Show notes
This episode is pure True North Lifestyle storytelling. Some opportunities only come once — and this conversation is all about having the courage to say yes when they do. The central theme of this episode is recognizing opportunity and taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain. Josh explains how the biggest adventures of his life: hunting, flying, traveling, and building an outdoor lifestyle which all started by stepping into moments most people hesitate to take.Joe, Rick, and Lee sit down with guest Josh Tripp for a wide-ranging, honest conversation that dives deep into what it really means to chase hard adventures, from tracking big Maine bucks, to solo archery elk hunting in Colorado, to bush flying, aviation mishaps, and the grit it takes to keep pushing forward.Josh shares unforgettable stories from his first experiences tracking deer in the Maine big woods with Rick, learning lessons the hard way and developing the patience and mindset required to consistently hunt mature bucks. The conversation then shifts west to a raw, boots-on-the-ground breakdown of solo elk hunting, including the mental grind, packing meat, hiring packers, and navigating the reality of doing it alone in the mountains.The episode also takes a wild turn into aviation stories — from wrecked planes and Super Cubs, to flying in harsh conditions, Hurricane Gloria, and a full-circle Saskatchewan story that sounds too crazy to be true (but is). Along the way, the guys connect the dots between hunting, flying, risk, experience, and why the most meaningful pursuits in life are rarely the easiest.This is a laid-back, hilarious, and thoughtful episode packed with real lessons, Northeast hunting culture, and the kind of stories that only come from years of getting after it.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:• Josh’s philosophy on saying yes when opportunity presents itself• Josh’s first experiences tracking deer with Rick in the Maine big woods• Lessons learned chasing mature bucks and choosing the right track• Solo archery elk hunting in Colorado — mental battles, pack-outs, and reality checks• Hiring packers and what it’s really like getting an elk out of the mountains• Why waiting for “the right time” often means missing the moment• Aviation stories: Super Cubs, wrecked planes, bush flying & Hurricane Gloria• The unbelievable Saskatchewan plane story that comes full circle years later• How risk, age, experience, and grit shape better hunters and outdoorsmen• Why big adventures demand patience, preparation, and humility• Laugh-out-loud camp banter and classic True North storytelling• A running joke revealing Rick’s “unique” taste in hotels (yes… mannequins 😆)If you love big woods deer hunting, elk hunting, tracking stories, aviation, and real conversations about pushing limits and learning the hard way — this episode is for you.**Sponsors & Shoutouts:**STAGR GEARSave 10% & gear up for hunting season with STAGR GEAR using our exclusive affiliate link:🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check that it’s applied to claim your discount!Handcrafted Knives & Tools (Maine-Made)🔪 Check out Walker Knife Co.: https://walkerknifeco.com🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🦌 Preserve Your Trophy with Peak TaxidermyJeff at Peak Taxidermy delivers high-quality, mounts that honor your hunt the right way. 🌐 Website: https://www.peaktaxidermy.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaktaxidermy207🎣 Northeast Troller:👉 https://northeasttroller.com/discount/TTN💥 Use code TTN at checkout for 10% off your entire order.