Hunting the South Texas Brush Country

Mike walks up to his first Coyote harvest but the local caracaras got there first.

Mike walks up to his first Coyote harvest but the local caracaras got there first.

Daniel took Mike on a spontaneous hunting trip to the Texas brush Country to put meat in the freezer before the season closed. Join in to listen to us jaw about the stories of the day and the differences hunting our home states. 

Mike Skinning out a Javelina. These are usually thought of as an animal to leave for the local predators but prepared correctly can be a great addition to the menu. 

Mike Skinning out a Javelina. These are usually thought of as an animal to leave for the local predators but prepared correctly can be a great addition to the menu. 

This is a recipe I have been using for a long time to cook wild game that delicious and a hit for first timers and children. It is simple, tasty, and versatile. Better campside cooked in some seasoned cast iron. I use lean cuts of meat tenderized manually. Paired with mashed potatoes, steak fries, or your favorite veggie. Cook times will vary on the thickness of cuts.

Wild Game Fried Nugget bites

  • 2 lbs -Wild Game meat cut in nugget sized bites
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour seasoned to taste (save 4 tablespoons pf mixture for gravy)
    • 3 tablespoons season all or a cajun season blend like Tony's, Camp dog, etc..
    • 3 teaspoons Sage
    • 2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
    • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Put flour and seasonings in a resealable tupperware and mix well to hold the flour batter and meat. (save 4 tablespoons of the flour mix for gravy)

Whisk the egg and milk in a medium bowl an place Game meat in the bowl and mix well coating all meat. Take one piece of game from the Egg mixture, dip in the flour mixture, then  gently press the flour into the chicken, and set on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining pieces of game. 

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat (350 degrees). Add the game pieces to the pan (work in batches) and brown on each side, about 8-10 minutes total. Use a spatula to transfer the chicken nuggets to a paper-towel-lined plate. Salt while hot and serve with the Pan Gravy below.

* Soaking wild game in Milk for a min of 4 hours prior to cooking is a tried and true method used by many sportsman when preparing wild game.  

Wild Game Pan Gravy

  • 1-2 tablespoons of oil from the oil you fried the Javelina meat in
  • 4 tablespoons of the flour mix
  • 3-4 cups Whole Milk
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in pan you fried the Javelina Meat in over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in 4 tablespoons seasoned flour  constantly for about 1 minute.
  3. Add 3 cups milk evenly and slowly until smooth texture
  4. Stir in pepper and salt and continue cooking.
  5. Whisk constantly for about 10 minutes, or until you reached the thickness desired. ( I tend to like mine thicker side)
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The Pecos River

Everything on this river wants to hurt you, cut you, poke you, bite you, and keep you at home. However, come prepared, know you limits, and be respectful, it will open its gates to a world you never knew existed.

If you are planning a trip to the Pecos River please be sure to check out our complete river and trip details over in our Pecos River Trip Plan information page. It has everything you need to get started for your own DIY adventure. We also have video, write ups, and gear list of our past trips here.

#008 Fishing Stories on the Angelina River

#008 Fishing Stories on the Angelina River

Sunset on the Angelina River in East Texas

Sunset on the Angelina River in East Texas

We are joined by family to talk bass fishing, perch jerking, cajun fish lingo, and just good old fashion fishing stories. 

#007 Rabid Raccoons, Terror Turkeys, Lost shotguns, and The Rougarou 

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Well we started to tell you about how great the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas is, but once the whiskey started flowing the b.s. ran deep and the strange poured right out of our mouths. In this episode we talk about rabid raccoons, attacking turkeys, lost shotguns, and the rougarou.

#006 Daniel Rodriguez - The Pecos River, The Photos, and The Veterans

Photo by Daniel Rodriguez

Photo by Daniel Rodriguez

Daniel Rodriguez is an avid angler, photographer, storm chaser, and a US Marine. Daniel survived a historical flood just weeks after our first run down the Pecos River. We relive that experience as well as discuss how he got into kayak fishing, his work with wounded veterans, photography, and how he balances his life of adventure with a full time job.

Photo by Daniel Rodriguez

Photo by Daniel Rodriguez

You can find Daniel Rodriguez on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the work he does with veterans you can visit the Brothers Keepers website at www.brothers-keepers.org. I also urge everyone  to go see his work behind the lens at his photography website and their blog

#005 - Devils River, TX

#005 - Devils River, TX

On this episode, Mike, Luke, and I sit near the Angelina River to discuss the ins and outs of the Devils River. We dive into the hazards, necessary gear, and fishing tactics that make  for rewarding adventure.  The Devils River is a spring fed oasis located in Trans Pecos region of Texas and home to a large and spectacular waterfall that only adds to its beauty. The remoteness and an incredible fishery are all highlighted by its pristine water. You can enjoy this River by camping in the state natural area or take 7 day paddle expedition down more than 47 river miles. This River is special to us and many others and it is important that we all protect our access through conservation and respect. I hope you find this info helpful throughout your planning stages.

To begin planning a trip down the Devils  click the link below

#004 Sam Mauldin - Expedition Paddle Boarder

#004 Sam Mauldin - Expedition Paddle Boarder

Sam Mauldin is an avid climber, extreme athlete, and most notably a paddleboarder.  He and I met on a 100 mile stand up paddleboard expedition down the Guadalupe River in South Texas, the first trip of its kind. After that trip  Sam went on to do another 100 mile trip on one of the most remote  stretches of the Rio Grand river that was  nominated for SUP Expedition of the year. Now Sam, founder of SA adventure sports,  is heading out on another amazing expedition tackling the Rio Grande de Matagalpa for 150 miles of unknown river conditions in Nicaragua, so unknown that the government is requiring a Naval Escort for half of the trip. We discuss the challenges and dangers that lie ahead of them, his gear choices, and those who will be accompanying him on this excursion. 

Follow Sam and Crew on their Spot GPS tracker 

Sam Mauldin on his recent 100 mile Rio Grand SUP expedition down the Rio Grande in Texas

Sam Mauldin on his recent 100 mile Rio Grand SUP expedition down the Rio Grande in Texas

Sam's Gear List

1. Paddleboard: This year’s battle ship will be the 14’ Hala Nass to cope with the open water and high head winds we’ll be facing.

2. Paddle + backup: Hala’s Lock + Load carbon travel and the coveted Butter knife

3. Repair kit: Stock repair kit wit Tear Aid and a couple hose clamps added to the mix

4. PFD

5. Helmet

Camping

1. Hammock: Sea to Summit’s new “Hammock Pro” which packs down to about the size of my fist and weighs only 360g. The “Ultralight Hammock” that other team riders are taking packs down even smaller and weighs an impressive 155g!

2. Bug Net: Specifically for Hammocks
    Size: 4.5 x 4 x 3.5 in
    Weight: 450g
3. Hammock tarp: Sea to Summit Hammock Tarp,
    Size: 6 x 3 x 3 in
    Weight: 330g
4. Liner: Sea to Summit Coolmax Adaptor Traveller
    Size: 3 x 5 in
    Weight: 328g
5. Sleeping pad: Sea to Summit Ultralight Mat
    Size: 3 x 6.5 in
    Weight: 395g
6. Lighter/Firestarter
7. Headlamp: Petzl Aktik 300 lumens
8. Stove: Jetboil
9. Fuel: One 3.5oz can
10. Mess kit: Sea to Summit X-Series Set.                     
     Weight: 453g
11. Knife: Pilot knife attached to my PFD
12. Compression Sack for clothes
13. Food:
    6 Mountain House dinners and
    4 breakfast meals
    15 Cliffbars
    3 packs of Shotblocks
    Coffee
    Jar of peanut butter
    Pack of tortillas
14.Water filtration:
     LifeStraw 5L Mission gravity filter
     PURINIZE
15. Water bottle
16. Storage
Sea to Summit
     65L Hydraulic Pack with shoulder straps (1)
     26L Rapid Drypack (1)
TheSUP Pocket
17. First Aid Kit
18. TP/wet naps
19. Machete
20. Rocket launcher to fight off crocs
21. Soap
22. Collapsible 5g jug
23 Cameras: GoPro Hero4, Canon T6i
24 Power Banks (3)
25 Solar panel: Off brand
26 Repellant
27 Sunscreen
28 550 Para cord and carabiners
29 Personal Hygiene pouch
30 Water shoes: Astral
31 Spot Tracker Gen3 GPS transponder
32 Sunnies: Native Eyewear for the entire group

You can follow Sam Mauldin's expeditions via his Facebook and Instagram and will also be broadcasting his position throughout the duration off his trip via a spot tracker at the following link. Sam is also a big supporter of Missions of Grace an outreach non profit located in Nicaragua and Texas. 

#003 Josh Wheeler - Founder of the Mission Uncharted Survival Race

#003 Josh Wheeler - Founder of the Mission Uncharted Survival Race

On this episode we dive into the mind and the guts of the Mission Uncharted Survival Race with founder Josh Wheeler. Josh is an outdoor enthusiast turned race director that has been hosting this event across the country. Mission Uncharted is a team backpacking race where hikers excel, runners will have to engage the brakes , and the novice can test their abilities across trails ranging from 30-40 miles all while completing a series of challenges that will test one's bushcraft and survival skills.  We entered the event back in March where we met Josh, his crew, and finished the event strong. We qualified for nationals, gained some friends, a  sense of accomplishment, and a thirst for more. His event has a simple concept designed for all hiking abilities, with a format that evens the playing field and makes for fun, exciting, and memorable time with passionate people. To learn more about future events visit him at their web page www.missionuncharted.com don't forget if you sign up and place in the top 3 you can be invited to compete nationally for your chance at a $10,000 grand prize.

If you want to hear how we prepared for this race and our results head over to our past Podcasts and Blog Posts.

Mission uncharted doesn't just end on the trail, each membership gives back beyond just a great experience. Mission Uncharted donates 10% of all entry fees to The World Race. An organization that reaches out to communities around the world. Check out the link for more details and information on how you can help.

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#002 - Entering The Elk Woods

#002 - Entering The Elk Woods

Join us around the campfire as we discuss our days on the mountain chasing elk on our first DIY Colorado Elk hunt. 

#001 Adventure On Outdoors - Who We Are

#001 Adventure On Outdoors - Who We Are

Come Join us for our first "Official" podcast to discover who and what Adventure On is. Daniel & Mike tell stories of their early years, family, and hit on how Adventure On came to be. 

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Mission Uncharted Survival Race Recap

Left to Right (Dan Peirce, Daniel Underbrink, and Luke Kulbeth) Photo by Mission Uncharted

Left to Right (Dan Peirce, Daniel Underbrink, and Luke Kulbeth) Photo by Mission Uncharted

We completed the trail stage in about 8 1/2 hours, spent the night in the woods, completing three challenges and recovering 5 geocaches each worth an additional 20 min off our total trail time. We came in the fastest but still 2nd to the team that outwitted us in strategy. They collected 10 geocaches, putting them 22 min ahead after tallying the geocaches and ultimately taking first place. Their strategy was flawless in design and they took home a well deserved win.  

Team Times

1st     Glorious Bastards - 16 hours 33 min

2nd   Adventure on - 16 hours 55 min  

3rd    The Backpackers  - 19 hours 29 min

4th    B-Town Devil Dancers - 20 hours 13 min

there were an additional 5 teams  2 did not finish       

On this podcast we travel back home and recap the event, the challenges, the hindsights, and strategy of being successful in the event. 

If you are planning to participate in the Mission Uncharted Survival Race these are some some things to keep in mind

  • This race is for most abilities and the format evens the playing field. Though you may be a strong hiker, strategy will determine your success. The fastest does not always win (See above)
  • Practice your basic survival skills prior to race day. 
  • Have a pace setter each day.
  • Geocaches are important don't pass them up, yet know when to abort searching for them. Some are placed in difficult spots and pursuing them can lead to a net loss of total time.  
  • Day one is the most strategic day of the race. Ask questions to the event coordinators as to the boundaries of the rules.
  • The GPS app they recommend will fuel your success 
  • Gear (see previous Posts)
Left to Right (Dan Peirce, Luke Kulbeth, and Daniel Underbrink)

Left to Right (Dan Peirce, Luke Kulbeth, and Daniel Underbrink)

For more information regarding the events, rules, or to simply register please visit Mission Uncharted's website. This is a stand up organization and I recommend this race to everyone.

Training Hike on the WAT

With only weeks left before the big hunt we set off in the peak of summer with 50 pound packs and hit the trail to see where we were in terms of fitness and to get our packs in order. We learned some lessons, found our limit, and sweated our asses off. Yet in the end it was a great experience in some of the finest forests Louisiana has to offer.