Old Bull Winter: Bo DePeña on Music, Elk, and Chasing Dreams

EP 668: Bo Depeña – Old Bull Winter Join host Cody Rich for a killer conversation with Bo DePeña, a country-Americana musician, elk hunter, and all-around passionate dude. Bo shares his journey from the stage to the mountains, diving into how hunting and music fuel his drive to live authentically. We cover chasing elk in tough units, the mental shift from bloodlust to wisdom, and how tools like AI are changing the game for hunters and creatives alike. Plus, we dig into Bo’s new single, Old Bull Winter, a cinematic track inspired by Hemingway and the pursuit of self-discovery through hunting. Whether you’re scouting for elk or chasing your own dreams, this episode will fire you up to lean into the grind and embrace the journey. Timestamp Chapters 00:00 – Intro and Setting the Scene: Cody kicks things off, quoting Steve Jobs on following your intuition and diving into Bo’s elk hunting story—a 55-yard shot that drops a gnarly old bull. 01:30 – Music and Metal Vocals: Bo and Cody nerd out over vocal talent, from Slipknot covers to Mac Glocky’s detailed breakdowns, and how real skill stands out in a world of AI. 05:45 – AI in Hunting and Music: Bo explores how Cody uses AI to clone his hunting knowledge for fans, while discussing AI’s limits in songwriting and its potential to free creatives for live performances. 12:20 – Balancing Nostalgia and New Spots: The guys reflect on the hunt quiet movement, the loss of secret spots, and finding joy in exploring new hunting grounds versus chasing sentimental favorites. 19:50 – Dream Elk Hunts and Pressure: Bo shares his dream hunt on Utah’s San Juan unit, while Cody talks about the pressure of premium tags and the thrill of carving out big bulls in tough, over-the-counter areas. 27:30 – Old Bull Winter and Storytelling: Bo breaks down his new single Old Bull Winter, inspired by Hemingway’s minimalism and a life-changing hunt after an early snow, weaving a tale of self-actualization. 34:15 – Epic Rut Fest Memories: Cody and Bo swap stories of insane elk rut moments, like a 2020 snowstorm that sparked a Tuesday of bugling madness across the Rockies. 40:00 – Music Genres and Live Performances: Bo explains the roots of country-Americana, from Texas grit to Nashville polish, and how venue size shapes his setlists for maximum impact. 48:25 – Bo’s Music Journey and Goals: Bo opens up about his shift to a power trio, his wife’s push to chase rockstar dreams, and how Marcus King inspires his genre-blending style. 55:10 – Injuries and Hunting Prep: Bo shares his struggle with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (aka “mommy’s thumb”), PRP treatments, and helping his wife Amy prep for an axis deer archery hunt. 1:02:00 – Argentina Hunt Plans: Cody and Bo get stoked for their 2027 Argentina red stag trip, comparing it to “miniature elk hunting” and teasing wing shooting with their families. 1:08:30 – Hunting Smarts vs. Miles: The guys discuss hiking smarter, not harder, with glassing, mobility workouts, and toggling between “full throttle” and “trolling motor” mindsets. 1:16:45 – Upcoming Shows and Wrap-Up: Bo plugs his September and October gigs at the Livingston Songwriter Festival and beyond, with a final shoutout to Old Bull Winter. 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Spot what others miss with Maven. About the Guest: Bo DePeña Bo DePeña is a country-Americana musician whose raw, heartfelt songwriting and electrifying live performances are carving out a name in the music world. Hailing from Texas, Bo’s music blends the gritty edge of Texas country with blues, folk, and rock influences, creating a sound that’s both soulful and anthemic. A passionate elk hunter, Bo draws parallels between the pursuit of big bulls and his drive to live authentically, balancing fatherhood, music, and the outdoors. With a killer trio featuring Ronnie Allen on bass and Damon Scott on drums, Bo’s shows are high-energy, venue-tailored experiences that leave audiences buzzing. His latest single, Old Bull Winter, is a cinematic ode to hunting and self-discovery, inspired by Hemingway and a life-changing elk hunt. When he’s not on stage, Bo’s chasing elk, scheming adventures with his wife Amy, or raising their two kids with a love for the wild. Plug for Old Bull Winter Get fired up for elk season with Bo DePeña’s new single, Old Bull Winter, out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere you stream! This cinematic track tells the story of a grizzled hunter facing down a legendary bull after an early snow, weaving a tale of grit, wisdom, and self-discovery inspired by Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea. Recorded live at Yellow Dog in San Marcos, the song features a haunting dobro intro and a raw, full-band energy that hits hard—perfect for your pre-hunt playlist. Check out the live studio video on YouTube and catch Bo’s upcoming shows at the Livingston Songwriter Festival to hear it in person. Grab it now at bodepenamusic.com and let Old Bull Winter fuel your next adventure! Spotify