8.34 Coues deer hunting With SEAZO Eddie Willey and I talk about what it takes to Score big coues bucks consistantly.

Eddie knows how to hunt giant coues deer bucks he has guided many clients to outstanding trophies.

How to find and hunt coues deer...

"The Rules of Enguagment "

    As the owner of an Outfitting company, I am frequently asked the “easy” question of how to find big Coues Whitetail bucks. So let’s talk about how to find big Coues, not only in your backyard, but in new units and even other states. My guides and I have come up with a standard in which we operate; within this standard we have the “Rules of Engagement” These rules have lead us to some pretty remarkable bucks, and we have found by using the “Rules of Engagement” not only do we drastically increase our odds in successful hunts, but we often times find trophy class bucks in other units or states.  So let’s get down to business; the following are a few rules within our “Rules of Engagement.”  

     The first rule of engagement, E-Scouting, is where we look at maps via the internet or apps. While many hunters do this step, our strategic approach is a key in our success.  We thoroughly examine potential areas on a map, paying particular attention to the area’s topography. We compare this topography and the type of country to the areas we have seen or killed big bucks in.  Within the potential area, we look at the distances to both seasonal and yearly water sources. Using primarily satellite imagery, we also compare places of cover and sources of food. Remember when E-scouting, you will never find identical areas, but you will find some that are promisingly similar.

    The second rule of engagement, Validating, is where our boots hit the ground and we get out in the field. This is important. We are validating what we have seen on a map by scouting out the area in person to get a better understanding of the terrain. This step needs to be done cautiously and smartly. This should be the most intrusive you will be in this area. It’s best to work this area in the heat of the day to ensure you’re not interrupting the Coues’ natural behavior. Validate the water sources and pay close attention to prominent winds. During validation your goal is to identify the following things: the least intrusive path in and out of the area, locations to glass from, and if you use trail cameras, locations you anticipate using trail cameras.

    The third rule of engagement, Marking the Boundary, is where we make our money. This is a slow and methodical process, and dependent upon the area, this can take a very long time. We begin working the fringes of the area we have identified. A good rule of thumb is to look three miles away from a water source, seasonal or yearly.  Big Coues will establish a core area around seasonal water sources with the right cover and feed. When that water source is depleted,

8.33 Trophy Elk Hunting tactics With Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters

Ryan is a trophy bull hunter and runs a successful guide service known for taking giant public land bulls call DC Outfitters. Ryan is a father of 3 daughters and when he's not hunting hes picking up giant sheds.

We talk about what it takes to take trophy Bull Elk : Ryan talks about the habitat to look for, the terrain features and behavioral characteristics to key in on to consistently find and hunt Giant bulls. 

*How to use trail cameras to your advantage for elk

*Where to glass

* Habitat and behavior of elk

* Patterning trophy bulls

* The Elk rotation pin pointing his route

Stepping Up Your Elk Game by Ryan Carter of DC Outfitters

               Elk hunting is an experience that almost defines western hunting.  Big, loud, and stinky it’s amazing that elk are so elusive and hard to pursuit.  The biggest issue with any species out west is the vast areas that these animals call home.  The terrain is steep, rugged, and unforgiving.  Pulling an elk permit is definitely the hardest part of the process, but once that is accomplished the work begins.  Now your have to face the mountain.  Here is where you dig deep to find out where these bulls call home and outsmart them on their own turf.  One of the greatest tools of the game is TRAILCAMS!

               Trail cameras can be the perfect tools for locating big bulls, but they can also be time consuming and frustrating if you don’t use them right.  Over the years I have found a few ways to help me dial in the trailcam game.  I seem to do ok, so listen up so this can be a fun experience.   

Cameras- purchasing your cameras is your first step.  Like most of you that are reading this, I hunt public land.  Public land is used by all, so remember that not all people are on your team, you unfortunately may loose a few cameras.  Knowing this I never spend a fortune on expensive cameras.  I try to keep my purchases under $100.  I also only buy brands that I can purchase a security box for that camera.  These boxes help keep honest people honest, keep bears from walking off with your cameras, and keep elk from chewing on or moving them.  Trust me it happens. 

