Bear Attacks and Cabin Life: Zach Hanson’s Leap from Corporate Success to Trapper

This week on The Rich Outdoors podcast, Cody is joined by Zach Hanson, the intriguing host of the Okayest Trapper podcast and known as the Okayest Human. In this episode, Zach shares a harrowing tale from his recent outdoor adventures: a dramatic encounter with a charging sow black bear. In a high-stakes moment of survival, Zach made a precise and life-saving shot, bringing down the bear just feet away from himself and a companion. This gripping story highlights Zach’s remarkable courage and quick thinking in the face of danger. Zach’s journey is as fascinating as his bear encounter. Formerly a successful professional in artificial intelligence, Zach found himself disillusioned and burnt out by the corporate grind. Seeking a drastic change, he purchased a remote cabin in Idaho during the COVID-19 pandemic and embarked on a new life as a trapper. This bold move was a complete departure from his high-tech career, driven by a desire for simplicity and a deeper connection to the outdoors. In this episode, Zach delves into his personal transformation, discussing how he navigated the shift from a high-powered career to a life of trapping and self-sufficiency. He shares his insights on finding happiness and balance, even as he juggles family life with his passion for trapping and wilderness survival. Zach’s stories offer a compelling look at how significant life changes can lead to newfound fulfillment and adventure. Tune in for a gripping conversation that covers survival tactics, career pivots, and the pursuit of happiness in unexpected places. Whether you’re interested in extreme outdoor experiences, career transformation, or simply a good survival story, this episode with Zach Hanson promises to deliver excitement and inspiration. Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%. This podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization. Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order. Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I love my Maven’s and they are such a great group of dude’s. Maven optics is the first direct to consumer optics brand. This little Wyoming optics company is flipping the optics world on its head. Hands down the best bang for your buck and you support local. This year I’m running the  B6 in 12×50 this year and I am blown away at out good those things are for what they cost. Check em out at Mavenbuilt.com and use the code TRO and checkout for your extra gift.