Handloading your own shotgun shells adds another layer of satisfaction to the hunt. When a rooster flushes perfectly and you make the shot, there's something extra rewarding about knowing you loaded the shell that brought it down.

You’re tagged out. How are you celebrating a successful hunt?

Cold rain, unforgiving terrain, and miles of thick Alaskan brush. Somewhere in all that country is a brown bear, one of the biggest predators in North America. Cal's going in with a traditional bow, which means getting a hell of a lot closer than most folks would care to.

Describe how your hunting season is going using only GIFs. 👇

Cold mornings in the backcountry call for warmth without added weight. Hours on the glass, waiting for a shooter to step out. You take the shot, confirm impact, and it’s time to move. The Full Curl Down Parka is built for moments like this. Learn more: firstlite.com/pages/full-cur…

4 AM alarm. Hot coffee. Truck loaded with hunting gear. You’re in the tree before daylight, and your target buck finally walks into range. Tagged out. Back home, football’s on and chili’s cooking. Ahhh, life is good.

Clay Hayes filling his blacktail tag in Alaska.

Who’s gotten a duck hunt in so far this season?

Full Curl keeps you in the hunt when the cold tries to push you out. Stay focused on the hunt, not the weather. Learn more: firstlite.com/pages/full-cur…

Flooded timber, good buddies, Labradors, and greenheads cupped up over the decoys. Hard to beat.

Who introduced you to hunting?

How many alarms are you setting the night before a hunt?

Nothing comes easy in goat country.

Describe whitetail hunting in three words.

On to another favorite ungulate to chase: mule deer.

What’s your go-to duck recipe?

A good bird dog, a walk through pheasant country, and the anticipation of the next flush.

What’s one thing you never leave home without on a duck hunt?

Who’s chasing mule deer this October, and what state are you hunting?

A true wall hanger.