray and Moriah Humphries as they discuss their experiences with the Initial Ascent 8K pack system. The discussion highlights the unique features of the packs, including their efficient load distribution and ease of use, making them suitable for carrying substantial weight without compromising mobility. The hosts also compare Initial As…

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Ep. 6: Cartridges For Big Game Hunting In Alaska: What Really Matters 1:43:07

8M ago1:43:07

1:43:07

Join Dalton Gray and Moriah Humphries as they dive into the topic of selecting the right rifle cartridges for hunting big game in Alaska. This episode emphasizes that while innovation in cartridge design is exciting, the tried-and-true options like the .30-06, .270, and .300 Win Mag remain reliable choices for hunters. The hosts discuss their perso…

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Ep. 5: Hunting High and Low: Strategies for Success in the Alaskan Wilderness 2:28:44

9M ago2:28:44

2:28:44

Join Dalton, Moe, Tabitha, and Remi as they dive into an adventurous discussion about deer hunting in Southeast Alaska, where they reflect on their recent hunting experiences and the challenges of navigating the rugged terrain. The main highlight of this episode is the group's impressive success, having shot multiple deer, including a couple of nic…

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Ep. 4: Sheep Hunting, Bowhunting Tradition, and Archery Headshots with Brad Ivey 3:25:16

9M ago3:25:16

3:25:16

Dalton and Mo are joined by Brad Ivey in this episode. Brad is an avid bowhunter as well as a three-time sheep hunter. Join us as we discuss sheep hunts, moose hunting, and bear baiting with Brad and also get into some interesting topics about archery shot placement in unique situations. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.c…

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Ep. 3: Take 'em Through the Tussocks with Tom Sorenson 2:10:30

10M ago2:10:30

2:10:30

Dalton and Mo are joined this week by Tom Sorenson, a veteran hunting guide in Alaska for over 20 years. Listen as Tom shares a few stories from his years in the field. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/…

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Ep. 2: Alone With A Tarp In the Mountains 2:10:28

10M ago2:10:28

2:10:28

In this week’s episode, Dalton and Moriah recap their September hunting season. Mo embarked on a solo sheep hunt deep into the mountains with only a tarp for his shelter. Dalton then discusses his September where he found success on a bull moose late in the season after hunting multiple different areas. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.s…

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Ep. 1: Who We are and What We Have Been Up To 1:49:17

11M ago1:49:17

1:49:17

Your hosts, Dalton and Mo, sit down for the inaugural episode of our new podcast focused on hunting in Alaska. In this episode we introduce ourselves and give insight into the show and why we decided to launch it. Finally, we briefly recap our August season spent guiding a sheep and caribou hunt this fall and tell a few stories from the hunt. Thank…