With that in mind, some cameras do better than others.  Obviously the more expensive cameras will be better at taking far away shots or the infra red will reach out a little bit further during the night when elk seem to move the most.  I personally use Stealthcams.  This is not a plug.  I simply have found that they reach a little bit further for my night shots.  There is nothing more frustrating that getting a photo of a possible monster just out of reach during the nighttime.  They also have fair priced security boxes for ALL of their cameras.  Not all brands are that accommodating.  Really though, buy what you can afford.  You are using them to cover a broad area that your can’t do yourself so just find a deal and see which ones work best for you.           

Setup- Setting up your camera is crucial.  There are a couple of things that I always do when setting a camera:

1. Mount your camera facing north. The sun will ruin your photos if you face them east or west. You will likely get the sun shining in your lens during times when elk are moving the most.  Also remember the sun runs on our southern hemisphere so I avoid that direction as well if at all possible. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a season predator hunter it’s tough to get a coyote or any predator for that matter with a bow… They come in hot, they come in super alert, and they can jump a string faster than any deer I have every shot at…… So I have developed a couple of little tricks I picked up over the years to try and get predators within bow range and actually get off a shot…  

Unlike firearm hunting where the setup is not as important as location with archery equipment how you set up the stand will make the difference between getting a coyote or watching him run away leaving you wishing you had your shotgun… I mentioned location I’m gonna quickly touch on this before we get to the set up part… Obviously if you’re not calling where coyotes and other predators “hang”…. then the best set up in the world isn’t going to help you. Doing your homework finding travel corridors, bedding areas and “hunting grounds”  are key to having a response to your call.. But we will save this topic for another time…

Ok back to the lecture at hand….Finding a good set up to score a coyote with a bow is made of up of several different key components…. Approach, Wind direction, vantage point and concealment.

Approach: Your approach when at all possible, I like to enter an area in an ”L” shaped approach walking in with the wind in my face then taking a hard 90 so that the wind ends up being side to side instead of in my face… Why? Because more times than not a predator (especially cats) will approach from downwind which means they will come from behind you if the wind is in your face. Putting the wind side to side often will make them cross in front of you broadside. I also try to approach my stand by avoiding disturbing the area that I believe they will come from. And If I don’t have these options I don’t bow hunt that spot period….

Wind Direction: We already talked about the wind a bit but to get a bit more detailed I prefer the wind be under 15mph and above 5mph this helps with concealing your movement when you go to draw.. When the bushes and vegetation around you are moving a bit with the wind they are less likely to catch you moving. When at all possible I like the wind going from the area I think is holding the coyotes away and across me… But if the wind is going toward them it’s OK I just make sure I lay a little scent down (rabbit distress or fox urine) something to add to the illusion. Speaking of illusion decoys motion decoys are a good tool for this set up.

Vantage Point:  The terrain doesn’t always lend itself to this but I like to have a bit of a vantage point even if it’s just a little rise or a rock out cropping…I really try to pick spots that have the terrain sloping away from me even if it’s a slight slope but when I can’t I look for small open parks just big enough to shoot across 50 yards or less or I look for edge cover… Basically something that gives me the advantage of seeing them before they see me. If you can couple this with good concealment you will improve your odds of getting a shot off…

Concealment: Aside from having good camo and controlling your scent your vantage point should be a counterpart to your concealment… In fact it’s probably the most important piece to the puzzle.. I try to look for a tree or shrubbery that I can sit down under or against or even better in.. I want to clear it all, remove anything that may give me away or make noise. Also I check my draw and make sure I have clearance and the ability to shoot at all my open points or lanes. I usually like to have some kind of brush or deadfall in front of me, just enough to help break me up but not take away from my ability to shoot. Shade is a great tool for concealment as well especially if the shade is just covering you and creates an edge just beyond your position.. The sun is your friend

8.31 John Stallone talks with Southwest Regional Director of MDF Terry Herndon on Mule Deer 

Think about what the world was like in 1988. Mule deer had been extremely abundant; right up until the winters of 1983-84. Across the West, the record snowfall lingered long into spring and early summer. Many mule deer and black-tailed deer perished; mostly starving for lack of food covered by snow and from cold temperatures.

A few years later, Emmett observed that mule deer populations had not rebounded from this die-off. Many factors contributed to mule deer not coming back; loss of habitat, predators, poaching, highways crossing through the middle of transitional ranges, and subdivisions being built on winter ranges. State wildlife agencies were busy trying to grow more elk and dealing with endangered species issues.

On top of that, funding to state wildlife agencies was in decline. Mule deer management, which had been a staple of most fish and wildlife agencies, was taken for granted. It was as if mule deer, which were at one time ‘the’ premier big game species, were no longer worthy of prominence.

Emmett gathered together a few of his close friends and acquaintances and asked them to think back at how much they had taken mule deer for granted. He challenged them with the famous words, “We must give something back to mule deer and black-tailed deer.”

In July 1988, the Mule Deer Foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)3 wildlife conservation organization. Founded in Redding, Calif., the original Board of Directors developed the mission statement of MDF. “The mission of the Mule Deer Foundation is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.” As with many wildlife conservation organizations, MDF started having banquet fundraising events to raise money for projects benefiting mule deer.

During their first year, MDF raised money with a Founding Benefactor Program. The first fundraising banquet was held in Redding with 400 people in attendance, and with over $55,000 being raised. Emmett became the first Executive Director and Chairman of the Board – a position he held for two years before stepping down. Find a fundraising banquet near you.

In 1992, MDF held its first National Convention at Bally’s Hotel & Casino in Reno, Nev. The convention drew many new members and local chapter committees to celebrate what had been accomplished for mule deer. The convention was a great success, and 37 new life members signed on to give something back to mule deer. The national headquarters moved to Reno, Nev., that same year and remained there until 2006, when it was relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Plan to attend the next MDF National Convention.

In 1995, MDF began publishing Mule Deer magazine. The magazine started out with 36 pages and became an instant success. The magazine expressed both the beauty of mule deer and the problems they faced. Mule Deer magazine gave the organization more stability and exposure than it had experienced in several years.

From 1995 to 2004, MDF experienced highs and lows as a conservation organization. Although for many years the organization struggled to raise money, MDF persisted by always staying true to their original mission.

In 2004, the Board of Directors acted to right the MDF ship and move forward in a bold and aggressive way. Pa

John Talks to Huntin Fool Chief tag strategist Robert Hanneman about big game draw strategies and tip to draws those tags you have been dreaming about.

Because I have to go on average 12 hunts a year to produce 10 episodes of Days in the Wild its imperative that I draw tags with consistency. Every year i shell out about $12,000 in tag fees with the hope to draw 2 or 3 good tags each season. I have spent al ot of time and effort learning the draw system for each state with enough proficiency to apply and gain some success. Robert does this for a living he studies trends in population, trophy quality, tag numbers, draw odds and success rates and puts it all together for his clients to build them a strategy for their hunting careers. I say careers because there are many coveted tags out there that take decades to even get a mathematical chance to draw.

I have been lucky over the years and have drawn some coveted tags like AZ Desert Big Horn Sheep,  and Florida Mts Ibex to name a couple but it has been my savvy selection of OTC tags that has kept me in the public eye. In this episode Robert shares his knowledge with us about good OTC hunting opportunities that way you can always have a hunt planned while you are waiting for the golden ticket.

Download and Subscribe to Interviews With The Hunting Masters Big Game Hunting Podcast brought to you by The Outdoor Insiders on iTunes,  Podbean,   

Player FM  or Sticher.  It's FREE!  

