EP 658: Montana Wild | Shooting
In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Cody Rich welcomes back Jared and Zach from Montana Wild to dive into the intersection of competitiveness, skill-building, and hunting mastery. Recorded in Cody’s signature conversational style, the trio explores the mental and physical demands of competitive shooting, backcountry hunting, and the relaunch of Montana Wild. From discussing Wednesday group hikes to dissecting the nuances of long-range shooting and late-season adventures, this episode is packed with insights for hunters and shooters looking to elevate their game. Expect candid reflections, practical tips, and a deep dive into the mindset that drives excellence in the outdoors.
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Show Notes:

Introduction & Catch-Up (00:00 – 02:00)

Cody reconnects with Jared and Zach, reminiscing about past episodes and their shared history, including bow-shooting sessions at the South Cottonwood house.
Montana Wild’s return is teased, setting the stage for a discussion about their renewed focus.


Wednesday Hikes & Competitiveness (02:00 – 10:00)

The group discusses their weekly Wednesday hikes in Montana, inviting listeners to join for fitness and camaraderie.
A conversation about competitiveness unfolds:

Jared and Zach describe themselves as striving for excellence while prioritizing being “good humans” over cutthroat competition.
They explore the challenge of balancing the desire to be the best with realistic commitments (e.g., family, finances).
Cody reflects on aging and shifting priorities, noting that the need to “beat everyone” fades but competition remains a driver for growth.


Key takeaway: Competition sharpens skills, but obsession with being the best can detract from personal balance.


Competitive Shooting & Skill Development (10:00 – 25:00)

The discussion shifts to competitive shooting, particularly NRL (National Rifle League) and PRS (Precision Rifle Series).

Challenges: Financial barriers (ammo, barrel life), time constraints (range access), and the need for extensive reps to build experience.
Mental toughness: Top shooters excel by making good decisions under pressure, harnessing adrenaline, and maintaining a “state of awareness” (flow state).
Common mistakes in shooting:

Overconfidence at mid-range distances (300-400 yards).
Poor fundamentals (e.g., excessive cheek or grip pressure) amplified by recoil in hunting scenarios.
Max-zooming scopes, leading to hyper-focus and missed impacts.


Hunting application: Competitive shooting builds muscle memory for target acquisition, position-building, and wind calls, translating to better hunting performance.


Practical tip: Shoot in windy conditions and off natural rests (e.g., rocks, logs) to simulate hunting scenarios.


Caliber Selection & Hunting Philosophy (25:00 – 32:00)

Jared and Zach advocate for calibers that inspire confidence over chasing “big magnums” (e.g., 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag).

Recoil sensitivity (pre-ignition movement) can undermine shot execution, making lighter calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor or PRC ideal for most hunters.
Focus on shot placement (double-lung, behind the shoulder) rather than “dropping” animals with heavy calibers.