In Part 2 of our Bear Bender series, Dan sits down with Bill Vanderheyden, founder of Iron Will Outfitters, for a deep dive into our Saskatchewan bear hunt with Eastern Sky Guiding Service—and so much more.

We cover:
• The highs and lessons from Bill’s latest bear hunting experience
• A full breakdown of his elk hunting film—rewatching it together and going full director’s cut mode
• Technical gear talk, shot decisions, mental game, and what really goes through your head when a bull steps into range
• Insights from Bill on archery, backcountry gear, and balancing the grind with real life

Whether you're an elk junkie, a gearhead, or just want an inside look at how elite hunters think and operate in the field, this episode delivers.

📹 Stay tuned for more Bear Bender content dropping soon, including how YOU can join us for bear season in 2026.

@elkshape

@ironwilloutfitters

https://ironwilloutfitters.com/

Go watch the full film! https://www.fulldrawfilmtour.com/dates-tickets/

📸: @shaka_gnar @rileystaton24

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠⁠

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠

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BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠⁠

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - ⁠⁠⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠⁠⁠

B CAM - ⁠⁠⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠⁠⁠

SONY ⁠⁠⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠⁠⁠

WIRELESS ⁠⁠⁠DJI MIC 2⁠⁠⁠

STUDIO LENS ⁠⁠⁠24-70MM ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠DJI DRONE ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down to recap their full Bear Bender adventure, an epic spring bear hunting trip that took them from the remote bush of northern Alberta to the rugged Duck Mountains of eastern Saskatchewan.

They break down the first leg of the trip with Prairie North Outfitters, where Dan filled both of his tags—including a giant boar—and Riley punched his first-ever archery bear tag in one of the most unforgettable hunts of his life.

Then they dive into the second half of the journey with Eastern Sky Guiding, where Dan tagged his biggest black bear to date. The guys were joined by Bill from Iron Will Outfitters and the Bear Hunt Giveaway winner, Cody Sabol, making for an awesome camp and even better memories.

From the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the wild moments in between, this is a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of a trip they won’t soon forget. Grab a cup of coffee—or get in some windshield time—and catch up with Dan and Riley as they share the real story behind Bear Bender 2025.

@elkshape

@rileystaton24

@prairie_north_outfitters

@easternskyguiding

@ironwilloutfitters

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠SHOP⁠

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - ⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠

B CAM - ⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠

SONY ⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠

WIRELESS ⁠DJI MIC 2⁠

STUDIO LENS ⁠24-70MM ⁠

⁠DJI DRONE ⁠

⁠DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Darcy Ledrew, owner and head guide of Prairie North Outfitters, to recap an unforgettable bear hunt in the wilds of northern Alberta.

This one’s special—Riley tagged his first-ever archery black bear, and Dan punched both of his tags, including a true Alberta giant. But this conversation goes beyond the hunt. We dive into Darcy’s story: how he went from passionate hunter to full-time outfitter, what it takes to guide in the remote north, and the challenges and rewards of chasing both black bears and world-class Alberta whitetails.

We talk archery setups, baiting strategies, the mental side of hunting, and what keeps Darcy fired up season after season. 

Whether you're dreaming of a Canadian bear hunt or just love hearing from people who live this lifestyle full-time, this episode brings the heat. 

**Plus, how YOU can come hunt with Elkshape for Alberta Spring Bear in 2026. You don't want to miss this.

@elkshape

@Prairie_north_outfitters

https://www.prairienorthoutfitters.com/

@rileystaton24

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠

GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠⁠SHOP⁠⁠

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠⁠

B CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠⁠

SONY ⁠⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠⁠

WIRELESS ⁠⁠DJI MIC 2⁠⁠

STUDIO LENS ⁠⁠24-70MM ⁠⁠

⁠⁠DJI DRONE ⁠⁠

⁠⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we flip the script and bring you a raw, behind-the-scenes conversation between Dan and Riley.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Joe and Dennis, the founders of Initial Ascent, a company known for its high-performance, hunter-focused backpacks. We explore the role of Faith in their journey, how a shared vision brought them together, and the challenges and triumphs of building a brand rooted in purpose and performance.

Whether you're an avid hunter, entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation offers a powerful look at passion, partnership, and perseverance.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Tristan Litke, founder of Precision Cut Archery, to talk about one of the most cutting-edge advancements in archery tech—custom sight tapes that bring pinpoint accuracy to a whole new level.

We dive into the ballistics behind bow performance, how Tristan developed this unique system, and what separates Precision Cut Archery from traditional sight tape methods. If you’ve ever struggled to get your setup dialed or wondered how to eliminate variables before the hunt, this conversation is for you.

We also get into the story behind the company—what inspired Tristan to start it, and how innovation, precision, and a love for archery all came together to launch something truly game-changing.

Whether you're a backcountry bowhunter or a target junkie, this one’s packed with insight that’ll make you rethink your setup.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠

GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠SHOP⁠

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - ⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠

B CAM - ⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠

SONY ⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠

WIRELESS ⁠DJI MIC 2⁠

STUDIO LENS ⁠24-70MM ⁠

⁠DJI DRONE ⁠

⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this dynamic episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests—Jake Dalton, a U.S. Olympic gymnast, and Sam Pate, entrepreneur and founder of Bear Butt Wipes. What do they have in common? A deep commitment to faith, family, fitness, and a shared obsession with bowhunting. We dive into Jake’s journey from elite gymnastics to life after the Olympics, including how he now channels his discipline into bowhunting and fatherhood. Sam brings a unique entrepreneurial story—turning a backcountry problem into a solution with Bear Butt Wipes, and building a brand rooted in outdoor grit and personal values.

This episode is full of real talk, practical takeaways, and a few laughs as we explore how two very different paths still align through purpose, perseverance, and time in the wild.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Spokane native Matt Roth for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation covering legacy, faith, career, and the outdoors. Matt shares stories about growing up with his father—who served as the Gonzaga Athletic Director—and how that experience helped shape his work ethic and values. We dig into Matt’s path to becoming a Physical Therapist, and his evolution into a business leader as a part-owner of U-District Physical Therapy, a top-tier clinic in Spokane. We also explore his strong commitment to faith and family, and how both serve as guiding forces in his personal and professional life. Of course, we had to talk bowhunting—Matt’s deep passion for time in the woods and how it fuels discipline, patience, and a lifestyle that aligns with ElkShape values.

Whether you're in the health field, love the hunt, or just appreciate hearing from purpose-driven individuals, this conversation delivers.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sat down with the fittest man on earth, and learned more about him as a Man of God, husband, and athlete. Plus, hear the story of the worlds fittest man, and how he got to where he is now.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We got the opportunity to sit down with Michael Allman, world class archer, manager of Spokane Valley Archery, an 8th place winner of the Las Vegas shoot. We talk bows, debrief Vegas, and learn more about Michael as person, archer, and bowhunter.

💢 Discount Codes 💢

BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE

VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape

BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape

SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape

onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape

CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape

Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20

MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape

MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape

DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE

GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP

BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20

🚨Video Production🚨

A CAM - SONY A1 BODY

B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS

SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM

WIRELESS DJI MIC 2

STUDIO LENS 24-70MM

DJI DRONE

DJI ACTION 4

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices