In Pursuit

Ep. 44: Spike Camp - Preparing New Hunters

IN PURSUIT SPIKE CAMP text over starry sky; two glowing tents in a forest; left bar "MEATEATER NETWORK"

Play Episode

36m

On this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning recaps the first Mayhem Hunt Prep Camp in Colorado.

From a 24-hour mountain bike race in Amarillo straight into 11 days in the mountains, the crew breaks down what it took to build a camp designed around real backcountry preparation. The episode covers mock pack outs, land navigation, reading topo maps, shooting bows and rifles at distance, gear lessons, altitude workouts, glassing, bushwhacking, and the reality of what it takes to get an animal off the mountain.

Rich and the crew also share stories from camp, lessons learned from the athletes who came out, and what they would build into next year’s version, including overnight backcountry work and mock hunts.

Fitness matters, but being ready in the backcountry takes more than being in shape. This episode is all about preparation, toughness, and learning the skills before the stakes are real.

Connect with Rich Froning

Presented By

Featured Gear

Shop All
Black t-shirt with white MeatEater antler logo formed from forks; label text "MEATEATER MEDIUM"
Save this product
MeatEater Store
$30.00
Shop Now
MEATEATER AMERICAN BUFFALO bison jerky — Hawaiian Teriyaki; made with 100% bison
Save this product
MeatEater Store
$9.99
Shop Now
Black hoodie back with hunting kill-kit illustration and text 'MEATEATER' and 'EST. 2012'
Save this product
MeatEater Store
$60.00
Shop Now
First Lite Kiln men's brown merino hooded half-zip with chest pocket
Save this product
First Lite
$150.00
Shop Now
Blaze-orange safety vest with black trim, MeatEater antler logo, label reading "ORANGE AGLOW"
Save this product
Orange Aglow
$28.00
Shop Now
Save this episode