This week on Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Chad Sylvester for a conversation that started light and ended up digging pretty deep. We talk about whether hunting has become watered down, and what that question really means in a world shaped by technology, influence, and constant noise. Somewhere along the way, we get into old boots, old lessons, and the kind of hunting experiences that leave a mark because they’re earned, not curated.
We unpack how modern tools, social media, and shifting expectations have changed the way a lot of us experience the woods—and how easy it is to lose sight of why we started hunting in the first place. Chad and I get honest about influence, ego, motivation, and the tension between chasing outcomes and honoring the process. At the heart of it all is a reminder that woodsmanship, awareness, discomfort, and humility can’t be watered down—and that the best parts of hunting still live in the friction, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments when nobody’s watching.
This one’s about reconnecting with what matters, questioning our motives, and remembering that the hunt is supposed to shape us—not the other way around.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 477
- Hunting can feel watered down when friction and challenge are removed.
- Real growth comes from discomfort, effort, and earned experience.
- Woodsmanship and reading nature are skills that can’t be replaced or diluted.
- Influence can be driven by ego—or by a genuine desire to help others.
- Self-reflection reveals why we hunt and what truly motivates us.
- The dilution of hunting reflects broader cultural shifts, not just technology.
- The deepest value of hunting lies in connection, struggle, and personal growth.
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes