6 Ranch Podcast

How does one become, in my opinion, the greatest mind in ballistics today? For Bryan Litz, it's always been about hitting targets. Bryan's passion led him to earn a degree in Aerospace Engineering, followed by a stint working as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Air Force on Air-to-air missile design, modeling and simulation. He's a champion rifle shooter, a published author and currently the Chief Ballistician for Berger Bullets. Bryan's own company, Applied Ballistics, is dedicated to being a complete and unbiased source of external ballistics information for long range shooters. In this episode, Bryan answers listener questions as we cover everything that might affect your accuracy on the range or in the field. Bryan LitzInstagramApplied BallisticsWebsiteInstagram The Science of Accuracy AcademyWebsite

There are some powerful groups out there hellbent on banning hunting and trapping. As hunters, we can combat these groups by speaking with legislators. But who has the time to sit down and write individualized emails to every policy maker? Not to mention the time it takes to track down the right contact info. Hunters deserve to have their voices heard, and now, thanks to Howl for Wildlife, advocating for hunting is easier than ever. My guest today, Charles Whitwam, founded Howl for Wildlife, a non-profit that provides an actionable platform for conservationists. Through Howl, you can choose an issue, and quickly send a well written email to every legislator with a say. Howl is a place to educate yourself, with digestible breakdowns and talking points for most wildlife issuea out there. If you care about conservation and want to keep hunting well into the future, I highly encourage you to get involved and check out this awesome organization. Howl for WildlifeWebsiteInstagram

This podcast was born on a river. The Snake River to be exact, as almost 2 years ago today, I recorded the first episode of the show on a spring bear hunt. This year, I'm joined by Jim Huddleston, who's been running jets up rivers and in the salt for years. He's has never been on this river, and was excited to get his brand new boat out on the water. Jim has spent his whole life recreating outdoors, and in this episode we discuss his experience hunting, crabbing, and fishing on the Oregon Coast.

Brian Flynn has dedicated over 18 years to the U.S. Army and Department of Defense, both as a Soldier and a civilian. While serving with the Army's 5th Special Forces Group, he trained in military mountaineering and discovered a love for rugged landscapes. Brian's experience transitioning out of military life, and his strong connection to the healing power of the outdoors led him to form Two Wolf Foundation. This new non-profit is dedicated to promoting post-traumatic growth, healing, and purpose in the lives of combat veterans and first responders through service-based land stewardship programs and conservation projects. The transition to civilian life is never easy. Two Wolf Foundation makes it easier by helping veterans find new purpose and community in caring for wild places. Two Wolf Foundation WebsiteInstagramFacebook

What is our microbiome and what does it do for us? As it turns out, everything! Humans couldn't survive without microbes in our body. From regulating our immune system and metabolism, to producing serotonin and maintaining mental health, a healthy gut microbiome is the key to a healthy body. This week, I'm chatting with Dr. Catherine Moring. Catherine has an impressive number of letters after her name. She's a licensed dietician and expert in diabetes care, who started a wellness center, online diabetes coaching program, and private nutrition practice. From physical pain and inflammation to depression and anxiety, Catherine feels that eating healthy, whole foods will quickly lead to healing. Dr. Catherine MoringInstagramFacebookContact Catherine via Email: [email protected]

Being a butcher is hard work, but it’s not the only thing that keeps Dustin Parent busy. On top of owning a butcher shop, Dustin co-founded and guides for Northern New England Outfitters, and is a law enforcement officer, SWAT team commander, and firearms instructor. As a 3rd generation butcher, Dustin walks me through his operation, and how he's using technology to ensure consistent, delicious, high-quality products. We also cover how to properly care for your kill in the field dressing process, including where folks often go wrong. The Butcher ShopWebsite Facebook Northern New England Outfitters Instagram Facebook Book a Trip with Dustin

Jordan Budd has now been on every type of sheep hunt North America has to offer. Last August, she killed a Dall sheep in Alaska. Dall sheep hunting requires a tremendous amount of mental and physical toughness, and this hunt took that to the extreme. Jordan’s hunt showcased the worst weather her guide had ever seen, resulting in days spent alone in a tent. The terrain was steep and nearly shredded her boots, and the pack out was grueling. But she stuck it out and got the job done. In this episode, Jordan relives her Dall sheep hunt. This story will either help you realize that this type of experience isn’t for you, or make you want a Dall sheep more than ever. Jordan on Instagram Jordan's Company, Running Water Media Check out Jordan on the Rokcast Podcast

