EP 612: A Spreadsheet of Failure – Zack Boughton's Quest to Take a Mature Mountain Buck

We are utterly drowning in content, opinions, posts, and products. It's becoming increasingly difficult to wade through the noise and find those with the kind of experience we can actually trust. Barklow is one of those people.  On this episode, John strips everything down to the basics. The fundamentals that never go out of style. The skills and philosophies that help you learn, test and evolve as a hunter and outdoorsman or woman. At the end of the day, there is simply no replacement for experience.  @jbarklow  KNOWLEDGE FROM STORMS BOOK  OUTDOOR CLASS  ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

Is failure such a dirty word? Is delayed gratification so hard to stomach?  On this episode, Zack Boughton of Montana Wild returns to recount his longstanding search for a mature mountain mule deer buck in his home state of Montana.   Zack's story behind this hard to achieve goal, his self-imposed standards, and the process driven approach he applies to hold himself accountable are worth your time if you're someone that believes some goals, as hard as they may be, are worth pursuing.  @montanawild  ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

On this episode, Adam is joined by Robbie Clunes, one of the founders of Let's Go Guided, a new and unique podcast and community-based platform focused on giving you the chance to really get to know the people behind a guide/outfitting operation.  With an emphasis on stories and the truth behind the scenes of how the featured operations really run their guided hunts, this is the closest you can get to sitting around a campfire, bar or trade show booth getting to know the people you're trusting with your hard earned money and time.   Featuring outfitters from across North America and around the globe, this is an invaluable resource for anyone considering a guided hunt.  @letsgoguided_   ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

On this episode, Adam rolls solo and shares his lessons, mistakes, observations, and thoughts on how to sift through what's really necessary when it comes to physical preparation and training for backcountry hunting pursuits. No gym needed.  After more than 10 years of training almost exclusively at home using a very basic equipment setup, Adam's thoughts are especially applicable to those balancing busy lives and those looking to save time, money and stay consistent. ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

This one's for all the parents (or soon to be parents) out there. How do you balance a life fueled by adventure and travel while managing the responsibilities (and joy) of parenting?   Adam and Frankie Foss are the couple behind Foss Media, one of the most respected film and photography production companies in the hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation space.   With clients like Leica, Sitka Gear, YETI, Mystery Ranch, Danner Boots, Simms, Filson, the Wild Sheep Foundation, and many others, odds are you've seen their work. Since Foss Media's inception, they've had the opportunity to travel the globe, capturing content and living one hell of an adventurous life.   Now, with a growing family, they're finding ways to maintain their adventurous spirit, while managing the realities and responsibilities of raising young kids.   @fossman8  @mtbound ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

After a long hiatus, renowned mountain guide and outfitter Ben Stourac is back on the show.  Ben is the owner of Arcadia Outfitting, based in BC, and Iron North Outfitting based in the Yukon Territory. Between both outfits, Ben and his team of guides offer hunts for exceptional black bears, California bighorn sheep, mule deer, Dall sheep, giant Yukon moose and mountain caribou, as well as grizzly bears.   Ben shares what it's really like running an outfitting business. The highs and lows, the constant challenges, the amazing landscapes and the ethos behind how he runs his outfits. This is a deep inside look into what it really takes to achieve a dream and the hard lessons learned along the way.  @arcadiaoutfitting  @ironnorthoutfitting  ARCADIA WEBSITE  IRON NORTH WEBSITE  ---------------------------  TRUSTED PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  CONSERVATION ORGS TO SUPPORT:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of everything you do in the mountains — and when they're not up to the task of a mountain or backcountry hunt, your new jacket, bow or rifle won't keep you going. As we head into a new season, this is the time to start paying attention to that foundation.  In this episode, I revisit a deep dive into how your feet, boots, and insoles actually interact — and why simply buying new boots or adding an insole doesn't necessarily solve the real underlying problems.   It's easy to spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars chasing comfort without addressing the root issues. This episode will help you understand what actually matters — and how to get it right heading into the season.  This is a re-release of the most comprehensive solo episode I've done on this topic.   ---------------------------  DEALS & PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat. 

Caylen Wojcik is the founder of Modern Day Sniper and Modern Day Rifleman. He is a leading authority on developing one's skills with a rifle and the equipment needed to achieve the highest levels of precision, be that on game or in a competition context. More importantly, he brings a true philosopher's approach to the thinking, mindset and skill progressions required to get the most out of your shooting system.   NOTABLE QUOTES:  "We need to stop focusing on what the reticle is doing, ignore what it's doing, and get one action completed, which is proper trigger control."  @moderndaysniper JOIN THE MDS ONLINE COMMUNITY  ---------------------------  DEALS & PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat. 

Brad Brooks, the founder of ARGALI Outdoors, has been on the show a number of times over the past few years, and he always brings an honest, no holds barred approach to many topics that impact the mountain and backcountry hunting community.  Well-known for their shelter systems, sleeping bags, and a variety of hunting gear and accessories, Argali is on the verge of launching their own apparel line, purpose built for the western or mountain hunter. Brad pulls no punches covering the reasons he decided to undertake this very challenging project and why, in his opinion, now was the time do it.   Brad also shares some the lessons he's learned from one his other passions, alpine climbing, and how that pursuit has impacted the way he approaches backcountry hunting.  NOTABLE QUOTES:  "I think private equity is ruining a lot of really good brands in our hunting space."   @argali_official  ARGALI CLOTHING PROJECT ---------------------------  DEALS & PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  Don't miss out on Canada's best mountain hunting and conservation expo! The 2026 Wild Sheep Society of BC's Salute to Conservation Mountain Hunting Expo will sell out fast. Get your tickets now!  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.   

If you're a serious elk hunter, odds are you've heard of Shawn Melland. If not, you'll have a hard time believing what this guy has achieved over the past 10 years.  Shawn has taken 8 bulls in 10 years, with an average score of 375". Each and every one DIY. As he puts it, he lives and breathes bowhunting giant bulls. He's also a former NFL linebacker and a guy that still trains like a professional athlete, even at 40 years old. Shawn's perspective on how his pro athlete mindset has impacted his ability to have the success he's had in the field is the kind of material that will change how you approach your hunting goals.  This episode focuses primarily on what it means to be a complete athlete, or better yet, a complete human, operating at his or her maximum potential, and how hunting and athletic performance are inextricably linked. If you care about performing at your best in the backcountry, and life in general, this is a can't miss episode.  NOTABLE QUOTES:  "I think if everybody could just take that humility and apply it to their own life and their own training and start doing some of those uncomfortable things...man, that's where the growth comes from."  @shawn.melland @work.built THIN AIR FILM  ---------------------------  DEALS & PARTNERS:  For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.  Don't miss out on Canada's best mountain hunting and conservation expo! The 2026 Wild Sheep Society of BC's Salute to Conservation Mountain Hunting Expo will sell out fast. Get your tickets now!  onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you're already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.   Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you're in the backcountry or on the road.  ---------------------------  SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:  Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.  Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC's wild sheep populations.  SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:  Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.