Meet The Pros: Get To Know The Untamed

These four men believe that we were born wild and should live free, and that is what they aim to offer their viewers on YouTube. This crew is always discovering something, and whether that be a harvest or a lesson, it is something worth documenting.

Located in West Virginia, The Untamed is exposed to many different species, allowing them to diversify as outdoorsmen and hunters. From black bears to whitetails, this crew loves the challenge each animal can bring and what they can learn from each experience.

However, let's stop this chit-chat and get to know this YouTube crew a little.

Who is The Untamed? Tell us about yourself. 

Josh Ilderton: I am Josh Ilderton, a good ole boy raised in Southern WV who loves the outdoors and is part owner of The Untamed. I want to share our real experiences through different media outlets so others can learn, and maybe we can convince a few nonhunters to get out there and buy a hunting license. 

Kirk Price: My name is Kirk Price, and I'm part owner of The Untamed. My role with The Untamed is to oversee the production of our content. I spend most of my time in the mountains shooting videos for our YouTube channel. When we formed The Untamed, our goal was to provide weekly content for our viewers that educates, inspires, and gets more people interested in the outdoors.

Trace Butcher: My name is Trace Butcher, and I am a part owner of The Untamed. We strive to entertain our viewers while promoting our hunting culture in a positive way.  

Jay Cox: My name is Jay Cox, and I love being outside. I've always been the type of guy who was curious to see what was around the next point or over the next hill. 

When did you first start hunting?

Josh Ilderton: I started squirrel hunting when I was probably 9 or 10.  I was introduced to bowhunting a couple of years later. Thinking back on it, I used to drive my grandfather and a man named "Red" crazy about wanting to be in the woods all the time. Lol.

Kirk Price: I started hunting at the age of 10, and I've been hooked ever since. My dad and papaw were the biggest influences in getting me into the outdoors. Hunting is a way of life in my family. 

Trace Butcher: I started hunting chipmunks with a BB gun when I was seven years old. My passion for animals and learning their living habits was born into me. 

Jay Cox: I started tagging along with my dad when I was four years old and killed my first squirrel when I was six. I've loved just being in the woods ever since.

Where is your favorite place to hunt?

Josh Ilderton: I really enjoy hunting in Southern West Virginia. It's one of the best-kept secrets in the outdoor industry. The mountains are steep and rough, so it presents challenges, but there are multiple big game species that I can hunt at the same time. 

Kirk Price: My favorite place to hunt is on a farm in Lincoln County, West Virginia. It is where I have my first memories of being in the outdoors, and it will always be a special place to me. 

Trace Butcher: My favorite place to hunt is in the holler where I grew up. It's the ground that made me. I have a great appreciation for those mountains and what they did to make me the person I am today.

Jay Cox: I would have to say my favorite place to hunt is anywhere I've never been before. I love to discover and explore new ground.

What's your best advice for someone wanting to start hunting?

Josh Ilderton: The only stupid question is the one you don't ask!

Kirk Price: Learn as much as possible with the resources available. Hunting can be difficult for the beginner outdoorsman, so it is important to educate yourself. YouTube can be a great way to learn the basics of hunting. If you know someone who hunts, ask to tag along. Also, don't be afraid to call your local game warden. They can provide you with lots of information about those areas you'll be hunting. 

Trace Butcher: Just like anything else, the more time you spend in the woods and the more resources you use, the more successful you will become. Success might not happen overnight, so don't get frustrated.  

Jay Cox: Be patient and enjoy everything that's happening around you. We live in a fast-paced world and expect instant gratification. Hunting teaches you patience if you let it.

Make sure you connect with The Untamed on Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date on their season and what they learn along the way. You won't be sorry.

New and Seasoned Hunters Use HuntWise

Along with these insights from The Untamed, using HuntWise is the best way to enjoy more successful hunts.

As the ultimate hunting app, HuntWise puts maps, 3-D imagery, markers, landowner contact information, local hunting details, and weather and animal behavior predictors in your hand. Use it scout and research before you head out for a hunt, then take it with you in the field to guide your day.

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Content reviewed July 19, 2024.