In this episode, Jeremy sits down with longtime friend Will Best and his 13-year-old son Wyatt to talk about raising the next generation of hunters in Montana's backcountry. They dig into how Will introduced Wyatt to hunting and fishing from a young age, how to balance pushing kids to build mental toughness without burning them out, and the mentorship programs that let younger kids get into the field. The conversation covers practical gear advice — suppressors, left-eye-dominant shooting setups, and training rifles for kids — along with the deeper lessons of patience, ethics, and "embracing the suck" in tough field conditions. Will and Jeremy also swap stories about long-range shooting, ballistics, and how e-scouting pairs with real boots-on-the-ground time to become a better hunter. It's a candid, story-driven conversation about passing down a hunting lifestyle to the next generation.

Montana FWP (Fish, Wildlife & Parks) mentorship program https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter

PRAYIN AND SLAYIN NETWORK PARTNER GEAR:

DEADNUTS 2D Targets: Use Code FIELD10 to get 10% off your targets!

THE KNEE BAG SADDLE HUNTER KNEE COMFORT SYSTEM: Use code FIELD10 to get FREE SHIPPING on your order

PUCK OUTDOORS Reed call and fly fishing tackle back country storage system: Use Code FIELD10 for 10% off your order!

"If this episode inspired you, take a kid hunting this season — sign up as a mentor through FWP's mentorship program and pass it on. Share your first-hunt story with us at Field of Futures."

In this episode of the Field to Future Podcast, host Jeremy Chvilicek sits down with Aaron Stonehocker—Air Force veteran, CEO of the Light the Fire Outdoors and the Prayin and Slayin network, and host of the Prayin' and Slayin' Outdoors Podcast.

Known to many as "The Red Ranger," Aaron joins Jeremy to talk about the realities of raising kids in the outdoors while navigating the unique challenges of military family life. From hunting in Montana and Maryland to his family's current home in Texas, Aaron shares how public land access, demanding schedules, and a growing family have shaped his perspective on what it means to be an outdoorsman and pass that lifestyle on to the next generation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

The Toddler Strategy — Practical ways to get young kids excited about the outdoors, from using bobbers as toys to letting them dig their own bait.

The Mental Toughness Balance — Building grit and resilience without pushing kids so hard that the outdoors stops being fun.

Military Life & The Outdoors — Navigating hunting and fishing while supporting an active-duty spouse and raising two boys.

The Sacrifice of the Hunt — Why patience, family time, and filling the freezer can take priority over chasing trophies when kids are along for the adventure.

Lessons from the Field — Stories from Montana, Maryland, and Texas that show why the process and memories often matter more than the harvest.

ABOUT AARON:

Aaron Stonehocker is the CEO and founder of the Light the Fire Outdoors network and host of the Prayin' and Slayin' Outdoors Podcast. An Air Force veteran with experience throughout the outdoor industry, including work with Tactacam and DEADNUTS Outdoors, Aaron is raising his two boys alongside his wife, an active-duty Air Force nurse practitioner.

PODCAST PARTNERS:

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS 2D archery targets built to help hunters train for the moment that matters. Use code FIELD10 for 10% off. deadnutsoutdoors.com

THE KNEE BAG BY LIGHT THE FIRE OUTDOORS Comfort in the stand and stability when the shot counts. Use code FIELD10 for FREE SHIPPING. lightthefireoutdoors.com

PUCK SYSTEM Purpose-built storage systems for diaphragm calls, fly tackle, and more. Use code FIELD10 for 10% off. puckoutdoors.com

Subscribe to Field to Future and follow along as we share the stories, ideas, businesses, and people working to build the future of hunting, fishing, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle.

Take a kid hunting. Take a kid fishing. Pass it on.

Catch & Release: Gearing Up the Next Generation of Hunters | From Field to Future Podcast

Kids shouldn't outgrow their passion for the outdoors just because they outgrow their camo.

In this episode of From Field to Future, Jeremy Chvilicek sits down with Moosie, founder of Catch-N-Release Hunting Apparel, to discuss how one simple problem—finding affordable hunting clothes for a friend's child—turned into an innovative business that's helping more families introduce kids to the outdoors.

Moosie shares the story behind creating the hunting industry's first kids' camo exchange program, allowing families to trade in outgrown gear for the next size without paying full retail every season. They also dive into the engineering behind his quiet, water-resistant "micro peach" fabric, real-world design features built by hunters, and the challenges of growing a family-run business while staying true to the mission.

Along the way, Jeremy and Moosie swap hunting stories, discuss layering systems for changing weather, and talk about why lowering the financial barrier to youth hunting benefits the future of conservation.

Episode Highlights

• 1:30 – The problem that inspired Catch-N-Release Hunting Apparel
• 7:11 – How the kids' camo exchange program works
• 7:57 – The quiet, water-resistant "micro peach" fabric
• 8:43 – Hunter-designed features built into every garment
• 10:32 – Exchange options for early and late season gear
• 18:42 – A real family example showing the savings
• 39:02 – The future of women's camo
• 41:41 – What's next for Catch-N-Release

Learn more: catchandrelease.us

Facebook: facebook.com/MoosiesCatchandRelease

Support Our Partners

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS Train with lifelike 2D archery targets built for ethical hunters. Use code FIELD10 deadnutsoutdoors.com

The KNEE BAG by Light The Fire Outdoors Comfort in the stand. Stability when the shot counts. Use code FIELD10 lightthefireoutdoors.com

PUCK Outdoor Storage Systems Protect your diaphragm calls, fly tackle, and other essentials. Use code FIELD10 puckoutdoors.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a family raising the next generation of hunters.