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) is dedicated to protecting Oregon’s wildlife, habitat, and hunting heritage. As Oregon's largest state centric hunting organization, OHA works closely with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other groups to protect the interests of hunters and trappers. This week, I'm joined by Amy Patrick, OHA's Policy Director. Amy works tirelessly advocating for Oregon hunters. In this episode, we discuss some of the big issues she's facing, such as IP13, trapping beavers, and wolves, that have the most potential to impact Oregon hunters.Join OHA by Visiting their WebsiteOHA on Instagram

A lot of people romanticize the idea of becoming a SEAL— they don't know what it takes to get there. It's years of training before you're even operational. Payden Armstrong is one of the few people who's lived through that experience. As a former SEAL himself, Payden walks me through what it took to join SEAL Team 3, as well as some of his deployments. Now Payden is a co-founder of the companies Norden Knives and Norden Outdoors. We discuss gear and how to innovate a tool that's been used for thousands of years. NordenYouTubeNorden KnivesWebsiteInstagram Norden OutdoorsWebsiteInstagram

Andrei Stsiapanau's story is absolutely incredible. He was born and raised in Belarus, which was a part of the Soviet Union at the time. As a child, Andrei lived just 70 miles as the crow flies from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and was only 2 when the worst nuclear disaster in history, both in cost and casualties, struck. At the age of 7, he watched the fall of the Soviet Union. All through elementary and middle school, Andrei had to wear a device that measured and monitored his internal body radiation. Now, living the American Dream here in the states as an electrical engineer and contractor, his life and access to hunting looks very different than it once did. A lot of people have been asking me to share my opinion on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and at this point in time, I feel like I don't yet know enough to say. So, I wanted to have Andrei on the show to share his life experiences and feelings about what's happening right now. To give us all a little more context and insight into the places and people that are living through this war. Andrei on Instagram

It's the 100th episode of the 6 Ranch Podcast, and to celebrate, I wanted to bring you some of my favorite moments and interviews from the past couple of years. Thank you to everyone who has listened, subscribed, and shared the show with a friend. It's been incredible watching this thing grow and I can't wait to see where the 6 Ranch Podcast takes me next. Interviews:1. Kevin Rogers - Veterinarian and Raccoon Trapper 2. Brad Leone - Professional Chef, HunterInstagramWatch Brad's Show - It's Alive!Check Out Brad's New Cookbook - Field Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean3. Grandma Janie - Author, Rancher, Gardener, Champion Pie MakerOrder Janie's Book - Four Lines a Day - The Life and Times of an Imnaha Ranch Woman4. Bam Marshall - USMC Veteran, Founder and President of Wishes for Warriors, Sig Elite Hunter, Outfitter, Best FriendInstagramWishes for Warriors 5. Corey Jacobsen - Founder and Educator for Elk 101, World Champion Elk CallerInstagramElk101.comElk 101 on YouTube6. Jordan Budd - Outfitter, Videographer, Podcast Host, Rokslide Gear Expert, All-around BadassInstagram Running Water Media Rokcast Podcast7. Python Cowboy - Professional Hunter & Wildlife Consultant, Owner of Martin County Trapping & Wildlife RescueInstagrampythoncowboy.comWatch Mike's record-breaking python hunt8. Heston Russell - Aussie Special Forces Veteran, Founder of Veteran Support Force, Politician, Podcast HostInstagramHestonrussell.comVeterans Support ForceAustralian Values PartyListen to Heston Russell's Podcast

Dr. Brian Tallerico has been a practicing orthopedic surgeon for the past 20 years. He also served as a surgeon in the Navy and has seen his fair share of medical trauma. Brian has spent the past 15-20 years hunting international game, often in rugged, hostile environments. So often, hunters will spend money and time on equipment and training to up their game, but they don't put enough value on buying a proper med kit and knowing how to use it. Brain wants hunters and outdoorsman to be prepared for any medical emergency with a good kit and some knowledge, so that they can save their hunt from ending early, or, more importantly, save a life. That's why he created Safari Medic, a company that sells med kits tailored to fit your personal needs and environments. If you're going to go on a hunt of a lifetime, don't let it end early if you can help it. Check out Safari Medic

These are conversations from the 2022 Western Hunt Expo held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Enjoy. Andy Moeckel - The Flip Flop GuyRob Gearing - Spartan Precision EquipmentBam's DadChristie's Blacktail HuntDark Energy Lydia SmithLydia's ArtPope and YoungLong Range OnlyEastman's Hunting Journal Beyond the Grid TVKristy TitusPatrick Hanley - Sig SauerSig Sauer HuntingThe DrawQuestions? Call Casey Kuehnlenz: 575-222-1234NRL HunterColorado School of TradesQuestions? Call Eugene Baker: 720-376-6668 [email protected] R&K Hunting Guy Eastman and Brandon MasonThe Draw on TexasGarminThe Mountain ProjectYouTubeMichael Batease - Elk Calling Academy Derek Olthuis and Blue HaloVideo: Turbo GiantsKifaruBam BamWishes For WarriorsTactacamKate Small - Foundation for Wildlife ManagementDonnie Drake - Elk 101Ben Winner - Tier 1 KineticsHunts for the BraveQuestion? Email: [email protected] MillerBradley Adam Brooks - ArgaliSeth BergleeNorden KnivesNorden OutdoorsBakcouGuy Duplantier - Western Contours

On September 21st, 2021, Sam Kezar and his friend were attacked by a grizzly bear while out elk hunting. This is a story that has never been shared with the public. Sam is not telling it now for glory or attention, but because his story might be enough to save someone else's life someday. The actions that Sam took before going out on this hunt, and the actions that he and his friend took while the bear was charging, saved them both. Grizzly bears are not to be underestimated, and if you're going to go out in bear country, you need to be prepared.

Born and raised in Ireland, Will O'Meara wears many hats. He's a former Special Operations Officer, and currently, a hunting guide, journalist, and product developer for Spartan Precision Equipment. In this episode, we discuss our time in the military, and the leadership principles learned during that period that translate to hunting. Will also teaches me all about the species he pursues in Ireland, the Irish terrain, and what kind of gear he uses to hunt in perpetually wet environment. Will on Instagram -- Direct message him to book a hunt

Kevin Harlander and I have been friends for a decade. When we first met, I was guiding, and he was working in marketing at our local brewery. We both had a passion for hunting but the idea of being a professional in the hunting industry hadn't quite taken hold yet. Now, Kevin is deep in that industry. He's the Director of Community for First Lite Hunting Apparel. He's the guy that finds and works with the hunting experts on the First Lite Pro Team. If you've ever wanted to be a professional hunter and have a driving passion for the pursuit of game, Kevin has some really great advice on how to get there. Kevin on InstagramKevin's Email: [email protected] LiteFirst Lite on Instagram

Guy Duplantier grew up poor in LA’s inner city. As a kid, he was faced with potentially life changing decisions every day, such as the pressures to join a gang. But Guy wasn’t about to let his circumstances define his life. With the help of a strong family support system, he found his calling in the outdoors. First from fishing and free diving, to eventually archery hunting pigs and deer. After seeing an elk herd up close, a fire for pursuing elk was lit, and he’s never looked back. He now hosts the incredible hunting podcast, Western Contours. Guy is one of my favorite voices in hunting, and I can’t encourage people enough to give his show a listen. In this episode, Guy walks me through his early years and how he came to love chasing elk.Listen to Western Contours Podcast Western ContoursWebsiteInstagram YouTube

Two words come to mind after talking with Jillian Brown: strength and resilience. After experiencing trauma, Jillian found herself homeless, living in a tent in the woods and suffering from PTSD. But it was there in the forest that she found healing. She's now an adventure photographer and mental health advocate. Jillian has completed some insanely challenging expeditions, her biggest adventure being a cross country paddle trip from Oregon to Louisiana. Over the course of 200+ days, Jillian canoed, then kayaked across 16 states and 4 rivers, including a 420-mile portage with a broken foot over the Continental Divide. She hasn’t stopped there, as she continues to live a life of adventure floating rivers, climbing mountains, and photographing some incredible wildlife. Jillian on Instagram

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Zane Hermens. He's a young ranch hand who spends every second of his free time either hunting or trapping. This winter, Zane ran a 21-mile trapline, all on foot, catching bobcats, martins, and muskrats with snares and footholds. He works hard, and he's learning more and more about the art of trapping each season. Zane also favors hunting mule deer over other big game species. In this episode, we discuss some theories as to why deer are disappearing and what we can do to help. And don't forget to use promo code 6ranch for 25% off all Stanley products at stanley1913.com

Brad Brooks had an epic 2021. He hunted axis deer and spearfished in Maui, then spent 5 weeks in Alaska chasing moose, caribou, and blacktail with a bow. Brad is the co-founder and owner of Argali, a company that makes high quality gear designed by and for backcountry hunters. There’s a lot of adventure to be had in Brad’s line of work, as he explores and hunts some truly wild places. In this episode, Brad and I swap some adventurous stories this year has brought. We also get into the weeds a bit with some philosophical questions: why do we bow hunt? Is our deep connection to archery more with the arrow than the bow? And, do we actually love the animals we hunt, or just the way that they make us feel? On InstagramBrad BrooksArgaliargalioutdoors.comArgali on Youtube

2022 is fast approaching and with it comes renewed goals to get healthy, exercise more, and lose weight. Studies show that about 80% of people who make New Year's resolutions quit by the second week of February. Why is it so hard to change? Here to answer that question is Kyle Kamp, a licensed dietitian and founder of Valley to Peak Nutrition. Kyle is the real deal. After experiencing obesity related chest pains at the age of 21, he started learning about the science of nutrition and exercise, became a much healthier person, and lost over 140 pounds. Kyle is a no BS dietician. He's not selling magic weight loss pills, he's simply helping people set realistic, personal, and attainable goals so that they can get out and do the things they love. If you're looking to lose a little weight, eat better, or just kick ass next time you climb a mountain, Kyle has some fantastic advice for everyone listening. Valley to Peak Nutrition V2P Nutrition on Instagram

Rob Gearing has lived an adventurous life. He's traveled all over the world, summited mountains and hunted exotic animals. He's also the founder of Spartan Precision Equipment, a small rifle support system company out of the UK. In this episode, Rob describes the people, landscape, and fauna of some of the incredible places he's been, along with the intense experiences he's had there. From growing up in Sussex, to climbing mountains in Greenland, and hunting in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, this man has some extraordinary stories to tell that you don't want to miss.InstagramRob GearingSpartan Precision Equipment OnlineSpartan Precision Equipment

Men are hard to shop for. We have specific tastes and buy specialized gear. In today's episode, I'm joined by my good buddy, Bam Marshall, hunting guide and gear expert for Kryptek. Starting with a lofty budget of 1 million dollars and working our way down to $20, we'll walk you through our personal favorite gifts and products. If you're a difficult guy to shop for and need gift ideas for yourself or others, this episode might spark some ideas. Bam on InstagramAnd if a Stanley product is on your wish list, don't forget to use code 6ranch for 25% off storewide.

In all my years of hunting, for different species across multiple continents, I have never come across an animal that is more difficult than a wolf. Wolves are incredibly intelligent, with the ability to learn and teach their offspring how to avoid being hunted. But Tom Schneider seems to have it figured out. Tom is an incredibly talented hunter and instructor with Stuck N The Rut, a hunting company out of Idaho. Tom took years to learn how to successfully hunt wolves, and now, he's sharing that knowledge with a fully comprehensive masterclass. Tom will teach you everything you need to know about wolf behavior, how to find wolves, and how to successfully harvest them. If you're like me, concerned about western ungulate populations, give this episode a listen and consider learning more about hunting wolves. On InstagramStuck N The RutTom SchneiderStuck N The Rut on YouTube Take the Wolf Hunting Masterclass Foundation for Wildlife Management

Coyote hunting is not for the faint of heart. You have to be persistent to experience success. Most people are turned off by the idea of hunting an animal for days, weeks, and months, never to even see one. But not Gene Wooster. Coyotes are not native to Eastern Carolina, but they arrived back in 2014. Since then, Gene and his buddy Owen have devoted an immeasurable amount of time learning how to coyote hunt. That first year, the two of them were hunting five nights a week and only managed to kill fewer than a dozen coyotes. But in the past 7 years, they have improved enough to have killed over 390 of these invasive predators. Join us as Gene walks me through the evolution of his coyote hunting techniques and gear upgrades. Gene's Youtube Channel

Greg Jones is a wealth of knowledge. His family has been in the ranching business for over 100 years. Along with his brother, Greg started running the family ranch at the age of 12, and has worked as a professional trapper for the past 25 years. This man has knowledge of hunting, trapping, and being a cowboy that can only come from generations of living off the land. He's also quite the historian, with countless stories of the old ranchers who helped shaped Malheur County, from the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, to the start of the Pendleton Roundup Rodeo.

