Q&A with Cody McCarthy: The newest member of Slayer Calls
By M.D. Johnson Over the 30 years I’ve been doing this outdoor writing gig, I’ve had the opportunity to interview hundreds of different outdoorsmen and women. Folks from all walks of life — hunters, anglers, trappers, survivalists, guides, outfitters, craftsmen and women. All have a story to tell; an interesting story, all with their fair share of hills and valleys. Successes and failures. Good and bad. 
A common denominator would be tough to pinpoint from among the hundreds; however, if I were pressed to name one, it would be passion: A passion for the great outdoors. For the whole of our natural resources and our planet. A love of family and friends. Of life in general. A recent addition to the Slayer Calls family, Cody McCarthy has this passion, obvious from the moment the young man spoke to answer my first question and continuing throughout the whole of our conversation. Slayer Calls (SC): Who is Cody McCarthy? Cody: I’m 29 years old. Originally from Orofino, Idaho. Born in Lewiston, and moved to Eagle 
I went on to get a degree in biology. Was a paramedic for three years. I moved back to Boise, and rekindled some flames — some passions — regarding what I wanted to do in life. I became a certified strength and conditioning specialist; that’s what I do currently. I’m happily married to my best friend, Breanna, and we have three beautiful daughters: Lexi, 7; Oakley, 5; and my baby, Sage, 7 months. I’m faith, family, and outdoors. I’m a Christian man. I won my first elk calling contest when I was 8, and 
Cody: I was 11. With my bow. And with my Dad. We sat down in a big burn and had given it up for the day. So I gave out this crazy bugle, and this bull comes out into the burn at about 150 yards. We scrambled to set up behind this tiny little Christmas tree. Dad was laying down. And this bull walked right up to the tree like he was going to rake it. His eyes rolled back in his head; he wheeled, Dad cow-called and I drew my bow. I made a great shot and watched him go down. It was a great experience with my father. SC: Elk calling, Cody, in one sentence? Cody: A challenging, beautiful communication with these animals. SC: Most common mistake when it comes to archery hunters and elk calling? Cody: They quit. You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. But I think the biggest mistake people make is that they give up on themselves. They don’t believe they’re good enough. Or quality enough. They’re not putting themselves in the best situations. And a 1B to that would be not using emotion 
Cody – I’m the lead of product innovation. And
