October 29, 2025
Straight talk from the field — no fluff, no filters, just the hunt and the headlines.
🧭 Field Notes
This one hits hard. I wish it ended different. The guy was an absolute stud — fought off a grizzly, called for help, and made it out alive. Then weeks later, a blood clot takes him out. Crazy to think you can survive that fight, and still lose it after the fact. Just shows how thin that line really is out there.
📌 Main Feature – “Survived the Charge. Died Days Later.”
On October 2, 63-year-old Joe Pendry was calling elk near Fort Steele, B.C., when a sow grizzly with cubs attacked. He fired once in self-defense, survived the mauling — but died Oct 25 from a blood clot.
👉 Read the full story → https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/bc-elk-hunter-attacked-grizzly-dies/
Lessons Learned
Calling in heavy predator country = double-edged sword.
Have an extraction and comm plan before the first call.
Serious hunts deserve serious prep — the woods don’t owe you a thing.
🧰 Gear & Grit
Rifle Spotlight — Browning X-Bolt 2 Western Hunter LR
Threaded barrel + Recoil Hawg brake + adjustable stock. Built for western hunters who push range and terrain.
👉 See Specs →https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/rifles/x-bolt-2/xbolt-2-western-hunter-lr.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XwnkUT1lqlX0uQSeBaZdR6c1eTP5inBn5ZejLdnPy4OpdbNQ
Boot Highlight — Irish Setter Terrain 10″ 400 g Waterproof Boot
I just grabbed a pair and like them so far — 10″ height, 400 g insulation, UltraDry waterproofing, and solid traction for rocky country.
👉 Shop Now → https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hunting-boots/waterproof-hunting-boots/terrain-A2713.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqnNLEZJL_lRoy5a6sR76HaFTQXMUjpd2x9Zaz-Oi5jkuceWca8
Other Gear Picks
Muley Freak Game Changer R Bino Harness →https://muleyfreak.com/collections/game-changer-r/products/game-changer-r-bundle
Sitka Timberline Pant → https://www.sitkagear.com/mens/bottoms/pants
Cabela’s VersaHunt 80 L Pack → https://www.cabelas.com/p/cabelas-versahunt-80l-hunting-pack
🎯 Caliber Corner – 6.5 PRC vs 6.8 Western
6.5 PRC = flat, efficient, mild recoil.
6.8 Western = heavier hit for timber and deep-cover shots.
Shooting Tips:
1️⃣ Zero at 200-250 yds instead of 100 → better ballistic window to 600.
2️⃣ For 10 mph crosswinds at 400-600 yds, the 6.8 needs ~½ MOA more hold than the 6.5.
🐺 Predator Watch
Fur’s getting thick and the killers are hungry. Wolves are back on winter range, cats are moving low, and coyotes are packing up. Perfect time to dust off the calls and do some damage.
👉 https://www.outdoorlife.com/coyote-nation-crash-course-in-coyote-hunting/
🔍 Quick Hits
🦌 Deadline Alert: Apply for Wyoming Preference Points by Oct 31 →
⚙️ New Hunting Jackets 2025 List: GearJunkie Review →
🎥 Long-Range Setup Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImDdjpyoT58
What is the best Elk Cartridge available today?
🦫 Wanderings
The ridge we were glassing had snow creeping down by 4 p.m. Twenty minutes later the wind came off the timber like a freight train. That’s the moment you realize you’re not just chasing tags or antlers — you’re playing for survival. Gear matters. Plan matters. And the woods don’t owe you a second shot.
📸 Eye Candy
🤠 Sign-Off
Thanks for being part of the pack. Let’s get those opens and clicks back up — this one’s built for action. See you Friday.