Heston Russell and I served together on a difficult mission in Afghanistan. I was a tank platoon commander and he was the commander of an Aussie commando platoon. We didn't know that fact until I asked him to be a guest on this podcast. Heston retired as a Major after 16 years in the military and over 100 combat missions serving within Aussie Special Forces. He's a fierce advocate for veterans, and finding better pathways from service to everyday life. Heston founded Voice of a Veteran (now Veteran Support Force) after his own experiences leaving the military and struggling through life after service. Years after our mission, I'm grateful to be able to connect with Heston and have this important and healing conversation, because these are the types of conversations we need to be having. Heston Russell on InstagramHestonrussell.comVeterans Support Force WebsiteInstagramListen to Heston Russell's PodcastLetter to the ABC

I've spent a fair amount of time on this show talking about archery elk hunting. But now it's rifle season, and I want you to be successful this year, however you define it. Rifle elk hunting is an entirely different beast than archery. As we roll into Oregon's second rifle season, Chad Dotson and I are preparing to take a client out to hunt branch bulls. Chad is a biologist and wildlife manager who studies elk on the Zumwalt Prairie. He's guided elk hunts for the past 8 years and knows this country, and these animals like the back of his hand. In this episode we discuss the steps every hunter should take to prepare for a rifle elk hunt, from testing your weapon to actually finding bulls once you're out there. Chad on Instagram

Eli Crane is a leader. He doesn't follow the status quo, he leads with heart and integrity. He's a combat vet who served five war time deployments with SEAL Team 3. After his military service, Eli started a company, Bottle Breacher, selling hand crafted 50 caliber bottle openers made by active duty service members and veterans. Now Eli is running for congress in Arizona's House District 1. Eli isn't naive. He knows that effecting change in this country will be challenging. And he knows that being a congressman will be tough on him and his family. Eli chooses to lead because he understands that it's not about him. And that sort of unselfish viewpoint and sacrifice is exactly who we need to lead us. Eli Crane for CongressEli on InstagramBottle BreacherBottle Breacher on Instagram

Adam Bagerski has hiked 10,000 miles and lived for over a year in the wilderness. He's a thru-hiker who has completed the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail, with more long hikes on his bucket list. These trails take months to complete and the people who do them often find a real sense of community with their fellow hikers. Adam and I discuss what it's like to walk across the country, both from a physical and mental perspective. We cover the gear he loves and the gear he got rid of, as well as tips for cutting weight. If you've ever wanted to do something big or meaningful, I hope this episode is the push you need. Ask Adam your hiking questions at [email protected] And check out my favorite new product, the Stanley Titanium Travel Mug. Use discount code 6ranch for 25% off anything you purchase from Stanley1913.com

After my moose hunt in Alaska, I went back and checked my Fitbit. When I took the shot, my heart rate was in the 160s. I felt perfectly calm in that moment, but I also know that once my heart rate gets above 130, I will skip portions of my process unless I take a mental pause. My guest today, Ryan Maid, is a psychologist and expert on stress and performance in high stress environments. I met Ryan after I was wounded in Afghanistan while he was serving as a Navy Psychologist for the Sixth Marine Regiment. Later, Ryan moved on to be the Command Psychologist for Naval Special Warfare Training Command. After retiring from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, he became a sports psychologist for the Atlanta Braves and now the Kansas City Royals. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the ins and outs of stress. What is is chemically happening in your body when you experience stress, and how can you overcome that stress to achieve peak performance? Ryan's Book RecommendationsNerve: Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Cool by Taylor ClarkThe Psychology of Enhancing Human Performance: The Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment Approach by Moore and Gardner

Dennis Sheehy is a Wallowa County cowboy, rancher, veteran, and scientist. He holds no less than two bachelors degrees, a masters degree, and a PhD, and has studied rangeland and large herbivore ecology in regards to ungulates in the county since the 80s. As both a rancher and ecologist, Dennis has a unique and incredibly valuable insight into issues that plague natural resource managers and cattle ranchers alike. This week, we discuss the balancing act of maintaining a healthy population of elk while minimizing the damage they cause to farmers and private land owners.

