HUNTING THE LAST WILD PLACES | THE FRANK

The mountain men and native tribes before them hunted game that could live their lives and never see a human. In our idyllic sense of the American West, hunting in unaltered wild country was a romantic ideal mythologized by the mountain men. America is not as wild as it was 200 years ago, but many hunters today are still looking for that wilderness experience mythologized by the mountain men, searching to connect with our origins as a species. And yet while much has changed, places still do still exist where you can immerse yourself in a landscape and hunt wild game that are largely devoid of human disturbance.
We believe that wild places, and the opportunities they provide for hunters, are worth protecting. There are still wild places left in the Lower 48 states where you can hunt on public land that is nearly as wild today as it was 100 years ago, but those places and the experience provided by them for hunters are disappearing.
In this film, we follow two friends who embark on a late fall hunt in the 2.4-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness of Central Idaho. The name of this massive wilderness, the largest contiguous designated wilderness area in the lower 48 States, honors one of Idaho's greatest U.S. Senators, the late Frank Forrester Church III. While Brad and Charlie are in pursuit of rutting mule deer bucks, they are also in search of a wild adventure in a landscape that still looks much as it did more than 100 years ago. Along the way, they reflect on the significant conservation legacy left by Senator Church and what it means to hunt in protected lands like these.

[@kylegrigsby6172]

I can attest that the Frank is great. Well done capturing it. You wouldn't know it from going in during the November controlled hunt when they're on winter range but populations of deer and elk in the Frank are alarmingly low. Severe pressure in September (1000 hunters and 7 outfitters in unit 27 alone) and uncontrolled predator numbers pounding game during the winter have taken a toll. November fly in hunting got so crazy that fish and game capped nonresident tags at 10% of historic resident levels. Elk recruitment is well below replacement level at less than 20 calves per 100 elk. Biologists don't have collars on the animals back there and struggle to manage it due to the remoteness but freely admit numbers there are much lower than adjoining frontcountry units. This is part of the story that needs to be told.

[@shanecody1737]

The main cause of the decimation is the reintroduction of wolves, period.

[@robertcarey3383]

I agree 100%. Its time for the hunters of Idaho to quit bitching and commit to removing as Wolfs as possible next year. It wont get better until we make it better

[@mikehubbard5493]

Yea, Hunting has become a way for an outdoorsman to make some big bucks. 1000 hunters means millions of dollars going into the state, and outfitters pockets. Unless animal populations are put 1st there will be no end to the diminishing numbers of deer. I think wolves, and people are thinning the herds. On the other hand over population can prove to be a bigger problem.

[@actionshooter1]

Kyle Grigsby is right on the money, it should also be note that in the summer the rafters number in the 100s weekly. This is a wilderness area that at times is lacking a wilderness feel. At times before the state limited the non residents during the November season, the airstrips are like little cities and it can be difficult to get away from others.

[@joecermak7649]

Shane Cody didnt the reintroduction of wolves allow yellowstone to flourish almost a little while back??

[@slowhands8869]

Thanks for sharing. Your experience brought back some memories from fighting fires in the Frank. What made this worthy is the friendship journey.

[@Argali]

Appreciate ya watching and glad you enjoyed it.

[@patrickboyd5922]

What a great video to watch. I was a young man when Frank Church was working on the wilderness bill. I remember only good things about it. I like it there and I’m to old to go back anymore. Your video brought back some great memories. I’m so glad to have lived in these times. Humans can video, and show the world what we have here in this country. You two are very brave young men to take on the Frank the way you did. I did read tons of comments on your video and I’m happy to live in a country with free speech. Life is to short to dwell on the negative things. You showed the freedoms we have here in so many ways. Thanks for hearing me out. Elkfearhim...

[@Argali]

Patrick...all we can say is wow. Thank you so much for watching and for the thoughtful words. It is a special place for us, and it will be there long after we are gone for others to enjoy.

[@booshday]

The greatest area in the best state in America. Thanks for this video.

[@pokerman9108]

I've hunted the church every year for 25 years now. My favorite place on the planet. Great video!

[@jasonlagard2782]

This film is exactly why I got into hunting. You guys captured the entire experience perfectly. Thank you for sharing this.

