My good friend Todd Johnson joins the show for a little Q&A on my second year and second time solo hunting for elk, in the mountains of Colorado. We discuss how it came to be a solo trip, leaving without my boots, the pressure of leaving for two weeks, and heading into a brand new unit without ever stepping foot in it. This is part one of a two part episode. 

As the title implies, I got my first deer of the year, and also my first public land deer, and first deer from a saddle!  I made a less than desirable shot, and learned some valuable lessons that I feel need shared here.

Pulled a rookie move and recorded the whole show without the external mic.. Audio is still clean. However, the content was too good to try to re record  Enjoy!  

Hope you like rabbit holes kids, because today we're going down a few! I will be recalling my first buck encounter as a kid, Barney the beagle, and a few significant dates during my hunting career that has helped me be successful over the years. I also give my take on this years "pre rut" and personal thoughts on how the next couple of weeks will pan out based on my "memory". 

I make reference to Don Higgins and an article he wrote years ago.  Follow the link below and get Don's book. 

https://higginsoutdoors.com

As the title implies, I will be giving another candid review of the Sitka mountain jacket, a versatile windstopper jacket, that is lightweight, and ultra packable.  I bought it primarily for western hunting, but it is becoming a key part of my early season whitetail kit as well. Plus mid October updates from my first couple hunts. 

First impressions of the new Tool Bucket from Sitka. 

https://www.sitkagear.com

On todays. show I discuss what's been going on the last few weeks, my first few days of the 2020 whitetail season in Ohio, and my initial impressions on the first time using a tree saddle for hunting, as opposed to the traditional "hang on" or platform style stand. I think there's some value here for anyone that wants to "jump in" the saddle game, and some things to consider before making the commitment.

https://www.instagram.com/tethrdnation/

https://tethrdnation.com

My longtime friend and fellow Ohioan, Todd Johnson joins the show today. We talk about he and his brothers first DIY elk hunt from 2006, mistakes they made, and how they transformed those lessons into success over the years. Todd also shares the story of his first New Mexico solo hunt, mental toughness vs physical toughness, picking a good hunting partner, realistic expectations, loading a minivan and just "doing it", and going DIY before it was a "thing" on the "Gram". 

https://www.instagram.com/toddjohnsonoutdoors/

https://www.instagram.com//

I am joined today by the founder pf Ironwill Outfitters, Mr Bill Vanderhayden. Bill started Ironwill after a broached he was using, let him down and cost him a nice bull elk. 

 The result of that fateful day materialized onto on of the best and most durable heads on the market. 

Topics discussed include broached vs field point flight and more!

https://www.ironwilloutfitters.com

The title pretty much says it all. I am about to head out for my second year chasing elk with a bow, and after the first year, I'll be making some changes. I will give a rundown of my list of gear I'll be taking, what's being left behind, testing gear before you go,  lessons learned on the mountain, going the "cheap" route vs "top shelf" gear, practical choices, first aid, and the thing no one ever talks about, being mentally prepared for being alone for multiple days in a row. If you're planning your first ever DIY big game western hunt, this one is worth a listen. 

Today I'm breaking down my 2020 Sitka layering system. I'll go over each piece, and why I'll be running it. There's a few pieces that won't be making the trip this year, and some new ones that will, and the "why" behind it.

Also, if you're on a budget, I give my "must have" Sitka picks, to get you started, so you don't break the bank and/or end up divorced.

https://www.sitkagear.com