Eastmans Predator Pros

This may be one of my favorite conversations of the year. On this episode of Eastmans Predator Pros, I sat down with Stephan Smith of Chasing Africa’s Sunset Outfitters in South Africa—and from the minute we started talking, I knew this was going to be a good one. Stephan takes us halfway around the world and into the African bush as we talk about hunting some of Africa’s most incredible and dangerous game, including Cape buffalo and leopard. We get into the preparation, the intensity, the respect these animals demand, and some incredible stories Stephan has picked up along the way. But you know me—we couldn’t talk about Africa without getting deep into the predators. We spent a lot of time talking about calling black-backed jackals and caracals, and I was fascinated by just how similar the black-backed jackal is to the coyotes we hunt here in the United States. From their intelligence and adaptability to the way they respond to calling, pressure, sounds and setups, there are some incredible similarities in the tactics used—even though we’re hunting predators nearly 10,000 miles apart. Stephan was an absolute blast to talk with. He’s knowledgeable, easygoing, full of great stories, and we shared plenty of laughs along the way. Dangerous game. African predators. Calling tactics. Great hunting stories. And a look at predator hunting from the other side of the world. This is exactly the kind of conversation I love having on Predator Pros. If Africa has ever been on your bucket list—or you simply love calling predators—you’re going to want to hear this one.

Enjoy this one, guys. I know I did.

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In this episode of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, I sit down with longtime predator hunter Keith Conder, for a great conversation about one thing Keith has figured out how to do extremely well—consistently stay on coyotes month after month, all year long. With more than 30 years of predator hunting experience, Keith has built a wealth of knowledge from simply putting in the time. We dive into how his approach changes throughout the year, his favorite time of year to hunt, how he tackles new properties versus places he’s hunted for years, and the locating and scouting strategies he uses to continually find coyotes. We also get into some bobcat talk, and Keith explains why bobcats have become one of his favorite predators to pursue and what makes hunting them so different. There’s plenty of strategy and predator-hunting knowledge in this one, but more than anything, it was just a great conversation between two guys who love chasing predators. Keith is a great guy, an experienced hunter, and somebody I’m already looking forward to sitting down with again. Hope you guys enjoy this one!

Predator Pros Sponsors:

Diligent Defence

Foxpro

Horizon

onXmaps

Sig Sauer

Safari Club International

For more on our sponsors please visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/eastmans-predator-pro/

In this episode of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, I sit down with FOXPRO Inc. General Manager Mike Dillon, for a great conversation about the past, present, and future of FOXPRO. We start out with a little history of FOXPRO and talk about how it’s a family-owned company. From Mike’s dad, John, his brother Steve, and now the next generation with Mike’s sons, Zach and Jace, family has continued to play a big role in what FOXPRO is all about. Then we get into the meat and potatoes of the podcast—the technology behind the X360, what it brings to predator hunters in the field, and when hunters can expect to see the release of the new X48. We also look ahead at where electronic game calls may be headed in the future and if this new technology of the X series of game calls is the ceiling, or just the start of something more. Of course, we mix in plenty of hunting talk, stories, and a few good laughs along the way. All in all, this was just a fun conversation with Mike about predator hunting, FOXPRO, and an industry we’re both passionate about. You won’t want to miss this one!

Predator Pros Sponsors:

Diligent Defence

Foxpro

Horizon

onXmaps

Sig Sauer

Safari Club International

For more on our sponsors please visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/eastmans-predator-pro/

On Episode 121 of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, I sat down with Randy Birdsong of Head Hunters TV for a great conversation about predator management and the role hunters and trappers can play in helping manage wildlife. Randy and I dive into trapping coyotes and raccoons, why predator control matters, and how you can get started on a trap line. Randy shares some great information on putting together a game plan, learning the basics, and becoming more effective on the trapline.

We also get into some of Randy’s experiences over the years, with plenty of good stories and laughs mixed in along the way. Whether you’re already trapping and managing predators, or you’ve been thinking about getting started, there’s a lot of good information in this episode.

