Shovels, Snow, and Solo Elk: Surviving Late-Season Hell

EP 672: Tyler Turco Man, if you're anything like me, that bittersweet sting of archery season wrapping up hits hard—like, one minute you're deep in the timber chasing bugles, and the next you're eyeing the rifle rack, wondering where the hell the summer went. That's exactly where we kick off this episode of The Rich Outdoors with my buddy Tyler Turco, a legit pro saddle bronc rider who's traded spurs for calls and scopes more times than I can count. Tyler's the real deal: grew up dreaming of being a cowboy, rodeoed his way through college (hell, it even paid the bills), and now he's out there solo-packing bulls and bucks like it's just another Tuesday. We dive into everything from his wild path from wrestling mats to bronc chutes, why individual sports like rodeo and hunting build that unbreakable grit, and the straight-up chaos of late-season hunts—think equipment snapping mid-stalk, snowstorms trapping you for days with nothing but two shovels and a prayer, and glassing for that one ghost bull who's smarter than the whole damn outfit. Tyler's got stories that'll have you laughing one second (like busting trail through four miles of powder just to not call in a chopper) and nodding hard the next (on why solo hunting's a superpower for life, not just the woods). We geek out on targeting mature bulls in off-the-map pockets, the grind of Colorado's point creep and hybrid draw shake-up, and how shed hunting's your cheat code to unlocking a unit's secrets. Whether you're a bow junkie mourning the close or a rifle slinger geared up for the rut frenzy, this one's packed with raw, no-BS wisdom that'll light a fire under your next hunt. Pour a coffee, crank it up, and let's chase that horizon together—because out here, it's all about stacking those micro-wins into something legendary. Oh, and before you bolt for the woods: Gear up right with our sponsors. Hit OnX Hunt for that elite weather overlay—pin your exact hunt spot and never guess the forecast again. Upgrade to Elite at onxmaps.com and use code TRO for 20% off. (Pro tip: It's a game-changer for dodging those late-season curveballs.) Craving crystal-clear glass without the gouge? Maven Optics ships direct—no BS middlemen, just Wyoming-tough binos and scopes that punch way above their weight. I've been running 'em for years; the people behind 'em are salt-of-the-earth good. Snag yours at mavenoptics.com and drop code TRO at checkout for a free swag surprise. Tell 'em Cody sent ya. What's your wildest packout story? Drop it below—let's swap war tales. #TheRichOutdoors #ElkHuntPodcast #HuntHarder #LateSeasonGrind" Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Shoutouts: OnX weather magic and Maven's no-markup optics love (with those TRO codes that'll save your wallet). 02:15 - Archery Hangover to Rifle Hype: That end-of-season blues and why picking up the rifle feels like revenge. 05:45 - Tyler's Rodeo Roots: From kid-cowboy dreams to college scholarships on broncs—plus why he ditched wrestling for the circuit life. 12:30 - Mentorship & Mindset Shift: School of hard knocks in pro rodeo, and how hunting mirrors that competitive edge. 18:20 - Early Bow Hunts & Individual Sports: Solo superpower unlocked—why wrestling and rodeo prep you for stalking bucks and bulls alone. 25:10 - Toughest Hunts & Gear Nightmares: Mule deer releases snapping mid-stalk, antelope bows that humble you, and the grind of it all. 32:45 - Epic Packout Saga: Snowstorm traps three dudes for three days—shoveling four miles by hand, no chains, pure grit. 40:15 - Targeting Ghost Bulls: Scouting weird pockets, late-season rifle chess with raghorn gangs, and why it's like hunting mature muleys. 47:00 - Shed Hunting Hacks & Colorado Chaos: Winter-to-fall elk trails, point creep fixes, and burning points before the hybrid draw hits. 51:30 - Season Wrap & Future Chases: Mule deer camps with buds, Arizona strip filming, and that itch for target animals—plus Tyler's IG/YouTube plugs. Three Key Takeaways Solo Hunting Builds Life-Proof Grit: Like rodeo or wrestling, going alone in the woods forces those micro-decisions that stack into real confidence—it's not just about tags, it's a superpower for business, family, whatever curveballs life throws. Tyler nails it: everything's on you, and that's where the magic (and the growth) happens. Target Animals Turn Hunts into Stories: Skip the random shots—scout sheds, map winter patterns, and chase that one bull in the off-grid pocket. It's twice the reward, like building a relationship with the land and the ghost you're after. Pro move: Think backward from sheds to fall haunts, and you'll crack units wide open. Prep Beats Panic in Late Season: Chains, extra food, sleeping bags, and an inReach aren't optional—they're your lifeline when storms hit and roads vanish. Tyler's three-day dig-out epic? Pure lesson: Hunt smart, pack for the worst, and remember, calling for help's no shame if it's not life-or-death... but damn, that self-reliance rush is everything.