Help keep this podcast free and give us review on Itunes and leave us a comment to let us know how we are doing !

www. Johnstallone.me

https://www.instagram.com/johnstallone/

This episode is brought to you By the Outdoor Insiders your #1 spot for inside information and Quality Gear.

Also by Sneek Tec Sneak Boot Hunt Smarter and be deadly quite!

#daysinthewild

#johnstallone

#interviewswiththemasters

#hunting

#elkhunting

#deerhunting

#biggamehunting

#archerypractice

#spotandstalk

#muledeerhunting

#co

This is a bonus episode from 2014 Matthew Ament talks with John Stallone on his views on the meat hunter vs trophy hunter topic I apoligise the audio is a little shakey for whatever reason we had mic troubles that day we filmed it. you can see the interview here as well.

John Stallone  And Zac Griffth

 We talk about his air evac, the hate on social media, and how hunters spend so much time wasted on negativity.  

8.28 Gray Light, Chad Roberts and Travis Nowotny talk Mule Deer with John Stallone

I assembeld some of the most successful Mule deer hunters around to ask them what it is they do that helps make them so successful year in year out.

Download and Subscribe to Interviews With The Hunting Masters Big Game Hunting Podcast brought to you by The Outdoor Insiders on iTunes,  Podbean,   

Player FM  or Sticher.  It's FREE!  

Help keep this podcast free and give us review on Itunes and leave us a comment to let us know how we are doing !

www. Johnstallone.me

https://www.instagram.com/johnstallone/

This episode is brought to you By the Outdoor Insiders your #1 spot for inside information and Quality Gear.

Also by Sneek Tec Sneak Boot Hunt Smarter and be deadly quite!

Leave a review !

#daysinthewild

#johnstallone

#interviewswiththemasters

#hunting

#elkhunting

#deerhunting

#biggamehunting

#archerypractice

#spotandstalk

#muledeerhunting

#couesdeer

#couesdeerhunting

#ibexhunting

#antelopehunting

#whitetailhunting

8.27 How to hunt black bear With Scott Haugen and Parrey Cremeans

John Stallone Talks with hunting legends Scott Haugen and Perry Cremaens about bear hunting tactics

Download and Subscribe to Interviews With The Hunting Masters Big Game Hunting Podcast brought to you by The Outdoor Insiders on iTunes,  Podbean,   

Player FM  or Sticher.  It's FREE!  

Help keep this podcast free and give us review on Itunes and leave us a comment to let us know how we are doing !

www. Johnstallone.me

https://www.instagram.com/johnstallone/

This episode is brought to you By the Outdoor Insiders your #1 spot for inside information and Quality Gear.

Also by Sneek Tec Sneak Boot Hunt Smarter and be deadly quite!

#daysinthewild

#johnstallone

#interviewswiththemasters

#hunting

#elkhunting

#deerhunting

#biggamehunting

#archerypractice

#spotandstalk

#muledeerhunting

#couesdeer

#couesdeerhunting

#ibexhunting

#antelopehunting

#whitetailhunting

8.26 John and Josh Nordwick talk about sport specific training and Hunting Fit

Josh is the author of  Mountain Fit he has taken his passion for hunting and fitness and developed sport specific training systems to help out the mountain hunter. Check out this episode and i guarantee you will take something useful away from it..

Download and Subscribe to Interviews With The Hunting Masters Big Game Hunting Podcast brought to you by The Outdoor Insiders on iTunes,  Podbean,   

Player FM  or Sticher.  It's FREE!  

Help keep this podcast free and give us review on Itunes and leave us a comment to let us know how we are doing !

www. Johnstallone.me

https://www.instagram.com/johnstallone/

This episode is brought to you By the Outdoor Insiders your #1 spot for inside information and Quality Gear.

Also by Sneek Tec Sneak Boot Hunt Smarter and be deadly quite!