#057 - Brian Barney | Winners are Made in the Offseason

In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan Uffens sits down with bowhunting icon Brian Barney host of Eastmans’ Elevated, writer for Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, and a true backcountry hunting machine. Brian shares his incredible journey from a Pacific Northwest wrestler to one of the most respected DIY public land hunters in the West.

The two dive deep into what it really takes to succeed in the mountains: offseason preparation, high opportunity hunts, mental toughness, and building a life that supports your passion. Brian walks through the mindset shifts that make the difference between tagging out and going home early and recounts the emotional rollercoaster of his high-country mule deer hunt above 12,000 feet.

This is more than just a hunting episode it's a masterclass in grit, passion, and living with purpose, both on and off the mountain.

🏹 7 Key Takeaways:

Winners Are Made in the Offseason - Mental and physical preparation year-round is essential—there is no real offseason if you want to be a next-level bowhunter.

High-Opportunity Hunts Build Skill - Targeting hunts with more reps (like antelope or whitetail does) can accelerate learning and help refine stalking and shooting under pressure.

E-Scouting Isn’t Enough—Get Boots on the Ground - Digital tools can only take you so far. Scouting trips build terrain familiarity, hone instincts, and simulate real hunt scenarios.

Mental Toughness is the #1 Skill - Success often comes to those who don’t quit. Brian’s story of missing a dream buck—then hiking over 50,000 vertical feet to tag another—is a raw lesson in resilience.

Use Pressure to Your Advantage - Brian strategically avoids high-pressure areas, hunts mid-week or second-week seasons, and constantly adapts to stay one step ahead.

Be a Present Father and Hunter - Bowhunting isn’t just about the kill. The lessons from the mountain—discipline, patience, focus—carry over into being a better husband, father, and leader.

Shrink the Mountain Through Preparation - “Shrink the mountain” became a recurring theme. When you're physically and mentally dialed, the terrain feels less intimidating, and success becomes more accessible.

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Podcast: Eastmans Elevated

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