Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting

When hunters talk, some conversations are deep, intriguing, and meaningful. Heath and George have many off-the-record discussions about everything from dog habits to training techniques and nutrition.  Those conversations are too good not to share. Do you have a parachute in case things go bad? Join us every Wednesday for these types of conversations. 

In this episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh and Allen Forkner are joined by Seth Swerczek from Hornady to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary. They discuss Hornady’s rich history, groundbreaking innovations like the 17 HMR and LeverEvolution ammunition, and the company’s commitment to the shooting community. From post-World War II origins to modern innovations and a vision for the future, this episode dives deep into what makes Hornady a standout in the firearms and ammunition industry.

Hornady’s Founding and Legacy:

• Joyce Hornady’s post-WWII innovation in bullet design.
• Humble beginnings: washing bullets in a 55-gallon drum powered by a boat motor.

Breakthrough Innovations:

• The creation of the 17 HMR and its transformative impact on rimfire cartridges.
• Development of game-changing cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and LeverEvolution ammunition.

Hornady’s Unique Manufacturing History:

• Using World War I-era machinery still in operation today.
• How Hornady keeps improving bullet accuracy and terminal performance.

Community Engagement:

• Managing the Heartland Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska.
• The $2 bill program to boost local business visibility and impact.

The Hornady Family Commitment:

• Multi-generational leadership and their “10-year outside experience” rule.
• Jason Hornady’s children working entry-level manufacturing jobs to understand the business.

Looking to the Future:

• Continued family ownership and industry innovation.
• Research and development to push the boundaries of ballistics and cartridge performance.

Win a SIG Sauer P226 Elite! 

Want to win a P226 Elite, as discussed in episode 66? Sure you do! Just click this link https://www.gunbroker.com/c/sweepstakes/nolowballers/ and register to win.
 

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Dan and Austin have been hunting together for the last couple years. When the deer activity slowed down on their individual chunks of private ground they decided to call an audible and shift their focus to a piece of public land that Dan and his family have been trail riding and camping on. After seeing several rub and scrape lines Dan decided to take his son Canyon out during the youth season and was able to call in 3 bucks in the first 30 minutes. This led to him putting more thought into hunting the same area during the regular rifle season. On both the drive out and the drive home Dan and Austin discuss their expectations for the hunt, their hesitancy with hunting public land during firearm season and the recap of how their first sit went. It’s an exciting episode which dives into tall tales about mountain lions as well as the management practices of multiple fish and game agencies.

Connect with Austin Reinold

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In today's episode, Jacob details how he broke down a piece of out of state public land, and in relatively short order, tagged a mature 11 pointer. As he outlines his hunt, he goes back to last fall when he felt he needed to add another state to his whitetail season. During the summer, Jacob spend time examining maps of public and private, and tried to identify a drainage system that would have several ridges dumping into it, as well as limited access points. He wanted to avoid any pre-season scouting and simply scout in season. As a result of his efforts, he found a piece that was relatively unpressured, found hot sign, and identified a ridge system that held several mature bucks. 

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch is joined by Brian Melvin.  During the Segment A 2024 New Jersey Bear Season, Brian killed a 770 lb field dressed bear.  It's estimated live weight is around 900 pounds! He recounts the story of this record-breaking bear hunt, the challenges faced during retrieval, and the unique characteristics of the bear he hunted. Brian discusses the history of his pursuit of this particular bear, the pressures and patterns in bear hunting, and the importance of comfort and security in bear habitats. He also emphasizes the significance of baiting strategies and the balance between hunting pressure and bear comfort, culminating in valuable lessons learned from his experiences. Brian shares his insights on bear hunting, emphasizing the importance of patience, scouting, and understanding bear behavior. He discusses the strategies for baiting and the use of cameras in tracking bears, as well as the significance of e-scouting in modern hunting. The conversation highlights the need for hunters to adapt to seasonal shifts in food sources and bear patterns to improve their chances of success. Brian shares his extensive knowledge on bear hunting, focusing on understanding bear behavior, travel corridors, and late-season strategies. He discusses the importance of scouting, the nuances of hunting in different segments, and the challenges of navigating swamps. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of using firearms and the significance of wind patterns in successful bear hunting. Brian introduces his new venture, Timber Life Outdoors, where he aims to share his hunting experiences and insights with a broader audience.

On this episode of GOHUNT’s  Western Rookie Podcast, Brian has Whitney Tramel on the podcast to talk about building a life to be able to hunt more!

In this episode, Brian Krebs and Whitney Trammell discuss the different approaches to hunting and the importance of starting with more approachable hunts. They emphasize the value of learning foundational skills and building experience gradually. They also touch on the misconception that hunting success is guaranteed and the impact it can have on new hunters. The conversation highlights the importance of patience, being adaptable, and understanding that hunting is not always about harvesting a trophy animal. Whitney shares her experience of hunting solo and the mental challenges that come with it. She initially felt scared and hesitant, but pushed through her fears and gained confidence. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and doing hard things to build resilience. 

Brian also discusses his own experience with solo hunting and the difficulties of staying motivated and engaged without the presence of others. They both acknowledge that solo hunting can be mentally tough, but it also provides an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. In this conversation, Whitney and Brian discuss the importance of choosing hunting partners wisely and finding people who are on the same page. They also talk about the different strategies and approaches to hunting, including backpacking deep into the backcountry versus hunting closer to the roads. Whitney shares her experience with her podcast, Wild Strength, where she combines her passion for strength and conditioning with hunting and the outdoors. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the concept of 'wild strength' and the mental resiliency required to pursue challenging endeavors.

Takeaways:

• Start with more approachable hunts to build foundational skills and gain experience gradually.
• Hunting success is not guaranteed, and it's important to manage expectations.
• Patience and adaptability are key qualities for hunters.
• Learning from experienced hunters and having a mentor can greatly enhance the hunting experience.
• Hunting is not just about harvesting a trophy animal; it's about the overall experience and connection with nature. Solo hunting can be mentally challenging, especially when you're alone in the wilderness without cell service or communication.
• Pushing through fear and hesitation can lead to increased confidence and personal growth.
• Having a positive mindset and embracing the process of doing hard things can help overcome mental obstacles.
• Solo hunting provides an opportunity for self-discovery and learning, but it can also be mentally tough and require a strong mindset.
• Acknowledging the difficulties of solo hunting and being prepared for the mental challenges can help hunters better navigate the experience. Choose hunting partners wisely and make sure everyone in the group is someone you want to be with.
• There are different strategies and approaches to hunting, such as backpacking deep into the backcountry or hunting closer to the roads.
• Whitney's podcast, Wild Strength, combines her passion for strength and conditioning with hunting and the outdoors.
• Wild strength is about being brave, vulnerable, and having the mental resiliency to pursue challenging endeavors.

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!

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In this episode of the Range Podcast, host Ricky Brule discusses an upcoming film project with talented creatives Paul Vincent and Damon Wolfe. They delve into the excitement of the project, the roles each member will play, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships with various brands. 

The conversation highlights the creative process behind hunting films, the gear being used, and the personal connections that make the experience meaningful. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the filming and the relationships built through this project.

Damon Wolfe

Instagram @damonwolfe_ 

Web all41creative.com

Paul Vincent

Instagram @_paulvincent_

Web www.paul-vincent.com

Takeaways

• The film project brings together top talent in the industry.
• Collaboration enhances the creative process and final product.
• Building relationships with brands is crucial for success.
• The excitement of the hunt is a shared passion among the team.
• Community engagement is essential for personal fulfillment.
• The project is a culmination of months of planning and effort.
• Each team member has a specific role that contributes to the overall vision.
• The importance of using quality gear in the field is emphasized.
• The film will showcase not just the hunt, but the story behind it.
• Future collaborations are anticipated based on the success of this project.

The Range Podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Video versions are also available on the Vapor Trail YouTube Channel and Wild TV.

Enter Promo Code trp15 during checkout at www.vaportrailarchery.com to receive 15% off VTX Bowstrings and Branded Apparel.

The Range Podcast is brought to you by Vapor Trail Archery and Stokerized Stabilizers. We are proud to be a part of the @sportsmens_empire network.

In this episode of No Lowballers, Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker sit down with Steven Gilcreast and Phil Strader from the SIG Sauer Academy, exploring its history, growth, and vision for the future of firearm training.
From employee engagement at its exclusive ranges to exciting partnerships in the MMA and defense communities, our guests discuss what sets the SIG Sauer Academy apart. We also dive into some bold ideas, like combining motocross with shooting, and talk about the Academy’s innovative modular training facilities and potential national
expansions.
 

• Lifelong Learning in Firearms Training – The importance of continuous learning in shooting sports and firearm safety.
• SIG Sauer’s Employee-Only Range – Unique benefits provided to employees, including exclusive range time and specialized matches.
• Public Training Opportunities – SIG Sauer’s dedication to expanding public access with new training facilities and a large public range.
• Cross-Industry Collaborations – How SIG Sauer draws inspiration from other sports and industries, including motocross and MMA.
• Expansion Plans – Efforts to partner with ranges nationwide, bringing SIG Sauer training programs to a broader audience.
• Upcoming Self-Defense Training Center – Introduction of an MMA-focused facility with state-of-the-art mats and the involvement of notable figures like Gordon Ryan and Tim Kennedy.
• Future Vision – Ideas for modular, customizable shoot houses and expanded tactical training spaces.

Tune in to catch an inside look at SIG Sauer Academy, the passion driving their growth, and the innovation they’re bringing to firearm training. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned shooter, there’s something here for you' Have you ever been to the SIG Sauer Academy? What training programs have you been to? We’d love to hear your approach to training in the comments! Win a SIG Sauer P226 Elite!

Want to win a P226 Elite, as discussed in episode 66? Sure you do! Just click this link
https://www.gunbroker.com/c/sweepstakes/nolowballers/ and register to win.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!
Ensure you're subscribed to get the latest episodes. Like, review, and share with friends
who love firearms and history as much as you do.

Is Car chasing in their genetics? Heath runs through the scent imprinting process he’s been posting on social media. He recaps the dos and don’ts of steps 1 through 4. If you want to keep your young dogs busy and challenge them,  you better grab a pad and pencil this is a hot one. 

Weston, Caleb and Jared made the 15 hour drive from central Florida to join Dan on his hunting properties to experience what midwestern whitetail hunting is all about. After several close encounters and first time experiences for each of the guys, the four of them discuss the differences in hunting Missouri vs. Florida. Between stories of glassing sessions, all day sits and even naps in the field this episode is one for the books. The three out of staters came in pursuit of a 120+ inch buck and left with memories they will never forget. After some serious first day action they knew this would be a trip that would happen year after year and the crew sits down to make plans for years to come. The guys also discuss the value of learning deer patterns and movement on a new chunk of property and in terrain they have never hunted before.

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On Instagram, and Youtube

Connect with Caleb Buehrer

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Shop Dan's Podcast Gear, Hunting Gear and Merch

Connect with XOP

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Connect with Infinite Outdoors

On Instagram, Youtube and Online 

Connect with Rapid Rope 

On Instagram and Online