Welcome to the Huntback Country Podcast as we continue our series before and after

the Hunt. Today we're speaking with Jeff, he's from Texas, he's newer to hunting in general,

and a rookie, to kind of Western or mountain hunting. And this fall he's taken off into New Mexico

for a black bear hunt with several friends who are also newer hunters. So here's a group of guys

just headed west, going to do it, learn how to hunt bears, learn how to live in the mountains,

and more. I chatted with Jeff and he had quite a few questions on gear, tactic, strategies, water,

and more. And it was really fun to get into this conversation with Jeff. And I've been saying

this every episode, but I really can't wait to speak with Jeff after the hunt. Here's some

stories, lessons learned, and just understand his perspective and experience. It's always fun to

relive first experiences and we'll get to do that with Jeff and this podcast today before the

hunt and then later this fall after the hunt. I hope you guys have been enjoying this series.

As always, if you want to get in contact with us, just send an email to podcastedexo-mountaingear.com

or look for the link in the show description that says leave us a message. And you can ask us a

question for a future Q&A episode. Right now, let's dive right in with Jeff.

All right, well Jeff, welcome to the huntback on your podcast, VanHorrie.

I'm good. Good. It's a pretty beautiful morning down here in Texas, so not too hot yet.

Yes. So let's start off with some background. This is exciting. Let me start here. I was excited to

hear when you reached out about this hunt because you got a group of guys going on the hunt. You were

looking out of state, kind of more of a western backcountry type hunt. And you chose Black Bear in

New Mexico. And so many guys, I think from Texas or out east or wherever, think of a western hunt,

and they're going to start with elk or mule deer, maybe even antelope. I don't know that I hear

many guys starting with bears, for example, and especially fall bears for that matter. So I'm

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