Predator Pros Sponsors

Diligent Defence

Foxpro

Horizon

onXmaps

Sig Sauer

Safari Club International

For more on our sponsors please visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/eastmans-predator-pro/

This week on Eastmans Predator Pros, I’m joined by Galen Hochstetler from Ohio for a deep dive into one of the most exciting ways to hunt coyotes; thick timber, close range, and a shotgun in your hands. Galen breaks down how he approaches timber coyotes, from reading terrain and choosing stand locations, to putting himself in the right position when a coyote could show up at any second. We get into the setups he looks for, how he works coyotes through heavy cover, and some of the little details that can make the difference when everything happens fast.

We also dive into the shotgun side of the game; loads, choke configurations, shotgun setups, and the gear Galen trusts in the field. This was just an all-around great conversation with a guy who knows how to consistently get it done in country where you may hear a coyote long before you ever see him. A huge thank you to Galen for taking the time to come on Predator Pros, share his knowledge, and help other predator hunters become better at what they do. If you’re a timber hunter, a shotgun guy, or you just want to add another tool to your predator-hunting toolbox, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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If you enjoyed Part 1, you’re going to love where this conversation goes. We continue diving into Torry’s journey, the growth and evolution of MFK, and the people and experiences that helped shape one of the most recognizable brands in predator hunting.

From the challenges of building a business to the importance of family, faith, and staying true to your values, Torry shares stories and perspectives that go far beyond hunting. We also discuss the evolution of MFK, the friendships that helped pave the way, and what continues to drive his passion today.

Whether you’ve followed MFK since the beginning or you’re just getting to know Torry, this is another honest conversation filled with great stories and insights you won’t want to miss.

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This week on the Eastmans Predator Pros, I’m joined by Torry Cook of MFK Game Calls for a conversation that goes well beyond predator hunting. From his early days hunting with his uncle and the values instilled by his mom and dad, to the friendships that helped build MFK into one of the most recognizable names in predator calling, Torry shares the story behind the man many hunters know today.

We also dive into his faith, the importance of family, and the life-changing deer stand accident that forever altered his perspective. Along the way, Torry opens up about the challenges, successes, and lessons he’s learned throughout his journey. If you’ve ever wanted to know the story behind MFK and the man who helped build it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. It’s an honest conversation filled with stories, laughs, and the kind of perspective that reaches far beyond the hunt. You might even learn something along the way.

Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans

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SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

In this episode of the Predator Pros podcast, I sit down with Garrett Kissack of Gillette, Wyoming, to talk about where it all started – from chasing coyotes at a young age to developing a passion for hunting with dogs, guiding big game hunts, and eventually building a career with the State of Wyoming as a predator control specialist. Garrett shares stories from the field, the experiences that shaped him, and what it’s like making a living managing predators. It was a great conversation, and who knows… you might even learn something along the way. I think you’re really going to enjoy this one.

Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans

FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro

Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans

Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans

onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans

SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

This week I’m joined by Joey Hartley as we dive into the world of decoy dogging and the story behind his dog, Rip. Joey shares how his approach to calling coyotes has evolved over the years, from focusing on crop fields to finding success in timber, on logging roads, and in standing corn, while adapting to whatever each stand has to offer. We also discuss getting his wife Kylie and son Brick involved in filming and hunting, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and how those experiences have become a meaningful part of what they do together. Joey breaks down his philosophy on developing a decoy dog, why giving the dog time to work is important, and what he’s learned through Rip’s more than 100 coyote engagements. We wrap up with aggressive calling tactics, reading coyote behavior, handling the unexpected on stand, and Joey’s advice for anyone looking to get started with a decoy dog. Whether you’re new to decoy dogging or have years of experience, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest conversation that every predator hunter can appreciate.

Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans

FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro

Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans

Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans

onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans

SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

In this episode of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, I sit down with Levi Johnson and Logan Sluggett to recap an unforgettable trip chasing coyotes in the wide open country of Montana. Hunting “Big Sky Country” was everything you’d imagine — endless country, plenty of coyotes, good decoy dog action, and memories that’ll stick with us for a long time. We break down the hunt, talk about what we saw, from the dogs working coyotes, share plenty of behind-the-scenes laughs, and reflect on the kind of trip that reminds you why we love doing this so much. Great hunting, great people, and friendships built that’ll last a lifetime. If you’re into decoy dogging and predator hunting, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans

FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro

Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans

Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans

onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans

SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans