The Mountain Dude Podcast
The Mountain Dude Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes related to backcountry hunting, personal resilience, and life lessons learned from outdoor experiences, with episodes like the one featuring Martin Chagnovich discussing his journey to harvest a 200-inch mule deer and the foundational episode focusing on faith, family, and personal growth.

Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.
Got questions? Send us a text!
Spring turkey season is here, and if you’ve ever struggled to call in a gobbler, you’re not alone.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls to break down real-world turkey hunting tactics that actually work. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Dirk shares hard-earned lessons from decades of chasing turkeys across the country.
We dive into the biggest mistakes hunters make, why turkeys don’t always respond the way you expect, and how to adjust your approach when birds hang up, go silent, or flat-out ignore your calls.
This episode covers:
How to call in a turkey (and why it’s harder than you think)
Box calls vs pot calls vs diaphragm calls
How to use locator calls to find birds
Decoy setups that actually bring gobblers in
Best times of day to hunt turkeys
Patience and positioning tactics that make the difference
Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or looking to sharpen your skills this spring, this episode will help you become more effective in the field.
🏹 Gear Mentioned in This Episode
Check out Dirk’s calls at Phelps Game Calls:
https://phelpsgamecalls.com
Explore Initial Ascent gear built for spring hunts and everyday carry:
Scout Pack (lightweight, frameless day pack):
https://initialascent.com/products/the-scout
Sawtooth Duffel Bags (built for travel, hunts, and everyday use):
https://initialascent.com
🎙 About the Podcast
The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent.
This is where backcountry hunting meets real conversations about grit, growth, and the lessons learned along the way.
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https://initialascent.com/
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