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Twenty years ago, when Dan Adler told friends and family he was leaving the Air Force to become a hunting guide, they asked what he'd do for "real money." Today, as founder of North America's largest outfitting operation with 61 guides across 42 million acres, Dan has the last laugh—and the best stories.

Dan takes us from his earliest days as a fishing-obsessed kid working on boats at age 13 to becoming a first-generation hunter who built an empire from scratch. With entertaining candor, he shares two unforgettable "bathroom disaster" stories that had me laughing out loud: one involving a negative camper who received some karmic justice via a collapsed toilet seat, and another featuring a confused 10-year-old who misunderstood instructions about his canteen during a youth hunt.

The highlight comes when Dan reveals a technique called "shock bugling" that he reluctantly used with a Navy SEAL client who initially forbade bugling as a calling strategy. When the SEAL finally got his opportunity at a massive bull elk, he experienced what Dan calls "cheese melting"—a phenomenon where even the most disciplined individuals freeze up from pure excitement and physically cannot draw their bow.

Throughout our conversation, Dan offers invaluable perspective for hunters of all experience levels, particularly about trophy expectations. He notes that only 4% of harvested elk exceed 350 inches and less than 1% surpass 360 inches, reminding us that a 300-inch bull is still a remarkable achievement. His advice to hunters feeling the pressure of score expectations is refreshingly simple: enjoy the freedom, the outdoors, and the experience rather than fixating on antler measurements.

Ready to learn more from this hunting entrepreneur? Check out Dan's upcoming book "Suck Less at Hunting" or explore his innovative Zero Outfitter Fees program designed to make guided hunts more accessible. This episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and the kind of authentic hunting stories that remind us why we love the outdoors.

Websites:

www.DiamondOutfitters.com

www.ZeroOutfitterFees.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DiamondOutfittersZeroOutfitterFees

https://www.facebook.com/zerooutfitterfees

Insta:

@zerooutfitterfees

@diamondoutfitters_zof

@diamonddanadler

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When Weston Homa drove 33 hours from Pennsylvania to Idaho for his meticulously planned solo mule deer hunt, he never imagined wildfires would close nearly his entire hunting unit. Standing at the trailhead with his camp already six miles into the mountains, most hunters would have given up and headed home. Not Weston.

This episode chronicles an extraordinary journey of resilience as Weston transforms potential disaster into the adventure of a lifetime. Refusing to accept defeat, he reaches out to a hunting acquaintance in Colorado and pivots his entire plan - ultimately leading to his first archery elk harvest at 12,000 feet. Listeners will be captivated by his raw determination as he stalks herds of elk through high-country basins and ultimately processes and packs out an entire elk solo over three grueling days.

Beyond the hunting story itself, Weston shares profound insights about the mental fortitude required in western backcountry hunting. His philosophy of embracing challenges instead of surrendering to them resonates throughout the conversation, especially when he discusses how this mindset has transformed other areas of his life - from running ultra-marathons to building meaningful connections with fellow hunters.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Weston delivers a moving message about pursuing your passions wholeheartedly: "We all get to live once... whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." His journey reminds us that often our most memorable adventures come from adapting to circumstances beyond our control rather than being defeated by them.

Follow Weston's future hunting adventures on Instagram and YouTube @WestonHoma, and submit your own hunting stories to be featured on a future episode through the link in our show notes.

Weston's Links

Weston's Insta

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Guide Caleb Stillians takes us deep into the Alaskan wilderness where survival demands quick thinking, steely nerves, and sometimes a bit of luck. Having spent five to seven months each year guiding in Alaska's remote backcountry, Caleb has accumulated more hunting experience than most will gather in a lifetime.

Through vivid storytelling, Caleb recounts several heart-stopping encounters with brown bears – the coastal giants that can reach 10 feet in length and outweigh their inland grizzly cousins by hundreds of pounds. We're transported to Kodiak Island, where Caleb and his team battled both COVID and a mother bear with cubs in subzero temperatures, forcing them to make life-or-death decisions while physically miserable. 

What makes these stories particularly compelling is Caleb's matter-of-fact delivery about situations most would find utterly terrifying. From a bear charging at full speed just yards away to waking up to find a bear three feet from his face while making morning coffee, his experiences reveal both the majestic beauty and unforgiving reality of Alaska's wilderness.

Beyond the bear encounters, Caleb shares equally terrifying moments at sea during violent storms and navigating through fog-bound mountain passes in small aircraft – situations where he admits feeling truly helpless. His surprising revelation that these scenarios frighten him more than bear encounters offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of someone who has repeatedly faced nature's most formidable challenges.

Whether you're a hunter seeking adventure or simply appreciate raw wilderness stories, Caleb's experiences showcase what happens when modern humans venture into truly wild places where nature still reigns supreme. Leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and share this episode with someone who appreciates tales of survival against extraordinary odds.

Outfitter Services

Rise Up with Caleb Stillians

Caleb on Youtube

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The wilderness of Southern Ontario comes alive through the captivating hunting tales of Iain Anderson, a passionate outdoorsman whose journey didn't begin through family tradition but through personal curiosity and friendship. Unlike many who inherit hunting knowledge through generations, Iain found his calling alongside a childhood buddy, starting with pellet guns and squirrels before tackling bigger game.

