Old Bull Winter: Bo DePeña on Music, Elk, and Chasing Dreams

EP 668: Bo Depeña - Old Bull Winter

Join host Cody Rich for a killer conversation with Bo DePeña, a country-Americana musician, elk hunter, and all-around passionate dude. Bo shares his journey from the stage to the mountains, diving into how hunting and music fuel his drive to live authentically. We cover chasing elk in tough units, the mental shift from bloodlust to wisdom, and how tools like AI are changing the game for hunters and creatives alike. Plus, we dig into Bo’s new single, Old Bull Winter, a cinematic track inspired by Hemingway and the pursuit of self-discovery through hunting. Whether you’re scouting for elk or chasing your own dreams, this episode will fire you up to lean into the grind and embrace the journey.

Timestamp Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro and Setting the Scene: Cody kicks things off, quoting Steve Jobs on following your intuition and diving into Bo’s elk hunting story—a 55-yard shot that drops a gnarly old bull.

• 01:30 - Music and Metal Vocals: Bo and Cody nerd out over vocal talent, from Slipknot covers to Mac Glocky’s detailed breakdowns, and how real skill stands out in a world of AI.

• 05:45 - AI in Hunting and Music: Bo explores how Cody uses AI to clone his hunting knowledge for fans, while discussing AI’s limits in songwriting and its potential to free creatives for live performances.

• 12:20 - Balancing Nostalgia and New Spots: The guys reflect on the hunt quiet movement, the loss of secret spots, and finding joy in exploring new hunting grounds versus chasing sentimental favorites.

• 19:50 - Dream Elk Hunts and Pressure: Bo shares his dream hunt on Utah’s San Juan unit, while Cody talks about the pressure of premium tags and the thrill of carving out big bulls in tough, over-the-counter areas.

• 27:30 - Old Bull Winter and Storytelling: Bo breaks down his new single Old Bull Winter, inspired by Hemingway’s minimalism and a life-changing hunt after an early snow, weaving a tale of self-actualization.

• 34:15 - Epic Rut Fest Memories: Cody and Bo swap stories of insane elk rut moments, like a 2020 snowstorm that sparked a Tuesday of bugling madness across the Rockies.

• 40:00 - Music Genres and Live Performances: Bo explains the roots of country-Americana, from Texas grit to Nashville polish, and how venue size shapes his setlists for maximum impact.

• 48:25 - Bo’s Music Journey and Goals: Bo opens up about his shift to a power trio, his wife’s push to chase rockstar dreams, and how Marcus King inspires his genre-blending style.

• 55:10 - Injuries and Hunting Prep: Bo shares his struggle with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (aka “mommy’s thumb”), PRP treatments, and helping his wife Amy prep for an axis deer archery hunt.

• 1:02:00 - Argentina Hunt Plans: Cody and Bo get stoked for their 2027 Argentina red stag trip, comparing it to “miniature elk hunting” and teasing wing shooting with their families.

• 1:08:30 - Hunting Smarts vs. Miles: The guys discuss hiking smarter, not harder, with glassing, mobility workouts, and toggling between “full throttle” and “trolling motor” mindsets.

• 1:16:45 - Upcoming Shows and Wrap-Up: Bo plugs his September and October gigs at the Livingston Songwriter Festival and beyond, with a final shoutout to Old Bull Winter.
  
  

Brought to You by OnX Hunt
Don’t just hunt—hunt smarter with OnX Hunt. More than a mapping app, OnX is your ultimate hunt planning system. With Elite Membership, you get access to nationwide land ownership maps, Huntin’ Fool’s e-Magazine, Terrain X, and research tools to plan better hunts and find more elk. Cody and Eric rely on OnX to scout high vantage points and navigate tough units. Head to www.onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% on your Elite Membership. Elevate your elk game today!

Powered by Maven Optics
When it’s time to glass that dream bull, trust Maven Optics, a Wyoming-based, direct-to-consumer brand delivering unmatched clarity and durability. Eric swears by the B6 binoculars and RS.3.2 rifle scope for spotting giants in the high country. No middleman, no markups—just premium optics at the best value. Check out the B Series at www.mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO<