In this episode of The Hunt Stealth Podcast, Ryan sits down with 7th-generation mountain man, lifelong hunter, and North Carolina game warden Nathan Cox. From chasing rabbits with his grandpa’s beagles in the Blue Ridge Mountains to busting poachers by night using aircraft and decoys, Nathan brings a wealth of hard-earned wisdom and gritty backwoods experience.

Nathan shares what it means to grow up immersed in hunting culture, how his law enforcement background led him to become a game warden, and why intent matters when it comes to enforcement. He delivers gold for new hunters especially around tagging mistakes, how to properly validate your kill, and why "middle of the middle" is the shot you want on a black bear.

They dive into:

• Aircraft raids on spotlighting poachers
• Saskatchewan whitetails and the power of patience
• Bear hunting in North Carolina (yes, where the 800 lb giants roam)
• Bowhunting ethics and lessons from blown shots
• Why staying humble and finding mentors makes all the difference

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just picked up a tag, this episode delivers unforgettable stories, practical advice, and a clear reminder: hunt hard, hunt smart, and respect the process.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Intent Matters More Than Mistakes - As a game warden, Nathan emphasizes that not all violations are equal. Honest mistakes—like not notching a tag properly—can often be handled with education, not punishment. Intent is what separates a poacher from a new hunter who just needs guidance.

Know Your Tagging System - Nathan sees tons of violations simply due to confusion around tagging and reporting. He urges hunters to study their state’s regulations (especially terminology) and use available tools like mobile apps to validate harvests at the site of the kill. Ignoring the rules can cost you a year of hunting privileges.

Don’t Judge Whitetail by Body Size Alone - In places like Saskatchewan, the body size of whitetails can throw you off. A 160” buck might look like a 120” if you’re used to mountain deer. Nathan spent four days glassing before tagging a monster, proving patience and pre-hunt scouting are critical.

Black Bear Shot Placement: Aim 'Middle of the Middle' - Black bear vitals sit farther back than a whitetail’s. Nathan advises aiming 3–4 inches behind the front shoulder (middle of the middle). Even big calibers like a .300 Win Mag can fail if shot placement is off. A well-placed .270 dropped his bear in 20 yards.

Stay Humble & Find a Hunting Mentor - Nathan’s top advice to new hunters: stay humble and surround yourself with people more experienced than you. Every hunter has something to offer—whether it’s woodsmanship, tech skills, or calling knowledge. Respect earns mentorship.

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