About this episode
In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, Cody Rich sits down with a guest from Samong Outdoors to dive into the world of elk hunting. From early hunting days in Washington to navigating the ups and downs of solo hunting, they discuss the importance of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and the thrill of hunting elk in some of the toughest terrain. They also share insights into the Hmong community’s growing presence in elk hunting and the role of passion in turning hunting into a career. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned hunter, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration for all elk hunters. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Message Brief introduction to today’s guest and sponsor, Stone Glacier. How Stone Glacier provides ultralight gear that’s perfect for long-distance elk hunts. 02:10 - The Turkey vs. Bear Debate The guest discusses their excitement for spring turkey hunting vs. spring bear hunting. Differences in turkey and elk hunting, including a playful debate on which is more challenging. 04:30 - Introduction to the Guest & His Background The guest shares his upbringing, including growing up in a large family and his early introduction to hunting. How a love for filming his backyard chickens led to a passion for hunting content. 06:45 - From Hobby to Full-Time Hunting Career How the guest began filming hunts in 2011, starting with an iPod Touch. The challenges of making hunting content when there was no such thing as "influencers" or "monetization" on social media. Transition from hobbyist to professional content creator, even while still in college. 11:20 - The Turning Point: Social Media’s Role in Hunting The guest talks about the impact of social media on hunting and content creation in the mid-2010s. The rise of platforms like YouTube and Instagram in the hunting community. Inspiration from early pioneers like Tim Burnett, Remi Warren, and the Hush crew. 14:50 - Growing the YouTube Channel The guest explains how he started his YouTube channel, Samong Outdoors, and gained his first followers. How financial aid from college was invested into hunting gear, helping to elevate his content production. 19:30 - Learning the Ropes: Struggles and Successes Reflecting on the early years of hunting and the mistakes made while self-filming hunts. The guest shares the value of learning from failure and how it shaped his growth as a hunter. How the guest adapted from timber hunting to glassing for elk. 24:10 - The Hmong Community and Elk Hunting A discussion on the growing presence of the Hmong community in elk hunting. The impact of Pure Trophies and other groups on making elk hunting more accessible for the Hmong community. How the guest’s audience is largely made up of Hmong hunters and why this niche is important. 30:00 - A Pivotal Year: 2019 The guest’s breakthrough year in 2019, where everything clicked, and he harvested multiple animals. How going solo on hunts helped develop independence and confidence as a hunter. The guest talks about the mental game of hunting and staying motivated during challenging years. 35:30 - The Mindset of a Successful Hunter The guest discusses how motivation and passion were key to his success. The importance of perseverance, especially in tough seasons. Balancing social media and hunting to remain true to the craft. 40:00 - Advice for Aspiring Hunters The guest offers advice to new hunters looking to start their elk hunting journey. The role of patience, practice, and persistence in becoming a skilled hunter. 45:00 - The Elk Hunt of a Lifetime: A Family Story The guest tells the story of a significant elk hunt with his uncle, including the process of planning a successful hunt. What it meant to repay his uncle for years of support, making it one of his most rewarding hunts. 48:00 - The Future of Elk Hunting & Social Media What’s next for Samon Outdoors, including plans for upcoming elk hunts. The guest discusses the future of hunting content and his ongoing commitment to high-quality storytelling. 52:30 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Follow the Guest The guest shares how people can follow his journey on YouTube and Instagram. Final thoughts on the importance of passion in hunting and creating meaningful content. 53:30 - Outro & Call to Action Cody thanks the guest and reminds listeners to share the episode with a friend. Mention of the free hunt planner available for download from the show notes.