FOCUS HUNTING PODCAST

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with legendary mule deer hunter and author Robby Denning to dive deep into advanced mule deer hunting strategies for every season.

Robby Denning is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable mule deer hunters in the West. He breaks down proven tactics for early-season mule deer hunting in September, Pre-rut and rut mule deer behavior and strategies, and late-season mule deer hunts and cold-weather tactics

Whether you’re a seasoned western big game hunter or planning your first DIY public land mule deer hunt, this episode is packed with practical tips on scouting, finding mature bucks, reading country, and increasing your odds of tagging a trophy mule deer buck.

If you want to learn how to consistently locate and harvest big mule deer, don’t miss this in‑depth conversation with Robby Denning.

On this episode, backcountry elk hunting expert and industry personality Brian Barney joins Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek to talk next‑level Western elk hunting mindset and strategy. Brian shares decades of backcountry elk hunting experience, focusing on his core philosophy: adapt or die. He delivers actionable elk hunting tips on reading mountain weather patterns, adjusting failed tactics in real time, and staying mentally tough when steep terrain, pressure, and changing conditions stack up against you. Discover why flexibility and decision‑making beat expensive gear, how his elk hunting strategies have evolved over the years, and which old tactics no longer work in today’s heavily pressured elk country. Whether you’re a new elk hunter or a seasoned Western big game backpack hunter, you’ll learn how top hunters like Brian consistently fill elk tags by embracing change, hunting smarter, and becoming truly adaptable in the modern backcountry.

Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek sit down with author and backcountry hunter Josh Kirchner to talk Western black bear hunting strategies, outdoor writing, and life as a devoted husband and serious backcountry hunter. Josh shares how he got started in hunting and outdoor writing, what life looks like as a devoted husband, writer, and backcountry hunter, and his proven black bear hunting strategies. They dive into how to scout for bears, essential bear hunting gear, shot placement for ethical kills, and how to handle hot temperatures while taking care of bear meat on early‑season hunts.

Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek chat with Joe Kondelis, president of the American Bear Foundation, about grizzly bear hunting, black bear management, and wildlife conservation across the Western United States and Canada. They dig into current legislation proposing grizzly bear reintroduction in California, the science behind black bear and grizzly bear population management, and best practices for avoiding human–bear conflict in backcountry hunting areas. Joe explains how hunters and sportsmen help conserve grizzly bears, black bears, and other wildlife species through science-based bear management, and breaks down the true cause and effect of British Columbia’s grizzly bear hunting ban on bear populations, habitat, local communities, and future bear hunting opportunities.

Kevin Toye

American Bear Foundation

Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek sit down with Kifaru International’s Kenneth Thrall to talk serious backcountry hunting gear for elk and mule deer backpack hunters. Kenneth shares his journey from Oregon to joining Kifaru in Wyoming, what it really takes to design and build a bombproof hunting backpack, and why Kifaru packs have such a strong reputation in the Western big game community. They dive into early‑season and late‑season mule deer tactics, Kifaru’s new hunting clothing lineup, and how Kifaru aims to set new industry standards for backcountry hunting packs, technical apparel, and gear built for Western mountain hunts.

Episode 221 of our hunting podcast breaks down backcountry elk and mule deer hunting gear and clothing from SITKA, KUIU, and First Lite for Western Canadian big game backpack hunters of all experience levels. Kevin, Derek, and Landen compare complete hunting clothing systems layer by layer, sharing real‑world pros and cons from extensive use on elk and mule deer hunts in steep mountain terrain. Learn how their layering systems perform in cold, wet, and windy backcountry conditions, and get practical tips for choosing the best hunting apparel, base layers, insulation, and outerwear for your next Western big game hunt.

On this episode, Kevin, Landen, and Muc chat about their upcoming BC Goat hunt. For Landen, this is his first goat hunt, and for Muc, his first actual backpack-style hunt. The guys recap gear as the hunt date gets closer.

In this episode Kevin & Derek welcome back the Focus Hunting Podcast (FHP). They dive into the new direction of the podcast and what the listeners can expect to gain. This isn't your average podcast, the topics, the gear, the guest are elite. The best of the best. If you are serious about tagging out this year, then this is the place to gain those skills.

FHP is part of the HUNT SOURCE PODCAST COLLECTIVE.

Presented by On X

Use Promocode "huntsource"

On this Episode Derek sits down with Friend Landen Fidek to dive into all things Saskatchewan hunting—from archery and long-range rifle tactics to tree stand, blind, and saddle hunting setups. Landen brings years of experience pursuing elk, mule deer, moose, and late-season whitetail across Canada’s rugged Saskatchewan wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode is packed with insight, strategies, and stories from a couple of the most versatile hunters in the field.

Follow Landen on IG @Landen Fidek - Instagram photos and videos  

Follow Derek on IG @derekkcorey) • Instagram photos and videos 

https://youtube.com/@focushuntingpodcast?si=iGTRzYPaZkZZc7d5 

As always be sure to check out our sponsors and use the promo codes...

http://lab.mtntough.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?

code fhp30&plan=monthly Use Code FHP30

https://akuoutdoor.ca/Use Promo code FOCUS for 15% off Hunting & Military Boots

https://akuoutdoor.us/Use Promo code FOCUS for 15% off Hunting & Military Boots

https://www.treelineacademy.net/ use promo code "FOCUS22" and get $20USD off the course

This episode of the Focus Hunting Podcast is brought to you by:

HardCore Archery

Howl For Wildlife

 On this Episode Derek sits down with Friend Landen Fidek to dive into all things Saskatchewan hunting—from archery and long-range rifle tactics to tree stand, blind, and saddle hunting setups. Landen brings years of experience pursuing elk, mule deer, moose, and late-season whitetail across Canada’s rugged Saskatchewan wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode is packed with insight, strategies, and stories from a couple of the most versatile hunters in the field.

Follow Landen on IG @Landen Fidek - Instagram photos and videos  

Follow Derek on IG @derekkcorey) • Instagram photos and videos 

https://youtube.com/@focushuntingpodcast?si=iGTRzYPaZkZZc7d5 

As always be sure to check out our sponsors and use the promo codes...

http://lab.mtntough.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?

code fhp30&plan=monthly Use Code FHP30

https://akuoutdoor.ca/Use Promo code FOCUS for 15% off Hunting & Military Boots

https://akuoutdoor.us/Use Promo code FOCUS for 15% off Hunting & Military Boots

https://www.treelineacademy.net/ use promo code "FOCUS22" and get $20USD off the course

This episode of the Focus Hunting Podcast is brought to you by:

HardCore Archery

Howl For Wildlife