My Grandma, Janie Tippett, has 88 years of wisdom and experience under her belt. All her life she's lived off the land by ranching, hunting and gardening. Before I could even walk, she was taking me outside, teaching me to run a trap line, hunt, and fish. She raised 4 children, has 19 grandchildren, and over 40 great grandkids. My grandma is also a talented writer, with a published book and a newspaper column that she contributed to for 31 years, chronicling the lives of cattle ranchers and hay farmers in rural NE Oregon. This woman has stories. Stories of her childhood in the 30s and 40s, stories of month-long backcountry pack trips with 4 little kids, and stories of hunting and cooking real food all her life. It's important to listen to these stories, and I'm glad I could sit down with my Grandma Janie and record a few. Order Janie's Book - Four Lines a Day - The Life and Times of an Imnaha Ranch WomanPre-order Janie's Journal Volume 1: 1984-1987Volume 2: 1988-1991Volume 3: 1992-1996Volume 4: 1997-2004Volume 5: 2005-2009Volume 6: 2010-2015

Hunting in Alaska is an adventure. The country is spectacularly rugged and remote, the animals are huge and often dangerous, and the weather alone can ground you for days. My Alaskan moose hunt was definitely an adventure, and I was able to share it with my talented guide, Cole Kramer and incredibly hard working packer, Luke Gerig. Both Cole and Luke grew up in flatter parts of the lower 48, but shared a desire from an early age to become an Alaskan Guide. Cole first came up to Alaska in 2002 and became a fully registered guide in 2006 with his business Kramer's Kodiak Guide Service. Luke is just starting out in his career as a packer, the first step to becoming a guide, and with his talent and work ethic, I expect he'll do great things. We sat down after a successful hunt and discussed what it really takes to be a guide in Alaska. Guiding in this country is no easy task. The knowledge and skills that you need are extensive, but not unattainable with some determination. According to these guys, no matter what age you are, if you’ve ever wanted to live this life, just go for it. On InstagramCole KramerLuke GerigBook a Hunt with Cole

This is it folk. The peak of the rut and the most exciting week of elk hunting. Cows are going into estrus, bulls are bugling like crazy, and it's make it or break it time. With all that calling activity, how can you distinguish yourself from other satellite bulls? Michael Batease, founder of Elk Calling Academy is here to help you get it done. Michael has been archery hunting since he was 15 and has worked in the hunting industry for the past 20 years. He founded Elk Calling Academy to help people shorten that calling and hunting learning curve. A membership with Elk Calling Academy is more than just calling lessons. Michael will walk you through every step of the archery process so that you can find success next season. There's a lot more to calling than just repeating what you hear. Michael's incredible understanding of the meaning of these calls and how to use them is something that everyone could benefit from learning. Join the Elk Calling AcademyElk Calling Academy on InstagramYouTubeFacebook

The best hunting week of the entire year has finally arrived. I am most confident in my abilities to harvest an elk from September 13th to the 20th, just as the rut's about to hit its peak. And what better person to share some elk hunting tips and strategies, than 10-Time World Champion Elk Caller, Corey Jacobsen. Corey created, and is a pro staff member at Elk 101, and has become one of the most sought-after resources on elk calling and hunting in the nation. With over 30 years of experience, Corey's advice on minimizing scent, where and when to hunt, and his extensive knowledge on elk behavior are invaluable. You can't afford to miss this one folks. Elk101.comElk 101 on YoutubeInstagramFacebookAnd check out Corey's University of Elk Hunting Online CourseAs a professional hunter who specializes in elk, I have taken this course 3 times and can't recommend it enough. Seriously.

September 6th through the 14th: my favorite and most successful time of the season to kill elk. We're continuing this series on elk hunting tactics with two powerhouse hunters; Kody Kellom and Trent Fisher of Born and Raised Outdoors. These Oregon natives have been hunting elk for the past 26 years, and their combined knowledge and experience is priceless. Recently, the guys at Born and Raised teamed up with state champion duck caller, Eric Strand, to create Born and Raised Call Co. This episode is packed with great advice, from calling and locating techniques to managing fatigue throughout the season. We also get into the mistakes we've made along the way, so you don't have to make the same ones. Born and Raised OutdoorsWebsiteInstagramYouTubeShop Born and Raised Call Co.

Part two of our series on early season elk tactics continues with a brilliant hunter and elk caller, Les Welch. Les has been hunting since he was three. Growing up in Northern Wisconsin, he chased small game, whitetails, and bear with archery, rifle, and muzzleloader. Around 2006, Les decided that he wanted to hunt elk and antelope out west. He put in 2 years of research before embarking on a life long obsession with elk hunting. Year after year, Les has been wildly successful at archery hunting big bulls on public lands. Today, Les and I talk elk hunting strategies that you can implement right now, as we roll into September. Good luck out there. Les Welch on Instagram

Throughout archery season we will be releasing a series on elk hunting tactics. These guests will be the greatest elk hunters alive today, here to give some advice that might change the way you hunt forever. First up is Ryan Carter, guide and owner of DC Outfitters in southern Utah. Ryan is beyond knowledgable. This guy has spent more hours studying trail camera footage, and hiking elk country than you can imagine. Ryan will be walking us through how to plan in the preseason, and covering how to be successful if you're elk hunting from August 20th through September 5th. Ryan is known for taking monster bulls on public lands, and if you want to learn how he does it year after year, give Part 1 of this series a listen.

It's been a tough week, as we watch, with heavy hearts and minds, as Afghanistan fall into Taliban control. As a Marine who served in Afghanistan, I knew this was coming, but it still hits me hard. This past week, I've heard a lot of rumors and untrue statements about this very complicated issue. In order to understand what's happening right now, and dispel some misinformation, I wanted to take a moment with you and discuss the history of Afghanistan over the past 2,500 years. I think that it's important to know where this country and these people have come from in order to understand what is happening today and what might be to come in the future.

This week I'm recording in Soldotna, Alaska, where I recently took a tour over this rugged landscape in a Cessna 185, piloted by Dustin Moore. Dustin works in the oil and gas industry, and is a bush pilot on the side. Alaska is enormous, 663,300 square miles, much of which is fairly untouched. With his float plane, Dustin has the opportunity to explore, hunt, and fish some incredible and remote places. In this episode we get into what it takes to become a bush pilot, the pros and cons of tires, skis, and floats, and some crazy stories about loosing large chucks of plane mid-air. Dustin Moore on Instagram

A good knife is probably the most useful and versatile tool you can have. In fact, humans were using knives to cut meat before they were cooking that meat over a fire. Mike Rowley has been interested in knife making since he was a child. A high school teacher in my hometown, Mike is self taught and has been honing his forging skills for the past 8 years. He competed on the History Channel’s show “Forged in Fire,” winning first place with a beautiful pair of tomahawks. Mike and I discuss what to look for in a good knife, how they’re forged and sharpened, and we bust some of the most common knife and metal misconceptions out there. Mike RowleyInstagramFacebookYouTube

For the past 22 years, Rachel Ahtila has been working in hunting camps and guiding for pretty much every major game species in the Pacific Northwest. As a fellow guide, I know how important it is to go hunting yourself, and I also know that it can be difficult to take the time to do so. This year, Rachel is doing just that, with an upcoming stone sheep hunt, and hopes of later harvesting a Canadian moose, mountain goat, caribou, and elk. In this episode we discuss what it means to be a good hunting guide, from both the client and professional's perspective. Pro tip: you can't control the wildlife, but you can keep your clients warm and fed. Rachel on Instagram

Chad Dotson has devoted A LOT of time to observing game animals, in Africa and right here in Northeast Oregon. He's spent a couple of stints in Namibia trading work on a large game ranch for room and board. There, he had the opportunity to harvest an incredible kudu, amongst other species. Since 2013, he has guided for elk on the Zumwalt Prairie, an enormous grassland here in Wallowa County. During that time, Chad has recorded information on every animal harvested to understand how a bull's age relates to its Boone and Crockett score. Chad has gained some interesting insight on elk and their behavior through this work. In this episode, we get into what we have learned about the animals we watch, hunt, and love by telling some of our most memorable hunting stories. Chad on Instagram

