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Spring turkey season is here, and if you’ve ever struggled to call in a gobbler, you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls to break down real-world turkey hunting tactics that actually work. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Dirk shares hard-earned lessons from decades of chasing turkeys across the country.

We dive into the biggest mistakes hunters make, why turkeys don’t always respond the way you expect, and how to adjust your approach when birds hang up, go silent, or flat-out ignore your calls.

This episode covers:

How to call in a turkey (and why it’s harder than you think)
Box calls vs pot calls vs diaphragm calls
How to use locator calls to find birds
Decoy setups that actually bring gobblers in
Best times of day to hunt turkeys
Patience and positioning tactics that make the difference

Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or looking to sharpen your skills this spring, this episode will help you become more effective in the field.

🏹 Gear Mentioned in This Episode

Check out Dirk’s calls at Phelps Game Calls:
https://phelpsgamecalls.com

Explore Initial Ascent gear built for spring hunts and everyday carry:

Scout Pack (lightweight, frameless day pack):
https://initialascent.com/products/the-scout

Sawtooth Duffel Bags (built for travel, hunts, and everyday use):
https://initialascent.com

🎙 About the Podcast

The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent.

This is where backcountry hunting meets real conversations about grit, growth, and the lessons learned along the way.

🔔 Don’t Forget

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Spring bear season is HERE—and this episode is a full breakdown of how to actually find and kill bears in the backcountry.

We dive deep into early season tactics, including how to locate bears without a snowline, what food sources matter most, and how to adjust your strategy based on the time of year. From glassing techniques to understanding bear behavior, this one is packed with real-world experience you can apply immediately.

If you're heading into the mountains this spring, this episode will help you cut the learning curve and increase your odds.

We also answer listener questions on:

Where bears are early season (and why)
How long to stay in a drainage before moving
Morning vs evening hunting strategies
What actually matters when locating bears in big country
Backcountry tips that will put you in the right position

This is a boots-on-the-ground, no-BS conversation from guys who spend serious time chasing bears.

Gear We Trust in the Backcountry

Built for hunts like this:
👉 https://initialascent.com

Follow Along

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/initialascent

Website: https://initialascent.com

About the Podcast

The Mountain Dude Podcast is where backcountry hunting meets real life. We talk tactics, mindset, and the lessons learned in the mountains—all with the goal of helping you climb higher in every area of life.

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode:

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Share it with a buddy getting ready for bear season


If you're planning a spring bear hunt in Idaho or across the West, having the right system matters just as much as your strategy. Early season conditions demand versatility—long glassing sessions, steep terrain, and heavy pack-outs all require gear that can perform when it counts. That’s where Initial Ascent pack systems come in. Built for serious backcountry hunters, these packs are designed to handle everything from lightweight scouting missions to hauling heavy loads of meat out of rugged country. Whether you're spot-and-stalk hunting bears, navigating changing spring weather, or covering miles in search of fresh green-up, having a dependable pack system can make or break your hunt.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we welcome back Richard Bettencourt from SteepKuntry Outdoors for a deep dive into spring bear hunting in Idaho.

This conversation goes far beyond just hunting. We break down the realities of predator hunting, the misconceptions around bear baiting, and why it remains one of the most effective tools for conservation and managing elk and deer populations.

Richard shares years of hard-earned experience—from dialing in bait sites and understanding bear behavior to the mental and physical demands of consistently showing up in the mountains. We get into the details that separate successful hunters from the rest: thermals, scent control, trail cameras, and how small adjustments can completely change your results.

If you’ve ever thought bear hunting was simple, this episode will change your perspective.

What We Cover
Why hunting predators feels different
The truth about bear baiting and “cheating”
How to consistently find and pattern bears
Predator management and its role in conservation
Lessons that translate directly to elk hunting
The mindset behind becoming a better hunter
Follow SteepKuntry Outdoors

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteepKuntryOutdoors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepkuntry_outdoors

Presented By Initial Ascent

Built for those who demand more in the backcountry.
Explore pack systems and gear: https://initialascent.com

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy the show:

Subscribe to the channel
Leave a review
Share this episode with someone who hunts

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#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Aida, founder of Dark Energy, to dive deep into the mindset, struggle, and relentless pursuit behind building one of the toughest power systems in the outdoor industry.

Garrett shares how a need for reliable, bombproof power in the backcountry led him to create Dark Energy from the ground up—starting with nothing but frustration, grit, and a mission to solve a real problem. From early failures and near quitting, to building products trusted by hunters, military, and serious outdoorsmen, this conversation is packed with lessons that go far beyond gear.

We get into the crossover between hunting and entrepreneurship, how the mountain builds mental toughness, and why learning (not suffering) is the real key to success.

If you’re a hunter, business owner, or someone chasing something bigger—this one hits.

In this episode:

The origin story behind Dark Energy

Why most power systems fail in the backcountry

Lessons from years of failure and persistence

Hunting as a tool for personal growth

The mindset required to win in business and life

New product innovations from Dark Energy

Key Takeaways:

“There’s no win or lose—you either win or learn to win later.”

Mastering the mountain translates directly to mastering business

Stress is often self-created—and controllable

Success comes from stacking thousands of lessons, not shortcuts

Check Out Dark Energy:
https://darkenergy.com

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Samong Yang of Samong Outdoors to talk about his journey from a kid filming backyard chickens on an iPod Touch to becoming one of the most respected public land hunting creators on YouTube.

