From Bull Riding To Lion Hunting

Send us Fan MailWalker Witt embodies the dream that many eastern hunters hold close—leaving everything behind to build a life in the western mountains. After growing up hunting whitetails and turkeys in Pennsylvania, Walker packed his bags the summer after high school graduation and headed to Montana to guide elk hunts. He never looked back.Walker brings a unique background to his guiding career. A bull rider since age 17—initially hiding competitions from his concerned mother—he carries that same grit into the mountains. This resilience served him well when he was thrown into guiding responsibilities after another guide abandoned their hunting party. Despite being new to elk country, Walker's hunting instincts proved strong, and he quickly adapted to calling in bulls and reading elk behavior in the thick northwestern forests.The conversation delves into fascinating insights about western hunting. Walker explains how herd bulls in thick timber typically manage only about a dozen cows compared to 30-60 in open country due to visibility limitations. He shares his philosophy that "you can fool an elk's eyes and his ears, but you'll never fool his nose," emphasizing wind strategy above all else. Eastern turkey hunters, he notes, often make superior elk guides because their calling experience transfers perfectly to elk hunting scenarios.Perhaps most captivating is Walker's passion for hound hunting. Starting with beagles for rabbits in Pennsylvania, he now runs hounds for mountain lions and bears in Montana and Idaho. He explains the surprising fact that mountain lions typically tree quickly (within 600-800 yards) because their muscular bodies can't sustain prolonged oxygen demands—contrary to bears that might lead hunters on 20-mile pursuits. His recent work removing a problem cougar that was killing livestock and pets highlights the practical conservation role that hunters play in managing predator populations.Whether you're an aspiring western hunter, fascinated by predator hunting, or simply enjoy authentic stories from the mountains, Walker's journey from Pennsylvania bull rider to Montana wilderness guide offers a genuine look at what it takes to pursue a life committed to the outdoors. Listen now to experience hunting wisdom earned through years in some of America's most challenging terrain.Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!