On this episode of the Hunting Gear Podcast, Dan re-joins Jacob Coons for a candid look at "Made in the USA" hunting gear. Does where your gear is manufactured actually drive your purchasing decisions, or does it all come down to price tag and performance?The guys unpack price points across major gear categories, test the durability argument, and confront common manufacturing stereotypes head-on. Plus, Dan and Jacob share their own personal philosophies on gear selection and discuss whether domestic production still carries real weight in their setups.Highlights:<ul><li>Does origin matter when you’re at the checkout line?</li><li>Breaking down price points and durability across gear categories</li><li>Overcoming manufacturing stereotypes: Myths vs. realities</li><li>How Dan and Jacob evaluate gear for their own hunts</li></ul><h3> </h3> Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Hunting Gear Podcast, Dan re-joins Jacob Coons for a candid look at "Made in the USA" hunting gear. Does where your gear is manufactured actually drive your purchasing decisions, or does it all come down to price tag and performance? The guys unpack price points across major gear categories, test the durability argument, and confront common manufacturing stereotypes head-on. Plus, Dan and Jacob share their own personal philosophies on gear selection and discuss whether domestic production still carries real weight in their setups. Highlights:Does origin matter when you’re at the checkout line?Breaking down price points and durability across gear categoriesOvercoming manufacturing stereotypes: Myths vs. realitiesHow Dan and Jacob evaluate gear for their own hunts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Hunting Gear Podcast, Dan re-joins Jacob Coons for a candid look at "Made in the USA" hunting gear. Does where your gear is manufactured actually drive your purchasing decisions, or does it all come down to price tag and performance?The guys unpack price points across major gear categories, test the durability argument, and confront common manufacturing stereotypes head-on. Plus, Dan and Jacob share their own personal philosophies on gear selection and discuss whether domestic production still carries real weight in their setups.Highlights:<ul><li>Does origin matter when you’re at the checkout line?</li><li>Breaking down price points and durability across gear categories</li><li>Overcoming manufacturing stereotypes: Myths vs. realities</li><li>How Dan and Jacob evaluate gear for their own hunts</li></ul>&nbsp; Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hunting Gear Podcast - Made In The U.S.A.

