As we embark on our elk hunting trips to the backcountry mountains and lonesome plains, the thought of having an equiptment failure is at top of mind. From loose bolts to stretched strings, "Murphys Law" can sideline an elk hunt at any time. Today, Dirk talks about bullet proofing your bow with Cory Miller from Darton Archery and Blackagle arrows before you take to the field, so you can hunt with piece of mind. 

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Every hunter should define a goal or have a purpose on every elk hunt. For Jason, the goal on every hunt varies depending on the tag, who he's hunting with, etc. On some hunts he may be after a certain bull, while others may be to kill any legal elk, and sometimes it's just to make sure his family and friends have a great time. Regardless of the goal, he talks about planning and executing throughout the hunt and maintaining focus.

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In the last episode of our two-part "How to Call an Elk" series, Dirk dives deep into coaching you how to make advanced elk calls: lip bawls, grunts, chuckles, and barks! His straight forward approach on how to make these elk sounds can be a game-changer whether you're new to elk calling or a seasoned vet.

If you want to watch Dirk perform these calls check out his personal YouTube channel THE BUGLER playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmts0qLfo7ZzXMW-ssBUr7gful9S6cT1A

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I would argue I've learned more from my mistakes than from my successes when it comes to elk hunting. In this episode, Jason gives his opinion on ten common mistakes that may be hindering success for you this fall. He touches on calling your way into elk, unwillingness to change the plan, calling to small as well as not spending enough time in the woods. Jason hopes you can learn from the mistakes he's made to shorten up the learning curve.

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31 days until September! Are you ready? Want to learn how to become a more proficient elk caller? In this episode, Dirk dives deep into making elk vocalizations. He starts with fundamental sounds, then shifts into turning those sounds into cow calls and bugles.

Link to see videos of Dirk making these calls: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmts0qLfo7ZzXMW-ssBUr7gful9S6cT1A&si=-Z4Eaf7-cOROFhhI

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Jason dives into some of his past archery hunts and talks about what he feels were the key factors that led to success. Successful elk hunters usually don't limit themselves to one tactic or one game plan. They are able to evaluate the elk, the pressure, and the sign to formulate a plan that gives them the best chance for success. 

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We've all heard that classic three-note bugle, which is typically a go-to for most folks while calling elk. This week, Dirk talks about non-typical elk vocalizations and how he uses them while calling to bull elk each September. Dirk also answers "Pendleton Whisky's Listener Questions" about topics ranging from fall bear hunting tactics while hunting elk, to making a backpacking game plan, to hunting Idaho's remote Frank Church Wilderness.

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Bill Vanderheyden returns to the podcast to discuss new findings from the University of Colorado study, which looked at accuracy, stability, drag, wind drift, spin up, and sound. He offers tips for improving flight with broadheads. We also talk about the new heads he has coming out at Iron Will.

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Dirk and three other world-champion elk callers, Tony Gilbertson, Jermaine Hodge, and Erik Berglund, discuss the 2024 RMEF World Elk Calling Championships. They also talk about the elk hunt the three guests shared last fall, which is on YouTube now, and the process of designing their new signature elk diaphragms that are included in the new All-American 3-Pack. 

Watch their hunt film on YouTube now: Band of Brothers

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Sorting through internet jargon and opinions to figure out what's the best arrow set up for hunting elk is a daunting task. In this episode, Dirk sits down with long time friend and arrow expert, Cory Miller of Darton Archery, at Total Archery Challenge in Big Sky, Montana. They talk pros and cons of today's popular arrow setups.

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