Cameron Hanes - Keep Hammering Collective
Hosted by Cameron Hanes
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Cameron Hanes sits down with John and Jen Rivet, outfitters from northern Alberta, to discuss the realities of managed black bear hunting, outfitting success, and the deep ethical responsibilities of wildlife stewardship. The conversation explores how cellular trail cameras, premium gear from partners like Montana Knife Company, and rigorous selective harvest practices have transformed their operation over decades. Rather than treating hunting as casual recreation, the guests argue that meticulous population management, careful gear selection, and absolute respect for the animal are foundational to ethical hunting.
Listeners get an inside look at the demanding physical and mental work required to maintain a backcountry outfitting camp across three million acres. The discussion details dramatic field stories, including a chainsaw accident, intense tracking moments, and the role faith plays in their daily lives and business philosophy. What makes this episode worth listening to is the raw honesty about the hardships of the trade, the rejection of internet negativity, and the strong sense of community built around shared values.
The hosts introduce themselves and celebrate their success in big bear hunting.
Guests reveal a stunning life-size bear display and talk about the process and turnaround time.
The team highlights a partnership with Montana Knife, discussing packaging and a special giveaway for listeners.
The hosts debate the ethics of hunting, selective harvest, and the importance of protecting sows and managing populations.
The conversation covers logistical hurdles, weather impacts, and the need for old-school tactics in remote areas.
A surprise gift of a carbon watch is unveiled, celebrating generosity and community spirit.
The episode concludes with a final giveaway announcement and a call to action for listeners.
The conversation shifts to specialized hunting gear, including knives from Montana Knife Company and Grizzly Coolers.
Exploration of how trail cameras aid in tracking bears, managing baits, and improving hunting outcomes.
Hosts reflect on the emotional impact of killing bears, especially sows, and the responsibility they feel.
The hosts emphasize the sense of community, faith, and the positive atmosphere that attracts repeat hunters.
The hosts discuss the fairness of hunting practices, animal rights, and the ethics of bear hunting.
They discuss the physical demands, safety incidents, and the importance of proper equipment and teamwork.
The episode concludes with reflections on faith, stewardship, and the emotional impact of hunting on the hunters.
The hosts discuss the importance of caring for and honoring the hunting experience, emphasizing respect over casual shooting.
Measuring Bears Correctlystrategy
The hosts and guests debate the correct way to square a bear hide, explaining length, width, and skinning for a rug versus tube skinning.
Montana Knife Company Successinsight
The speakers celebrate the incredible rise of Montana Knife Company, praising founder Josh Smith as a working-class inspiration who built a top-tier brand.
Cell Cameras as Game Changersstrategy
The guests explain how cellular trail cameras prevent hunters from blowing animals off baits and allow precise timing for mature boar harvests.
Avoiding Sows with Cubsstrategy
The guests detail the meticulous methods used to identify the sex of bears at baits, preventing the accidental harvest of nursing sows.
A Dangerous Chainsaw Accidentstory
John Rivet shares a harrowing near-death story of a chainsaw kickback in the backcountry that nearly caused him to bleed out miles from help.
Finding a Lost Wounded Bearstory
The guests recount a tense, multi-hour search in the rain for a wounded bear with no blood trail, emphasizing faith and perseverance.
A Fifteen-Year-Old's First Moosestory
John Rivet shares the intense and humorous story of stripping down to his socks in the freezing cold at age fifteen to stalk his first bull moose.
“We work harder and smarter, not just harder, smarter.”
“We can all win. It's like.”
“We don't harvest sows. We let them get, we let.”
“If you want to kill a bear, don't come with me.”
“I love talking about, hey, this is how this camp works and this is how it works the best.”
“I like steak. I like, I like it. We had bear nachos the other day at Wayne Alisa's.”
“We try, we try to, we measure the animals to the best of their ability. We take pictures to make the animals look the best.”
“People are real. And when you can look somebody in the eye and shake their hand and shoot bows with them and skin a bear with them, that's real.”
“Well, if you manage and take care of something you love, you respect it, you honor it, you want to do justice to it.”
“I mean, I, I love everything about the camp to be honest, but I just know that just your impact and your influence, I just wanted to mention that too.”
John and Jenn Rivet are back again to talk about bear hunting. The Rivet’s renowned big-game outfitters, wilderness guides, and co-owners of The Rivet Company (formerly Livin' the Dream) based in Northern Alberta, Canada. With over 30 years of outfitting experience, they specialize in trophy Canadian black bear, whitetail deer, and wolf hunts. Follow John: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyrivet/ Follow Jenn: https://www.instagram.com/jennrivet_/ Follow along: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronrhanes Twitter: https://twitter.com/cameronhanes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camhanes/ Website: https://www.cameronhanes.com Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Measuring Bear & Taxidermy Work 00:03:42 – Presentation & a Montana Knife Company Surprise 00:11:00 – Rivet’s Bear Hunt Giveaway & Bear Camp 00:13:12 – Hate Against Bear Hunting 00:17:11 – Tactacam & Hunting with Trail Cameras 00:26:09 – Colored Bear, Giants, and Smart Old Bear 00:29:25 – Cam’s 2026 Spring Bear Hunt 00:34:48 – Bear Management, Conservation, & Sex Differences 00:42:00 – The Quality and Taste of Bear Meat 00:44:46 – Hard Work & Shout Out to Kawasaki’s Quality 00:51:02 – What Screws Up Bear Hunts 00:55:39 – John’s Chainsaw Accident 01:01:05 – The Promise Land: Deep Country Bear & Returning Hunters 01:13:53 – Leaning on God & Wounded Bear 01:21:20 – The Impact of Strong Women Leaders 01:26:20 – Cam’s Spring 2026 Bear 01:33:22 – Rivet’s Bear Hunt & Bentley Giveaway 01:35:40 – Exceeding Childhood Dreams 01:39:41 – John’s First Hunt 01:43:02 – Bear Bait: Beavers and Carp 01:45:55 – Bear Color Variations and Grizzlies 01:49:05 – Measuring Bear Capes & Skulls 01:53:55 – Taxidermy, Bear Meat, and Traveling After the Hunt 01:58:00 – Broadheads and Final Thoughts Thank you to our sponsors: ALP: https://alppouch.com/ use code CAM for 10% off your first order Ketone IQ: https://www.ketone.com/Cam use code CAM for 30% off your first subscription Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ Use code CAM for 10% off Grizzly Coolers: https://www.grizzlycoolers.com/ use code KEEPHAMMERING for 15% off Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ Use code KEEPHAMMERING for 10% your order Sig Sauer: https://www.sigsauer.com/ use code CAM10 for 10% off optics
27,455 words · 4 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated