About this episode
Join host Cody Rich and co-host Jaden for a high-energy kickoff to the 2025 elk season, recorded just before the archery opener. Fresh off Alaska hunts, we dive into the frenzy of antelope, cow moose, and elk plans, sharing stories of opening-day rut fests and painful misses. We unpack the 101 vs. 201 elk hunter mindset, exploring how to break free from “Average Joe” habits by mastering skills like finding elk, predicting movement, and adapting to pressure, fires, or weather. With a teaser for our upcoming 301-level elk hunt, this episode is loaded with practical tips, from night calling in tough units to building a versatile skill set. Get ready to level up your elk game and make this season one to remember! Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Season Hype : Cody and Jayden kick things off, stoked for the 2025 elk season, fresh from Alaska hunts and juggling antelope and moose tags. 02:30 - Sponsors: Stone Glacier and Tricer Tripods : Shoutouts to Stone Glacier’s lightweight Archer 6400 pack and Tricer’s innovative LP panhead tripod setup. 04:45 - Opening Weekend Chaos : Discussing the gong show of opening days, why Jayden’s skipping antelope opener, and avoiding the “Average Joe” quitter mindset. 08:15 - Cow Moose Hunt Plans : Cody shares his cow moose tag strategy, targeting areas with bull moose hunters for intel and navigating calf restrictions. 12:00 - 101 vs. 201 Elk Hunters : Breaking down the difference between stumbling 101 hunters and consistent 201 killers, focusing on thinking outside the box. 18:30 - Avoiding Average Joe Moves : How “Average Joe” hunters fail by following crowds, and why seeking unpressured pockets is key to consistent success. 24:00 - Calling in Tough Units : Strategies for silent, call-shy elk, like night calling and soft cow-calf sequences, to outsmart pressured herds. 29:45 - Wallows: Worth It or Not? : Debating the effectiveness of sitting wallows, why mornings might beat evenings, and pairing them with glassing for better odds. 36:00 - Diesel vs. Boot Leather : Why driving to find elk can trump hiking, balancing romanticism with practical scouting in high-pressure units. 42:15 - Limited Entry vs. OTC Mindset : Treating premium tags like high-pressure hunts to avoid complacency and maximize success, even with fewer hunters. 48:30 - Contingencies for Fires and Chaos : Cody’s approach to wildfires, road closures, and unexpected setbacks, emphasizing multiple hunt plans and flexibility. 55:00 - Gear: Confidence Over Hype : How dialed gear boosts confidence, but 301 hunters prioritize skills over chasing the latest trends. 1:00:45 - Mastering Elk Hunting Skills : Cody reflects on learning to predict elk behavior, read herds, and stay calm under pressure to level up from 101 to 201. 1:08:00 - Picking a Skill to Master : Cody’s assignment for hunters—pick one skill (e.g., stalking, calling) and build hunts around mastering it for a memorable season. 1:13:15 - Wrap-Up and Hunt Teaser : Cody and Jayden hype their upcoming 301-level elk hunt, promising a recap of their timber-stalking adventure. Brought to You by Stone Glacier Pack light, hunt hard with Stone Glacier, the minimalist’s choice for elk country. Cody’s running the new Archer 6400 pack, perfect for 10-day backcountry hunts or streamlined day trips. Lightweight, durable, and no extra bulk—Stone Glacier’s got you covered from day packs to expedition haulers. Check them out at www.stoneglacier.com and use code TRO to save on your next pack. Get ready to haul that elk out! Powered by Tricer Tripods Glass smarter with Tricer Tripods, built for elk hunters who need lightweight, rock-solid setups. Cody swears by the Tricer AD with the LP panhead—smooth, compact, and ready for big optics. From binos to spotting scopes, Tricer’s innovative designs keep you steady in the field. Visit www.tricertripods.com and use code TRO for 10% off your full setup. Spot that bull before he spots you! Three Key Takeaways Ditch the Average Joe Mindset : To move from a 101 to a 201 hunter, avoid crowd-following habits like quitting after a busy opening weekend. Seek unpressured pockets by thinking differently—focus on areas others overlook, like low-quality habitat or remote corners, to find elk consistently. Master One Skill at a Time : Pick a specific skill (e.g., calling, stalking, or reading elk behavior) and build your hunt around mastering it. Focused practice, like night calling for silent elk or predicting movement, accelerates improvement over scattered efforts. Stay Flexible with Contingency Plans : Elk hunting is unpredictable—fires, weather, or pressure can derail plans. Always have multiple hunt plans across different ranges or low-country backups to adapt quickly and keep your season alive.