These days it seems like hunting has become all about the gear and the "Industry"  Gotta have all the cool stuff.  The problem is then you have to carry all that stuff and it can slow you down. Turns out carrying less stuff can make you a more effective hunter.  In this episode I break down what I carry in my pack for a day of hunting.  I wouldn't say it's a minimalist approach, but more about keeping it simple and light enough that I can hunt and hike all day, day after day.   I'm sure there will be some disagreements about it, and some things I left out, but my hope is to help people sort through all of the "must have" stuff to lighten the load and hunt harder and longer.   My philosophy is to keep it simple and light, but make sure the really important things are covered well.   This is about day hunting from camp or truck not about backpack hunting, but this same philosophy can be applied once you get to camp on that backpack hunt.  What did I miss here?  Let me know @closerangehunter on Instagram.

In this episode I talk about why I usually hunt solo and why I think it is the way to go, and sometimes not.  I cover some of the pros and cons of hunting solo and some tips on what it takes.   I offer my opinion on why more people are becoming  interested in solo hunting and why some won't do it.  It is just something I've always done and until recently didn't realize that being "solo hunter" was a "thing".   I'll probably ruffle a few feathers, but as the meme says, "Change my mind."

Trophy hunting, is it good or bad?  What constitutes a trophy?  In this episode I give some of my opinions and insight on trophy hunting, scores, record books.  Why I think trophy hunting is a good thing, and how it can become a bad thing.   My personal philosophy and reasons for trophy hunting, or not.   At the end I introduce some new goals for becoming a well rounded hunter, whether you hunt with a modern bow, traditional bow, muzzleloader, or rifle these goal can keep it interesting.  

It is that time of year again when the Arizona elk and antelope draw results are coming out and people are getting excited.   Every year at this time the internet/socials are flooded with posts saying, "I can't believe a drew this tag.  I've never hunted unit x before.  I'm not asking for your honey holes but..."  Don't be that guy and really don't be the guy who posts hunting spots on social media!  In this episode I'll tell you some of my tried and true methods for finding elk in new areas.  The number one thing you need to do it scout.  Specifically speed scouting if you don't have a lot of time.  These simple tips have led me to killing a bunch of nice bulls in many different units and helping clients do the same.  There were a few details I left out, but I'm trying to keep it close to 30 min.  This episode is about 38 min. 

I apologize for some background noise.  I recorded this episode sitting in bed with my leg elevated because of a broken ankle.   My phone goes off once too.  I thought it would be funny that many people listening will think it is their phone, so I left it in.  

This is the introductory episode of the Close Range Hunter Podcast.  In this episode I talk about why I started the podcast, tell a couple of hunting stories, talk about traditional bowhunting, javelina hunting, hunting in Arizona, and where I plan to take the podcast in the future.  It was recorded at the spur of the moment sitting in the front seat of my truck in Arizona after a successful javelina hunt.  It may not be perfect, but I have to start somewhere.  The episodes will improve over time.   I'm interested in feedback, especially suggestions on outdoor and backcountry related topics that people would like to learn more about.  It doesn't have to be about hunting.  I bet this is the first  hunting podcast that uses Funk music for the into and outro.  Gotta love the Funk!