[@hardr0cker64]

Welcome to the lifestyle of mixed emotions. You’re going to have the highest of highs and some frustrating lows. Whether you bag anything or not, it’s still a great experience and beats a great days of work. I wish you the best of luck my dude *EDIT* I realized this comments over 3 years old, hope you’ve had success hunts since you’ve commented

[@burkejones8277]

It is not stupid to get emotional about wilderness. Great film!!

[@WhyWeHunt]

Burke Jones I couldn’t agree more! I watched that film and felt those feelings tugging at me just before that scene and when I realized he felt the same way about it as me it made this film that much more important to me. These places, these experiences and the peace they bring as we get away from the hustle and bustle of the city are the only thing that keeps me going. They are what I LIVE for!

[@gwhiten2158]

One of the best outdoor clips I have ever had the pleasure of watching. I’m in awe of the scenery

[@Argali]

Appreciate that

[@ianpogue8980]

Absolutely awesome film guys, It really captures the wilderness experience and is topped off with two great bucks, that's what it is all about.

[@Argali]

Thank you Ian!

[@csincorvia]

Absolutely one of the best hunting films made.

[@justingarant9367]

Excellent film, that’s a great mix of type two fun, plus fly fishing 🎣

[@JosephGamble]

Great film. I wish more people got emotional about wilderness and cared in the way that you guys do in this film. Excellent work.

[@Argali]

Appreciate that and agree

[@anthonyhansen5809]

What a powerful film. Well, made and truly impactful.

[@Argali]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@americancemeteriesrevisite5804]

Incredible film. I also love the Frank. Haven't hunted there in years but you have renewed the passion with this film. There is a beautiful monument to Frank and his wife in Morris Hill Cemetery. Frank was a man passionate about Idaho and it's people.

[@Argali]

Couldn't agree more. Frank was and is a legend.

[@scottymatlock6799]

I'm not a hunter, but respect them. Takes guts and fire inside to do what they do. Great video. Inspiring.

[@Argali]

Scotty, appreciate the note and thank you for watching.

[@RyanBeagle001]

Just finished and all I can say is wow! Tremendous film!

[@Argali]

Thanks Ryan!

[@martinstiastny7679]

Unbelievable, captivating video. I throughly enjoyed it. Well done !!

[@torekristoffersen176]

Packed, rafted, hiked and hunted the Salmon wilderness for decades…. Great place for sure. Gorgeous country.

[@Argali]

It's a gem for sure

[@KC-7mm]

That truly is one of the most awe inspiring hunting films I've ever watched I will hunt the Frank Church wilderness before I leave this life great film guys

[@Argali]

High praise! Thank you Kyle.

[@leighcook5088]

Great video really enjoyed the scenery and narrative…… very special place thank goodness for people like Frank Church

[@Argali]

Couldn't agree more

[@skooter82]

Men, what can I say? Wow! This should be submitted to the Sundance Festival! Not sure if that is possible but this is the BEST hunting video I have ever seen. I live in Pocatello and have been really enjoying my hunting experiences. Today when I discovered this video I have felt a sense of urgency and anxiety to make sure that I am LIVING. I have a great life and a wonderful family. I just think that there are more experiences that I can expose my family to that are right here in my backyard. Hunting is my favorite pass time. This video was inspiring. Please for the love of the Almighty keep making videos!

[@Argali]

@skooter82 that's a hell of a comment and a statement. If we had Robert Redford's number we would absolutely send it to him! Thank you for watching.

[@9409savant]

Wow incredible video !!!!! What an adventure 👍👍

[@jeffw6224]

Great story and gorgeous country. Thank you to all involved in documenting your adventure and sharing it.

[@Argali]

We appreciate you watching!

[@Stache-N-Tines]

Easily one of my favorite videos on KZbin. Keep putting them out guys.

[@Argali]

Thanks Brian!

[@chrisjwood214]

Floated the Middle fork in my twenties. One of the wildest places I’ve ever been. Indescribably beautiful.

[@Argali]

It's a special place

[@robertramber]

What a beautiful video! Keep taking us to those amazing places most people can’t reach. Thank you guys! This is a great soul feeling video. Definitely a 👍🏻

[@Argali]

Appreciate that!

[@KoryTams]

Still one of the best videos on KZbin!

[@Argali]

Love hearing that!

[@robertramber]

It’s always great to be with you and your aventures. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@broomstickcowgirl]

Great hunt and beautiful country. Up there with a Rinella video. I like your honesty and candor in the pains and worries in your journey.

[@Argali]

Thanks Kelly

[@klgrisham]

Wonderful video, well done! You embody what hunting is about. It is so much about the experience, adventure, comradare, love and respect for the animal and wild nature. Hunting is so not about the kill, and you show that. Little do protestors and animal rights activists know, we (true hunters, not killers) actually both love and respect these animals as much as they do. I would almost go to say we actually love more because we have an much closer connection to these animals than others do. They are truly magnificent, and we (hunters) know that more than many others do!

[@Argali]

Thank you!

[@WhyWeHunt]

LOVE THIS!

[@coffeehunter8742]

Guys. ..At a loss for words to adequately express how I feel after watching this. The goals of yours- ambitious. The Fank history lesson- eye opening. The cinematography- awe-inspiring, unforgiving, unforgettable views, into the wilderness, and into the souls of appreciative, adventurous, courageous, hunters. This video inspires the desires within, to go & experience the Frank for myself, even though the carnage of cancer & Chemotherapy have , at least for the moment, thrown stifling blockages into the path of my 60 year old legs. I'm not saying no. My goal is to keeping fighting, one step at a time, as you did upon embarking on this extreme adventure. Parts of me say no, but my spirit, as yours, says go. Go & experience. "Thank you's" for videoing and sharing seem insufficient, but thank you both just the same. My goal & dream is for at least a sample sized experience, & to collect a mature old Muley buck, for my freezer, and for that same zeal & thrill that most of us true outdoorsman & hunters long to experience, no matter how few, or how many Fall seasons our hats & boots & daydreams have logged as we each forge our separate but similar paths toward the end of our blessed days. Thank you again. Definitely "worthwhile". -Well Done. 👍👊 -Donnie.

[@Argali]

Appreciate the thoughtful comment. Can you send us an email with your contact information? [e-mail]. we'd like to send you a care package!

[@coffeehunter8742]

I'd be happy to

[@mattmartin3136]

How awesome with two young guys enjoying life and the great outdoors and we get a glimpse what they experienced 😀

[@edshomer1460]

Brad, Your raw emotions say it all about this magnificent place. This is by far my favorite video Argali has shared with us. Keep up the good work and know those whom walk in the Frank after you too will marvel in her splendor. My best brother, Ed Hunt Hard! The Ghillieman

[@Argali]

Thanks Ed!

[@HowToGetToHeaven]

Absolutely superb video! Thanks so much, all for making it!

[@Argali]

Thank you for watching!

[@KootsD]

Nice journey fellas! Absolutely magical country.

[@Argali]

Thanks for watching!

[@wvhunter1]

You guys did an amazing job capturing the essence of what pulls us to hunt wild places!

[@Argali]

That's what we were hoping for so thank you!

[@BenEberts]

Been there done that last time was 14 years ago. Ive taken a couple deer and a big bull elk from there. Well done video, great mix of capturing and blending what is so great about that wilderness. Most of all the respect for the area, the game, and the person behind it was awesome. Kudos to you guys and congrats.

[@brodyobray6744]

Really enjoyed the film. The way the outdoors and the adventure within were expressed perfectly! Well done and congrats!

[@Spencer2513]

Okay... I somehow just ran across Argali's hunting films and they are incredible. Easily up there with the best in the industry. Great work gents!

[@Argali]

thank you!

[@2michaelgilbert]

WOW!! What a beautiful place. I agree...a spiritual experience. I must admit I'm envious. I hate to think that I'll never be able to experience that place. Thankfully I can enjoy films like this. Hits home with me. Thanks guys and congratulations on a successful trip. Peace

[@johnhutcheson8869]

Am 75 now and 30 yrs airborne service destroyed both ankles so I can't go up high anymore ....unless it is with horses. I was proud to find you had a tent and a wood stove. If one of you got hurt and you could get him back to camp and the tent and stove were already up ....you would be very glad.....even if you both were sound but on the edge of hypothermia....you would still be glad....when you got to that tent and wood stove.

[@Argali]

Yeah those stoves are game changers in the wilderness

[@blakelarsen991]

As good as it gets, haven’t seen a hunt video like this. Soo good! I hunted elk near this place 2 years ago, truly a spiritual experience.

[@Argali]

Thanks Blake!

[@WhyWeHunt]

Bradley and Charlie, Thank you so much for this film. This is the kind of experience I aspire to have in these types of wild places. Coincidentally I googled roadless wilderness a couple days ago and the Frank Church came up on a list of the top 10 roadless areas. I’m pretty sure this is a sign that I need to go there. Your love and respect for this place is so evident and came out clearly in this film and makes me wish I had been there with you for it. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

[@Argali]

It's worth a trip at some point for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@mizzula1984]

Awesome video! I was lucky enough to raft the middle fork DIY with a great group of friends. Watching this video brought back a lot of great memories.

[@Argali]

Awesome!

[@theoutsidetribe944]

Simply amazing!! You captured our why for wild places.

[@Argali]

Thank you!

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

FANTASTIC, lot of work and fun. Thanks guys.

[@georgeway2092]

never been a 'hunter' ... but i have the respect for those who do ... for me it's the adventure and the 'vista's that draw me to the remote part's of this nation ....... what a 'thrill to be out there with no one but 'me' ....... respect and appreciate what the great "GOD" has given "HIS" creation .......

[@Argali]

Appreciate you watching, George!

[@Thomas120952]

This is what adventures are made of! Great video!

[@Argali]

Thanks Thomas!

[@sandcontour]

Beautiful, rugged and full of adventure; a perfect combination. 😊

[@Argali]

Thanks for watching!

[@brentwalsh116]

Unbelievable experience and film! I was fortunate enough to be in the Frank on an Elk hunt and watching this film really helped to capture to the true untamed beauty of the amazing wilderness area! Congrats on a successful hunt rich in both memories and harvest!

[@mattydelong]

That's a really great film! Definitely hope for an equivalent adventure in the years to come and appreciate the inspiration to fight for wild places to remain.

[@Argali]

Thanks, Matt.

[@xfmrman1682]

Thank You for putting such an awesome video up, being from coastal N.C. I have never heard the Frank, now I want to go with my boys. Such passion for the wilderness and its creatures, makes this one special. Anthony

[@Argali]

Thanks Anthony...glad you enjoyed it.

[@beardedwonder1492]

Fantastic video!

[@tomschumacher5434]

Beautiful, beautiful video.

[@Argali]

Thank you very much!

[@Jordan-Norr]

Awesome video guys!! That is the essence of Idaho right there!

[@Argali]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@bigfootllamas777]

Love that there is this block of land preserved #keepitpublic

[@Argali]

We couldn't agree more. It's a pretty special place.

[@clintmurray3795]

Really beautifully done! What an amazing place the Frank Church is! It's on my bucket list as one of the places I'd like to hunt a big game animal in. Thank you for sharing this fantastic hunt!

[@Argali]

Thanks Clint!

[@tikkaalaska4485]

That was an amazing video for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing it with us and congratulations to the film and hunting crew!

[@Argali]

Very kind of you!

[@swiftwaterstorage5833]

Awesome video! Definitely worth a watch. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@Argali]

Thanks guys!

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

This was well done. Thanks for sharing

[@alwaysbeglassing]

Incredible video. Thanks for putting in the time to film a great adventure.

[@Argali]

Hard work but someone had to do it!

[@Firesquid_Kyle]

What a great video. Awesome job!

[@royhoglund1322]

Epic trip in stunning country! Thanks for sharing! Oh, congrats on great bucks also!

[@Argali]

Thanks Roy!

[@allisonschubert8414]

Great footage!! I’ve been fortunate to experienced some special places as well. And these memories are worth everything .awesome guys

[@Argali]

Thanks, Allison. I think everyone has that special place...glad you enjoyed it!

[@curtisgore1611]

Great film

[@Argali]

Thanks for watching!

[@ablair3311]

Great job at capturing all of the intricacies of a hunt which go well beyond just harvesting an animal. There's alot of media centered around preserving public land right now, but your film really drives that message home. Keep broadcasting it.

[@Argali]

Really appreciate that. We wanted this to be more than just a hunting film.

[@guns4funfreedomkeeper999]

that was awesome. I will go someday and experience the Church.

[@phillipgregory9021]

excellent job of filming on a fantastic adventure!!!!

[@Argali]

Appreciate the note, Phil.

[@jadonjanderson769]

Still one of my favorite hunting films!

