Chasing Iowa Giants: A Life in the Woods with Jesse Richard

The path from novice to seasoned hunter isn't straight, easy, or guaranteed. Jesse Richard knows this journey intimately, having transformed from a duck-hunting farm kid into one of Iowa's most respected deer hunters and the founder of Outdoor X Media.

Jesse pulls back the curtain on the evolution of hunting media over the past two decades. Remember those massive 25-pound cameras that cost $20,000? Jesse started filming hunts when equipment was cumbersome and hunting footage was exclusively produced by major companies. His storytelling takes us through the technological revolution that's democratized hunting content creation, from those early days of selling DVDs at gas stations to today's smartphone capabilities.

What truly resonates is Jesse's candid reflection on persistence. For fifteen years, he hunted without taking a buck over 140 inches, despite hunting in Iowa—a state legendary for trophy whitetails. Now, after tagging out three consecutive seasons, he shares the wisdom gained through countless empty-handed trips home: "If it's not old enough, it better be big enough. If it's not big enough, it better be old enough."

The conversation travels through the painful impact of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease on Iowa's deer herd, the ethics of using trail cameras, stand placement strategies, and the politics that shape hunting regulations. Jesse's perspective challenges both traditional and progressive hunting philosophies, arguing for a pragmatic approach that embraces legal advantages while respecting the quarry.

Whether you're hunting private land in the Midwest or public ground on the East Coast, Jesse's insights apply across geography and experience levels. His dream hunt? Mountain lion with a bow—a refreshingly unique answer that perfectly captures his authentic approach to the outdoors.

Subscribe to Chase the Unknown for more conversations with hunters who've earned their wisdom through years of dedication to the craft and love of wild places.

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