Wild Pursuits

Ethan Rusk knew about Cross Trail Outfitters for a couple of years before he ever got involved. He just wasn't interested initially. But when life took a hard turn and he found himself navigating some dark waters, God had other plans. One Sunday morning Ethan walked up to a man at church, offered his fishing boat and a willing heart, and had his application filled out by that night. In this ep...

Step into the world of Wild Pursuits, where faith meets the great outdoors. In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Warren from Wyoming, who shares his transformative journey at the national calling camp with Cross Trail Outfitters. Nathan's story is one of passion and purpose, as he discusses the vital role of mentoring young men through outdoor adventures. Discover how his experiences align...

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we explore the profound sense of calling that drives the mission of Cross Trail Outfitters. Join us as Mike Johnson, the North Carolina State Director and National Director of CTO, shares his personal journey of discovering a calling to guide young men to Christ through the outdoors. From leading impactful calling camps to witnessing life-changing moments around t...

From chasing doves to campfire devotions, the Cain family has experienced the full adventure of life with Cross Trail Outfitters. In this episode of Wild Pursuits , Kirk joins Chris and Kelsey Cain and their kids for a conversation about how the outdoors has become the heartbeat of their family life and a place where faith continues to grow. What began as a simple search for hunting opportunities...

In this episode, Kirk sits down with Danny Little, CEO of Redneck Blinds, to talk about faith, leadership, and legacy. Danny shares how God redirected his path from banking into building one of the most recognized hunting blind companies in the country, and how each blind has become more than a product—it’s a place for families to connect, youth to discover the outdoors, and conversations about Ch...

When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, the Harrington Family stepped forward in faith. Volunteering with Cross Trail Outfitters and Redneck Blinds, they helped coordinate the delivery of 76 Redneck insulated cabins to families who had lost everything. From unloading trucks in the snow to guiding cabins through the woods, the Harringtons share stories of prayer, perseverance, and God’s pr...

When you invest in kids’ lives, you never know how far the impact will reach. Jerry Vann from the Pungo River chapter in North Carolina joins Kirk to talk about his journey from guide to outfitter with Cross Trail Outfitters. Along the way, he recalls the hunts, the laughter, and the long-term connections that keep him going. This conversation is about more than hunting and fishing — it’s about bu...

In this captivating episode, Dr. Jimmy Sites, host of Spiritual Outdoor Adventures , joins Kirk for a late-night conversation in the mountains of West Virginia. From the origins of his powerful new book Decoys of Deception to stories from his global ministry, Jimmy shares how Satan’s strategies mirror hunting tactics and why awareness is our first defense against spiritual deception. Kirk and Jimm...

What happens when a worship leader with a heart for the outdoors steps into full-time ministry with Cross Trail Outfitters? Brian Brunker shares his journey from music minister to CTO outfitter, revealing how a simple meeting at church turned into a life of deeper purpose and discipleship. This conversation explores the challenges and rewards of guiding boys through hunting, fishing, and faith. Br...

What does it look like when your entire life pivots on a single unexpected wilderness moment? In this episode, we head deep into the heart of Alaska with Luke Schmidt, CTO’s first outfitter in the Last Frontier, and his wife Danae. Their story is not just about hunting grizzlies or launching CTO’s first Alaska summer camp. It is about calling, grit, and how God uses the wilderness to shape men for...

In this powerful conclusion to our Alaska Bear Camp series, we go beyond the hunt and deeper into the heart of what makes CTO camps so transformational. You’ll hear the story of “the bear that got away”—a massive 8-foot grizzly that left everyone wide-eyed—and what it taught one young hunter about patience, courage, and faith. We also hear from boys who share how God moved during campfire devotion...

In this unforgettable two-part series, we take you deep into the Alaskan wilderness with seven boys who made history at the first-ever Cross Trail Outfitters Alaska Bear Camp. In Part 1, you’ll hear firsthand stories from the young hunters themselves—heart-pounding moments, sleepless nights, and encounters with black and grizzly bears that they’ll never forget. Kirk and Alaska Outfitter Luke Schmi...

