top of page

Mountain Soul Stew: Fueling the Montana Backcountry Experience with High protein meals

mtvetprogram

Mountain Soul Stew: Fueling the Montana Backcountry Experience

The first night out with our veterans in the Montana backcountry is always special. It’s a time to settle in, shake off the weight of the world, and embrace the raw beauty of the wilderness. And what better way to kick things off than with a hearty, whole-food meal that fuels both body and spirit? That’s where Mountains Soul Stew comes in.



Veterans taking a helping of Mountain Soul Stew from several miles down stream on the SMith River.
Mountain Soul Stew

This stew isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition. We carry in pounds of fresh elk meat, earthy carrots, hearty potatoes, pungent onions, fragrant garlic, and nutrient-dense barley. Everything is diced up and simmered over an open fire in canteen cups, with the barley added late in the cook to maintain the perfect texture. The slow-cooked blend of wild protein and natural carbohydrates creates a rich, nourishing meal that keeps our crew fueled for the days ahead.


Several piles of elk meat ready to be added to a skewer on the SMith River.
Diced up Elk meat ready for skewers and stew

While the stew bubbles away, we prepare elk skewers as an appetizer—simple, primal, and packed with flavor. Cooking over the fire is a fundamental part of the experience, proving that whole-food recipes don’t have to be complicated, even in the backcountry. This is fuel with a purpose—designed to sustain, energize, and bring people together.


Elk meat over a camp fire in the backcountry of Montana
Elk Skewers

Elk meat itself is one of the purest proteins you can consume. It’s incredibly lean, meaning it has a high concentration of protein without excessive fat. Unlike grain-fed beef, wild elk roam free, feeding on a natural diet that results in clean, nutrient-dense meat free from additives and hormones. When you eat elk, you’re consuming pure Montana—untamed, wild, and strong, just like the veterans who trek these mountains with us.


Scott Moss (marine veteran and team leader) takes a helping of stew while on the Smith RIver.
Scott Moss takes a scoop of Mountain Soul Stew

The importance of whole food in the backcountry cannot be overstated. In an environment where every calorie counts, real food provides sustainable energy, better digestion, and improved endurance. Processed meals and quick fixes don’t hold up in the wild—what you put into your body directly impacts what you get out of it. That’s why we emphasize meals like Elk Soul Stew, proving that real, nutritious food can be simple, satisfying, and effective, even miles away from civilization.



Our first night tradition isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about feeding the soul. Elk Soul Stew is a reminder that good food, good company, and the great outdoors are some of the best ingredients for a life well-lived. And in the Montana backcountry, that’s exactly what we’re here to embrace.


Making Mountain Soul Stew on the Smith River

If you want to try your own Montana backcountry meal, you can make this recipe at home or... If you are a veteran, you can join us on a trip! 2025 trips are filling up fast!


MVP

 

Comments


CONTACT US

MVP LOGO - Montana Vet Program Logo
P.O. BOX 1072
Great Falls, MT, 59403
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

CONSIDER A MONTHLY DONATION

WE WILL BE IN TOUCH

©2023 by Montana Vet Program

bottom of page