What can a two-time Olympic biathlete teach you about becoming a better backcountry hunter?
A lot more than you think. In this episode, we sit down with elite Team USA biathlete and lifelong hunter Paul Schommer to explore the fascinating intersection of high-level endurance sports and the mental grit required in the field.
Paul breaks down how competing on the world stage—balancing maximum physical output on cross-country skis with the absolute stillness required for precision shooting—perfectly translates to the physiological and psychological stress hunters face when an animal walks into range.
We dive deep into:
- The Physiology of Stress: How Paul manages a racing heart rate through a strict breathing cadence and an automated shot sequence.
- The Pillars of a Perfect Shot: Why shifting almost all of your active focus to your trigger squeeze and follow-through changes everything.
- The Power of Visualization: Replicating high-stress scenarios in your mind so you are emotionally prepared when the big moment finally arrives.
- Trusting Your "Normal": Why striving to do something "special" in the field often leads to mistakes, and how to embrace the Norwegian sports philosophy that your baseline preparation is already good enough.
- The Cross-Crossover to Archery: How Paul sold off his Team USA Olympic gear to fund a new bow, drew a once-in-a-lifetime North Dakota moose tag, and used archery principles to improve his biathlon career.
Whether you are looking to fine-tune your rifle mechanics, manage "buck fever" under pressure, or structure your physical conditioning for the upcoming season, Paul's process-oriented mindset offers a masterclass in execution.
Connect with Paul:
- http://clean-pursuit.com
- https://www.instagram.com/cleanpursuit_
- https://www.instagram.com/paultschommer
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/
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