Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book March 2024 Training Snow Shelters We’d been traveling most of the day up a remote valley, buffeted by high winds and low visibility. Gaining the broad ridge where it bisected the steep rocky face positioned us well for the next day of travel. We’d planned on four days to traverse this section of mountains, and although the… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book March 2024
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book February 2024 Survival for the Modern Hunter The moan of the old two-stroke was suddenly replaced by the sound of lapping waves against the tiny wooden hull. Broken from my trance, I looked back, hoping to see my friend switching out fuel cans, but instead, saw a look of panic on his face. We were about a… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book February 2024
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book January 2024 Evolution of a Mountain Hunter Photo: Haakon Johnson Your left hip is completely worn out! The joint is bone on bone and full of arthritis. At this point, your only option is a total left hip replacement. Well, F&%# Me! Images of old men using walkers and wearing velcro shoes, a handicap placard hanging from… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book January 2024
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book December 2023 Entry Training: Your Decision Matrix The ability to think clearly and make correct decisions in high-stress situations is crucial when living in the backcountry. Confidence born from training, both physically and mentally, will aid in this ability. There are no shortcuts, and it takes time to acquire over many years and, hopefully, living through some poor… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book December 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book November 2023 Entry Training: Comfortably Cool The outdoors is difficult enough without kicking your own ass. This fact has led me to control what I can and then adapt to the dynamic conditions and minimize struggles. One of the biggest mistakes people make in the backcountry is over-dressing. This unforced error makes you sweat profusely, making you stop… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book November 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book October 2023 Entry Training: Fuel Your Engine Our bodies are metabolic engines running off of fuel like the truck carrying us to our hunts. Instead of gas or diesel, though, our bodies run off of food and water to create warmth and energy. Sitting in a frigid ground blind or tree stand puts extra demands on the body,… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book October 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book September 2023 Entry Training: Trust The Process My partners and I had bucked the odds, killing two bulls in the last five days, but that was of little consolation as I went into the final day of the hunt with an unfilled tag in my pocket. My friends were encouraging and optimistic that we could run the board… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book September 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book August 2023 Entry Training: No-Comms Plan The sun was low on the horizon as the bugs started to assault my head, and I didn’t know where my hunting partner was. He had left an hour before to look into a basin and said he’d return in 15-20 minutes. I told him I’d wait on this rocky knob and… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book August 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book July 2023 Entry Training: Gym Rat The gym is a crucible to test yourself, both physically and mentally. It can also be a sanctuary from the madness of everyday life. But despite the many benefits the gym offers, it’s a contrived environment with limitations. Now’s the time to take what you’ve built in the gym over many months… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book July 2023 Entry
Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book June 2023 Entry Training: Basics Training the basics can be boring, repetitive, and feel like a waste of time. It’s hard work and not glamorous. It takes commitment and doesn’t come quickly. But mastering the basics separates the best and consistently successful from the rest. These fundamental skills are the building blocks of true capability. You’ll fall back… Continue reading Knowledge from Storms: Wheel Book June 2023 Entry