The Bovasin Outdoor Chronicles

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is often called the “zombie deer disease” and has become one of the most talked-about threats in wildlife biology and hunting circles. But to really understand what’s happening in our deer and elk herds, we have to look at what we already know about other prion diseases: Mad Cow (BSE), Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), and Scrapie in sheep.

In this episode, we explore how these known diseases can help us understand the mysterious behavior of CWD. We break down how prions work, how they spread, and why they’re so difficult to contain. From cattle pastures to deer camps, this conversation takes a deep look at the science behind prions and what it might mean for hunters, wildlife managers, and anyone who eats wild game.

We talk about:

•  What prions are and how they infect the brain
•  Similarities and differences between CWD, Mad Cow, Kuru, CJD, and Scrapie
• Transmission in wildlife and environmental persistence
• What hunters should know about handling or consuming meat from CWD-positive animals
• Theories on where prions come from and how they mutate
• Why understanding these diseases matters for the future of hunting and conservation

This isn’t a fear-mongering episode, it’s a fact-based discussion aimed at helping outdoor enthusiasts understand the bigger picture. We dig into current research, real-world implications, and the unknowns scientists are still chasing.

In this episode, we sit down with local taxidermist Adam Hagenston to talk all things wings, feathers, and mounts. From field prep and bird care to the art and patience behind a quality mount, Adam breaks down the full process of turning your favorite hunt into a lasting piece of work.

We cover everything from how to dispatch and handle birds, what separates a good mount from a great one, and why hunters choose to preserve their birds in the first place. Of course, we also share which birds we love to chase — and which ones we’d proudly hang on the wall.

And in true Bovasin fashion, there’s a fair bit of out-of-stater griping, laughs, and the usual brotherly banter that makes the show what it is.

After a break since Season 2, we’re back behind the mics with a full recap of what we’ve been up to. From a successful spring turkey hunt to chasing bears, bowfishing adventures, and an unforgettable honeymoon in Belize filled with spearfishing and days on the ocean, this episode is all about catching up, swapping stories, and setting the stage for what’s next on the podcast. 

In our Season 2 finale, we go deep into the wild world of Montana’s 2025 outdoor legislation. From elk management to public land access, drone bans to landowner perks. We break down the bills that could shape the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation in Big Sky Country.

You’ll hear our honest opinions, hot takes, and a few rants about the policies we love and the ones that made us shake our heads. We’re talking HB 676, HB 907, HB 763, SB 270, HJ 24, and more.

This one’s long, fiery, and full of laughs, but it’s also a serious look at the direction Montana is heading. If you care about public access, fair chase, and the soul of our outdoor lifestyle, this is the episode you can’t miss.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned outdoorswoman and conservation advocate Mia Anstine — host of Mac Outdoors soon to be Mia’s Wild Range Report — to talk about the crossroads where tradition, nature, and policy collide. From hunting ethics and trophy respect to the shifting political landscape around Second Amendment rights in Colorado, Mia shares her seasoned perspective on what it means to be a responsible hunter in today’s rapidly changing world. We dive into the tragedy of the commons, the growing strain on outdoor spaces, and how an influx of new residents is reshaping states like Colorado. We even get into her recent javelina hunt near the Mexican border, how to protect your taxidermy from cloth moths, and what it really means when someone calls an animal a “trophy.” This one’s packed with insight, stories, and strong opinions — don’t miss it 

In this episode, we sit down with our good friend Rob—the man who originally inspired us to start this podcast. Rob is a pilot, and from the beginning, we’ve talked about the dream of him flying us into a remote location for a hunt. That dream finally became a reality when he flew us in for Garett’s elk hunt. While we didn’t get an elk, the experience was unforgettable. We talk about what it’s like to fly into the backcountry, the preparation involved, and the mindset of a bush pilot. Rob shares his journey as a pilot, what drives people to do what they love, and, of course, how he saved us by flying in with much-needed water when we ran out. This is a great conversation about adventure, passion, and the kind of friendships that make it all worthwhile. 

This week, we break down three major bills—two in Montana and one in Colorado. The Colorado gun control bill SB25-003 aims to make it much harder for law-abiding citizens to obtain semiautomatic weapons. In Montana, one bill looks to scale back nonresident landowner privileges towards hunting liscenses, while another seeks to prevent the Fish and Game Commission from halting mule deer hunts during the rut.

Beyond the legislation, we take a hard look at gun control, the Second Amendment, and how governments use fear and regulation to influence the public. Whether you’re a hunter, gun owner, or just interested in how these policies impact everyday people, this episode is full of debate, analysis, and straight talk.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse to hear about his outdoor upbringing in the East, his travels across the country, and how his journey led him to Montana, where he met Garett, and eventually to Colorado. We dive into the story behind his record-winning Missouri whitetail buck, taken on public land, and his current work with Rocky Mountain National Park.

We also get into a passionate discussion about national parks, conservation, and the importance of raising kids in the outdoors—passing down traditions that keep hunting, fishing, and outdoor lifestyles alive for generations. And of course, we wrap it all up with a little Fishmas talk.

Tune in for hunting stories, fiery debates, and a celebration of the outdoor way of life!

In this episode of Bovasin Outdoors, we sit down with professional chef and expert forager Sam Bretz to explore the wild world of edible plants. From his early days in the kitchen to his adventures abroad, we dive into Sam’s culinary journey and how foraging became a passion that transformed his cooking.

We reminisce about growing up together, swap plenty of laughs, and get into the nitty-gritty of foraging—discussing the surprising number of edible greens, flowers, and mushrooms hiding in plain sight across the Northwest. Sam also shares insights from the foraging classes he teaches, offering tips on how to get started foraging safely and sustainably.

If you’ve ever been curious about finding food in the wild or just love a good mix of adventure and storytelling, this episode is packed with knowledge, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun.

In this episode, we dive into Brian’s unforgettable journey pursuing one of Montana’s Big Three: the elusive mountain goat. This once-in-a-lifetime tag demanded months of preparation, from scouting the perfect goat to strategizing the gear, caliber, and bullet choice for the rugged hunt ahead.

Join us as Brian recounts the incredible landscapes where these animals thrive, the physical and mental challenges of navigating steep cliffs and treacherous terrain, and the heart-pounding moment of nearly losing his goat to the unforgiving mountains.

And as if the goat hunt wasn’t enough, Brian shares the icing on the cake—a perfectly placed bow shot on an antelope the very next day. It’s a story of grit, precision, and sheer determination you won’t want to miss!