James Petker, avid hunter and record  Mountain Goat holder in Washington State is called out of the blue from Aron and put on the spot for hunting stories.  Aron and James also talk about how important it is to stay mentally active when in the field for extended periods of time and how a good hunting partner is key to success.

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In this episode Aron interviews Patrick Smith, the founder and designer of Moutainsmith and Kifaru. Patrick discusses his design philosophy on how he developed
a rugged mountaineering pack system for the hunting world. Patrick also discusses how he developed a pack-able stove for truly sustainable hunting in comfort and warmth
while in the back country.

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Aron discusses his experience with shot placement, animal anatomy, blood trailing, and how long to wait after the shot before harvesting an animal.

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For the first time ever in the history of Kifaru, we are giving away a one of a kind prototype pack that may or may not enter our production line up.  Eric Bender, our in house master designer, dreams up a plethora of pack designs, many of which go through several design refinements, and may or may not end up as a product for sale. To get your hands on one of his designs, simply leave a comment on iTunes. A winner will be picked at random from the comments on this episode.  Good luck to all! Also, Aron and Frank answer more questions from listeners. Frank admits he never watched the Walking Dead. (Shame)

Question: how to find Budget clothing. 00:01:56 – 00:07:17

Question: What Budget optics do you like? 00:07:17 – 00:11:00

Question: What bow sight do you use? 00:11:02 – 00:13:18

Question: Aron, what is your trad bow setup? 00:13:18 – 00:15:04

Question: Aron, what do you think about the Accubow? 00:15:06 – 00:16:42

Question: What supplements do you use?: 00:16:58 – 00:29:20

Question: Why haven’t you tried certain Broadheads? 00:29:20 – 00:32:12

Question: Aron, What headlamp should I buy? 00:32:20 – 00:35:32

Question: Do Steripens really work? 00:35:34 – 00:42:52

Question: Aron, what camera would you choose? 00:43:00 – 00:48:34

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Aron and Frank talk with Dr. G, the man who puts Aron back together after extensive hunting. Dr. G also gives advice on how
to maintain your body, and trades hunting stories with Aron.

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In this episode Aron and Frank talk about their experience or inexperience in their early days of bow hunting.  Frank flat out ignores rifle scope instructions, and other excuses made when missing an animal.

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Q&A session #1

Aron and Frank will have a weekly queston and answer podcast so be sure to send your questions to aron@kifaruweb1.mfetech.io or frank@kifaruweb1.mfetech.io.

In this episode Aron and Frank answer questions ranging from boots to backpack stoves, as well as Mule deer tips and tactics to increase your chance of a successful hunt.

Below are all the questions asked in this episode along with the corresponding time code.

Question – Aron, Why are you using a stiff boot as opposed to a softer boot? Timestamp 00:01:25 – 00:12:10

Question – What socks do you wear? Timestamp 00:12:10 – 00:14:50

Question – Aron, why do you shoot such a heavy arrow? Timestamp 00:14:50 – 00:23:30

Question – What broadheads do you use? Timestamp 00:23:30 – 00:31:55

Question – Aron, why did you switch from First lite to Sitka?  Timestamp 00:31:55 – 00:38:25

Question – Frank, what call do you use while predator hunting? Timestamp 00:39:10 – 00:44:50

Question – What fishing reel and rod do you use for backpack fishing? Timestamp 00:45:00 – 00:50:05

Question – Aron, how long have you been a photographer? Timestamp 00:50:05 – 00:57:25

Question – Aron, What backpacking stove do you use? Timestamp 00:57:30 – 01:00:15

Question – Aron, Frank – I Need advice on a mule deer hunt. Timestamp 01:00:25 – 01:07:45

Jerkin dirty and glitter beards?

Aron and Frank educate listeners on the various regional sayings used in the field, in the Gym, and on the range.  Also in this episode, flat brims, mullets and skinny sweatpants…aka cultural differences.

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Episode 3: Gear Review

Finding the right gear for you can be difficult.  In this episode, Frank and Aron discuss their favorite gear from this past year, why they chose and continue to use the gear they talk about in this episode and discuss important it is to find and use the gear that works best for you.

Gear reviewed this episode:

Spotting scopes
Lost Park Parka
clothing – inner layer/outer layer
Bows
Bino/optics
Arrow rests
knives
boots
broadheads
Arrows
More Bows
Rifles

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Hunting is never easy, and does not always end in success.  In this episode, Frank shares his experience with altitude sickness.  Aron goes over this years hunting adventures and shares the triumphs,  trials and tribulations that go along with back country hunting.

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