Jocko’s First Hunt & Custom Built Bow 🏹

A trip to the Gibson Garage is better than one to the station...

May 27, 2025

Good Morning. ☀️

In today’s edition:

The HOOK: Jocko’s First Hunt 🏹

Jocko’s first endeavor in hunting was led by lifelong bowhunting enthusiast John Dudley, who saw Jocko’s appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. The pair met by chance at an airport and Dudley got to work building Jocko a custom bow. From there, he was out to San Diego to learn to shoot, then soon on his first hunt–a mountain spot-and-stalk bowhunt for elk.

“It was awesome,” Jocko says. “I got a great bull, and it was a very enlightening experience.” MORE HERE.

HIGHLIGHT: KUIU’s Part in the Gold Star Peak Hike
SPONSORED by KUIU

For the last three years, KUIU has joined the Three Rangers Foundation and the Gold Star Peak non-profit groups to host an annual event to climb Alaska’s famed Gold Star Peak with some of the Ranger Regiments Gold Star family members. These families made the journey to the Chugach Mountains of Alaska to spend a week touring the state and capped it off with a climb to the top to honor their loved ones at the memorial site.

DID YOU KNOW? 🤔

The term "redneck" took a solid hold in West Virginia during the 1921 Mine Wars when coal miners wore red bandanas as symbols of solidarity against coal companies. Initially used derogatorily by operators, miners reclaimed it with pride during the Battle of Blair Mountain conflict. This struggle arose from poor working conditions and anti-union practices. Though "redneck" has broader rural Southern connotations, in West Virginia it specifically represents working-class resistance and labor solidarity.

FRESH TRACKS 🥾

Welcome to Guitar Heaven
Nashville's newest musical playground has arrived! The Gibson Garage is basically Disneyland (minus all the wokeness) for anyone who's ever played air guitar in their bedroom mirror. Come witness countless six-stringed beauties that will have you making promises to your credit card you definitely won't keep. Your significant other might roll their eyes when you come home with yet another "essential" instrument, but hey—that's a problem for future you!

A Hangover Break Off 
Move over, greasy breakfast sandwich! There's a new morning-after hero in town, and it comes from the crystal waters of the Bahamas. This grouper dish is like a spa treatment for your regrettable decisions from last night—except it tastes way better than some hippie juice and doesn't judge you for those karaoke videos now circulating among your friends. This ultimate fish boil will have your headache saying "so long" faster than you can say "I'll never drink again" (until next weekend).

Cowboy Hats for Park Passes
America's favorite fictional rancher is swapping Montana's rugged plains for Yosemite's majestic valleys! While the Dutton Ranch battles villainous land developers, Kevin Costner is out here battling tourist crowds at Half Dome. No cattle to herd, no enemies to intimidate—just a dad with a fanny pack trying to figure out how to work the panorama setting on his phone. Turns out even Hollywood cowboys need a vacation from all that brooding intensity!

H&B TV 📺

Speaking of crazy rednecks, check out our exclusive episode of SAFE SPACE featuring country music superstar, Tyler Farr.

PIC OF THE WEEK 📸

Got a pic to share? Slide into our DMs or tag us on Instagram @hookandbarrelmag

WARRIOR MINDSET 💪🏼

How do I deal with setbacks, failures, delays, defeats, or other disasters? I actually have a fairly simple way of dealing with these situations, summed up in one word: Good. When things are going bad, there’s going to be some good that will come from it. Didn’t get promoted? Good… More time to get better. Didn’t get funded? Good… We own more of the company. Didn’t get the job you wanted? Good. Go out, gain more experience, and build a better resume. Got tapped out? Good… It’s better to tap out in training than tap out on the street. Got beat? Good… We learned. Unexpected problems? Good… We have to figure out a solution. When things are going bad: Don’t get all bummed out, don’t get frustrated. No. Just look at the issue and say: “Good.” ~Jocko Willink

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH…dudes doing Yoga?

Attention fellas who think flexibility is just something your truck suspension needs! Hook & Barrel's latest exposé reveals what happens when mountain men trade their rifles for yoga mats. Watch as outdoorsmen discover that "downward dog" isn't actually a hunting command and that the only thing tighter than their grip on traditional masculinity is their hamstrings.