This week on Huntavore, Nick welcomes back good friend Mitch Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast to talk about an exciting upcoming adventure: Nick's first-ever black bear hunt. What started as a long-standing invitation from Mitch has finally come together, and the two break down what listeners can expect from a New Jersey bear hunting experience.The conversation begins with plenty of campfire humor, including stories about hunting trophies, taxidermy negotiations with spouses, and the challenge of finding wall space for mounts. Nick shares the story behind his Michigan ten-point buck mount while Mitch recounts the unforgettable moment his wife came home to find a full elk shoulder mount hanging in the foyer.From there, the discussion turns to the surprising reality of New Jersey's bear population. Mitch explains why the northern part of the state offers exceptional bear habitat, how management changes have affected bear numbers, and why human-bear conflicts led to the reopening of the state's bear season. Listeners will gain insight into the dense swamps, abundant food sources, and unique terrain that make New Jersey one of the most productive bear hunting destinations in the East.Nick and Mitch dive into bear behavior, discussing everything from preferred food sources and swamp habitat to the impressive size of New Jersey black bears. Mitch shares stories of bears weighing over 500 pounds and describes the excitement of encountering an animal that can seemingly appear out of nowhere despite its massive size. The pair also discuss the different age classes of bears, sow and cub interactions, and how hunting can play an important role in managing populations and reducing conflicts.The conversation shifts into hunting strategy as Mitch explains how he uses bait sites, trail cameras, terrain features, wind direction, and natural travel corridors to increase the odds of success. Rather than simply sitting over bait, he focuses on understanding bear movement and positioning hunters where bears naturally travel. His goal is to provide multiple opportunities and backup plans throughout the three-day hunt.Listeners will also hear a detailed discussion on shot placement for black bears. Mitch explains why bear anatomy differs from deer, where he recommends placing a shot with both firearms and archery equipment, and why he favors heavy bullets for muzzleloader hunting. The two compare bear and deer anatomy while emphasizing quick, ethical harvests and efficient recoveries.As always, the conversation eventually finds its way back to food. Mitch makes a strong case for black bear as one of the best wild game meats available, explaining how proper handling, rapid cooling, and careful processing make all the difference. The two discuss bear roasts, burgers, backstraps, sous vide cooking, seasoning techniques, and their plans to experiment with bear recipes if the hunt is successful.The episode wraps up with anticipation for the upcoming hunt. Nick reflects on the excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and respect that come with pursuing a new species. For him, this adventure represents everything that draws hunters outdoors—the opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new skills, and connect more deeply with the food they bring home.<h2>In This Episode</h2><ul><li>Preparing for a first black bear hunt</li><li>New Jersey bear hunting opportunities and regulations</li><li>Bear habitat, food sources, and movement patterns</li><li>Public land scouting and hunting strategy</li><li>Trail cameras, baiting, and wind considerations</li><li>Bear shot placement and anatomy</li><li>Muzzleloader hunting for black bears</li><li>Bear recovery and field dressing</li><li>Why proper meat care matters</li><li>Cooking and processing black bear</li><li>Camp life, camaraderie, and hunting traditions</li></ul><h2>Guest</h2>Mitch Shirk Host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast and longtime bear hunter who shares his experience hunting black bears across Pennsylvania and New Jersey while helping new hunters experience their first bear hunts.<h2>Connect with Mitch</h2><ul><li>Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast</li><li>Sportsmen's Empire Network</li><li>Available wherever you listen to podcasts</li></ul><h2>Huntavore Takeaway</h2>Sometimes the best hunting adventures start with saying "yes" to something completely new. Whether it's a new species, a new state, or a new group of hunting partners, growth happens when we step into unfamiliar territory. The anticipation, preparation, and shared experiences often become just as meaningful as the harvest itself.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Huntavore, Nick welcomes back good friend Mitch Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast to talk about an exciting upcoming adventure: Nick's first-ever black bear hunt. What started as a long-standing invitation from Mitch has finally come together, and the two break down what listeners can expect from a New Jersey bear hunting experience. The conversation begins with plenty of campfire humor, including stories about hunting trophies, taxidermy negotiations with spouses, and the challenge of finding wall space for mounts. Nick shares the story behind his Michigan ten-point buck mount while Mitch recounts the unforgettable moment his wife came home to find a full elk shoulder mount hanging in the foyer. From there, the discussion turns to the surprising reality of New Jersey's bear population. Mitch explains why the northern part of the state offers exceptional bear habitat, how management changes have affected bear numbers, and why human-bear conflicts led to the reopening of the state's bear season. Listeners will gain insight into the dense swamps, abundant food sources, and unique terrain that make New Jersey one of the most productive bear hunting destinations in the East. Nick and Mitch dive into bear behavior, discussing everything from preferred food sources and swamp habitat to the impressive size of New Jersey black bears. Mitch shares stories of bears weighing over 500 pounds and describes the excitement of encountering an animal that can seemingly appear out of nowhere despite its massive size. The pair also discuss the different age classes of bears, sow and cub interactions, and how hunting can play an important role in managing populations and reducing conflicts. The conversation shifts into hunting strategy as Mitch explains how he uses bait sites, trail cameras, terrain features, wind direction, and natural travel corridors to increase the odds of success. Rather than simply sitting over bait, he focuses on understanding bear movement and positioning hunters where bears naturally travel. His goal is to provide multiple opportunities and backup plans throughout the three-day hunt. Listeners will also hear a detailed discussion on shot placement for black bears. Mitch explains why bear anatomy differs from deer, where he recommends placing a shot with both firearms and archery equipment, and why he favors heavy bullets for muzzleloader hunting. The two compare bear and deer anatomy while emphasizing quick, ethical harvests and efficient recoveries. As always, the conversation eventually finds its way back to food. Mitch makes a strong case for black bear as one of the best wild game meats available, explaining how proper handling, rapid cooling, and careful processing make all the difference. The two discuss bear roasts, burgers, backstraps, sous vide cooking, seasoning techniques, and their plans to experiment with bear recipes if the hunt is successful. The episode wraps up with anticipation for the upcoming hunt. Nick reflects on the excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and respect that come with pursuing a new species. For him, this adventure represents everything that draws hunters outdoors—the opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new skills, and connect more deeply with the food they bring home.In This EpisodePreparing for a first black bear huntNew Jersey bear hunting opportunities and regulationsBear habitat, food sources, and movement patternsPublic land scouting and hunting strategyTrail cameras, baiting, and wind considerationsBear shot placement and anatomyMuzzleloader hunting for black bearsBear recovery and field dressingWhy proper meat care mattersCooking and processing black bearCamp life, camaraderie, and hunting traditionsGuestMitch Shirk Host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast and longtime bear hunter who shares his experience hunting black bears across Pennsylvania and New Jersey while helping new hunters experience their first bear hunts.Connect with MitchPennsylvania Woodsman PodcastSportsmen's Empire NetworkAvailable wherever you listen to podcastsHuntavore TakeawaySometimes the best hunting adventures start with saying "yes" to something completely new. Whether it's a new species, a new state, or a new group of hunting partners, growth happens when we step into unfamiliar territory. The anticipation, preparation, and shared experiences often become just as meaningful as the harvest itself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Huntavore, Nick welcomes back good friend Mitch Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast to talk about an exciting upcoming adventure: Nick's first-ever black bear hunt. What started as a long-standing invitation from Mitch has finally come together, and the two break down what listeners can expect from a New Jersey bear hunting experience.The conversation begins with plenty of campfire humor, including stories about hunting trophies, taxidermy negotiations with spouses, and the challenge of finding wall space for mounts. Nick shares the story behind his Michigan ten-point buck mount while Mitch recounts the unforgettable moment his wife came home to find a full elk shoulder mount hanging in the foyer.From there, the discussion turns to the surprising reality of New Jersey's bear population. Mitch explains why the northern part of the state offers exceptional bear habitat, how management changes have affected bear numbers, and why human-bear conflicts led to the reopening of the state's bear season. Listeners will gain insight into the dense swamps, abundant food sources, and unique terrain that make New Jersey one of the most productive bear hunting destinations in the East.Nick and Mitch dive into bear behavior, discussing everything from preferred food sources and swamp habitat to the impressive size of New Jersey black bears. Mitch shares stories of bears weighing over 500 pounds and describes the excitement of encountering an animal that can seemingly appear out of nowhere despite its massive size. The pair also discuss the different age classes of bears, sow and cub interactions, and how hunting can play an important role in managing populations and reducing conflicts.The conversation shifts into hunting strategy as Mitch explains how he uses bait sites, trail cameras, terrain features, wind direction, and natural travel corridors to increase the odds of success. Rather than simply sitting over bait, he focuses on understanding bear movement and positioning hunters where bears naturally travel. His goal is to provide multiple opportunities and backup plans throughout the three-day hunt.Listeners will also hear a detailed discussion on shot placement for black bears. Mitch explains why bear anatomy differs from deer, where he recommends placing a shot with both firearms and archery equipment, and why he favors heavy bullets for muzzleloader hunting. The two compare bear and deer anatomy while emphasizing quick, ethical harvests and efficient recoveries.As always, the conversation eventually finds its way back to food. Mitch makes a strong case for black bear as one of the best wild game meats available, explaining how proper handling, rapid cooling, and careful processing make all the difference. The two discuss bear roasts, burgers, backstraps, sous vide cooking, seasoning techniques, and their plans to experiment with bear recipes if the hunt is successful.The episode wraps up with anticipation for the upcoming hunt. Nick reflects on the excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and respect that come with pursuing a new species. For him, this adventure represents everything that draws hunters outdoors—the opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new skills, and connect more deeply with the food they bring home.In This Episode<ul><li>Preparing for a first black bear hunt</li><li>New Jersey bear hunting opportunities and regulations</li><li>Bear habitat, food sources, and movement patterns</li><li>Public land scouting and hunting strategy</li><li>Trail cameras, baiting, and wind considerations</li><li>Bear shot placement and anatomy</li><li>Muzzleloader hunting for black bears</li><li>Bear recovery and field dressing</li><li>Why proper meat care matters</li><li>Cooking and processing black bear</li><li>Camp life, camaraderie, and hunting traditions</li></ul>GuestMitch Shirk Host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast and longtime bear hunter who shares his experience hunting black bears across Pennsylvania and New Jersey while helping new hunters experience their first bear hunts.Connect with Mitch<ul><li>Pennsylvania Woodsman Podcast</li><li>Sportsmen's Empire Network</li><li>Available wherever you listen to podcasts</li></ul>Huntavore TakeawaySometimes the best hunting adventures start with saying "yes" to something completely new. Whether it's a new species, a new state, or a new group of hunting partners, growth happens when we step into unfamiliar territory. The anticipation, preparation, and shared experiences often become just as meaningful as the harvest itself. &nbsp; Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Huntavore - Goin’ on a Bear Hunt with Mitch Shirk

Clay talks free casting hounds in the west off of mules with Brent Reeves and Strait Sedillo on a hunt in New Mexico.

Bear Hunting Magazine - Free Casting Hounds in the West with Strait Sedillo

This week Chad has on Mahting Putelis founder of Hunt To Eat.  The two talk about the process it takes to develop a company in the outdoor industry.

This week Chad has on Mahting Putelis founder of Hunt To Eat. The two talk about the process it takes to develop a company in the outdoor industry.

This week Chad has on Mahting Putelis&nbsp;founder of Hunt To Eat.&nbsp; The two talk about the process it takes to develop a company&nbsp;in the outdoor&nbsp;industry.

Backcountry Rookies - Hunt to Eat with Mahting Putelis

Brett Vaughn joins the Chris and Steve for a conversation about lion hunting in New Mexico, hunting from mules and producing videos.

Houndsman XP - Born 100 Years Too Late with Brett Vaughn

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Alex Boike.  Alex tells the tale of how he pressed his button on accident and what the response was.  Enjoy the show!

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Alex Boike. Alex tells the tale of how he pressed his button on accident and what the response was. Enjoy the show!

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Alex Boike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alex tells the tale of how he pressed his button on accident and what the response was.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy the show!

Backcountry Rookies - Stories From The Season With Alex Boike

They talk about their hunt and some difficulties people have judging big whitetails.

Bear Hunting Magazine - Canoe Wrecks and Judging Big Whitetails

Today my guest is John Ferkowicz who recently made the transition from whitetail guide to an elk guide.

Transition Wild - Becoming an Elk Guide with John Ferkowicz

On this weeks show, Chad and Jordan discuss their gear and the evolution it has gone through over the last few years.

Backcountry Rookies - Dialing In Your Backcountry Gear

Nick sits down with Will Brantley, Hunting Editor for Field and Stream Magazine.  Back in October Will wrote a tongue and cheek article entitled “Hunting is Much More Than Meat.”  Naturally, we brought him in to explain himself, and chat about recruitment, small game, and everyday midweek meals hunters enjoy.

Nick sits down with Will Brantley, Hunting Editor for Field and Stream Magazine. Back in October Will wrote a tongue and cheek article entitled “Hunting is Much More Than Meat.” Naturally, we brought him in to explain himself, and chat about recruitment, small game, and everyday midweek meals hunters enjoy.

The Huntavore - Wild Game Recruitment with Will Brantley

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Bryan Campos of goHUNT.  Bryan shares the story of his Colorado elk hunt.

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Bryan Campos of goHUNT. Bryan shares the story of his Colorado elk hunt.

This weeks Stories From The Season Podcast is with Bryan Campos of goHUNT.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryan shares the story of his Colorado elk hunt.

Backcountry Rookies - Stories From The Season With Bryan Campos

Clay sits down with legendary outfitter Tom Ainsworth.  Tom is a fun guy to be around and a living legend.

Clay sits down with legendary outfitter Tom Ainsworth. Tom is a fun guy to be around and a living legend.

Clay sits down with legendary outfitter Tom Ainsworth.&nbsp; Tom is a fun guy to be around and a living legend.

Bear Hunting Magazine - Manitoba Legend with Tom Ainsworth

The Sportsmen’s Empire Western Big Game feed is a collection of outdoor hunting podcasts dedicated to the big game hunter. These podcasts cover hunting strategy, hunting gear,  and hunting stories of big game species in North America. Topics include elk hunting, mule deer hunting, antelope hunting, and all things western big game.

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The Sportsmen’s Empire Western Big Game feed is a collection of outdoor hunting podcasts dedicated to the big game hunter. These podcasts cover hunting strategy, hunting gear, and hunting stories of big game species in North America. Topics include elk hunting, mule deer hunting, antelope hunting, and all things western big game.

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