JRE #1013 – Cameron Hanes

This podcast dives into the world of Cameron Hanes, a bowhunting athlete who embodies a lifestyle of intense physical and mental discipline. Hanes’ dedication to becoming the “Ultimate Predator” is explored through his daily training regimen, his passion for bowhunting, and his deep connection with nature. Provocative topics include the ethical considerations of hunting, the challenges of a vegan lifestyle, and the importance of embracing struggle. Underlying themes highlight the power of obsession, the pursuit of self-discovery, and the importance of grounding oneself in the natural world.

Here are 18 major topics discussed in the podcast:

1. Epic Elk Hunting Trip in Utah

• Hanes shares his experiences hunting elk in the mountains of Utah, emphasizing the stunning scenery, rugged terrain, and abundance of elk.
• He highlights the unique sounds and behaviors of elk during the rutting season, describing the bugling, screaming, and aggressive interactions between bulls.
• The hunt is captured on film by Under Armour, promising to offer viewers a glimpse into the intensity and beauty of the experience.
• Hanes emphasizes the importance of ethical hunting practices, aiming for clean kills and maximizing the use of the animal.

2. The Lesson of Letting Go

• Hanes draws a life lesson from the hunting experience, emphasizing the importance of letting go of greed and being content with what you have.
• He describes a specific encounter where a bull elk, despite having numerous cows, became obsessed with chasing a single cow, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• The lesson is applicable to all aspects of life, reminding listeners that clinging too tightly to something can sometimes lead to its loss.
• Hanes suggests that sometimes, letting go can lead to greater opportunities and unexpected benefits.

3. The Physical and Mental Demands of Bowhunting

• Hanes highlights the intense physical demands of bowhunting, requiring significant endurance, strength, and agility to navigate rugged terrain and stalk elusive prey.
• He emphasizes the mental discipline required for precise shot placement and the ability to maintain focus under pressure.
• Hanes acknowledges the steep learning curve involved in bowhunting, requiring years of practice and dedication to achieve mastery.
• He describes the emotional rollercoaster of hunting, experiencing both immense joy and crushing disappointment, ultimately shaping his character and perspective.

4. The Importance of Conservation

• Hanes discusses the critical role of hunters in wildlife conservation, highlighting the contributions of organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
• He explains the historical decline of elk populations due to market hunting and the subsequent efforts to restore and manage them through conservation initiatives.
• He highlights the success of conservation efforts in restoring elk populations across various regions, including Pennsylvania, where they had been nearly extinct.
• Hanes emphasizes the vital role of hunters in funding conservation efforts, noting that hunting licenses and taxes generate significant revenue for wildlife management.

5. The Controversy Surrounding Hunting

• Hanes acknowledges the emotional and often contentious debate surrounding hunting, recognizing the opposing viewpoints of those who consider it cruel and unnecessary.
• He addresses the argument that meat consumption is unhealthy, emphasizing the distinction between processed meats and wild game, which he considers highly nutritious and beneficial.
• He critiques the distorted information and misinformation often presented by vegans, who he believes engage in proselytizing tactics and fail to acknowledge the importance of hunting in a balanced ecosystem.
• Hanes encourages listeners to research and critically evaluate information, urging them to consider the scientific evidence that supports a balanced approach to nutrition and wildlife management.

6. The Ethics of Meat Consumption

• Hanes delves into the ethical considerations of meat consumption, acknowledging the inherent conflict between the desire for humane treatment of animals and the reality of life eating life.
• He argues that a clean kill, achieved through skilled bowhunting, is often a more merciful end for an animal than the harsh realities of natural death in the wild, which can involve predation, starvation, and disease.
• He stresses the importance of ethical hunting practices, emphasizing the pursuit of a precise and quick kill to minimize suffering.
• Hanes encourages listeners to confront the realities of nature and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things, including the role of hunting in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

7. The Spiritual Connection to Food

• Hanes discusses the profound spiritual connection he experiences with his food, stemming from the direct and intimate act of hunting.
• He contrasts the impersonal and disconnected experience of buying meat at a grocery store with the deeply personal connection fostered through the hunt.
• Hanes describes the profound respect he feels for the animal he has hunted, appreciating its strength, intelligence, and resilience.
• He emphasizes the sense of accomplishment and reverence that accompanies a successful hunt, acknowledging the hard work, skill, and dedication involved.

8. The Importance of Struggle

• Hanes strongly advocates for the importance of embracing struggle, arguing that it fosters personal growth and resilience.
• He highlights the parallels between the challenges of bowhunting, ultramarathons, and martial arts, emphasizing the shared themes of discipline, dedication, and pushing personal boundaries.
• Hanes believes that struggle strengthens our character, builds mental toughness, and helps us discover our true potential.
• He encourages listeners to actively seek out challenging experiences, both physically and mentally, as a path to personal growth and fulfillment.

9. The Power of Obsession

• Hanes acknowledges the role of obsession in his success, revealing his unwavering commitment to bowhunting and ultramarathon running.
• He recognizes that obsession can be a powerful driving force, enabling individuals to achieve extraordinary feats and overcome significant obstacles.
• Hanes suggests that obsession can be channeled into a positive force, leading to self-improvement and the accomplishment of ambitious goals.
• He cautions listeners against the potential pitfalls of obsession, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

10. Adam GreenTree’s Solo Hunting Journey

• Hanes shares the incredible story of his friend Adam GreenTree’s solo hunting journey across three states, highlighting the immense challenges and rewards of self-reliance.
• He describes GreenTree’s encounter with a grizzly bear, capturing the raw intensity of a moment where GreenTree’s survival instincts kicked in.
• The story emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, resourcefulness, and the ability to handle unexpected situations in a remote wilderness.
• Hanes celebrates GreenTree’s accomplishment as an example of pushing personal boundaries and embracing the spirit of adventure.

