How Do You Become a Better Hunter? | Scott Olmsted

Send us Fan MailSeason 5 of Off the Beaten Path is here, and we're taking the conversation outside!We’re kicking off the new season from Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County, Florida, reflecting on the journey so far and sharing what's next for the podcast.From the Second Amendment and firearms to hunting, fishing, music, and culture, we're exploring the people, perspectives, and experiences that make the outdoors worth discovering.In this episode:Why outdoor culture should welcome everyoneBreaking stereotypes surrounding firearms and the outdoorsCreating opportunities for women, minorities, and newcomersThe evolution of Off the Beaten PathExpanding into hunting, fishing, archery, and musicTaking the podcast on location and introducing live conversationsWhat's ahead for Season 5We're not your typical firearms podcast. We're building a bridge between communities, introducing new voices, and making outdoor culture accessible to anyone curious enough to explore it.Everyone's welcome on our block.🎙️ Join the conversation!What topics, guests, or outdoor experiences would you like us to explore this season? Let us know in the comments.Subscribe for new episodes of Off the Beaten Path. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailThe Second Amendment isn't inherited. It's taught.In the Season 4 finale of Off the Beaten Path, we sit down with Keith and the 2A Family to discuss raising responsible young men, passing down freedom, and why the next generation matters more than ever.In this episode we discuss:Parenting with purposeResponsibility over recreationCompetitive shootingMentorshipFirearm safetyBuilding disciplineRaising the next generation of leadersThis conversation isn't just about firearms.It's about legacy. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailNobody is born a great hunter.They become one by staying curious.Scott Olmstead, Editor-in-Chief of American Hunter, joins Off the Beaten Path to discuss nearly three decades of outdoor journalism, the evolution of hunting media, and why the best hunters never stop learning.In this episode we discuss:The evolution of hunting mediaPrint vs. digital storytellingHunting in Africa and AlaskaConservation and ethicsWhy mentorship mattersHow newcomers can confidently enter the outdoorsWhether you're a lifelong hunter or just getting started, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from someone who has spent nearly 30 years telling the stories of America's hunters. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you inherit a 75-year-old manufacturing company?You find a way to innovate without forgetting where you came from.Chris Graham, President and CEO of Yankee Hill Machine (YHM), joins Off the Beaten Path to discuss suppressor innovation, family legacy, manufacturing, and making shooting more approachable for new firearm owners.In this episode, we cover:The future of suppressor technologyModular shotgun suppressorsFamily-owned American manufacturingWhy suppressors are ideal for new shootersInnovation in the firearms industryMaking quality products at an accessible priceWhether you're new to suppressors or fascinated by American manufacturing, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry's most respected companies. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailWhat separates good from great?Olympian Gabby Franco believes it starts with your mindset.In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Gabby shares her remarkable journey from representing Venezuela in the Olympic Games to becoming a firearms instructor, entrepreneur, and mental performance coach in the United States.We discuss:Competing in the Olympic GamesBuilding mental resilienceSports psychology and performanceWhy mindset matters more than talentCoaching athletes, executives, and everyday peopleFinding excellence through disciplineThis conversation isn't just about shooting—it's about becoming the best version of yourself. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailEducation changes everything.Harrison Benton, founder of Double Tap Coalition, joins Off the Beaten Path to discuss why firearms education—not fear—is the key to building stronger communities.From serving in the Army to selling ammunition during the pandemic and becoming one of Atlanta's most respected firearms instructors, Harrison shares how education transformed his own path and why he's committed to doing the same for others.In this episode we discuss: Firearms education  Gun ownership in Atlanta  The importance of quality instructors  Responsible concealed carry  Building community through training  Why representation matters in the 2A space Whether you're buying your first firearm or looking to become a better shooter, this conversation reminds us that knowledge is the greatest tool you can carry.  Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailCan you advocate for the Second Amendment while also leading the conversation around mental health?Mike Sodini believes you can—and you should.As the founder of Walk the Talk America, Mike has spent years building bridges between the firearms community and mental health professionals without compromising constitutional rights.In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, we discuss:Mental health in the firearms communitySuicide prevention and responsible gun ownershipWalk the Talk America's missionBreaking the stigma around asking for helpYouth education through Kids to KingsFinding common ground without compromising the Second AmendmentThis conversation isn't about politics. It's about protecting lives while preserving freedom. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you realize nobody is speaking for your community?You build the room yourself.In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Tony Simon shares the story behind Diversity Shoot, a grassroots movement introducing thousands of new shooters to firearms safety, education, and Second Amendment rights.From navigating New Jersey's restrictive gun laws to creating one of the most impactful outreach programs in the country, Tony explains why gun rights belong to everyone.We discuss:Second Amendment advocacyDiversity Shoot and community outreachFirearms education for new shootersGun ownership in restrictive statesBuilding inclusive firearms communitiesWhy representation mattersThis conversation is about freedom, responsibility, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailWhat separates great shooters from everyone else?According to world champion competitor Becky Yackley, it's not secret techniques—it's mastering the fundamentals.In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Becky returns to discuss international competition, preparing for Team USA, the mental side of shooting sports, and why simplicity wins.We cover: International competition shooting  Team USA and world championship preparation  Shotgun, rifle, and USPSA competition  Concealed carry and responsible firearm ownership  The importance of fundamentals  How beginners can get started in competitive shooting Whether you're a new shooter or a seasoned competitor, this episode is packed with practical advice from one of the most accomplished shooters in the sport. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a Haitian kid from West Palm Beach projects grows up to become an international journalist, storyteller, and explorer?In this inaugural episode of Side Trails, we sit down with multimedia journalist, poet, and Maps & Diaries founder Wilkine Brutus for a conversation about culture, travel, music, personal growth, and the power of exposure.From growing up in South Florida and visiting Haiti as a child, to living abroad, exploring the outdoors, and building a career in journalism, Wilkine shares how stepping outside of familiar environments can completely transform your perspective on life.We also dive into: Outdoor exploration and travel  Urban culture and the outdoors  Haitian identity and representation  Journalism and storytelling  Music, hip-hop, and creativity  Personal development  The Four Ps: Purpose, Planning, Persistence, and Patience Stories worth exploring between seasons. Support the showThank you for listening! Follow us @WEAREOTBP