EP 665: Jake Purlee
In this episode, Cody sits down with Jake to chat about the grind and the glory of bear hunting, mountain running, and everything in between. Jake shares his ups and downs during a tough bear season, including the challenges of sticking to one spot despite the temptation to bounce around. They dive deep into the highs and lows of the hunt, including the mental battles faced during late-season hunts and the grind of heavy packs. From bear hunting in Montana to training for races like the Rut, Jake shares valuable insights into how hunting, physical endurance, and mental toughness intersect. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to stay motivated during the long seasons or curious about how to balance hunting with physical training, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-life stories that every hunter and adventurer can appreciate.
Time Stamp Chapters:


00:00 – Intro & Bear Season Talk


05:00 – Highs and Lows of Bear Hunting in Montana


10:00 – The Mental Game of Long Seasons & Sticking with One Spot


15:00 – The Challenge of Spotting Big Bears & Bouncing Around


20:00 – How Bear Hunting Compares to Other Big Game Hunts


25:00 – The Power of Patience & Learning from Past Experiences


30:00 – Balancing Running and Hiking with Hunting Season


35:00 – Training for the Rut & the Mental Toughness Required


40:00 – Dealing with Mental Fatigue & How Physical Training Helps


45:00 – The Lesson of Pushing Your Limits and What’s Next for Jake


50:00 – Closing Thoughts & Advice for the Upcoming Rut


3 Key Takeaways:


Mental Toughness is Key in Both Hunting and Physical Endurance: Whether you’re in the field chasing bears or preparing for a race like the Rut, the mental game is just as important as the physical one. Jake emphasizes the value of staying consistent and mentally strong throughout the season.


Patience Pays Off in the Hunt: Jake shares how sticking to one spot and putting in the hours is often more rewarding than constantly jumping around in search of a “better” spot. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, perseverance in the right spot can pay off.


Balance Physical Fitness with Hunting Goals: The episode highlights how training for physical endurance events, like mountain races, can complement your hunting skills. Proper physical conditioning helps you tackle those long hunts and tough terrain, making you more effective and resilient in the field.


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