The HuntLeague Podcast

In this Sweet September episode, David King reflects on one of his most meaningful seasons yet — not because of the bull he harvested, but because of the adventure he shared with his teenage son and nephew on their first archery elk hunt. With multiple herds, high-energy calling, and a morning filled with non-stop bugles, this season was an all-out mountain experience. David’s story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest trophy is simply the time spent together in the wild.

In this Sweet September episode, we sit down with Joel Yanke, a Colorado elk hunter whose story is one of heartbreak, humility, and redemption. After years of chasing success and enduring repeated failures, Joel faced a breaking point this season — losing his first bull and nearly walking away from the hunt entirely.

What followed was a powerful moment of surrender. Leaving his bow behind for the first time in six years, Joel chose to focus on helping a friend instead — and in that selfless act, found a renewed sense of purpose and faith. Days later, against all odds, he recovered the bull he thought was lost forever.

Joel’s journey reminds us that elk hunting is about far more than tags and trophies — it’s about perseverance, community, and the grace we find when we stop chasing success and start living the story.

🎯 Sweet September celebrates effort, passion, and the personal journeys that define every hunter.

Host: Jared Newman

In this episode of the Sweet September Series, we sit down with JP Gorham, a newcomer to Colorado who left the hardwoods of Alabama for the rugged peaks of the Rockies. With a bow in hand and a heart full of purpose, JP embarked on his first-ever archery elk hunt—a season defined not by success on the scorecard, but by the lessons, friendships, and faith found along the way.

JP shares how a promise to his grandfather inspired his pursuit, how he learned to embrace both humility and perseverance in the face of challenges, and what it felt like to hear that first bugle echo through the mountains. His story captures the spirit of Sweet September—where the true trophy is found in the experience itself.

This is the first of four stories from the 2025 Sweet September League inside the HuntLeague mobile app.  JP is new to the app and elk hunting but has found himself in the mix for the league title as one of four finalists. 

🎯 Sweet September celebrates effort, passion, and the stories that shape us as hunters.

Host: Jared Newman

In this HuntLeague Podcast, we sit down with Tony Smotherman — the “TravelinHunter” from CVA and Bergara. Tony shares the story behind his nickname, his journey from outdoor writer to one of the most recognized voices in the muzzleloading community.

Just before recording the podcast, Tony helped me order my first Muzzleloader (Accura MR-X) opening up an entirely new world of hunting opportunities. I learned a ton from Tony about the history of muzzleloaders and how they have evolved over time. This is the beginning of a new era of muzzleloaders as CVA launches their new muzzleloader that changes the game once again!

We dive into:

-How Tony became known as the TravelinHunter

-The evolution of muzzleloading technology from the 1970s to today

-The groundbreaking Paramount & NEW Endura line of muzzleloaders

-Why bolt-action muzzleloaders have changed the game for consistency & accuracy

-The history and legacy of Bergara Rifles and CVA

Key Takeaways:

-Modern muzzleloaders shoot how far???

-Cleaning and maintenance are easier than ever

-One Cartridge for all North American big game?

-Storytelling is at the heart of hunting and connecting generations of outdoorsmen

Whether you’re new to muzzleloaders, a die-hard Bergara fan, or just love good hunting stories, this episode has something for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes in the HuntLeague Podcast series and join the conversation in the HuntLeague app.

#HuntLeague #HuntingPodcast #BergaraRifles #CVA #Muzzleloader #TravelinHunter #HuntingStories

Kolby Morehead, the man behind Bear Hunting Magazine joins the HuntLeague podcast. We take a deep dive into the world of bear hunting—its culture, challenges, and unmatched adventures.

Kolby shares how his journey into bear hunting began in 2018 and how it quickly became more than a pursuit—it became a passion. From wild encounters in the backcountry to humbling moments in the field, Kolby’s stories are sure to inspire and entertain.

We explore what sets bear hunting apart from other big game hunts, including the importance of camaraderie, close encounters baiting, and why storytelling and education are critical for the future of this misunderstood pursuit.

Topics Covered:

-Kolby’s start in bear hunting and evolution into a magazine owner

-What makes bear hunting uniquely rewarding

-Field stories: challenges, close calls, and hilarious moments

-Common misconceptions about bear hunting

-The role of Bear Hunting Magazine in preserving hunting heritage

-How community and education fuel conservation efforts

-Advice for hunters looking to begin their own bear hunting journey

Whether you're an experienced hunter or just bear-curious, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real talk about one of North America’s most compelling game animals.

🔗 Learn more at: bear-hunting.com

📬 Subscribe & follow HuntLeague for more hunting adventures!

