Minimalist Saddle Hunting with Former Green Beret Jake Roberts (Wayward Ridge)

What if the pack on your back is costing you shots? We bring on Jake Roberts, retired Green Beret and founder of Wayward Ridge, to rethink bowhunting from the ground up: less weight, less noise, more purpose. Jake came to archery at 30 with a clean slate and a Special Forces mindset—focus on what matters, remove what doesn’t, and test until you can’t get it wrong.We dig into minimalist hunting that still boosts performance: silencing every metal touch point with tape, ditching snaggy stabilizers, and carrying only the pieces that earn their place. Jake explains why he often hunts low rather than high, prioritizing concealment over height for better shot windows and less skylining. He makes a strong case for white light on max during entry—quieter feet, safer public walks, and deer that spook more from scent and sound than visibility. We get hands-on with face paint that actually works in the woods—dark on high points, light in recesses—to flatten shine and hide movement.On gear, Jake shares how 3D-printed accessories can be stronger, lighter, and more adaptable when you build them right, back them with a lifetime transferable warranty, and prove them with destructive testing. His bow hanger sits close to the tree, packs smaller than a phone, and has passed real pull-up tests. His patent-pending phone mount tracks with your saddle so you can watch wind shifts, map access with OnX, and see how your shot breaks under pressure without fidgeting. We also cover shop-first business ethics: fair dealer margins, a 90-day buyback if products stall, and marketing that educates so customers walk in asking for the right gear.If you’ve been meaning to trim your kit, quiet your setup, or push closer on the ground, this conversation gives you a blueprint. Subscribe, share with a hunting buddy who carries too much, and leave a review with the one piece of gear you’d remove first.Check out Wayward Ridge: https://waywardridge.com/🏹 Shop Extreme Outfitters for all of your archery & bowhunting needs: https://extremeoutfitters.comUse code ARCHERYPROJECT to save 10%Quick reads, pro tips, and the latest episodes—delivered straight to your inbox every week.👉 Sign up here: https://thearcheryproject.com/✅ Watch the video podcast here!       https://www.youtube.com/@thearcheryprojectJOIN OUR COMMUNITY:► Facebook: http://bit.ly/44UD7Vo► Instagram: http://bit.ly/40Q2jLf