In this episode of the Backbone Unlimited Podcast, Matt Hartsky sits down for a long-awaited and deeply personal conversation with his son, Saxton Hartsky, founder of Wildborn Outdoors. This episode is not about highlight reels or chasing validation through kills. It’s a raw, experience-driven breakdown of what disciplined, intentional western hunting actually looks like when patience, preparation, and respect for the animal guide every decision. Matt and Saxton unpack how hunting became Saxton’s identity, how relentless effort and miles in the field shaped his instincts, and why some hunters consistently separate themselves from the rest over time.
The conversation dives deep into Saxton’s 2025 season, including taking two mature trophy bull elk with a bow, executing a spot-and-stalk pronghorn antelope bow hunt for the second year in a row, passing multiple high-quality mule deer despite clean shot opportunities, and collecting over 350 elk and mule deer sheds in a single offseason. They also explore how wildlife photography has fundamentally changed Saxton’s patience, selectivity, and understanding of animal behavior, making him a more complete hunter. Along the way, they break down decision-making under pressure, passing animals that most hunters would shoot, long spot-and-stalk elk encounters, balancing patience with aggression, and the reality behind success that most people never see. This episode delivers hard-earned lessons for bowhunters, western hunters, and anyone who believes success is built through discipline, repetition, and respect for the process rather than shortcuts or hype.