Samong shares the powerful story of his family immigrating to the United States after the Secret War in Laos and how hunting has always been part of his family’s survival and culture. From growing up hunting in Washington to navigating the early days of social media content creation, Samong opens up about the challenges, doubts, and faith that shaped his path.

samong

We dive into the realities behind building a hunting channel, the struggles of trying to turn passion into a career, and why honesty and integrity matter when sharing hunts online. Samong also talks about taking the leap to pursue YouTube full time, the mentors and companies that helped him along the way, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can change everything.

This conversation goes far beyond hunting. It’s about faith, perseverance, community, and staying true to who you are while chasing something bigger.

If you’re a hunter, content creator, entrepreneur, or someone trying to pursue a dream, this episode will hit home.

Topics in this Episode

• Growing up in a Hmong hunting family
• Filming the first videos on an iPod Touch
• Building a hunting YouTube channel from scratch
• The fear of quitting vs pushing forward
• Faith and purpose in the hunting industry
• Being honest about mistakes and bad shots
• Why community matters in the outdoor space
• The future of Samong Outdoors

Follow Samong Yang

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@SamongOutdoors

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/y_outside

Podcast
Samong Outdoors Podcast

Partners of the Mountain Dude Podcast

Initial Ascent
https://initialascent.com

Dark Energy
https://darkenergy.com

Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast

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Mountain Dude Podcast
Where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life.

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast where we climb higher together.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Zach Adams, owner and founder of On Glass Adapter, to talk about the journey from elite military service to launching an innovative hunting brand.

Zach shares his path from growing up in Colorado to becoming an Air Force Combat Controller, the mental grit required to make it through selection and pipeline training, and how those same principles carried over into entrepreneurship.

We dive into:

• The reality of Air Force Special Operations and the Combat Control pipeline
• Lessons learned from deployment and high-level training
• His transition from active duty into engineering school at Boise State
• The origin story behind On Glass Adapter
• The challenges of prototyping, product iteration, and building a brand from scratch
• Why listening to customer feedback matters
• What’s next for On Glass in 2026

If you’re into backcountry hunting, entrepreneurship, product design, or just want to hear a powerful story of grit and persistence — this episode is for you.

Zach’s story is a reminder that success isn’t complicated… it’s consistency, discipline, and refusing to quit.

About On Glass Adapter

On Glass Adapter is an innovative optics mounting system designed to simplify filming and glassing in the field. Built for hunters who demand efficiency, durability, and clean design, On Glass eliminates the need for bulky phone cases while keeping your setup streamlined and field-ready.

Learn more here:
👉 https://onglassadapter.com

Follow On Glass on Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/onglass_adapter

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
03:00 – Air Force Combat Control & selection
17:00 – Deployments & life lessons from the military
24:00 – Getting into backcountry archery hunting
32:00 – The origin of On Glass Adapter
40:00 – Prototyping, feedback, and business growth
55:45 – Advice for young entrepreneurs
57:00 – Rapid fire

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:

• Subscribe to the channel
• Leave a 5-star review
• Share this episode with a friend
• Download the episode to support the show

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast — where we climb higher together.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this powerful episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Guy Duplantier, the voice behind Western Contours Podcast, for one of the most raw and transparent conversations we’ve had around the Mountain Dude table.

From growing up in Inglewood, California during the height of inner-city chaos to discovering bowhunting as a self-taught adult, Guy shares how stepping into the mountains reshaped his identity, humbled his pride, and ultimately led him into a life-changing surrender to Christ.

This episode isn’t just about hunting — it’s about transformation.

We dive into:

Learning to bowhunt alone with no mentor and enduring years of failure

The brutal lessons of solo backcountry hunts

How the mountains became his “church”

The moment that shifted his faith walk forever

Surrender, baptism, and becoming a new man at 50

Why hunting strips away ego and builds real humility

What it means to put God first in your business, family, and daily life

Guy’s testimony is honest, unfiltered, and deeply relatable. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, new to faith, or just trying to figure out your next step in life — this one will hit home.

If this episode speaks to you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who might need it.

Follow Guy here:
Instagram: @westerncontours

This episode is powered by Dark Energy — fueling the show as we take it on the road.

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast… where we climb higher together.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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Recorded live at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast features a powerful, in-person conversation with Brian Barney about what it truly takes to build consistency in the mountains — and in life.

Brian has archery hunted for 21 straight years and consistently punches tags on public land, easy-to-draw units. But this conversation goes deeper than hunting success.

We talk about:

Why mental toughness is built daily — not flipped on in September

Wrestling, grit, and carrying discipline into adulthood

Training seven days a week to become a true mountain athlete

VO2 max, strength work, mobility, and recovery

Why nutrition and sleep are performance multipliers

Handling business and family responsibilities so you can hunt with peace of mind

Finding your “why” so quitting is never an option

Brian breaks down what it means to “shrink mountains” — preparing your body and mind so thoroughly that 5,000–7,000 vertical feet and 15-mile days become repeatable.

More importantly, we discuss the bigger picture:

How you do one thing is how you do everything.
Communication at home.
Leadership in business.
Intentional time with your family.
Enjoying the grind — not just the grip and grin.

Because the truth is, consistent success in the mountains starts long before season opens.

This episode is powered by Dark Energy.
We ran the Poseidon XL to keep our cameras, audio gear, and production equipment charged throughout the expo and while traveling. If you’re hunting, scouting, or creating content off-grid, reliable power is non-negotiable.

👉 Check them out here: https://darkenergy.com

👉 Gear used: Poseidon XL



If you want to become more disciplined, more prepared, and more dangerous in the backcountry — this episode will light a fire.

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast — where we climb higher together.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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