Addicted Hunting Podcast

Archery hunting is never easy, and that's exactly what makes it so addictive. From long hikes into the backcountry and challenging stalks to missed opportunities, unpredictable weather, and the patience it takes to make the right shot, this episode is all about the highs, lows, and unforgettable experiences that come with bowhunting.

We share stories from the mountains, including encounters with Roosevelt elk and mule deer, and follow along as Max works toward his first archery big-game animal. It’s a hunt filled with tough decisions, a challenging shot, and the kind of hard-earned payoff that makes all the miles and effort worth it. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just getting started, there's something about archery hunting that keeps bringing us back for more!

Topics Covered:

The challenges and rewards of archery hunting

Long hikes and backcountry hunting adventures

Stalking Roosevelt elk

Scouting and hunting mule deer

Dealing with wind and unpredictable weather

The importance of shot placement and tracking a wounded animal

Max's first archery big-game hunt

The persistence and patience required to be a successful bowhunter

Why the challenge of archery hunting keeps us coming back

Getting close to big mule deer with a bow takes more than luck. It takes patience, scouting, smart decisions, and knowing when to make your move. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we’re talking early-season archery hunting, mule deer stalking tactics, preparing for deer and elk season, and what it really takes to get within effective bow range. From watching deer movement to learning how to close the distance without getting busted, we’re sharing hunting experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for the season ahead.

We’re also discussing ethical bowhunting shot distances, practicing with your bow, hunting blacktail in the Pacific Northwest, and proposed Washington deer tag rule changes. Plus, we talk about our plans for the upcoming hunting season, the hunts we’ll be filming, and the excitement of chasing deer and elk this fall. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or getting ready for your first archery season, join the Addicted Hunting crew for real hunting talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs. Subscribe for more hunting stories, archery tactics, and adventures from the woods!

Early-season archery hunting strategies

How to stalk mule deer and get within bow range

Why patience matters when hunting big bucks

Scouting deer and understanding their movement

Hunting blacktail deer in the Pacific Northwest

Tree stands, ground blinds, and adapting your approach

Bow practice and determining your effective shooting range

Ethical shot distances in archery hunting

Proposed Washington deer tag rule changes

Preparing for the upcoming deer and elk seasons

Upcoming hunts, filming plans, and hunting-season goals

Is Jason Hausman really the luckiest hunter alive? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, Jason joins the conversation to share years of hunting experience, unforgettable blacktail encounters, and the stories behind his reputation for being ridiculously lucky in the woods. From chasing mature Westside blacktail bucks in thick country to memorable hunts with his dad, Jason has plenty of stories that prove you never know what might happen when you head into the woods.

We also talk about lessons learned in the field, rifle and muzzleloader hunting, elk hunting, double-buck encounters, and the moments that make hunting memories last a lifetime. Plus, Jason shares some surprising stories—including an encounter where a missed opportunity was followed almost immediately by a chance at another buck—and answers a round of rapid-fire hunting questions. Whether you're a dedicated blacktail hunter or just love hearing great hunting stories, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and reasons to keep heading back into the woods.

Topics Covered:

Why Jason might be the luckiest hunter alive

Hunting mature Westside blacktail bucks

Memorable hunting trips with his dad

Unexpected encounters and double-buck stories

Lessons learned from missed opportunities

Rifle and muzzleloader hunting

Elk hunting experiences and tactics

Hunting traditions and memories

Rapid-fire hunting questions

The unusual school bus prairie-dog hunting rig

Tree stand, ground blind, or spot-and-stalk—which hunting method is actually the best? On this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we compare three popular ways to hunt, sharing the advantages, disadvantages, and lessons we've learned from our own experiences in the field. From choosing the right setup to deciding when to stay put or make a move, we dig into what makes each approach effective—and when it can go wrong.

Topics covered in this episode:

Tree stands vs. ground blinds vs. spot-and-stalk hunting

The pros and cons of each hunting method

Scent control, wind direction, and access routes

Avoiding hunting pressure and over-hunting a location

Setting up ground blinds and making the most of their visibility

Glassing, moving slowly, and approaching deer while spot-and-stalk hunting

Hunting mature bucks and learning from mistakes in the field

Our personal experiences and thoughts on which method works best

Whether you're preparing for your next whitetail season or looking to improve your hunting strategy, join the conversation and decide which method you'd choose. What works best for you: tree stand, ground blind, or spot-and-stalk? 

Is baiting really unfair chase? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into one of the most controversial topics in hunting: baiting. With Washington banning baiting for deer and elk, we discuss where we think the line should be drawn, whether baiting actually makes hunting less fair, and how baiting compares to trail cameras, food plots, calling, scouting, and other modern hunting tactics.

We also debate high-fence hunting, expensive gear, hunting technology, mature bucks and luck vs. skill, and whether modern hunting is becoming too easy. Plus, we tackle some “legal but weird” hunting tactics and rapid-fire which hunting practices we would keep or ban. Where do you draw the line? Let us know your opinion in the comments!

Topics Covered:

Baiting and fair chase

Washington's baiting ban

Deer and elk baiting

Salt licks, minerals, and food plots

Trail cameras and scouting

High-fence hunting

Hunting ethics

Hunting technology

Legal but weird hunting tactics

Luck vs. skill

Expensive hunting gear

Is modern hunting getting too easy?

Hunting tactics we would keep or ban

Turkey hunting looks simple… until you’re actually in the woods. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we break down a turkey season filled with smart gobblers, unpredictable weather, missed opportunities, close calls, and plenty of mistakes. From Washington to Eastern Oregon, we learned just how good turkeys are at spotting movement, reacting to calls, and making hunters work for every opportunity.

We talk about what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons that came from both. We cover hunting in wind and snow, choosing the right calls, dealing with tricky terrain, staying perfectly still when a gobbler is closing in, learning from misses, and why sometimes you simply have to take the opportunity when it presents itself. If you’ve ever hunted turkeys, you know they have a way of humbling you—and this season gave us plenty of reminders.

Topics Covered:

What separates a good hunter from everyone else? Is it luck, skill, experience—or something else? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we break down the 10 things that separate good hunters from everyone else. From consistency and adaptability to work ethic, mental toughness, patience, decision-making under pressure, and understanding animals, these are the traits that can make a difference when the pressure is on.

We also talk about being willing to fail, learning from your mistakes, and taking ownership instead of making excuses. Becoming a better hunter isn't about finding one magic skill or getting lucky—it’s about stacking these habits and traits together over years of experience. Whether you're chasing deer, elk, or other game, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before your next hunt.

Washington hunters are watching their hunting opportunities change—and the guys on this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast have a lot to say about it. From the push toward draw systems and the potential loss of over-the-counter opportunities to point creep and what these changes could mean for new and young hunters, this conversation digs into some of the biggest issues facing hunting in Washington right now.

The conversation also takes a hard look at Washington's Fish & Wildlife Commission, predator management, wolves, cougars, bears, deer and elk populations, and the broader future of hunting across the West Coast. Is limiting hunters while predator populations increase really the best way to manage wildlife? And what can hunters actually do to have a voice in these decisions? If you're a Washington hunter—or simply care about the future of hunting—this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

Modern hunting technology has changed the way we hunt, from OnX and trail cameras to rangefinders, ballistic apps, thermals, and high-end optics. But are modern hunting gadgets cheating, or are they simply tools that make us more efficient and successful hunters?

In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we take a hard look at how technology has changed hunting and where we think the line might be. We talk about the benefits of modern hunting gadgets, how technology has increased hunting pressure, whether cell cameras and thermals have gone too far, and whether relying on technology can actually keep us from learning the skills that make us better hunters.

Topics Covered:

Why can you see elk everywhere before hunting season, but suddenly can’t find them when it actually matters? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dig into what it really takes to find elk before and during hunting season. From putting in the miles and using trail cameras to understanding habitat, water sources, bedding areas, travel routes, and the terrain elk actually want to use, we break down the scouting strategies that can help you stop hunting empty country.

We also share some real-world scouting stories, including the process of finally figuring out where a group of elk was hiding after years of hunting the same area. We talk about north-facing slopes, south-facing feed areas, saddles, benches, drainage heads, changing conditions, and why animals can seem to disappear once opening day arrives. If you're getting ready for elk season or trying to become a better scout, this episode is packed with things you can put to work in the field.

Topics Covered: