About this episode
Hey folks, Cody Rich here, and man, buckle up because this episode is a raw, real-time deep dive into a Wyoming rifle elk hunt that's got it all – scouting unknowns, llama-packed backcountry vibes at 10,000 feet, epic pack-outs, and two tags filled in just three days! I'm joined by my buddy Jaden as we break down the grind: e-scouting pockets, dodging thunderstorms that light up the sky like fireworks, outsmarting grizzlies (kinda), and turning plans into pure gold with bulls dropping in cliffy sheep country. We geek out on rifle tactics – walking past elk to find better ones, hunting the inverse Viewshed, and why getting deep isn't always deep enough without the right mindset. From hailstorms mid-pack-out to burgers at the trailhead spotting your next play, this one's packed with lessons on pressure, weather wildcards, and why persistence (and a solid game plan) pays off big. If you're gearing up for rifle season or just love those high-altitude hunt stories that get your blood pumping, hit play and let's roll! Ad Copy Sponsored by OnX Today's episode is brought to you by OnX, and I wanna tell you about a killer feature I absolutely love – pulling up hyper-local weather right in the app for your exact hunt spot. No more guessing with some random town forecast; just select your area and boom, you've got the real deal for planning that perfect glassing session. If you didn't know, now you do! Upgrade to Elite with code TRO and save 20% off. Head to onxmaps.com and level up your maps game. Sponsored by Maven Optics This episode is also brought to you by Maven Optics – no middleman, no markup, just world-class binos, scopes, and spotting scopes shipped straight to you. Wyoming-based crew making killer gear at killer prices; I've been rocking theirs for years and love the quality and the people behind it. If you're in the market for optics that punch above their weight, check 'em out at mavenbuilt.com . Use code TRO at checkout for a special gift – tell 'em Cody sent you! Show Notes 0:00 - Intro and Sponsors Kicking off with shoutouts to OnX and Maven Optics, plus a teaser on the Wyoming backcountry rifle elk adventure. 4:15 - Backcountry Setup and Unknowns Packing in 7.7 miles with llamas at 10,000 feet, checking off uncontrollables like camp spots, terrain, and hunter pressure. 12:30 - Scouting Insights and Elk Pockets Spotting six herds on scout day, debating walking past elk for better odds, and why high basins beat valley pressure. 21:45 - Hunter Pressure and Mindset Dealing with nearby camps, avoiding rushed decisions, and the mental game of not letting competition force sloppy plays. 30:20 - Weather Wildcards and Rifle Tactics Storm forecasts, preferring rut behavior over post-storm chaos, and inverse viewshed for finding hidden pockets. 39:00 - Grizzly Country Logistics Managing meat hangs above 10k feet, bear risks, and pack-out plans in remote terrain. 47:15 - Episode Break: Giveaway Plug Quick shout on the free rifle giveaway – enter via the newsletter for bonus chances with the Elk Course. 48:45 - Hunt Recap: Day One Success Opening morning stalk on the scouted bull, wind shifts, and nailing a 508-yard shot in exposed country. 58:20 - Pack-Out Drama and Bear Shenanigans Boning out, missing a quarter to a sneaky bear, shuttling meat, and dodging lightning storms mid-work. 1:07:10 - Day Three: Plan B Payoff Trailhead spotting leads to a 5-mile stalk, cliffy terrain, triple-shot finish, and another bull down. 1:14:30 - Reflections and Lessons Why elk hide in "moon" country, pressure advantages, and the thrill of plans coming together early. 1:20:45 - Outro and Plugs Hunt planner tool shoutout, share the pod, and teases for more backcountry updates. Key Takeaways Embrace the Unknowns Early : Chip away at uncontrollables like camp spots and access before hunting – a solid e-scout plan turns anxiety into opportunity, but stay flexible for weather or pressure shifts. Hunt the Inverse Viewshed : Skip obvious valleys and meadows; focus on hard-to-see high pockets where elk hide from trails and roads – walking past "easy" elk often leads to higher-odds chaos in remote basins. Pressure Fuels Smart Plays : Nearby hunters aren't the end – use them as a decoy while executing precisely; a mobile mindset (willing to break camp) and patience beat rushing into competition-driven mistakes.