Holy cow! I can't believe it's been 5 stinking years! 

This episode is presented ad free and with my friend and presonal favorite, Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls. We talk elk, calls, how seasons can differ year to year, bugling bulls, elusive whitetail, and celebrate The Western Huntsman's fifth year on the air! 

Dirk was the very first guest on this show, he was kind enough to join me this week as a tribute to the anniversary of a show I never dreamed would become what it is now. I appreciate him, all the other guests, the listeners, Eastmans Hunting, and the sponsors that have all combined to make this podcast a success. Thank you ALL!

Dirk on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - PROMO CODE: HUNTSMAN10 for 10% off. American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/pages/vpa-western-huntsman 

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Dan Pickar is an extreme bowhunter, writer, editor, video producer, and a perfect example of the grittiness of the true American hunter. He is on the full time staff at Eastmans Hunting so his life IS hunting. 

In this episode, Dan and I jump into the grizzly decision handed down recently, requiring the Feds to make a formal decision regarding the listing of griz in the lower 48. We discuss the root cause of emotionally charged animal activists, and even do a bit of a recap on his wild 2024 hunting season. Dan is one of my top favorite guests, and according to podcast downloads, he might be one of your top guests too! Listen in to one of the GOATS of bowhunting, he won't disappoint!

Dan on Instagram

See the below link for Eastmans to check out TagHub, The Deer Collective, and The Elk Collective.

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - PROMO CODE: HUNTSMAN10 for 10% off. American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/pages/vpa-western-huntsman 

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Jeff Stringer and Ryan Corkwell, founders of Vantage Point Archery, are back again to join me on the show!

In this episode we talk about the VPA difference and why these broadheads are the best on the planet. We dig into their commitment to American manufacturing and how that makes the VPA broadhead a no-brainer choice for American hunters. We talk deer and elk hunting, how the recent election results may improve their success, and some new, super secret broadhead products about to be unleashed into the market. 

One listen to this episode with my two friends and solid Americans, and you will know exactly why I ONLY shoot Vantage Point Broadheads. Check out the website below and give these guys an honest shot, you'll thank me later. Use promo code Huntsman10 at checkout for 10% off your order!

Vantage Point Archery on Instagram

Vantage Point Archery website

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - PROMO CODE: HUNTSMAN10 for 10% off. American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/pages/vpa-western-huntsman 

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Rod Paschke is an outfitter, hunter, rancher, and an engaged outdoorsman in the great State of Montana. He serves on boards and councils for wildlife management, donating time and effort to the future of hunting and the animals we pursue. 

In this episode, we discuss topics around the state of mule deer. We talk about some of the challenges of perhaps the most iconic big game species of the American West. We dig into the details of proposals for possible changes to hunting seasons that are less focused on restrictions, more focused on changes that could help mule deer thrive, specifically in Montana. Rod has decades of experience and observation between ranching, guiding, and hunting mule deer so his credibility on this topic is through the roof. Let us know your thoughts on what we discuss, my email is below!

Sizzlin' S Outfitters Website

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - PROMO CODE: HUNTSMAN10 for 10% off. American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Return guest Jaden Bales joins me this week and you don't want to miss this one. Jaden is a hunter, writer, guide, and owner of Hunts West, a hunting consulting outfit for the DIY non-resident hunter. 

In this episode, we talk about the endless learning and nuances that take place each year in the elk woods. This is probably a huge contributer to why so many of us are so drawn to it. Jaden also brings his experience as a Wyoming guide and hunter to the Eastman's MRS Wyoming articles that help both resident and non-residents plan their elk hunts. He is a wealth of information and a solid dude to know, I'm proud to call him a friend. You're going to like this one!

Jaden on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - PROMO CODE: HUNTSMAN10 for 10% off. American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

My cousin Andrew joins me again this week for an episode recorded in person on my birthday. We talk about fail points in a hunt and making sure we learn something from each season to become better for next. It's a great discussion with whiskey flowing, and as is usual for us, we make fun of Democrats after their crushing defeat on Election Day. 

Andrew on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

To my surprise, there has been a ton of interest in my journey of switching to a left-handed bow. Instead of answering messages, I put this episode together. 

After almost 20 years shooting my bow right-handed, I made the call to switch. I'm very much left-eyed dominant, right-handed, and have always lacked confidence in my ability with a bow. Unlike rifle shooting which I still do right-handed, something was off when it came to archery. I discuss the process, the switch, and the results.

Then, I dive into some fundemental mountain whitetail hunting on public lands. November is here, and this is a fantastic time to be in the woods to chase whitetail. Learn what I've done that has notched tags, some consistencies I've found, and some key strategies that pay dividends in the field. Enjoy!

Jim on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Kevin returns to Montana to join me in Idaho for a bear hunt. This business we left unfinished last June was nagging at both of us, and although we didn't find any bears worth shooting, it was an amazing time. 

In this episode, we recap the hunt, talk self reliance and how it ties into hunting, discussed some basic preparedness topics, and tease some courses we have in mind for next year. I always thoroughly enjoy having Kevin here for a hunt, his insight and character are educational and world class! Definetely don't miss this one friends!

Kevin on Instagram

Kevin's Book

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Cable Smith, host of the Lone Star Outdoor Show, hunter, family man, and a great mind to have on our side joins me this week from Texas. 

Cable and I discuss a few hunting adventures, then dive right into some hot political topics of the day. We talk about how the anti-hunting movement is a product of the political left and why hunters need to be not just aware, but involved in todays political issues. They effect all of us, and the future of hunting will be greatly impacted by what happens on November 5th, 2024. Make sure you register to vote this election cycle. Unless you're pulling the trigger for Kamala which is a vote to destroy our freedom to hunt. 

Register to vote HERE

Follow Cable on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]

Return guest and friend, Fonzy Haskell, joins me this week to talk October elk hunting!

I've been kicking around the idea of doing a School of October to help out our rifle hunters out there. I couldn't think of anyone better to kick this off than Fonzy! He is a guide, lifelong hunter, Wyoming Native, and outfitting manager at one of the premier outfitters in Northeast Wyoming, Four Horse Outfitters. With most of the archery hunts coming to a close, it's time to focus on those rifle and muzzleloader hunts coming this Fall and as always, Fonzy delivers!

Fonzy on Instagram

Four Horse Outfitters

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at [email protected]