This is one of the most interesting conversations I had in 2024 and I don't think there is a better way to end the year than sharing it with you. Veteran outdoor writer Pat Durkin joins me to share his take on some of the most tragic tales from the deer woods, and he also shares the fascinating story of hunting the waypoints marking a honey hole for giant mule deer left behind by a dying man to a friend of Pat's. I think by the end of this one you will list Pat as one of your favorite outdoor writers as well. 

Read Pat's Work

Follow Pat: @patrickdurkinoutdoors

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This week we are joined by guest Ethan Stubbs, he is a former intern with Midwest Whitetail, Jared Mills, and Bill Winke. We talk about some of the unique experiences he had in those internships, how one's Faith is closely tied to the outdoors, and get to hear about his personal experience chasing big bucks! I am confident you will enjoy this one!

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Enjoy this annual bonus episode to celebrate Christmas with the crew from Meateater's The Element Podcast.

The Significance of Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Chris is back on the show to discuss his incredible 2024 deer season. Chris shot two giant whitetails, and did so within one year of his tree stand accident that left him with a broken back. It's a great story of redemption, grit, and perseverance. 

Other Topics Include

-Military service

-The 101st Airborn

-Political allegiances

-Faith

-Being connected to place

Follow Cole: @chrisjanis_kiloterra

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Follow First Gen Hunter

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Facebook: @first.gen.hunter

Follow The Hunt Fish Life: @hntfsh_life

Follow Alex: @east2westhunts_alex 

Follow East2West Hunts: @east2westhunts

Follow Caleb: @calebleedrake 

Follow Noel: @noelgandy

Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:

East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase

Old Barn Taxidermy Tell Them The First Gen Hunter Podcast Sent You!

My Medic use discount code firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

TideWe Use discount code: firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

Optics Planet Use discount code: fgh5 at checkout to save 5%

Camofire

Black Ovis

AlienGear Holsters

FORLOH

Fox River Socks

Gunskins

Tipton Gun Cleaning Accessories

Outdoor Edge

Kuiu Tactical Hunting Apparel

Description: We dive back into the story of Caleb & Mark's late season Nebraska muzzeloader hunt in this episode. We go over Mark's hunt in detail on this episode and finish up with some closing overall thoughts of the hunt. You can find pictures of the bucks and some of the terrain on our Instagram @backwoods_bulletin. We hope you enjoy and have a blessed week!

**Take Your Skull and Cape to Old Barn Taxidermy**

Old Barn Taxidermy Instagram: @oldbarntaxidermy

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Cole Young has killed some incredible deer over the years, all of which come with their own unique story. But no story has been as crazy as this one. Listen in to hear about how to find your buck if it dies in a fast moving river!

Follow Cole: @youngcole120

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Follow First Gen Hunter

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Facebook: @first.gen.hunter

Follow The Hunt Fish Life: @hntfsh_life

Follow Alex: @east2westhunts_alex 

Follow East2West Hunts: @east2westhunts

Follow Caleb: @calebleedrake 

Follow Noel: @noelgandy

Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:

East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase

Old Barn Taxidermy Tell Them The First Gen Hunter Podcast Sent You!

My Medic use discount code firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

TideWe Use discount code: firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

Optics Planet Use discount code: fgh5 at checkout to save 5%

Camofire

Black Ovis

AlienGear Holsters

FORLOH

Fox River Socks

Gunskins

Tipton Gun Cleaning Accessories

Outdoor Edge

Kuiu Tactical Hunting Apparel

Description:

**Take Your Skull and Cape to Old Barn Taxidermy**

Old Barn Taxidermy Instagram: @oldbarntaxidermy

Check out the First Gen Hunter Website

Follow First Gen Hunter

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Facebook: @first.gen.hunter

This conversation has been a long time coming- Caleb and Kent break down a year of hunting from tree saddles and offer their opinions on several different aspects of the experience. If you are considering a tree saddle you need to hear this conversation.

After the tree saddle conversation finishes Kent and Caleb tell the story of Kent's 2024 Archery Buck Harvest! It's a great story filled with high highs and low lows, but ultimately it has a great ending. 

Order a knife from Kickapoo Creek Knife Company!

Check out the First Gen Hunter Website

Follow First Gen Hunter

Instagram: @first.gen.hunter

Facebook: @first.gen.hunter

Follow The Hunt Fish Life: @hntfsh_life

Follow Alex: @east2westhunts_alex 

Follow East2West Hunts: @east2westhunts

Follow Caleb: @calebleedrake 

Follow Noel: @noelgandy

Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:

East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase

Old Barn Taxidermy Tell Them The First Gen Hunter Podcast Sent You!

My Medic use discount code firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

TideWe Use discount code: firstgen15 at checkout to save 15%

Optics Planet Use discount code: fgh5 at checkout to save 5%

Camofire

Black Ovis

AlienGear Holsters

FORLOH

Fox River Socks

Gunskins

Tipton Gun Cleaning Accessories

Outdoor Edge

Kuiu Tactical Hunting Apparel

In this episode, Caleb and his Dad (Mark), are on their way to Western Nebraska for a late muzzleloader hunt. They discuss the tradition of gun hunting, re-live one of their first gun deer hunts together, and briefly set the stage for their upcoming hunt in Nebraska. We hope you enjoy and stay safe if you are hitting the woods this week! Have a blessed week!

**Take Your Skull and Cape to Old Barn Taxidermy**

Old Barn Taxidermy Instagram: @oldbarntaxidermy

Check out the First Gen Hunter Website

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November is coming to an end, but there are still bucks cruising and time to capitalize! Noel and Lance talk about Lance's yearly volunteering work for a Wounded Warriors hunt in Missouri, and they also discuss some tactics and perspective when it comes to filling a tag this late in the rut. 

Follow Noel: @noelgandy

Follow Lance: @no_insta_lance

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Facebook: @first.gen.hunter