In this episode of the HuntLeague Podcast, Tate Cunningham joins Jared Newman as they discuss the journey from college friends to passionate fathers and outdoor enthusiasts. They reflect on their shared history, Tate's transition from a music career to family life, and the legend of Smith Cunningham coming up clutch to finish out his Little League career.

The conversation then shifts to their hobbies, including rock climbing and fly fishing, before diving into the world of precision rifle shooting and competitive matches like PRS and NRL Hunter. They share insights on the challenges and highlights of competitive shooting, the importance of community and resources, and the new Sportsman Division in PRS that makes the sport more accessible to hunters. The episode concludes with valuable tips for improving shooting skills and the impact of these experiences on hunting.

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Brooks, founder and CEO of Argali Outdoors, to delve into the world of backcountry hunting gear innovation. Brad shares his journey from avid hunter to gear designer, discussing the inception of Argali and the philosophy behind creating ultralight, durable equipment tailored for serious hunters.

Topics Covered:

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the backcountry scene, this conversation offers valuable insights into the gear that can make or break your hunting experience.

🔗 Connect with Brad Brooks and Argali Outdoors:

Website: argalioutdoors.com

Instagram: @argali_official

📌 Subscribe for more stories from the wild, expert interviews, gear reviews, & hunting insights.

Hunter Larson, owner of RYDR Industries joins the HuntLeague podcast!

After meeting Hunter at the Mile High Expo, Jared sits down with him to hear more of the story behind RYDR Industries. Hunter, at only 27 years old, is an experienced guide and outfitter chasing some of the biggest deer found in North America.

Since his early years, he has always been the type of person that likes to take things apart and figure out how they work. As his hunting pursuits continued to heat up he found himself starting to build products that served his needs in the field as a hunter and professional guide.

The RYDR-6 and RYDR-9 are some of the absolute best bipods we have ever seen. Super functional for any terrain and the bipods will work great in both a match setting or in the field chasing game.

https://www.rydrindustries.com/

 @RYDRINDUSTRIES ​

HuntLeague sits down with KC Davies from SEVR Broadheads: what sets SEVR’s broadheads apart, real-world bowhunting stories, and the exciting news of SEVR joining the Sweet September league inside the HuntLeague mobile app.

I was the hunter that never wanted to touch a mechanical broadhead. Then I saw with my own eyes how a Sevr performed on a once in a lifetime buck on a less than ideal shot.

If you want field point accuracy, reliability, and minimal arrow deflection get your hands on a Sevr! They have several options to choose from and KC spills the secret that they are introducing some new products in June.

Try one today and get FREE SHIPPING when you use the code "sevrfreeship" at checkout! The Sweet September League starts June 1st and runs through September 30th each year. The league takes into account training days, shooting at the range, scouting trips, and your archery elk season. The HuntLeague app captures the story of the hunt in detailed Hunt Logs. It's not about who shoots the biggest bull but rather the story and everything that goes into your season.

Download the app and join the Sweet September league today!

Join the Sweet September League 📲 Download the HuntLeague app: https://onelink.to/6ftnv6

🛒 Check out SEVR Broadheads: https://www.sevrbroadheads.com/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes!

Watch this podcast on the HuntLeague YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/_y3N1lv9Hn8 

Steve Green is traveling the West with the Skre Gear booth showing hunters what Skre has to offer.  No matter the season or conditions Skre has you covered.  

Quality gear makes a HUGE difference in the field.  Staying comfortable and being able to push through tough conditions can often be the difference between success and eating tag soup.

If you have ever hunted with me you will notice I mismatch all my gear almost on a daily basis.  I want gear that works!  I value function and performance over a camo pattern.  Over the years I have used gear from almost all of the major companies like Kuiu, Sitka, Under Armour, First Lite, Pnuma, Stone Glacier, Wuru Wool, and of course Skre.  I find more often than not I have Skre gear in the pack whether I am heading out on a scout, an archery elk hunt, or a spring bear hunt in northern Canada.

Skre offers high quality gear at a more affordable price.  It is honestly some of the best gear I own.  I love the super versatile hardscrabble line, merino base layers, or the warmth and weight of the ptarmigan down jacket.  I have not tried their packs nor their rain gear so I can't give you any feedback from the field on those but if they are like the rest of the gear I have tried it should perform and hold up for years to come. 

One other thing that sets Skre apart is their warranty.  They take care of their customers the way we would want to be treated.  That is a big deal inside the HuntLeague community and one of the things we look for in selecting partners inside our leagues.  You see this same commitment from companies like Vortex, Seekins Precision, Coast, and more.  

Checkout the entire Skre lineup at https://skregear.com/ and be sure to take a peak in their outlet from time to time where you snag high quality gear at bargain prices.  

#westernhunting #skregear #huntinggear