From his first turkey at age 14 to surviving a spur through the hand during a Northern Ontario adventure, Iain's stories resonate with both newcomers and seasoned hunters alike. His account of watching five wild turkeys attack a decoy before one of them literally left its mark on him will have you wincing and laughing simultaneously. The hospital visit that followed—where multiple doctors kept asking "Did you get him?"—perfectly captures the essence of small-town hunting culture.

Perhaps most compelling are Ian's reflections on what he calls "hunting karma." After shooting a buck from under an older landowner as a teenager, he experienced a five-year dry spell that only ended when he refined his approach. This theme of ethical hunting affecting future success runs throughout the conversation, including a parallel story about a hunter who poached turkeys and subsequently couldn't harvest anything for years. These aren't just entertaining anecdotes—they're powerful reminders about respecting both the animals and the unwritten rules of the hunting community.

Whether you're fascinated by Eastern turkey tactics, curious about shotgun deer hunting challenges, or simply enjoy authentic stories from the Canadian wilderness, Iain's experiences offer both entertainment and education. Subscribe now to hear more real-life hunting adventures from everyday outdoors enthusiasts who, like Iain, have learned their lessons the hard way.

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The defining moment in Jordan Ferrari's hunting journey wasn't the trophy on his wall, but the day when his best friend took him partridge hunting in the North Maine Woods. One successful shot later, and the Maine contractor was completely hooked, his late-blooming hunting obsession putting him on a path that would lead to whitetails, black bears, and even mountain lions.

Jordan's stories from the Maine wilderness crackle with authenticity and self-deprecating humor. There's the time he nearly stranded his friend on an island after nearly capsizing their boat during deer season, the heart-stopping moment when he forgot to take the safety off his muzzleloader while staring down the biggest buck he'd ever seen, and a nail-biting encounter with a black bear that led to his guide admitting he'd never experienced anything quite so "sketchy" in the woods before. Enjoy

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When John Stallone first glimpsed the whitetail buck he'd later nickname "Swamp Donkey," he had no idea their relationship would span four hunting seasons and become one of his most memorable pursuits. This remarkable story of patience, strategy, and persistence takes us through the small woodlots of Long Island, where hunting happens in a surprisingly complex patchwork of swamps, fields, and suburban boundaries.

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/

Johns Linktree

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Ever had your tent go up in flames during a camping trip? Join me, Michael, as I share a laugh with my first hunting buddy, Steven Bryant, about his fiery tent mishap and the many adventures that followed. From his teenage days in Texas, dodging deer in makeshift tree stands, to the wilds of Washington with elk, pheasant, and goose hunts, Steven has been a guiding figure in my own hunting journey. His tales of mishaps and triumphs paint a vivid picture of the camaraderie and unpredictability that define the hunting lifestyle.

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Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

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Matt and I recount some of the wildest hunting experiences, from a once-in-a-lifetime antelope rut encounter to the chaotic and comedic moments of turkey hunting with an elk rifle. This episode isn't just about the thrill of the hunt; it’s about the process, the patience, and the puzzle-solving aspect that makes hunting so captivating. Whether it's the strategic planning for an antelope hunt or the unexpected behaviors observed during the rut, there’s always something new to learn and appreciate about these fascinating creatures and the environments they inhabit.

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Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

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Get ready to embark on an exhilarating outdoor adventure with none other than Mark Kenyon, the esteemed author and host of the Wired to Hunt podcast. We kick off with tales from his impactful book, "That Wild Country," and delve into his passion for conservation and storytelling. Mark gives us a glimpse into how he’s fostering a love for nature in his young sons, drawing charming parallels between his own childhood experiences and those he now shares with his family. His stories of hunting and fishing not only inspire but highlight the joys of introducing kids to the wonders of the natural world.

https://www.markkenyon.net/

Marks Instagram

Wired To Hunt

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Join us on a gripping adventure as we explore the extraordinary life and experiences of Donnie Dust, a former Marine turned wilderness survival expert. Donnie's story unfolds from his days as an infantry machine gunner and counterintelligence agent to his current passion for teaching primitive survival skills and guiding hunts. Discover how Donnie utilizes his military background and love for nature to connect people with the world around them.

Prepare to be captivated by tales from the Amazon jungle, where Donnie faced a survival challenge alongside UK adventurer Ed Stafford. Armed with only a machete, they navigated the dense jungle, overcoming its formidable wildlife and unpredictable environment, all documented for the TV program "First Man Out." From crafting tools and foraging for food to building rafts and shelters, learn about the unique challenges and exhilarating experiences of surviving in one of the world's most demanding terrains.

Venture into the heart of hunting as Donnie shares his transition from primitive bow hunting to minimalistic rifle hunts in Colorado. With intriguing stories of tracking mule deer and elk, Donnie illustrates the profound emotional and practical aspects of hunting while emphasizing respect for nature. Together with his fiancée Missy, Donnie recounts the transformative bonding experience of hunting and the timeless joy of providing for family through traditional means, weaving together past and present in an unforgettable narrative.

Donny's Instagram

https://donnydust.com/

Youtube

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Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

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