11. The Importance of Grounding in Nature

• Hanes passionately advocates for spending time in nature, arguing that it offers a sense of grounding and perspective.
• He contrasts the artificial and often overwhelming environment of cities with the simplicity and authenticity of the natural world.
• Hanes describes the unique and profound connection he experiences with nature, appreciating the beauty, the challenges, and the timeless rhythms of the wild.
• He encourages listeners to seek out opportunities to connect with the natural world, whether through hiking, camping, or simply spending time outdoors.

12. The Social Leveling Effect of Hunting

• Hanes highlights the social leveling effect of hunting, where success is determined by skill and ability, not by wealth or status.
• He describes the respect earned through competence in the field, regardless of one’s background or social standing.
• Hanes emphasizes the importance of performing under pressure, particularly in the context of hunting, where a single shot can determine success or failure.
• He suggests that the challenges of hunting can create a shared sense of community among those who participate, fostering bonds of respect and camaraderie.

13. The Impact of Hunting on Hanes’ Life

• Hanes reveals how bowhunting has profoundly impacted his life, inspiring him to pursue ultramarathon running and a lifestyle of intense physical and mental discipline.
• He acknowledges the journey he has undertaken, from his early days as a comedian and fighter to his current status as a bowhunting athlete and ultramarathon runner.
• Hanes credits bowhunting with fostering his dedication to physical fitness, mental resilience, and a deep connection with nature.
• He emphasizes that bowhunting has provided him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, aligning his passions with his values and creating a meaningful way of life.

14. The Importance of Sharing Experiences

• Hanes emphasizes the importance of sharing his experiences through podcasts, films, and social media, aiming to educate and inspire others to embrace a similar lifestyle.
• He recognizes the need to present a comprehensive view of hunting, highlighting not just the successes but also the challenges, the disappointments, and the emotional rollercoaster involved.
• Hanes aims to provide a more authentic and nuanced portrayal of hunting, dispelling the often-negative stereotypes associated with it.
• He believes that sharing his experiences can empower others to explore their own potential and find meaning in the pursuit of challenging and fulfilling activities.

15. The Benefits of Ultramarathon Running

• Hanes passionately advocates for the benefits of ultramarathon running, describing the mental and physical challenges it presents.
• He highlights the importance of pushing personal boundaries and exceeding perceived limitations through intense endurance training.
• Hanes emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to training, incorporating strength training, proper nutrition, and adequate recovery.
• He encourages listeners to embrace the transformative power of ultramarathon running as a means of self-discovery, achieving extraordinary feats, and pushing the limits of human endurance.

16. The Ketogenic Diet

• Hanes discusses the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate approach to nutrition that he has experimented with.
• He acknowledges the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for cognitive function, disease prevention, and enhanced performance.
• He emphasizes the importance of individualizing nutritional strategies based on individual needs and goals.
• Hanes highlights the importance of careful monitoring and adaptation to the ketogenic diet, recognizing that it may not be suitable for everyone.

17. The Importance of Mental Toughness

• Hanes stresses the critical role of mental toughness in achieving success in both hunting and ultramarathon running.
• He highlights the importance of overcoming doubt, fear, and self-limiting beliefs to push through challenges and achieve ambitious goals.
• Hanes emphasizes the importance of developing a positive mindset and focusing on the process, rather than solely on the outcome.
• He encourages listeners to cultivate mental resilience, a critical ingredient for success in any endeavor.

18. The Impact of the Public on Wildlife Management

• Hanes discusses the controversial issue of Grizzly bear hunting in British Columbia, highlighting the public outcry that led to the ban on trophy hunting.
• He critiques the lack of understanding and misinformation often driving public sentiment on wildlife management, particularly in urban areas.
• Hanes emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, based on scientific evidence and the expertise of those who work closely with wildlife.
• He suggests that the ban on trophy hunting could ultimately lead to unintended consequences, including an increase in problem bears and a decline in conservation funding.

Here are 5 memorable quotes from the podcast:

• “If you’re an elk hunter, this is as good as it gets.” – Hanes describes the exceptional conditions of his Utah elk hunt, highlighting the abundance of elk, favorable weather, and stunning terrain.
• “You gotta let things go sometimes.” – Hanes draws a valuable life lesson from his experience hunting elk, suggesting that clinging too tightly to something can sometimes lead to its loss.
• “It’s a discipline like almost no other because it’s not just a discipline, it’s a discipline that also sustains you and your family.” – Hanes highlights the unique nature of bowhunting, which combines physical and mental discipline with the practical aspect of providing for oneself and one’s family.
• “The failure is magnified because it hurts so bad, because you’ve worked so hard.” – Hanes underscores the emotional rollercoaster of hunting, acknowledging the profound disappointment that accompanies failure, but recognizing its role in driving motivation and pushing for improvement.
• “The best people I know are hunters.” – Hanes expresses his deep respect for hunters, highlighting their unique perspective on life, death, and struggle, and emphasizing their strong character and unwavering commitment to their pursuits.