The Blood Money Podcast: Recent Episodes
Waypoint Outfitters
This podcast will be defining the occupations in and around the outdoor sector. These are back-stories of the blood, sweat, and tears that have been shed by individuals striving to live a life close to nature.
Episode 41: When Mama Grizzly Says "Get Out"
What started as a spring bear hunt quickly turned into a fight-or-flight moment none of them will ever forget. Join Josh, Alex, and Wade as they recount the day an angry mama grizzly and her cubs were spotted at 1000 yards away—and they watched how quickly she could close the distance.
Wade was busy mushroom hunting and fishing, Alex had his mind set on shed hunting, and Josh? He was just trying to keep these two from bickering on the trail. But after seeing a sow and her 2 cubs it changed their whole plan. Hear how their perception shifted from confident outdoorsmen to realizing just how hard it would be to survive an up-close attack.
The crew had to band together fast, coming up with a plan to not only get themselves out but also check on a hiker they'd encountered—making sure he made it to safety instead of becoming the grizzly's next target.
Tune in for Episode 41—a comedic version about respect for the wild and how easy an 18 mile hike becomes when you dont want to stay the night in Grizzly Country.
Spring Bear Season Stories with Cody and Seth
Spring bear season delivered, and Cody and Seth are here to tell you all about it! In this episode, we're diving into the highs and lows of their recent hunts—the intense stalks, the heart-pounding misses, and the tough calls on passes that didn't quite pan out.
But it's not all about the bears. Hear about the shed hunting adventures that unfolded along the way, adding another layer of excitement to an already unforgettable season. From glassing hillsides to closing the distance on bruins, Cody and Seth break down what it really takes to hunt spring bears in Northwest Montana.
Whether you're a bear hunting fanatic or just love hearing real stories from the field, this episode brings you right into the action. Grab your headphones and join us for an episode packed with adventure, strategy, and the raw reality of spring bear season!
The Saga of Speed Part 3
Speed takes us behind the scenes in this episode, and you're not going to want to miss it! Ever wondered what it takes to become a guide? Speed pulls back the curtain on his time as an instructor at guide school, sharing unforgettable stories about the students he trained and the lessons that shaped the next generation of outfitters.
But that's just the beginning. Hear about the epic hunts Speed planned and executed—the strategy, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worthwhile. From teaching greenhorns the ropes to orchestrating backcountry adventures that pushed everyone to their limits, Speed's seen it all.
Whether you're an aspiring guide, a seasoned hunter, or just love a great story, this episode delivers. The legend continues—tune in to The Saga of Speed Part 3!
The Saga of Speed Part 2
Speed is back, and his story gets even more incredible! In this episode, we dive deep into the moment that changed everything—when Speed found faith and became a Christian. But the journey didn't get easier from there. Hear about the intense hardships that tested his beliefs and shaped the man he is today.
Then, buckle up for the story that earned Speed the Guide of the Year award: a heart-stopping account of survival after being struck by lightning while guiding a client. How did they make it out alive? You'll have to listen to find out.
And just when you think you've heard it all, Speed delivers a hilarious tale about the chaos of guiding six guys at once—a story that'll have you laughing out loud.
From life-or-death moments to laugh-out-loud adventures, this episode has it all. Don't miss The Saga of Speed Part 2—it's a wild ride you won't want to miss!
The Saga of Speed: Part 1 - A Life Worth Following
Join us for the first installment of our special series as we sit down with Speed Tessier, a living legend whose story spans decades of adventure, service, and unwavering faith. From becoming a Marine to leading backcountry hunts as a seasoned guide and outfitter, Speed has lived a life that few can match.
In this opening episode, we begin to uncover the remarkable journey of a man who has worn many hats—hunter, teacher, devoted husband, father, and grandfather—but above all, a Christian who has guided others not just through wilderness trails, but through life itself.
Speed Tessier has done it all, and we're honored to share his story with you. This is more than a tale of outdoor pursuits; it's a testament to character, dedication, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived.
Welcome to The Saga of Speed.
In this weeks episode we go over some of the questions you sent into us! We have so many questions to answer we will be getting to every one of them in this episode and the future episodes.
In this weeks episode we go over the importance of working out, getting your mind and body prepared for your hunt will only benefit you.
In this episode, Josh Morgan and Jay break down everything you need to know to get ready for your next hunt. From choosing the right gear to understanding what essentials you should already have, they share practical tips and real-world advice on how to make the most of your equipment in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode will help you prepare with confidence and purpose.
On this episode we talk to long time client Mikey about his hunt with us. We also talk to our guide Cody about how to better prepare yourself to hunt in the Northwest.
In this episode we sit down with the newest member of our team, Cody Schlimme, to discuss our apprenticeship program, 2025 spring bear and turkey season, and how important hydration is.
On this episode we sit down with former outfitter, local guide, and houndsman George Nass to talk about .... everything, We hit on guiding, gear, outfitting, hound hunting, good clients, bad clients and so much more.
This week we introduce the newest guide that joined our team last year, Kole. He was a great addition to the team with a 120% honest opportunity rate on his first archery season as a guide. We cover how he became a hunter, what the difference between hunting and guiding is, and he gives some good information on how clients can prepare to stay in the hunt.
In the kickoff episode of 2025 Josh sits down with one of his heroes, Keith Casteel, world renowned flintlock maker, to discuss hunting, gun making, and many more stories you don't want to miss!!
We sit down with pastor and guide Jim Webley to talk about a couple special hunts he has been on in the past. If you have never listened to an episode this is one that you will want to hear. We are fortunate enough to have Jim as a part of our team and to listen to his knowledge and understanding in God, Country and Hunting.
In this weeks episode we sit down with our clients Ike and Tom to get some insight on the clients point of view hunting with us. We were fortunate enough to have Ike back in camp with us after a horrific first experience in the previous elk camp (before we took over) he brought Tom along for his first ever western hunt. Listen to this episode for a recap on week 4 of archery season, tips for clients from clients, and some gear you dont want to forget when planning your western hunt.
In this episode we tiredly recap one of the best weeks we have had in archery season. Join us as we piece together some of the stories of week 2 archery season
In this weeks episode we sit down with Seth Hershey, one of our newest team members, to recap the first week of archery season.
In this weeks episode we sit down with our competition to discuss the challenges of guiding. Rob Yoder and Josh tell some stories about bad clients, hunts they will never forget, and more.
To kick off the new season we sit down with the next generation of guides. Wade Merschat, CJ Yoder, Aiden Currie, and Collin Norton tell stories of their adventures at a young age and where they hope to be in the future.
This episode is a bit different! We had special guest Sam Bushman (Jays sister) to sit in as a non hunter and learn about the diminishing art of trapping and hound hunting.
In this episode we sit down with Trombley, Jay and our newest guide Zac to recap a quick rifle season, go over some gear that essential to hunting in our area, and some advice for clients preparing to hunt with us.
In this weeks episode we back track to our spring bear season and recap Jays Archery season.
We're Back!Join us for the first episode of the season, We recap some of our archery season with Josh, Aaron and Trombley.
Josh, Morgan, Jay, and new guest Lydia sit down to ruffle some feathers on honest topics. If you are looking for an outfitter to book with you don't want to miss this episode. We pinpoint the right questions to ask, the gear to focus on, and some tips on how to get ready for a guided western hunt.
Over 200 years of hound hunting experience sits at one table and tells stories of hunting, technology, hounds, and how it all has changed over the years. In this episode we talk to Josh's idol in bear hunting, Dick Heavner, Jim Merschat, and Calvin Schrock about the advancement of big game hound hunting as we get insight into what it used to take to hound hunt decades ago. We also get to hear some interesting animal attack stories!
In this weeks episode we sat down with long time friend and outfitter Michael Hartmen of On-Point Outfitters and his guides to talk about bird hunting and dog. We continue getting an insight into what all hunters that use dogs have in common, the love for the dogs and the sport.
On this episode we sit down with Jeremy and Erik , owners and guides of Backbone Mountain Guide Service, to talk hound hunting in different areas of the country, the passion and determination it takes to run a hound hunting operation, and to tell stories that describe the love they have for the sport and their hounds
We promise this episode is worth the wait. We sit down with Jim Merschat, Josh's dad, to talk about the first 2 weeks of our hound hunting season. Also joining to add into the conversation is Walker, Brock, and Ben.
We had many requests to hear Brock (spotted elk) join the podcast, so we sat down with him and asked about his experience as an apprentice with Waypoint Outfitters, told stories about the final week of rifle, and gave some insight on what could be changing next year.
Thank you to all our listeners for staying loyal
We finally had some free time to sit down and update everyone on the past couple weeks of rifle season.
In this episode we have guest and cousin Levi Merschat with us to help tell Morgan's first hunting story on a mule deer buck.
We also tell this weeks success stories for the 1st week of rifle season.
After returning from the break we sit down and reflect on the success of guide week, go over how we are transitioning from archery season to rifle season and the gear that has been added to the packs. We also have our long time friends, and return clients, Jimmy Reel and Mike Davis, to tell their story of a successful, epic elk hunt, and the grueling pack-out that followed.
Archery season 2022 is a wrap. In this episode we reflect on the final week of archery season for the year, go over the stats of the season from beginning until end, and list the many jobs that are included in being an elk guide,
We invite our guest and best friend Devin Hager to tell some guiding stories and talk about how many clients become lifetime friends and family after hard pack outs, first kills, and memories on the mountain.
In this episode we have a guest client on the podcast to tell his story about killing his first bull elk and what the experience was like being on a guided hunt.
We dive in to the harder topics to discuss spot stealing, working together as a team, what you should ask outfitters, what to look for in a guide, and many more helpful tips.
In this episode of the podcast the crew tells stories about their close encounters with various animals in the wild, along with the much anticipated story of Ben's bear attack.
Join us for a recap of the second week of Montana Archery Season.
Topics Discussed: Trusting the process, opportunities, hunter harassment, starving for a job, and more nightmare stories in the outfitting world
In this podcast we sit down with Josh, Jay, and Walker to give a quick recap of their week and a successful 1st week of archery at Waypoint Outfitters.
In this episode, after a week of spring bear hunting, we sit down with out client, fellow guide, and friend Sandon Chavez and our guide Joshua Schrock to talk about spring bear hunting, different styles of guiding, DIY hunting, and many more interesting topics with some classic analogies.
In the latest episode of our podcast Blood Money, we sit with professional archer, lifetime hunter and longtime friend, Ryan Furrer, to compare eastern whitetail hunting to western elk hunting during archery season, how to prepare for a guided hunt, and what to look for in an outfitter.
This is a story of the West that starts in the East.
Josh Merschat and Jon Tissue go back and reflect on the very start of what has become Waypoint Outfitters and how it compares to Walker Witts story of him becoming a Montana Guide.