Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting

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Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting episodes

April 21Western Rookie - Tag Compass: Hunt Planning & Logistics
Most hunters overlook a massive obstacle that can turn a dream hunt into a logistical nightmare — but not anymore. In this eye-opening episode, Matt Pletzer reveals how he built Tag Compass, a platform designed to simplify the complex world of big game hunting logistics, application strategies, and long-term planning. Whether you're fishing in Newfoundland or chasing elk in Wyoming, Matt's insights could be the game-changer you need to finally make your hunting goals a reality.Imagine having a personalized road map for your hunting adventures that accounts for budget, regulations, hunt type, and even connecting with outfitters—all in one place. Matt shares the story of how Newfoundland moose and Alaska hunts inspired him to create a comprehensive tool that removes the guesswork from complicated application processes and international logistics. As a seasoned hunter and software developer, he built this platform for himself, but it turned out to help hundreds of hunters streamline their long-range planning and elevate their success rates.You'll discover:
The critical hurdles non-residents face when hunting in the West — and how Tag Compass addresses them

How the platform’s AI-driven long-term planning helps you prioritize species, units, and expenses over 5, 10, or 20 years

Step-by-step insights into how Tag Compass simplifies application deadlines, budget management, and gear planning

Why community-driven reviews and real-time notifications matter for your hunt’s logistics and success

Practical ways this platform saves you money, reduces anxiety, and unlocks access to premium hunts without the need for a million contacts or endless research
Failing to streamline your hunting logistics can cost time, money, and missed opportunities—factors that could derail even your most carefully laid plans. With
Tag Compass
You get a strategic advantage, turning chaos into clarity and making the hunting experience more accessible for everyone, regardless of whether you're an aspiring Western hunter or a seasoned pro.Perfect for hunters ready to plan smarter.
Tag Compass:
Offers a fresh approach to long-term adventure management. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexity of multi-year hunts or international travel, this episode is your essential guide to transforming those big dreams into organized, achievable goals. Don’t let logistical hurdles hold you back—hit play and start mapping your next adventure today.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
51 min
April 20 Hound Dog Network - Self Learner vs Overhandling
Good handlers know when to step in. Great handlers know when to stay quiet.
In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes handlers make—overhandling. When do you step in, and when do you step back? We talk about how too much interference can limit a dog’s natural ability, and why letting them work things out builds better, more confident hounds in the long run.

IG - heathhyatt147
FB Heath Hyatt
Youtube - Heath Hyatt
Email your questions or dog stories to:
[email protected]

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Subscribe to:
Bear Hunting Magazine
Southern Hound hunting Magazine
American Bear Foundation

For the best lights in the business
Check out: Cajunlights.com

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.
26 min
April 17 Hound Dog Network - Stuff & Things
This episode features Steve and Randy Fielder talking about the manly arts of barbecuing, coon hunting and being better to their fellow men and women.
It’s good ole boy talk from Yea to Amen and will leave you with a good taste in your mouth like a big swig of Grandma’s sweet tea from a mason jar.
Dog talk at its finest, from the Gone To The Dogs Podcast boys.
Enjoy!
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.
49 min
April 14Western Rookie - Hunting At High Elevations
In this episode, Dr. Peter Hackett—an expert on high-altitude medicine—shares insights into how our bodies respond to elevation changes, the risks involved, and practical tips for hunters and adventurers planning to spend time in high altitudes. If you're heading to mountains for hunting, climbing, or adventure, this conversation will prepare you to recognize symptoms and stay safe.
Key topics:
Dr. Hackett's background in altitude sickness research and mountain medicine

What is altitude sickness and how does it develop

Symptoms and red flags indicating severity (brain and lung issues)

The physiology behind acclimatization: breathing, heart rate, and symptoms

How long it takes to adjust to different elevations and the importance of staged ascents

The role of fitness, pacing, and pre-acclimatization techniques

Medications such as Diamox and their effect on speed of acclimatization

The myths about coffee, alcohol, and fitness protecting against altitude illness

Essential tips for hunters traveling from flatlands to high elevations

How to recognize when to descend or seek medical help

Equipment and strategies for emergency oxygen and communication

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
36 min
April 13 Hound Dog Network - Home
Sometimes it only takes an hour down the road to feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.
In this episode, I talk about a recent trip back to where I grew up—spending time fishing, reconnecting with old friends, and being reminded of what “home” really means. Not just a place you live, but a place that shaped you.
That trip sparked a deeper thought—about hounds, and how even the best dogs operate differently when they’re back on familiar ground.
There’s a lesson in that for all of us.

IG - heathhyatt147
FB Heath Hyatt
Youtube - Heath Hyatt

Follow our Sponsors:
Inukshuk
Darkenergy
OnX
Double U Hunting Supply
Quick-track.com
Muddy River Transport

Inukshuk:
Inukshukpro.com
Corey.ca

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

Onx: subscribe to the best mapping app on the market by using promo code - K920
Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses
Polarized
No questions asked replacement
Charitable Donation with every pair
Free shipping
Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4
https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy
Subscribe to:
Bear Hunting Magazine
Southern Hound hunting Magazine
American Bear Foundation

For the best lights in the business
Check out: Cajunlights.com

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.
25 min
April 10 Hound Dog Network - Were Coon Hounds Better Then or Now?
The prior week’s show featuring current PKC World Championship winner Willy’s Little Ann generated quite a stir across the podcast sphere as the guests, including host Steve Fielder, allowed that Little Ann may be the best coon dog of all time.
Coon hunting entrepreneur Bruce Conkey posted his opinion of the matter on the Coon Hunting Conversations group page in social media drawing more than sixty comments in a couple of days.
In this episode Steve reviews Bruce’s contribution as well as several responses. He then brings guest Dillon Orr to the mic to discuss the comment he posted. Florida coon hunter Mack Britt weighs in with thoughts the different types of coon dogs and the age old saw, which was better, then or now? What determines a hunter’s preference in the type of dog he or she hunts becomes the anchor for a great conversation with a 30-minute bonus because the discussion is so darned good. It’s truly dog talk at its finest.
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.
1 hr 33 min
April 09 Spring Break Surf Fishing
Nick is challenged on his adventures of saltwater fishing in Gulf Shores, Alabama, including
gear setups, bait strategies, and the unexpected wildlife encounter with an osprey. Plus, insights
into upcoming hog hunting trips in Oklahoma and the camaraderie built through shared outdoor
experiences.
Highlights:
Saltwater fishing gear setup and modifications
Challenges of saltwater fishing in Alabama
Wildlife encounter: osprey catching a catfish
Upcoming hog hunting trip in Oklahoma with friends
Building friendships through outdoor adventures

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
35 min
April 08 Hound Dog Network - Lessons Without the Leash
There’s a different kind of bond between a handler and a police K9—one built on long hours, shared risk, and a level of trust you don’t fully understand until you’ve lived it.
In this episode, we’re not talking about deployments or war stories. We’re talking about the lessons that stick with you long after the dog retires.
How our dogs can read us before you even make a move.
How they pick up on things you don’t realize you’re showing.
And how learning from that kind of awareness can make you better—not just as a handler, but as a hunter, trainer, and person.
Because if you pay attention, those dogs will teach you more than you ever taught them.

IG - heathhyatt147
FB Heath Hyatt
Youtube - Heath Hyatt

Follow our Sponsors:
Inukshuk
Darkenergy
OnX
Double U Hunting Supply
Quick-track.com
Muddy River Transport

Inukshuk:
Inukshukpro.com
Corey.ca

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

Onx: subscribe to the best mapping app on the market by using promo code - K920

Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses
Polarized
No questions asked replacement
Charitable Donation with every pair
Free shipping
Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4
https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy

Subscribe to:
Bear Hunting Magazine
American Bear Foundation

For the best lights in the business
Check out: Cajunlights.com

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.
27 min
April 07 Hound Dog Network - The Amazing Little Ann
This episode features the owners of the current PKC World Coonhound Champion Willy’s Little Ann. Fresh off her latest in an amazing string of major wins including the UKC World Championship and the Tournament of Champions, Little Ann is writing a chapter in the coonhound record book that may never be duplicated.
In this episode John Strickland, Ashley Oxendine and Randy Smith, three of the four partners that own the reining world champion in two major registries, join Steve to tell Ann’s story to our listeners.
Partnerships in the dog world are rarely successful and often are more of a business deal than a friendship. Not so with these guys. Each tells their personal versions of Ann’s story and illustrates that partners can be successful and have a close personal relationship at the same time. These guys care about their hound and they care each about the other and it shows.
This is a don’t miss listen and easily makes the list of best efforts by the Gone To The Dogs Podcasts to date. See if you don’t agree.
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.
1 hr 8 min
April 06 Hound Dog Network - Spring Woods, Dogs, Turkeys and Trout
Spring is finally showing up and it’s a great time to be in the woods. In this episode we talk about working hounds during the offseason, getting dogs back in shape, and keeping young dogs learning even after hunting season ends.
We also discuss ** Turkey season right around the corner and what to look for while scouting the woods this time of year.
Plus, a little fishing talk — the river has been kicking my butt lately, but the trout streams have been producing some nice Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
IG - heathhyatt147
FB Heath Hyatt
Youtube - Heath Hyatt
Follow our Sponsors:
Inukshuk
Darkenergy
OnX
Double U Hunting Supply
Quick-track.com
Muddy River Transport
Inukshuk:
Inukshukpro.com
Corey.ca
Darkenergy: best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4
darkenergy.com
Onx: subscribe to the best mapping app on the market by using promo code - K920
Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses
Polarized
No questions asked replacement
Charitable Donation with every pair
Free shipping
Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4
https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy

Subscribe to:
Bear Hunting Magazine
Southern Hound hunting Magazine
American Bear Foundation

For the best lights in the business
Check out: Cajunlights.com

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.
37 min

About Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting

From the publisher's feed

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…