For Gavin Cohen of Zero Eight Media, a successful hunt isn’t always measured by what comes home. Of the nearly 100 hunts he’s been on, he estimates that about 80% have ended without a harvest. Yet he still finds the experience rewarding. For him, hunting is about the challenges, friendships, and memories made along the way.

Big-game hunts can mean covering 10 to 15 miles a day through steep terrain, sometimes at elevations of 10,000 feet or higher. Game is never guaranteed, and the physical demands can be intense. However, Gavin believes the experience is worth it. Even if an animal isn’t harvested, looking back at a challenging or fun trip and knowing what you accomplished makes the effort rewarding. The memories and friendships formed along the way are just as important as the hunt’s outcome.

The sense of community is especially clear during spring bear season in Idaho. Gavin gathers with 20 to 30 other people at a central camp, spending time together, sharing meals and heading into the field. The friendships built around camp are among the most rewarding parts of the experience. Bear camp is about more than the hunt itself; it’s an opportunity to spend time with others who share his passion for the outdoors.

A Hunt to Remember

One of Gavin’s most memorable hunting experiences was when he took his dad on his first hunting trip in 2023. Since his family didn’t hunt growing up, the roles were reversed, with Gavin introducing his dad to an activity he had come to love. On the second day of their trip, they hiked to the top of the ridge and spotted a couple of bucks. Gavin’s dad took a shot from 175 yards, and the deer traveled less than 10 yards before falling.

Gavin recalls how excited his dad was and how special it was to witness the moment. With just the two of them on the trip, he got to walk his dad through every part of the experience, from the hunt itself to processing the deer. Being able to share that first hunt with his dad made it especially meaningful.

Although Gavin didn’t grow up hunting, the outdoors were always part of his life through camping and fishing. A friend introduced him to bird hunting in high school, and he later became more involved in big-game hunting after moving to Idaho in 2019. He originally moved to the state to study criminal justice, with the possibility of becoming a police officer or working in fish and game. But as he settled into life in Idaho, his interests shifted, and he found himself drawn to the outdoor lifestyle. What began as a temporary move became home, and he has no plans to leave.

Between the Scope and the Lens

Photography was another interest Gavin pursued throughout high school and college, but it didn’t become his main focus until 2021. He went on to work in media and marketing for firearm retailers and manufacturers before leaving his last full-time position in February 2024 to pursue freelance work. Through Zero Eight Media, he continues to combine his interest in photography with his passion for the outdoors.

Balancing hunting and photography takes some planning, especially on big-game trips. Gavin prefers to stay involved in the hunt rather than focus too heavily on documenting it, so he brings as little camera gear as possible. He keeps his camera attached to a quick-release clip on his backpack’s shoulder strap, making it easy to grab for a few shots without digging through a camera bag. By carrying just one camera body and lens, he can capture moments as they happen without letting his equipment become a distraction.

Waterfowl hunting is a little different. On those trips, Gavin usually decides ahead of time whether he wants to focus on hunting or photography. If he chooses to shoot photos, he leaves his gun at home so  he can give the camera full attention. For him, authentic hunting content isn’t just about the harvest. It’s about telling the story of everything that happens before it.

Why He Packs a 10/22

Gavin also brings a 16” carbon 10/22 rifle built with Grey Birch parts on big-game hunts in case he encounters forest grouse, which he enjoys hunting. He uses this rifle extensively in the spring as well, particularly for hunting rock chucks and groundhogs. Having a lightweight rifle available for these opportunities makes it a useful addition to his gear.

Of all the Grey Birch gear he’s used, his 10/22 carbon rifle is his favorite. He packs one wherever he goes because its lightweight design adds very little weight to his pack. With many of the other rifles of that model he owns weighing an estimated 30–40% more, weight is an important consideration, especially when he’s already carrying gear through miles of steep terrain. He also appreciates the accuracy of the carbon barrel and the convenience of having a lightweight rifle on hand for different outdoor pursuits.

Gavin’s connection to Grey Birch grew through relationships in the outdoor industry, eventually leading to a working relationship with the brand. Having used several of our products, he appreciates their practical benefits in the field, particularly their lightweight design and versatility.

Hunting for Memories, Not Just Harvests

Over the years, hunting also deepened Gavin’s appreciation for conservation. Through working closely with guides, outfitters, and fish and game professionals, he has gained a better understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes to manage wildlife and support conservation efforts. As he puts it, he has developed an appreciation for that work that goes beyond simply enjoying the outdoors.

That perspective carries into the stories he tells through Zero Eight Media. Whether he’s documenting a demanding big-game hunt, sharing time with friends at bear camp, or capturing a memorable experience with family, Gavin aims to show what makes his time in the field meaningful.

Through hunting and photography, he captures those experiences and the stories behind them. Sometimes, the most rewarding part of a hunt isn’t what you bring home, but what you take away from the experience.

Photos: Gavin Cohen / Zero Eight Media