Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray

Cliff Gray interviews Drew Rouse, a seasoned elk hunter known for his success in the toughest public land units and as the inventor of the Elk Reel elk call. They dive into effective elk calling strategies, navigating high-pressure hunts, and the realities of hunting non-vocal elk in over-the-counter areas. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hunter, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you refine your approach and improve your odds in the field. 

Visit Drew's Elk Reel website for info on his calls - https://reelgamecalls.com/
Drew's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reelgamecalls

[00:00:04] Drew's Story and the Elk Reel Call
[00:02:08] Drew’s Start in OTC Elk Units
[00:13:07] Misconceptions About Elk Calls
[00:20:10] The Reality of OTC Units
[00:41:39] Stick to One Unit for Success
[01:16:10] How Setup Impacts Your Hunt
[01:27:53] Shot Placement Matters More Than Your Arrow Setup
[01:29:43] Adapting to Changing Tactics

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

In this episode, Cliff Gray sits down with Troy Fowler, aka 'The Ranch Fairy,' to tackle the hotly debated topic of heavy vs. light arrows in bowhunting. Troy shares his field-tested insights on arrow momentum, broadhead durability, and how to reduce wounded game. They also dive into the physics behind penetration and the critical trade-offs hunters face when choosing their gear. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode delivers practical advice and a fresh perspective on becoming more effective in the field.

 Check out Troy's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RanchFairy

Timestamps:
[00:00:04] Introduction to Troy Fowler and the Heavy Arrow Debate.
[00:05:13] Troy's Personal Journey: Lessons from Failure in Bowhunting.
[00:09:40] The Momentum Advantage: Physics of Arrow Performance.
[00:13:02] The Importance of Broadhead Quality in the Field.
[00:23:01] Real Talk: Misjudging Shots in High-Stakes Hunts.
[00:36:31] Why Your Light Arrow Setup May Be Doomed to Fail.
[00:39:36] The Role of Arrow Penetration in Quartering-Away Shots.
[00:49:15] Why Single Bevel Broadheads Outperform Double Bevels.
[01:03:04] Misconceptions About Shot Placement and Arrow Performance.
[01:09:52] The Science Behind Single Bevel Broadheads and Bone Breaking.
[01:16:06] The Reality of Long-Range Shooting and Its Ethical Implications.
[01:23:57] The Animal’s Movement: How It Changes Your Shot Line Dynamics.
[01:34:52] How to Choose the Right Broadhead for Tough Shots.
[01:40:15] The Importance of Consistency in Arrow Flight and Trajectory.
[01:46:27] Key Lessons from many Elk Shots: What Works and What Doesn’t. 

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

If you are using an inReach, you should listen to this interview and integrate the tips that Cliff and Vince mention. Some small details will greatly increase the value of your inReach service in this type of situation.

Checkout Vince's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@vincethewoodlander

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Essential survival hunting concepts everyone should understand— you never know when you might find yourself unexpectedly relying on hunting to stay alive.

Survival media often misrepresents hunting priorities for success in the context of a civilization breakdown event. This video covers essential knowledge, recommended gear, and strategies to prepare effectively.

Disclaimer - Follow all the local regulations and seasons around hunting and fishing. This video is not suggesting you ever break ANY wildlife regulations. The scenarios in this video are all hypothetical. 

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Behind the scenes discussion between guides up in Alaska. 

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Everything you need to know about reading elk sign. Tracks, scat, wallows, rubs, and scrapes—Cliff breaks it all down, drawing from decades of guiding elk hunters in the wilderness and beyond.

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Mike Duplan and Cliff discuss an array of hunting topics from structuring a life around hunting opportunity, archery wounding loss, high fence hunting, to the changing management of mule deer in Colorado.

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Join us as we dive into the wilds of Australia with James, who’s just returned from bow hunting water buffalo and pigs in some of the most unforgiving landscapes on the planet. He breaks down hard-earned tactics on stalking, shot placement, and handling remote terrain—skills that translate seamlessly to hunting elk and deer here at home.

We also dig into why barefoot-style boots might give you that extra edge in stealth, and explore the anatomy and wounding dynamics critical for clean, effective kills. Plus, get an inside look at the tug-of-war between government culling and local hunters, and how the right gear can completely reshape your approach. 

Jame's 6-Ranch Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-ranch-podcast/id1510254570
Jame's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/6ranchoutfitters

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Cliff and Nate discuss Nate's weight loss journey that has paralleled his journey to improve as a hunter. Nate has proven success on this front and details how he got there.

Checkout Nate's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nate_illingsworth/

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter

Cliff starts off with a detailed review of some gear that he utilized over the past few weeks of guiding, Cliff Skinner custom skinning knife, Worksharp sharpeners and the surprisingly effective Jim Green barefoot boots.
 
Transitioning into strategic hunting methods, we explore advanced tactics for late-season elk hunting. Discover how to locate secluded spots where bull elk recover post-rut, and strategies tailored to non-vocalizing Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk. Our discussion covers spot and stalk techniques and effective calling strategies to adapt to changing elk behavior.

We also delve into the art of salting hides in the field and Cliff discusses future seminars aimed at elevating the hunting skillset.

(0:00:00) - Hunting Gear Review and Questions (8 Minutes)
Review of Cliff Skinner custom skinning knives and Jim Green barefoot boots.
Insights from a 40-day guiding experience, discussing the strengths and limitations of new gear.

(0:08:10) - Knife Sharpening Equipment and Sig Zulu 6 Binocular Reviews (13 Minutes)
Discussion on knife sharpeners and practical field tips.
Introduction of a custom-designed sharpener and observations on Sig Zulu 6 binoculars, including an in-depth analysis of their lowlight performance.

(0:20:49) - Late-Season Elk Hunting Tactics (10 Minutes)
Exploration of post-rut recovery spots for Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk.
Strategies for glassing in challenging terrains and identifying fresh elk sign.

(0:31:11) - Tactics for Non-Vocalizing Elk (12 Minutes)
Addressing when to persist or relocate during an archery hunt.
Alternative hunting methods and calling strategies to engage elk.

(0:42:45) - Hide Preparation and Hunt Seminars (12 Minutes)
Techniques for preparing animal hides and preserving them in the field.
Updates on future seminars and hunts planned for 2025.

(0:54:32) - Raffle Announcement and Appreciation Thanks (1 Minute)
Wrap-up of the live session with raffle and merchandise giveaway announcements.

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FOLLOW CLIFF
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/
Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff

Pursuit With Cliff Podcast
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/

Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership
 https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/

Hunt. Fish. Spear.  (Experiences, Courses and Seminars)
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/Experiences

Merch
https://pursuitwithcliff.com/shop/

SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S NEWSLETTER:
https://PursuitWithCliff.com/#Newsletter