Ep 236 - Brandon Bair: Keep the Joy in the Journey

04/20/22 • 35 min

Brandon Bair, former NFL player and co-founder of Rokman, shares his remarkable journey from the gridiron to the great outdoors in this episode of The Wild Initiative with Sam. Brandon's story is a testament to the transformative power of hunting and the joy it can bring to families.

Growing up on a ranch, Brandon's life was intimately connected with the land. He learned the value of hard work, the savagery of wild animals, and the importance of providing for his family from an early age. This strong foundation in the outdoors stayed with him, even as he pursued a successful career in college football at the University of Oregon and later in the NFL.

After retiring from professional football, Brandon rediscovered his passion for hunting and the outdoors. What's truly heartwarming is that he's passed this love down to his family, including his 12-year-old daughter, who has already bagged a bear and a deer. In a world where family members may not always share the same interests, Brandon's experience highlights the importance of inspiring others with our passions and experiences, without ever forcing or pushing them.

Brandon's story also touches on the life skills hunting imparts, such as resilience, patience, and mental toughness, and the potential of hunting to address food-related issues. He emphasizes the need to respect the sacrifice animals make for our survival and suggests that if more people raised or hunted for their own food, many problems related to the meat industry, obesity, and carbon footprint could be mitigated.

The conversation dives into the migration of people from cities to rural areas, driven by a newfound appreciation for the importance of truck drivers in delivering food. Brandon's own journey from bustling city life to a quieter rural existence in Idaho serves as a testament to this shift.

Throughout the episode, the importance of welcoming those who want to live a better life in nature is highlighted. It's a reminder that the great outdoors has a transformative effect, offering solace and inspiration to those who seek it.

Additionally, Brandon talks about his venture, Rokman, and the innovative modular waterproof pack system they've designed for hunters and outdoors enthusiasts. This system has been well-received for its unique features, including its waterproof design and versatility.

In closing, Brandon encourages listeners to step into the world of hunting, even if they're intimidated by the gear or lack experience. His message is simple: "Just do it, just go give it a shot." With this episode, Brandon Bair inspires us all to keep the joy in our journey and share our passions with those we love.

Guest Info

Rokman

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest Info

Rokman

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Ep 235 - Fred Eichler: Down the Hunting “Rabbit Hole”

Fred Eichler, the most interesting bowhunter in the world and owner of Full Draw Outfitters, joins Sam on The Wild Initiative to discuss how deep hunting can take you. Sam and Fred delve into the heart of hunting as a lifestyle choice, one that connects individuals with the outdoors, fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and provides unforgettable adventures.

Fred shares his intense hunting experiences, from shooting coyotes from a helicopter to enduring physically demanding hunts. These adventures, fueled by a passion ignited by his father and inspired by legendary figure Fred Bear, have shaped his perspective on hunting.

In a world filled with distractions, Fred emphasizes the importance of engaging in outdoor activities like hunting to escape technology's grasp. He speaks of the need for unity among hunters, regardless of their preferred hunting methods, and advocates for the support of all forms of hunting to preserve the sport's traditions. Fred's passionate advocacy for hunting's preservation echoes throughout the episode, reminding us that, as he puts it, "If we don't support it all... if we don't fight for it all, we're going to be in big trouble."

Fred also highlights the significance of firsthand experience in understanding hunting's positive impact on wildlife management and conservation efforts. He encourages people to try hunting before forming opinions and emphasizes the importance of education in promoting the benefits of hunting.

The episode explores Fred's remarkable achievement of hunting all 29 North American big game animals with a trad bow, the North American Super Slam, a journey marked by challenges, resourcefulness, and determination. Fred's stories inspire listeners to embark on their own hunting adventures, emphasizing that it doesn't require significant financial resources but rather a determination and a willingness to explore public lands.

Tune in to this episode of The Wild Initiative to discover the profound world of hunting, the beauty of nature, and the importance of unity in preserving outdoor traditions.

Guest Info

Fred Eichler/Full Draw Outfitters

Mentioned in this Episode

Get deals and discounts on products, gear and more from friends of The Wild Initiative at thewildinitiative.com/discounts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next Episode

Ep 237 - Ryan Carter: This is Murder and I’m Part of It

Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters returns to The Wild Initiative podcast, joining Sam in a candid conversation about trophy-hunting giant elk and the intricacies of hunting ethics and conservation. Despite a minor recording mishap, the discussion unfolds to reveal Ryan's deep insights into elk behavior during different seasons, and why, contrary to conventional wisdom, he prefers not to hunt trophy elk during the rut.

The conversation delves into the critical role of educated advocacy for hunting's defense, touching on memorable guide trips and the often cutthroat nature of the hunting industry, where success is sometimes overshadowed by negativity and jealousy.

Ryan highlights the importance of regulating hunting and technology while expressing concerns about mismanagement, including regulations influenced by public opinion rather than scientific principles. As he boldly questions, "Since when does conservation address issues based on feelings and social matters rather than f#$king science?!" This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of hunting ethics, conservation, and the evolving landscape of hunting practices.