In this episode of Wild Pursuits , Kirk is joined by Texas State Director Casey Allen and a group of boys attending CTO Texas Ram Camp. Together, they swap “So There I Was” stories—some hilarious, some intense, and many deeply moving. From chasing rams across the ranch to quiet moments in deer stands, each story reveals how God shows up in the midst of adventure. You’ll also hear how campfire conv...

In this episode, Kirk heads to B-Tex Ranch in Texas to meet Victor and Rhonda Bretting, landowners who have turned their property into more than just a hunting lodge. From hosting CTO ram camp to preparing home-cooked meals for dozens of boys, the Brettings have built a place where outdoor adventures and spiritual transformation go hand in hand. They share how a brochure at a local expo unexpected...

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation, Kevin Kepple dives deeper into what it means to live fully alive in your God-given identity. He shares powerful stories of mentorship, surrender, and leadership that encourage us to release the burden of control and walk in faith. Kevin opens up about the early years of his journey, how he found purpose in serving others, and why your “yes” to God is more i...

In this special two-part series, we’re joined by leadership coach and Gallup-certified Strengths expert Kevin Kepple for an honest, unfiltered conversation about discovering your God-given strengths and learning how to lead from them. Kevin shares how his own leadership journey was shaped—from success in the business world to a moment of personal clarity that led him to help others unlock their fu...

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we sit down with the Shell family—one of the first families to connect with Cross Trail Outfitters Missouri. Their story is a powerful reflection of what happens when a family commits to raising the next generation in faith through the outdoors. From early memories at a Beast Feast to life-changing summer camps and bold spiritual growth, the Shells share how CTO h...

In this special devotional episode, Kirk Bouse shares a heartfelt reflection on walking through life’s valleys and discovering God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. Drawing from personal experience, Scripture, and honest prayer, Kirk reminds us that the wilderness can be a place of deep transformation and renewed trust in the Lord. Whether you’re on a mountaintop or in a val...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Nathan and Nikki Clark, the story deepens as we witness the remarkable ways God makes His plans known — even when they don’t make worldly sense. From walking away from their family business to being gifted a century-old bar that would become the CTO Lodge, this episode is a powerful testimony of obedience, spiritual warfare, and God’s faithfulness. Hear how a lon...

Sometimes God speaks loudest in the quiet moments — even from a deer blind in rural Wisconsin. In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Nathan and Nikki Clark to trace their unexpected road to full-time ministry with Cross Trail Outfitters. You’ll hear how their story began with a music ministry, shifted through farm life and excavating, and ultimately led to discipling youth and leading a CTO...

What happens when your love for art, fly fishing, and the outdoors becomes the very thing God uses to reach the next generation? Duane and Marlene Hada have been living that answer for nearly a decade. Duane serves as the State Director of Cross Trail Outfitters Arkansas, while Marlene stands faithfully beside him—encouraging, mentoring, cooking, and helping create a home away from home for the bo...

In this episode of Wild Pursuits, we hear directly from two young members of Cross Trail Outfitters—one just getting started and one with several years of experience—as they share what CTO has meant to them. From forging lasting friendships to unforgettable duck hunts with the Roanoke River Delta chapter, their stories offer a fresh perspective on how God uses time in the outdoors to shape lives....

Welcome back to Wild Pursuits ! This episode is part two of our conversation with North Carolina Outfitter, Josh East. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, be sure to check it out! Josh dives deeper into what it means to hear from God, even in the quiet moments. He shares powerful insights on recognizing God’s grace in everyday life, the importance of humility, and how acknowledging His presen...

In this first part of a two-part conversation on Wild Pursuits , we sit down with Josh East, the Manteo chapter Outfitter for Cross Trail Outfitters of North Carolina. From his early days of hiking alone in the mountains to hearing God’s call to mentor young men through the outdoors, Josh shares his incredible journey of faith, obedience, and purpose. Listen as he recounts the moment he realized C...

Join us as we sit down with two longtime members of CTO North Carolina. They share how CTO has shaped their lives, from unforgettable hunting and fishing adventures to the life-changing moments of accepting Christ and being baptized. Listen as they recount brotherhood, personal growth, and the impact of faith in the great outdoors. Plus, hear about the Blackduck Island camp, thrilling duck hunts,...