Because the future of hunting depends on making the outdoors accessible, affordable, and unforgettable for the next generation.

Take a kid hunting!

From the Field to Future: Raising the Next Generation of Bow Hunters with Jesse Burgenthis

How do you build a confident, ethical bow hunter from day one?

In this episode of From Field to Future, Jeremy Chvilicek sits down with Jesse Bruggenthies, owner of Bergey Bowsmith and founder of K2 Arrows, to discuss developing better bow hunters through proper coaching, quality equipment, and strong fundamentals.

Jesse shares how mistakes he made as a young archer shaped the way he now teaches kids and adults alike. The conversation covers introducing children to archery, knowing when they're truly ready to hunt, why confidence matters more than rushing the process, and how investing in quality gear can set new archers up for long-term success.

They also discuss choosing a first bow, Jesse's transition to shooting left-handed, and the importance of ethical shot execution. The interview ends a little early after a snowstorm knocks out Jesse's power—but they'll finish the conversation this fall on a mule deer hunt.

Episode Highlights • 1:12 – How Bergey Bowsmith and K2 Arrows got started • 14:02 – Why introducing releases too early creates bad habits • 17:52 – Jesse's biggest concern with first-time bow hunters • 21:22 – The confidence standard before letting his wife hunt • 25:31 – Why he bought her a flagship bow instead of an entry-level model

Learn more: Bergey Bowsmith: bergybowsmith.com K2 Arrows: k2arrowco.com Instagram: @bergy_bowsmith

Support Our Partners

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS Train with lifelike 2D archery targets built for ethical hunters. Code: FIELD10 deadnutsoutdoors.com

The KNEE BAG by Light The Fire Outdoors Comfort in the stand. Stability when the shot counts. Code: FIELD10 lightthefireoutdoors.com

PUCK Outdoor Storage Systems Protect your diaphragm calls, fly tackle, and other essentials. Code: FIELD10 puckoutdoors.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a family introducing the next generation to the outdoors.

Because the future of hunting is built by the mentors investing in it today. Take a kid hunting!

In this episode, Dan Mayland joins us as we dive into spring bear hunting, breaking down tactics as well as the importance of strong hunter ethics in the field. We also discuss what it really means to hunt hard in the backcountry while balancing that intensity with raising kids the right way—pushing them enough to grow without burning them out. It’s a conversation centered on building lasting passion and passing the hunting lifestyle on to the next generation.

Dan is a lifelong backcountry hunter who got his start chasing elk on his family’s ranch in Wyoming at a young age. Today, he carries that tradition forward by sharing his passion with his son while pushing the limits of backcountry hunting further than most. Through his platform, High Country Outdoors, Dan offers an inside look at his hunts and continues to inspire the next generation.

PODCAST PARTNERS & FIELD-CRITICAL GEAR

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS

Elevate your archery game with the most realistic 2D targets on the market. Built for durability and precision.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for 10% off your next 2D target.

* Shop here: [deadnutsoutdoors.com/discount/field10]

THE KNEE BAG by LTFO

The ultimate gear solution for the mobile hunter. Stability and convenience where it matters most.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for FREE SHIPPING on your order.

* Shop here: https://prayinandslayin.com/gear

PUCK OUTDOORS

Protect your investment. High-quality mouth call and tackle storage designed to withstand the elements.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for 10% off your order.

* Shop here: https://www.puckoutdoors.com/discount/field10

Be sure to subscribe and share this episode with anyone interested in raising their kids in the outdoors!

In the first episode of the From Field to Future Podcast, the host , Jeremy Chvilicek, introduces the show’s goal of encouraging hunters to take their kids into the field and pass hunting traditions to the next generation, drawing on his Montana upbringing and noting he has two boys (5 and 7). He interviews Cain Rinehart from Livingston, Montana and a local lumberyard salesman who runs Rinehart Archery, explaining how he and his wife began tuning their own bows, expanded to one-on-one tuning for others, and formed an LLC in January of the prior year, including a partnership as a Lancaster Archery dealer. Cain describes his personalized services (tuning, restringing, custom arrow builds, and mailed-in bow tuning) and contrasts them with retail shop time constraints. They discuss challenges four-fletching 4mm arrows, Kane’s recommended jig, and how arrow/fletching setups vary by game, broadheads, wind, and conditions, then shift toward kids in archery, noting Cain's plans to get his two-year-old son into hunting.

Cain Rinehart is a southwest Montana–based bowhunter, father, and passionate advocate for archery. A building materials salesman by day, he spends his spare time tuning bows, building arrows, and helping others develop their shooting skills. When seasons are open, you’ll find Cain in the mountains with his family, living out the hunting lifestyle he works year-round to share with others.

Prayin and Slayin Network Partners and Gear:

DEADNUTS OUTDOORS

Elevate your archery game with the most realistic 2D targets on the market. Built for durability and precision.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for 10% off your next 2D target.

* Shop here: deadnutsoutdoors.com/discount/field10

THE KNEE BAG by LTFO

The ultimate gear solution for the mobile hunter. Stability and convenience where it matters most.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for FREE SHIPPING on your order.

* Shop here: [prayinandslayin.com/gear](https://prayinandslayin.com/gear)

PUCK OUTDOORS

Protect your investment. High-quality mouth call and tackle storage designed to withstand the elements.

* Use Code: FIELD10 for 10% off your order.

* Shop here: [puckoutdoors.com](https://puckoutdoors.com)

Fuel a kids curiousity, Fuel their Future!