There's no one in this world that I respect more than Jack Ramson. He currently serves as a USMC First Sergeant with the NWSS Unit for the Air Wing. I first met Jack at tank school in Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was one of my instructors. After deploying in Afghanistan as a Tank Platoon Commander, Jack eventually joined my platoon serving his last combat deployment as my wingman. Words cannot describe what this man means to me, or how grateful I am to have served with him. In this episode, Jack and I discuss the ins and outs of the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, the history of tanks, our thoughts on the Marine Corps getting rid of their tank battalions, all while applying some lesson we learned as tankers to hunting.

Laura Zerra is the real deal. She's a primitive survivalist, hunter, and nomad who has competed 5 separate times on the Discovery Channel show “Naked and Afraid", living a total of 156 days in full survival mode. As a former vegan turned hunter, Laura's relationship to hunting is both fascinating and relatable. Through hunting, Laura has connected with animals and the land in a deeper way than ever before. Laura has the mental toughness, skill set, and knowledge to push through difficult, and often dangerous, situations. Her tips for survival can and should be practiced both out in the woods and through everyday hardships. Laura's websiteLaura on InstagramLaura's book: A Modern Guide to Knife Making

Buckle in folks, because this episode is packed with information. Pat Valkenburg is a retired wildlife biologist who spent most of his career studying moose and caribou for Alaska Department of Fish and Game. He now owns a flying business where he specializes in wildlife surveys. With my upcoming moose hunt this fall, I wanted to sit down with an expert, and learn everything I can about this animal; their biology, behavior, evolution, and physiology. We also get into bears, caribou, wolves, and some insane stories about studying wildlife in Alaska. If you're curious about moose and want to learn more about this fascinating animal, this is the episode for you.

Tom Bonamici is a craftsman. With a background in product design and architecture, he has produced bags and clothing for several companies including his own. He's a custom wood worker specializing in furniture and timber framing construction with all wood joinery. Tom also happens to be the best person to have on a hunting trip if you forget your titanium spork. In this episode, Tom gives us some really solid advice on how to whittle useful items in the backcountry. What tools to bring, what wood species to use, and some great tips for making spoons, tent stakes, and gambrel hooks. We also cover gear repair and modification so that you can customize your favorite equipment to perfectly fit your needs. Tom's Tool RecommendationsSaw - Silky KatanaBoy Hatchet - Robin Wood Carving AxeKnife - Morakniv Woodcarving 120

We just wrapped up the first ever SIG Sauer Hunter Games at the Queen Mountain Guest Ranch in Evanston, Wyoming. This competition was meant to challenge each hunter's shooting, glassing, and physical abilities with realistic hunting scenarios. At the Hunter Games, Dustin Parent served as the range safety officer for Team Wolverine and is the perfect person to go over this competition with. Dustin has served as a law enforcement officer for the past 19 years and is the commander of a 26 man SWAT team. He is also the co-founder of Northern New England Outfitters and guides for trophy moose, bear, deer and turkey. In this episode, we break down a successful competition and talk hunting and guiding strategies as I prepare for my own moose hunt this fall. Dustin ParentNorthern New England Outfitters on FacebookBook a Trip with DustinSIG Sauer Hunter GamesResults and CompetitorsSIG Sauer Hunting Team WolverineElite Guide: Mike Kimmel (Python Cowboy)Competitor: Most wins in UFC history, Donald "Cowboy" CerroneCompetitor: UFC Trainer Bo Sandoval

What do you get when you ask two people with no hunting experience listener submitted hunting questions? Turns out, some surprisingly good advice. This week, I'm at the Queen Mountain Ranch in Evanston, Wyoming getting ready for the SIG Sauer Hunter Games, where celebrity and SIG elite guide hunters will compete for the crown. But before the competition starts, I had the chance to sit down with Aisling Meehan & Caitlin Ferdyn, event planners at SIG Sauer. I get their take on learning to archery hunt, tag strategies, e-scouting, and hunting new areas. Our biggest takeaway: you might have to do some walking if you want to be successful. SIG Hunting on InstagramLearn more about the Hunter Games