Harvest Your Own Podcast

When it comes to turning a successful harvest into high-quality wild game, proper preparation in the field and at the butcher station makes all the difference. Bernie and Rudy Krause of Krause Custom Processing join the podcast to share essential techniques for preserving game meat, preparing cuts for processing, and upholding the high quality standards every hunter should bring to their harvest.

In this episode:

• Proper field preparation and clean handling techniques are essential for preventing meat spoilage long before your game reaches the processing table.
• Bringing in clean, well-cared-for meat makes the butcher's job much easier, prevents unnecessary waste, and ensures the final product is something you look forward to eating.
• Wrapping methods matter when storing wild game, and choosing the right materials protects cuts from freezer burn to extend the shelf life of your harvest.

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Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

While government guidelines advise against consuming meat from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) positive animals, no human cases have been recorded to date. To help hunters navigate testing periods safely and cost-effectively, Brad walks through practical field care, processing strategies, and decontamination steps for managing game meat while awaiting lab results.

In this episode:

• Learn about using the gutless method and boning out meat in the field to help contain CWD prions to the harvest site.
• Understand how separating cuts into labelled game bags and keeping meat off the bone allows for a low freezer footprint while waiting for results.
• Brad recommends thoroughly sterilizing knives, work surfaces, and meat grinders after processing, which is essential for preventing cross-contamination—a practice that also applies to parasites like trichinosis in bear and cougar.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
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Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

For Alberta angler, mother, and outdoor enthusiast Amber Serbin, every day on the water is an amazing day to make memories. Amber shares why autumn is the ultimate season for chasing trophy fish, how to increase your odds, and how her passion has grown from landing her own fish to helping others catch their very first one.

In this episode:

• Fall brings large, aggressively feeding fish to the surface as water temperatures cool, making it one of the best times of year to be on the water.
• Amber shares practical advice on selecting specific baits and lures to effectively target different species throughout the season.
• Hosting community mentorship events evolved her passion from simply catching fish to experiencing the unmatched reward of helping a beginner land their very first one.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca
X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

From learning the ropes alongside her dad and grandfather to forging her own path in the outdoors, Erika Gorgichuk views hunting as much more than just the harvest. It is about shared adventures, hard-earned lessons, and supporting others in the field. Erika shares her passion for the unpredictable world of elk hunting, the art of conversing with wild game, and her experience mentoring other women to step into the outdoors with confidence.

In this episode:

• Erika explains why she finds elk hunting so addictive, from mastering diaphragm reed calls to having back-and-forth "conversations" with bulls in the field.
• Learn tactics for hunting elk—which change behaviour daily—including the critical importance of monitoring wind direction.
• Listen to Erika’s philosophy on why hunting is an experience, and the crucial role family support plays in getting outdoors.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
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X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Fall brings a massive lineup of choices for outdoor enthusiasts, but anglers shouldn't put their rods away just yet—it might actually be the most wonderful time of the year to go fishing. 

In this episode:

• Brad explains how shifting thermoclines and pre-winter bulking drive larger, bottom-dwelling fish toward the surface—making trophy fish a possibility.
• Learn why fall fishing requires location flexibility as fish migrate away from their usual summer haunts.
• Discover why mooneye and goldeye may be an underrated species for Alberta anglers.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
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X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Pheasants have been a fixture of the Alberta landscape for over a century, serving as a staple of upland bird hunting across the province. In this episode, Jeff Coyle—director of the documentary A Pheasant’s Journey—and ACA Biologist Jalen Hulit go behind the scenes of the film and explore what it takes to support ring-necked pheasants in Alberta.

In this episode:

• Discover why pheasants are an indicator of overall habitat health, and how release sites across Alberta—from Lethbridge up to Peace River—benefit hunters, birdwatchers, and landowners alike.
• Learn about the hidden challenges of raising game birds, including their aggressive behaviour, specific habitat needs, and how different pheasant breeds behave in the field.
• Hunting ethics and safety considerations on release sites.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
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Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

From growing up in a generational Northern Ontario hunting family to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable outdoor advocates, Amanda Lynn Mayhew—host of THAT Hunting Girl—has built a life around resilience, mentorship, and a deep connection to nature. In this episode, Amanda Lynn shares her inspiring personal journey, from overcoming health challenges through fitness to empowering the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

In this episode:

• Learn about the core philosophy that shaped her career—why reaching out and asking questions can completely transform your path. 
• Explore her Take Me Hunting and Take Me Fishing programs, where hands-on education and equipment giveaways help create lasting outdoor memories for newcomers.
• Discover why learning never stops in the outdoors, how no question is ever a stupid one, and why mentors often learn just as much from their mentees as they teach.

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Find Brad at:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson

Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca
X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a major topic of discussion for hunters and conservationists, and researchers are making steady progress on potential solutions. In this episode, Brad is joined by Dr. Scott Napper—Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and Research Scientist at VIDO—to explore the innovative science behind CWD vaccine research. From the unique hurdles of targeting prion diseases to the creative ways scientists are looking to vaccinate animals in the field, Dr. Napper offers a fascinating look into the future of wildlife vaccines.

In this episode:

• Explore the unique challenges of developing a CWD vaccine, and why targeting prions requires such a specialized approach.
• Discover the creative delivery methods being tested in the field, from sticky syrups to dissolving oral strips, that ensure animals actually absorb the vaccine.
• Learn about the "wildlife apothecary" concept, which is looking to improve delivery methods to specific species and animals.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
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X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Late summer is one of the most exciting times of the year to be out in the field. Just like farmers are out checking their crops to time the upcoming harvest, hunters can use these weeks to take inventory of what's out there and get a major head start on the fall. In this episode of BrAdvice, Brad breaks down why late summer scouting is essential and how taking a few proactive steps now will set you up for success when opening day arrives.

In this episode:

• Discover how setting up trail cameras early helps you map movements and learn where animals spend their time.
• Learn how to identify crops in local fields to anticipate where your quarry will be during harvest.
• Find out why it's important to approach landowners early to build relationships and secure hunting permission long before opening day.

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Find Brad at:
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Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca
X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Whether you are a seasoned angler or setting up your very first rig, choosing the right tackle can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. In this episode, we are joined by Jaren Baranyay and Rob Nichols from Korth Group as they expand into the world of fishing gear. Drawing on decades of industry experience, they break down the essentials of gear selection to help anglers make smart choices when building out their setup.

In this episode:

• Explore the main types of reels—from spincasters and spinning reels to trolling and fly setups—and how to choose the right one for your target species.
• Learn how to evaluate rod materials and actions, and why investing slightly beyond an entry-level combo can dramatically improve your experience on the water.
• Understand the key differences between monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon lines so you can spool up with confidence.

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Find Brad at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson

Find Harvest Your Own at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca
X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown
Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/