Claudia Schmidt
Rancher & Big Game Hunter
Intro
Raised in the mountains of Montana, Claudia has spent her life surrounded by wild country. She grew up rodeoing with her mom, big game hunting with her dad, and learned early on what it means to live close to the land. Whether she’s in the backcountry with her dogs, on horseback pushing cattle, or hunting high in the mountains, Claudia thrives in places where nature sets the terms. For her, the wilderness is both a proving ground and a place of faith.
“Mother nature has no mercy, but God is always in your corner, and I have firsthand witnessed that more than once. It is only through His grace that I survive the backcountry and come home safe every time. There is a different kind of trust that comes from being in a place that is so wild and uncontrolled. It also helps you to see the world and life in a different light. A lesson that can only be taught by living it.” - Claudia Schmidt
Q&A
When you’re not doing your core pursuit, what else do you enjoy doing?
As much as I love the mountains, I also really love the ocean! Although I don’t live near it, I try to plan any vacations or trips where I will have access to the ocean. Anytime I get to be in the water, I’m happy! I love saltwater and the diversity of life that lives in it, but I also enjoy freshwater lakes as well. Surfing behind wake boats with good music and good friends is an activity I really love!
How do you incorporate music into your life?
Music is heavily integrated into my daily life. I listen to music all day long on the job site, it’s what keeps you going on those long, hard days! Also, living in such a remote state, I am no stranger to driving long distances daily. Long, beautiful drives with good music is a different kind of peaceful I hope everyone gets to enjoy at least once in their lives. I am just fortunate enough I get to enjoy that every day.
Any guilty pleasures?
Sour gummy worms. If I’m in the backcountry, you best believe I have a pack with me.
What’s your hottest take or most controversial opinion?
I believe every single person in this world should experience a week in a remote area with nothing but a few essentials. I think it would make the world a better place and turn more people back to God.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the wild/on tour?
My dad and I were out in the backcountry hunting in -10 degree weather. The trails were snow covered, and ice filled in spots. We were horseback and had rode about 4 miles out from base camp that morning. Part of the ride was in the timber, and it was mostly downhill as we were headed out, making it mostly uphill on the way back to camp. We started heading back at last light. We had 3 horses, 2 riding horses and one pack horse. On our way back, we ran into a group of 5 moose. 2 cows, one calf and 2 bulls. They took forever to move out of the trail as the two bulls were fighting right on the trail in front of us. Once they finally moved off, it was starting to get pretty dark and once we made it to the timbered part, it was completely dark. We made it to a really steep part in the trail. My horse tried to make it up. We got near to where it plateaued, and he buckled to his knees and started sliding back down into the other horses. We slid about 7 feet. This being the only way back to camp, I tried to get back up the hill again, only this time I had dismounted off my horse and tried to
lead him up the hill, thinking less weight on his back may help. We made it near the top and this time he hit the end of the lead rope and flew backwards with the other horses at the bottom of the hill being the only thing to stop him as he slid back down. Well since I was the one holding the lead rope, he pulled me down the hill with him. I was uncontrollably sliding, horse feet dancing all around me, and finally came to a stop right underneath of the second horse down the hill. I was so incredibly lucky not to get stepped on. All of our horses have on what we call “sharp shoes” being that they are basically ice cleats designed for more traction on trails such as this one during the wintertime. Being 14miles back in the remote backcountry and having no way to get immediate medical services, you have to be much more careful as situations as that one can very quickly become deadly. Fortunately, we were able to make another trail in the deadfall slope that we could get our horses around that icy patch. We made it out and back to camp with everyone safe and sound. I owe all of that to God and the guardian angels looking out for us that evening.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Or what are you listening to right now?
I’m not sure I have a favorite musical artist, but I love Texas country. I am also obsessing over the song Your Ways Better by Forrest Frank right now!
Favorite Turtlebox speaker and why? How do you use it?
I currently have two of the Original Gen 3’s and I love them! I keep one on the job site to use at work every day and the other one I keep at home to use when I am doing activities such as riding my horses, fixing fence, working on projects or shooting my bow or rifles. I am about to get the ranger though and I am so excited to try it out! I think I will keep that one in my truck so I can stick it to my toolbox and enjoy it everywhere I go.
