Near-Death Hunts and Unbreakable Spirit: Caleb’s Wild Stories

EP 667: Caleb Brewer | Stick Sniper Archery In this inspiring episode, host Cody Rich  sits down with Caleb Brewer, a former Green Beret who lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan on his birthday. Caleb shares his remarkable journey from military service to discovering archery and hunting as an adult, overcoming immense physical and mental challenges to become a passionate bow hunter and owner of Stick Sniper Archery in Tucson, Arizona. From dry-firing his first bow to epic backcountry hunts, near-death experiences like nearly drowning while pursuing antelope, and lessons in resilience, Caleb’s story highlights the power of mindset, community, and embracing the outdoors. Whether you’re a hunter, veteran, or anyone facing adversity, this conversation is a testament to turning trauma into triumph and finding joy in the hunt. Stick Sniper Archery  Timestamp Chapters 0:00 – Introduction and Hunting Excitement: The host welcomes Caleb, discusses the thrill of hunting season, and Caleb’s “adult-onset” obsession with hunting. 3:00 – Caleb’s Background and First Hunt: Caleb recounts his outdoor childhood, military service, injury in Afghanistan, and his introduction to hunting through a veteran’s foundation. 10:00 – Transition to Archery and Bow Hunting: From dry-firing an old bow to falling in love with archery, Caleb explains how it became an all-consuming passion post-injury. 18:00 – Identity Shift and Opening a Bow Shop: Caleb opens up about losing his military identity, rediscovering purpose, and the wild story of acquiring and growing his bow shop, Stick Sniper Archery. 28:00 – Backcountry Adventures and Challenges: Tales of grueling hunts in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness, maintaining fitness as a double amputee, and innovative problem-solving with prosthetics. 38:00 – Sense of Humor and Parkour Falls: Light-hearted stories about tripping on prosthetics, embracing humor in tough situations, and the “parkour” yell as a safety check. 45:00 – Near-Death Antelope Hunt Story: Caleb’s harrowing account of nearly drowning in a flash flood while spot-and-stalking antelope in Arizona. 55:00 – More Close Calls and Life Lessons: Reflections on other accidents, burning through “nine lives,” and the importance of a positive mindset. 1:02:00 – Upcoming Hunts and Closing Advice: Caleb shares his 2023 hunting plans, promotes Stick Sniper, and offers wisdom on enjoying the moment in the outdoors. 1:08:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts: Final exchanges, excitement for future hunts, and a teaser clip. Three Key Takeaways Resilience Through Adversity: Caleb’s story shows how traumatic events, like losing both legs, can lead to unexpected positive paths—such as discovering archery and owning a business—if you maintain a problem-solving mindset and refuse to let challenges define you. The Power of Passion and Community: Getting into hunting later in life ignited an all-consuming drive for Caleb, but it was amplified by supportive friends, veterans’ groups, and shared experiences, reminding listeners that pursuing what excites you with good people can transform your life. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Outcome: Caleb emphasizes focusing on the quality of the hunt—the moments in nature, friendships, and personal growth—over the kill, as obsessing over results can overshadow the true joy and lessons of the experience. Stone Glacier – Gear Up for the Backcountry Stone Glacier is built for hunters and adventurers who demand the highest level of performance and durability. From backcountry hunting to alpine climbing, our gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and perform when you need it most. With Stone Glacier, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in the next level of outdoor performance. Why Stone Glacier? Lightweight Durability: Our packs, gear, and apparel are crafted for maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Engineered for Comfort: Every item is designed to provide the best fit and function, ensuring your comfort during long days in the field. Field-Tested: Built by hunters for hunters. Our gear is tested in the harshest conditions by experts who demand the best. When the wilderness calls, be ready. Explore Stone Glacier and equip yourself with the gear that will carry you further. OnX Maps – Navigate with Confidence OnX Maps is the ultimate tool for outdoor enthusiasts, providing you with the most detailed and reliable maps for hunting, hiking, and adventure. With powerful features like offline access, property boundaries, and custom waypoints, OnX Maps ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter where your adventure takes you. Why OnX Maps? 20% Off with Code TRO: Use code TRO at checkout for 20% off your OnX Maps subscription! Offline Mapping: No signal? No problem. Download your maps ahead of time and navigate with ease, anywhere. Layered Features: Access crucial details like public/private land boundaries, trail systems, and topographic maps. Make your next hunt, hike, or adventure seamless with OnX Maps. Use code TRO for 20% off and take your navigation to the next level!