[@smokewagon18]

You’re videos are phenomenal. Best out there. Keep them coming

[@Argali]

Thank you Shawn!

[@jl.c.8673]

Nothing stupid on being emotional about wilderness; happens to me very often when I’m out there away from all we know. Great film, really enjoyed it.

[@ianedwards3482]

This is incredible

[@ianflynn898]

One of the best short hunting films I’ve watched to date! Your camera man nailed it as well. Keep the videos coming and thanks for the great content

[@Argali]

Thans Ian!

[@aaronisbell17]

5:20 that footage of the deer laying there made my jaw drop! Great video guys and would kill to film something even close to this awesome.

[@Argali]

Thanks Aaron!

[@rkaz]

Excellent film, thanks! It is NOT stupid to get emotional over wilderness. If you didn't, I would be disappointed.

[@Argali]

Those who know the power of big wild country, know what it can do to a person. Thank you for the comment!

[@johnoltrogge6333]

Very informative and superb production. I'll never get to do this trip, but its great just knowing that its there and can be enjoyed by generations to come. Thanks for sharing.

[@Argali]

John, many thanks for watching.

[@yankeedoodledandeefirecrac7518]

Great trip !!!

[@fatxthor2469]

Beautiful film! Well done!

[@Argali]

Appreciate you watching.

[@jerrykeown753]

The hunt and the fire. Primal but heart felt.

[@Argali]

Thanks for watching, Jerry.

[@trevinjacobson6655]

From someone who hunts in Arizona, that looks cold as hell 😂 awesome film! Well done boys 👍🏼

[@Argali]

haha, it was cold by most anyone's standards.

[@due51outdoors]

This was a fantastic video. The footage paired with the soundtrack gets me right in the feels. And I really liked your tribute to the Senator. Hell of job. Go Blue!

[@Argali]

Thanks, John!

[@chrissmith8041]

Very well done, really enjoyed the message and felt your passion. Standing Ovation from me!

[@spencebomb]

That was beautiful, guys. Thanks for sharing!

[@Argali]

Thanks for watching

[@kagenknudsen7639]

Strong work, beautiful film. Thanks fellas!

[@SimanBrothersOutdoors]

Truly awesome job, an inspiration of a film.

[@Argali]

Thank you!

[@WHITEBONE]

Fantastic job all. Thank you for sharing.

[@hiker2742]

WOW great footage! Excellent!

[@georgelebessisjr9203]

Amazing video guys! And it is absolutely NOT stupid to cry over wilderness. In fact it makes perfect sense. Wilderness is how the human race connects to the Divine. It’s only natural to shed tears of joy when you’re out Ian God’s Country!

[@Argali]

Appreciate that...hard not to get emotional about the things we love

[@brandonp7716]

Epic adventure and one of my absolute favorite hunting videos. Truly inspiring Brad, keep up the content!

[@Argali]

Thanks, Brandon.

[@MAGAMOFO]

Great video

[@gsxr1189]

Bravo fellas your camera work and overall video quality are amazing.

[@Argali]

Appreciate that!

[@baileyduckhunter1]

Incredible film. Great job

[@Argali]

Appreciate that Colton.

[@touvang6003]

Awesome hunt and video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Argali]

Glad you liked it!

[@shanemvg]

Awesome film! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Argali]

Thanks for the feedback Shane!

[@justinauckland1698]

Awesome video guys! Great footage and a successful hunt to boot. I definitely appreciate you guys sharing your experience.

[@IDAHOMOTO]

What an awesome segment. I don’t normally comment on videos but you guys nailed this. Awesome job! Having grown up in Idaho and enjoyed its outdoors, I take this to heart on how amazing our state is.

[@Argali]

Thank you, Kimball!

[@totenfurwotan4478]

I love the sawtooth wilderness and Stanley Idaho. I need to check out the frank church wilderness

[@hardyardshunting3300]

Beautiful clip guys! Thanks alot

[@Snipeswrg77]

You guys just earned a new subscriber, keep up the good work

[@Argali]

Thanks Wesley!

[@briandelisi]

Bradley and Charlie ...Jason, BK, Conrad and anyone else that had a hand in making this spectacular film, Thank you! I am most certain that Mr. Church is proudly looking down upon all of you. #firmhandshakes

[@Argali]

Frank Church was a great man and leader. Thanks for watching, Brian!