Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting

Colorado just changed the elk hunting game—and the next round of regulations could reshape how residents and non-residents chase tags, points, and opportunity. If you hunt the West, this is the kind of episode that can save you years of confusion and help you make smarter decisions before the 2028 changes take effect.

Dan Johnson sits down with Colorado hunter Adam Parr to break down what is really happening with the state’s draw system, why archery tags went from over-the-counter to draw for non-residents, and how point creep has exploded in some units. Adam explains the new system’s biggest shifts, including the move toward a 50/50 split between preference-point tags and weighted lottery tags, plus the simplified point-buying process that could make Colorado easier to navigate and more fair.

You’ll discover:

• What Colorado’s current over-the-counter options actually are for non-residents
• Why some archery units jumped from a few points to double-digit point totals
• How the new draw rules may change your odds and planning strategy
• Why the state’s regulation updates could reduce complexity instead of adding to it
• How residents and non-residents should think differently about long-term tag planning

Adam also shares how he approaches his own season as a resident hunter—from deciding when to burn points versus hunt over the counter, to scouting, glassing, trail cameras, and why he targets unpressured elk early in the season. He talks through the realities of hunting at 9,000 to 10,000 feet, how dry years push elk higher into timber, and the small details that separate a filled freezer from a long, exhausting grind.Then the conversation turns tactical. 

Adam explains the strategies he uses to find elk, including location bugles in the dark, reading fresh sign, hunting natural pinch points, and using terrain and wind to his advantage. He also makes a strong case for hybrid broadheads on elk, especially when blood trailing and recovery matter most.If you are applying in Colorado, planning a Western hunt, or trying to stretch your points without wasting years, this episode gives you a real-world look at what is changing and how to adapt. It’s essential listening for Western hunters who want more than hype and fewer expensive mistakes.

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Every houndsman remembers his first.

Your first dog.

The first time you heard a hound open on a track.
The first time you followed that voice through the dark.
The first time you walked up to a tree with the game in it.
The first dog that really meant something to you.

But some of the best firsts come later.

The first time your son or daughter hears a hound open.
The first time they grab the lead.
The first time they walk into a tree and realize what this life is all about.

Those are the moments that stick with us.

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In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Ryan Burnett of Pattern Pros to talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of hunting preparation—actually knowing how your gun and ammunition perform together. Ryan explains how Pattern Pros grew from a frustrating day of shotgun patterning into a way for hunters to test multiple loads without buying full boxes of ammunition that may not work well in their gun. The guys walk through the process of properly patterning a shotgun at different distances, understanding point of aim versus point of impact, evaluating pattern density, and determining which gun, choke, and shell combination gives you the best opportunity when it's finally time to pull the trigger.

The conversation expands beyond waterfowl into turkey hunting, choke tubes, modern steel shot, and even choosing factory ammunition for a deer rifle. Mitchell and Ryan discuss how hunters can spend thousands of dollars on guns, optics, decoys, clothing, and other equipment while overlooking the relatively simple step of testing what their firearm actually shoots best. More importantly, they discuss the ethical responsibility hunters have to eliminate as many controllable variables as possible before taking a shot at an animal. You don't have to be a ballistics expert or gun fanatic—you just need to put in enough time before the season to know what happens when you pull the trigger.

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Episode DescriptionThe best mobile hunting systems do one thing - they disappear into the hunt. Nested Tree Stand Systems is built around that idea, and Gabe Denzine explains why this brand was designed from the ground up for hunters who pack in, climb once, and want every piece of gear to work together.

Gabe and Dan unpack how Nested grew out of a real problem: the clunky, cobbled-together setup so many hunters have been forced to live with. Instead of making another generic add-on to an existing line, the team built a true system - rails, stand, and pack engineered to nest together, carry weight better, and speed up setup in the field.

You'll discover why Nested uses rails instead of traditional climbing sticks, how the dual-rail design helps prevent kick-out and improves foot placement, and why the pack-and-stand combo is modeled after a Western frame pack to move weight to your hips instead of your shoulders. Gabe also breaks down the 8.6-pound cast aluminum hang-on, the patented Z-shaped profile, the one-strap cam-over design, and the difference between the 15-liter and 35-liter packs.

We also get into the practical details that matter when you're in the dark and under pressure - from rope attachments versus cam straps, to how many rails most hunters really need, to why the system is especially appealing for guys hunting big hill country or anyone trying to cut down on trips up and down the tree. If you've ever wished your mobile setup felt lighter, safer, and more intuitive, this conversation hits all the right notes.

Gabe Denzine is the brand manager behind Nested Tree Stand Systems at Artisam, and he brings a hunter's perspective to product design, with firsthand experience using and refining the system in the field. Dan Johnson keeps the conversation focused on the real-world problems mobile hunters face and whether Nested actually solves them.

Essential listening if you run a mobile tree stand setup, hunt public land, or want a more streamlined way to carry and hang your gear without the usual frustration. Learn more at nestedtreestands.com.

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Nick opens with a personal update on the shift from summer chaos into early fall hunting season, then moves into two connected stories about wild game, generosity, and community. He reflects on being gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout, turning part of it into smoked jerky, and how that exchange strengthened a friendship. He also previews an upcoming New Jersey black bear hunt and a new venison donation project that uses hunters’ harvests to help feed others.

Key Topics

Episode Summary

Preparing for Fall Hunting SeasonNick begins by describing the transition into September in Michigan. With school back in session, a nine-to-five job, children, and personal projects all competing for attention, he is learning to manage his time more intentionally.Fall is also the season when outdoor pursuits begin to accelerate. Nick talks about preparing for Michigan’s archery opener and getting his bow back out to start practicing. His equipment has been working well, so he is taking a simple approach: if something is not broken, there is no reason to fix it.One small change he is considering is bringing a paperback book into the tree stand. Rather than spending downtime scrolling on his phone, he wants to use that time to read and gain a different perspective while remaining immersed in the outdoors.A New Jersey Black Bear HuntNick shares exciting news about an upcoming trip to New Jersey to hunt black bear with Mitchell Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman.The trip is already moving forward, with flights and lodging arranged. Mitchell has been handling much of the scouting, baiting, and stand preparation, while Nick plans to bring his saddle because it allows him to sit comfortably for longer periods.The hunt will be a completely new experience for Nick. In addition to pursuing a new species in unfamiliar country, he will also have to think through the logistics of processing, transporting, and preserving a bear while traveling by plane. He hopes to bring the hide home for a rug and expects to rely heavily on Mitchell’s knowledge of local processors and taxidermists.

The Gift of Great Lakes FishThe central story begins with several fillets of Great Lakes king salmon and lake trout sitting in Nick’s freezer.The important part is not simply the fish. It is how the fish came to him.

Nick received the fish from Jason and Britley, friends he met through their sons’ soccer team. Jason is an avid outdoorsman who spends much of his time waterfowl hunting and fishing on the Great Lakes. After Jason and his fishing team won a tournament, he found himself with more fish than his household could use because Britley has a serious fish allergy.Jason reached out to Nick, knowing that Nick enjoys both cooking and processing wild game. Nick offered to take some of the fish, prepare it, and turn part of it into jerky so Jason could continue enjoying the harvest without wasting it.Processing Lake Trout for Smoked Jerky

Nick explains the practical work involved in preparing the fish. The fillets had already been scaled, so he focused on trimming them and removing the pin bones.He used needle-nose pliers to locate and pull the bones from the larger fillets. Some of the bones were substantial, especially in the bigger fish.Nick also discusses the differences between the fish. Lake trout has a richer, oilier character than king salmon, which gives it a stronger and more distinctive flavor. Instead of viewing that as a negative, Nick embraced the uniqueness of the fish and found that its higher fat content worked well for jerky.The Cure and Smoking ProcessFor the first batch, Nick followed a method inspired by Hank Shaw. The cure consisted primarily of brown sugar and salt. Because fish absorbs salt quickly, he allowed the fillets to cure for roughly six to eight hours before rinsing them and preparing them for the smoker.A problem arose when Nick discovered that his smoker had developed a rust issue. Rather than abandoning the project, he adapted by using cooling racks on his charcoal grill.He also used black cherry wood from a storm-damaged tree in his backyard. The combination of charcoal and homemade wood chunks created the smoke needed to transform the fish.Nick describes how the smoke changed the appearance of the bright red fish, giving it a warm, tan color while preserving the visual appeal of the meat. The result was not just flavorful; it was something that looked appetizing before it was even tasted.

Sharing the Finished ProductAfter reducing the moisture and concentrating the flavor, Nick packaged the finished fish and gave it back to Jason.The amount was noticeably smaller than the original fresh fish because of the water loss during smoking, but the value of the gift had increased. Jason could now enjoy his catch in a preserved form, and he had a product that was easier to store and use.This created a meaningful exchange. Jason had gifted Nick the fish, and Nick returned part of that bounty in a new form. The interaction became more than food preservation. It became a way for two outdoorsmen to share skills, effort, and appreciation.The Community Built Through Wild GameNick connects this experience to the broader tradition of sharing wild game.Hunters and anglers often trade venison, duck breasts, fish, and other harvests with one another. Someone may have extra duck but no fish. Another person may have more fish than their family can use but would gladly trade for venison.These exchanges create relationships. They help people use more of the animals they harvest, reduce waste, and give friends an opportunity to experience food they may not otherwise have access to.Nick reflects on the familiar saying:

Copy

“If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.”

