Big 10, Trapping, Mentors: Modern Mountain Man Pete Muennich

Ep 656: Pete Muennich

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I’m joined by Pete Muennich, a true modern-day mountain man. Pete took my son and me out to check beaver traps, something I’ve wanted to do for years. As a guy who’s read every mountain man and trapper book I can get my hands on—including Steven Rinella’s new book The Mountain Men 1806-1840—getting to live a piece of that history with my five-year-old son was an unforgettable experience.

But Pete wasn’t born into this lifestyle. He grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati to parents who didn’t hunt at all. So how did a city kid become a hardcore mountain man, trapper, dog handler, and hunting guide?

In this episode, we dive into:

• Pete’s love for the mountains, trapping, and running dogs,
• How a kid from the suburbs became a skilled outdoorsman,
• Completing the North American Big 10 at a young age with no outside capital,
• The power of mentorship—how Pete built relationships that opened doors worldwide, and
• His journey to becoming a Montana outfitter and guiding in the wilds of Alaska.

This is a fascinating conversation about grit, mentorship, and chasing a dream. Don’t miss it!

📍 Pete’s Outfitting Business: North Country Outfitters, Montana 

This episode is brought to you by Tricer, makers of the fastest, lightest, and simplest backcountry tripods. Drew and the team have already revolutionized the ultralight tripod market, and now they’re bringing that same innovation to shooting tripods. If you’re in the market for a rock-solid, lightweight tripod, check them out at Tricer.com and use code TRO for 10% off your order!

This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for serious hunters. As an Elite Member, you get access to the Hunt Research Tool (HRT), making it easy to find draw odds and plan your season. Plus, OnX Elite includes a free subscription to Huntin’ Fool e-Magazine, giving you detailed unit insights to help you pick the best hunts. Upgrade to OnX Elite and start planning your next adventure today!