Boondocks Hunting:

The Future of the Outdoors

A Dream Bigger Than Yourself

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By Connor Olsson

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To the people reading this: Have you ever had a dream? A dream to turn your passion into something bigger than just yourself?

Mike Niyitray, the founder of Boondocks Hunting, is the embodiment of someone who took his dreams and passion for the outdoors to the next level. Mike resides in New Jersey, but that’s not where his journey into the outdoors began.

Growing up, Mike spent his summers in Maine at Moosehead Lake. There, he immersed himself in activities that sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. In his own words:

“I first became intrigued by the outdoors at a young age, spending large parts of my summers at Moosehead Lake — camping, fishing, and watching moose roam the landscape. Those summers shaped me. Being unplugged and surrounded by mountains, water, and wildlife built a deep respect for nature early on. It wasn’t just something we did — it became part of who I am.”

Those summers built more than memories — they built identity.

 

From the Ice to the Woods

Throughout his childhood and high school years, Mike was an avid hockey player. At the time, hockey was his primary focus and motivation. Yet even while chasing success on the ice, the call of the wild was always there, quietly whispering in his ear.

At 19 years old, when the hockey chapter of his life closed, a new one began. Mike started bowhunting, becoming the first in his family to pursue archery as his primary approach to hunting. His family traditionally used firearms to harvest their quarry, but Mike was drawn to the added challenge.

Targeting white-tailed deer presented a new level of difficulty. For Mike, the addiction to archery hunting stems from the discipline, patience, and precision required to succeed.

 

The Mindset of a Hunter

I recently asked Mike, “What has hunting done for you personally?”

His response was powerful:

“Hunting is one of those things that tests every limit you have. For me, it’s a 24-hour grind. It reminds me a lot of my life with hockey. Success doesn’t start on opening day — it starts in the offseason. Scouting. Studying land. Learning terrain. Preparing physically and mentally.

My days often start at 5–6 a.m. Cold plunge. Walk or run — usually with a weighted vest. Then lifting. Not just to get stronger physically, but to push myself mentally. I prepare for the season the same way I trained for hockey. Because when the moment comes, I don’t want to question whether I did enough.”

He continued by describing what happens once the season begins:

“Then the actual season hits — and you’re truly chasing the unknown.
The highs.
The lows.
The heartbreak.
The redemption.

Hiking through different terrain and states, pursuing different species. Hunting in extreme heat or extreme cold. Snow. Rain. Sleet. The grind doesn’t stop.

It forces you to adapt. To stay disciplined. To stay steady when things don’t go your way. It teaches resilience in a way nothing else can.

Hunting has shaped my mindset. It’s made me tougher, more patient, and more grounded.

It’s not just something I do — it’s who I am.”

For Mike, hunting is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle and a mindset.

 

Building the Boondocks Brand

With such a deep passion for the outdoors, Mike created Boondocks Hunting. What started as a fun way to share hunts, experiences, and time spent in the woods gradually evolved into something much bigger.

Through sharing content — including videos showcased on the company’s YouTube channel — Boondocks began gaining traction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand saw significant growth. That momentum showed Mike that larger opportunities were possible.

Boondocks Hunting transitioned from a passion project into a full-fledged company. But as Mike emphasizes, it’s more than just a brand — it’s a community. A community of like-minded individuals from all backgrounds, built around storytelling, education, and connection.

The team’s commitment is tailored to hunters at every stage of their journey. Boondocks has also expanded into other areas of the outdoors, including angling, offering support and insights across multiple disciplines.

 

Expanding the Platform: Podcasting and Community

The success of the company led to the launch of The Garden State Outdoorsmen Podcast, as well as Chasing the Unknown.

These platforms expanded Boondocks beyond hunts and highlight reels. The podcasts feature valuable conversations, practical knowledge, and real-world insight for both new and seasoned outdoorsmen.

It’s more than content — it’s a movement built around growth, discipline, and embracing the unknown.

 

The People Behind the Dream

Mike is quick to acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the people around him.

First and foremost, he thanks his wife, Bianca:

“She is the anchor behind everything I do. During the season especially, she takes on more than most people realize so I can chase my dreams in the woods and build this brand. None of this is possible without her support, patience, and belief in what we’re creating.”

He would also like to thank his mother for her support and guidance:

“She has always been someone I can lean on, and her encouragement has played a major role in this journey.”

He also expressed deep gratitude for his closest friends:

“My best friends Brian and Phil have been there from the beginning — loyal, dependable, and always willing to help Boondocks grow in any way they can. That loyalty means everything.”

And of course, the extended Boondocks family:

Frank
Squatch
Craig
Both Zachs
Conner
Connor
Peyton
Ethan
Bobby
John

These individuals represent the backbone of a brand rooted in loyalty, shared passion, and community.

 

Chasing the Unknown

Boondocks Hunting is more than a company. It’s a testament to what happens when discipline meets passion and when dreams are pursued relentlessly.

From summers at Moosehead Lake to early morning training sessions and long days in the woods, Mike Niyitray has built something that represents more than hunting — it represents a mindset.

In a world that often encourages comfort, Boondocks Hunting encourages the opposite: embrace the grind, chase the unknown, and build something bigger than yourself.