Sharpening Your Shooting for Mountain Hunts with Montana Wild

EP 658: Montana Wild | Shooting In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Cody Rich welcomes back Jared and Zach from Montana Wild to dive into the intersection of competitiveness, skill-building, and hunting mastery. Recorded in Cody's signature conversational style, the trio explores the mental and physical demands of competitive shooting, backcountry hunting, and the relaunch of Montana Wild. From discussing Wednesday group hikes to dissecting the nuances of long-range shooting and late-season adventures, this episode is packed with insights for hunters and shooters looking to elevate their game. Expect candid reflections, practical tips, and a deep dive into the mindset that drives excellence in the outdoors. This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for serious hunters. As an Elite Member, you get access to the Hunt Research Tool (HRT), making it easy to find draw odds and plan your season. Plus, OnX Elite includes a free subscription to Huntin' Fool e-Magazine, giving you detailed unit insights to help you pick the best hunts. Upgrade to OnX Elite and start planning your next adventure today! Show Notes: Introduction & Catch-Up (00:00 - 02:00) Cody reconnects with Jared and Zach, reminiscing about past episodes and their shared history, including bow-shooting sessions at the South Cottonwood house. Montana Wild's return is teased, setting the stage for a discussion about their renewed focus. Wednesday Hikes & Competitiveness (02:00 - 10:00) The group discusses their weekly Wednesday hikes in Montana, inviting listeners to join for fitness and camaraderie. A conversation about competitiveness unfolds: Jared and Zach describe themselves as striving for excellence while prioritizing being "good humans" over cutthroat competition. They explore the challenge of balancing the desire to be the best with realistic commitments (e.g., family, finances). Cody reflects on aging and shifting priorities, noting that the need to "beat everyone" fades but competition remains a driver for growth. Key takeaway: Competition sharpens skills, but obsession with being the best can detract from personal balance. Competitive Shooting & Skill Development (10:00 - 25:00) The discussion shifts to competitive shooting, particularly NRL (National Rifle League) and PRS (Precision Rifle Series). Challenges: Financial barriers (ammo, barrel life), time constraints (range access), and the need for extensive reps to build experience. Mental toughness: Top shooters excel by making good decisions under pressure, harnessing adrenaline, and maintaining a "state of awareness" (flow state). Common mistakes in shooting: Overconfidence at mid-range distances (300-400 yards). Poor fundamentals (e.g., excessive cheek or grip pressure) amplified by recoil in hunting scenarios. Max-zooming scopes, leading to hyper-focus and missed impacts. Hunting application: Competitive shooting builds muscle memory for target acquisition, position-building, and wind calls, translating to better hunting performance. Practical tip: Shoot in windy conditions and off natural rests (e.g., rocks, logs) to simulate hunting scenarios. Caliber Selection & Hunting Philosophy (25:00 - 32:00) Jared and Zach advocate for calibers that inspire confidence over chasing "big magnums" (e.g., 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag). Recoil sensitivity (pre-ignition movement) can undermine shot execution, making lighter calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or PRC ideal for most hunters. Focus on shot placement (double-lung, behind the shoulder) rather than "dropping" animals with heavy calibers. Cody shares a humbling 800-yard miss, reinforcing the importance of knowing your limits (e.g., capping shots at 600 yards for elk/deer). Resource: Check Montana Wild's video on hunting rifle setups for a deeper dive (linked on their YouTube channel). Hunting Strategies & Mental Toughness (32:00 - 45:00) Jared and Zach discuss what sets them apart as backcountry hunters: Mental toughness: Relentless commitment to covering ground (12-14 mile days, 4,000-5,000 ft. vert) and glassing diligently, even in tough conditions. Adaptability: Constantly exploring new areas, learning from failures, and refining e-scouting to match real-world habitat. Teamwork: Hunting as a duo allows them to push each other, share knowledge, and cover more ground effectively. Common pitfalls: Hunters get stuck in familiar spots, prioritize "getting away from people" over habitat quality, or fail to glass long enough. Late-season tactics: Seek big storms, snow cover, and cold for mountain buck hunts. Balance active hunting (creeping pockets) with patient glassing from vantages. Backpacking vs. day hunting: Jared prefers deep backpack hunts (7+ miles in), while Cody leans toward lighter day hunts to maximize mobility. Montana Wild's Relaunch (45:00 - End) Jared and Zach outline their vision for Montana Wild: Content: High-quality hunting and fishing films, focusing on adventure-style backcountry hunts with cinematic production (a departure from low-effort YouTube vlogs). Products: Plans to develop gear, leveraging their industry experience (e.g., Stone Glacier) to create purpose-driven equipment. Shooting Schools: Mountain-focused courses to teach side-hill and cross-canyon shooting, with Jared leading instruction and Zach offering complementary perspectives. Challenges: Bootstrapping the business with limited resources, balancing content creation with product development. Where to follow: Instagram & YouTube: @MontanaWild for updates on content, hunts, and shooting courses. Website (montanawild.com) is under construction but will evolve. Key Quotes: "Good process equals good results. Focus on the process, not the outcome." – Zach "The best part of the hunt is the millisecond of executing the shot. Don't rush it—embrace it." – Jared "If you hike long enough and glass hard enough, you're gonna find critters." – Jared Resources & Links: Montana Wild's YouTube channel for hunting rifle setup videos and upcoming content. Follow @MontanaWild on Instagram for hunt recaps and shooting school announcements. For caliber selection insights, revisit Montana Wild's rifle video (linked on their YouTube). Call to Action: Join Cody, Jared, and Zach for a Wednesday hike in Montana to build fitness and connect with the community. Subscribe to Montana Wild's YouTube and Instagram for premium hunting content and updates on their mountain-focused shooting schools.