Meet The Pros: Get To Know "The Untamed"

Born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia, the Untamed crew is nothing short of adventurous. With a passion to hunt in their home state, The Untamed wants to leave everyone with the impression that hunting is accessible to all. These four men believe that we were born wild and should be living free, and that is what they aim to offer their viewers on YouTube. There is always something this is crew is discovering, and whether that be a harvest or a lesson, it is something worth documenting.

Being located in West Virginia, The Untamed is exposed to many different species, allowing them to really diversify themselves as outdoorsmen and hunters. From black bear, to whitetail, this crew loves the challenge that each animal can bring and what they can learn from each experience.

However, let’s stop all of this chit-chat and get to know this YouTube crew a little bit.

Getting To Know The Untamed

Photo: The Untamed (In Order: Kirk, Josh, Jay, and Trace).

Who is The Untamed? Tell us about yourself.

Josh Ilderton - I am Josh Ilderton, just a good ole boy raised in Southern WV that loves the outdoors and part owner of The Untamed.  I want to share our real experiences through different media outlets so others can learn and just 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 for 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 educate, inspire and get more people interested in the outdoors.

Trace Butcher - My name is Trace Butcher and I am a part owner in 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 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 influence in getting me in the outdoors. Hunting is a way of life in my family.

Trace Butcher - I started hunting chipmunks with a BB gun when I was 7 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 4 yrs 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 WV.  It’s like one of the best kept secrets in the outdoor industry.  The mountains are steep and rough so it presents challenges but there a 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 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 have become. 

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 piece of advice for someone who wants 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 that 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 over night 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 , YouTube, and their HuntWise account to stay up to date on their season, and what they are learning along the way. You won’t be sorry.

Good luck hunters, and shoot straight.

Photo: Josh and Jay