For Nick, the saying leaves out something important. When you give someone a fish, you may also create gratitude, conversation, friendship, and a desire to share in return.

Fish as Everyday Meal Preparation Not all of the gifted fish became jerky. Nick also used some of it for family meals and meal preparation.He describes preparing salmon with rice and avocado as a balanced lunch containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Having prepared meals available helped him avoid relying on fast food during a busy workday.This connects the gift of fish to another benefit: wild game and locally harvested food can become part of a practical everyday routine, not just a special occasion meal.From Friendship to OutreachThe conversation then expands beyond the exchange between Nick and Jason.

Attribution Code

"Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

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Mule deer are still the vanishing icon of the West, and if you care about public land hunting, this conversation explains exactly why. Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, lays out the hard truth behind the decline, what changed after the mule deer heyday, and what hunters and conservation groups are doing right now to turn it around.

Greg brings a rare perspective to the problem. He’s spent decades on both sides of wildlife management, from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and now he’s focused on one species and one mission - restoring mule deer and their habitat.

We break down the forces reshaping mule deer numbers across the West, including habitat loss, winter severity, drought, wildfire, migration barriers, invasive grasses, disease, and competition from other deer species. Greg also explains why modern mule deer management is so different from the 1960s boom years, why the old “good old days” are gone, and why today’s hunters are seeing fewer mature bucks on the landscape.

You’ll discover:

We also get into the bigger conservation picture - how state agencies, federal land managers, and groups like the Mule Deer Foundation fund real on-the-ground projects, why membership matters, and what it takes to keep mule deer from becoming a rare opportunity instead of a mainstream hunt.Essential listening if you hunt mule deer, care about western habitat, or want to understand what’s really happening behind the numbers.

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Sometimes a race doesn’t go according to plan—and sometimes it's an even bigger surprise at the end.

In this episode, we take a look back on a race when the hounds made a switch in mid-race, something we never knew about until just before dark when we corralled a giant in the rocks. 

It’s the kind of chase that reminds you why these moments stick with you: the chase, the instincts, the adrenaline, and the surprise waiting at the end. What started as one race quickly turned into a story worth telling—and a memory that takes you right back to being there.

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For the best lights in the business

Check out: Cajunlights.com 

Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  

www.dusupply.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

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Western Kansas can make you a better hunter - or break your ego fast. Travis Glassman reveals how he consistently patterns mature whitetails and mule deer in one of the toughest, flattest, most overlooked deer countries in the West.

Dan Johnson and Travis catch up after years apart, and the conversation quickly turns into a sharp, practical breakdown of what it really takes to hunt a landscape where deer numbers are down, cover is limited, and every move matters. From chronic wasting disease and drought to shifting deer behavior, Travis explains why success out here depends less on luck and more on reading water, terrain, and pressure with precision.

You'll discover:

Travis also shares how fatherhood has changed his hunting priorities, from chasing antler inches to valuing time, experience, and passing the obsession on to his kids. If you've ever hunted open-country deer, struggled to locate mature bucks, or wondered how to adapt when numbers drop and the conditions get harder, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons you can use right away.

Perfect for deer hunters who love tactics, western ground, and real-world strategy over theory - especially if you're trying to outthink mature bucks in country that gives you very few second chances.

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This episode is a high-energy college football and Cowboys roundtable, with the group arguing through Big 12 and SEC team projections, hot-seat coaches, Heisman/National Championship picks, and the Cowboys’ outlook for the season. The conversation is funny, opinionated, and heavily Texas-focused, with lots of rivalry banter and bold predictions.

(00:00) Hunters Extravaganza recap and the audio meltdown

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How do you know when it’s time to call it a day? After multiple dumps, long hours in the woods, and one blown track after another ending without success, every hound hunter eventually faces that decision.

In this episode, we talk about the reality of tough hunts—the frustration, the exhaustion, and the temptation to keep pushing when the woods just aren’t giving it up. Sometimes the best decision isn’t another drop; it’s loading the dogs, heading home, and living to hunt another night.

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Send your stories or questions to: 

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Follow our Sponsors:

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Darkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4

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Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses

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Subscribe to: 

Full Cry Magazine

Bear Hunting Magazine

American Bear Foundation

Virginia Bear Hunters Association 

For the best lights in the business

Check out: Cajunlights.com 

Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  

www.dusupply.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.