In Pursuit

Dirk and three other world-champion elk callers, Tony Gilbertson, Jermaine Hodge, and Erik Berglund, discuss the 2024 RMEF World Elk Calling Championships. They also talk about the elk hunt the three guests shared last fall, which is on YouTube now, and the process of designing their new signature elk diaphragms that are included in the new All-American 3-Pack. Watch their hunt film on YouTube now: Band of Brothers Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sorting through internet jargon and opinions to figure out what's the best arrow set up for hunting elk is a daunting task. In this episode, Dirk sits down with long time friend and arrow expert, Cory Miller of Darton Archery, at Total Archery Challenge in Big Sky, Montana. They talk pros and cons of today's popular arrow setups. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who wants to be a houndsman? There is a lot that goes into training a pack of hound dogs. Jason and Bradley Dammerman dive deep into what it takes to start your own pack of dogs from scratch in the pursuit of mountain lions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get a lot of questions every year about what we like to carry in our back packs during the hunt each fall. Dirk and Jason break down their equipment lists of what goes in their packs and why. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elk season is right around the corner and everyone is starting to think about it. On this episode, Jason fields questions from the Elk Addicts Facebook page. Cold calling, gutless method, what you can get away with when an elk is in range, and how often Jason calls are just some of the topics covered on this episode. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is over and it's time to start getting ready for fall, if you haven't already started! Dirk and Jason go over their exciting hunting plans for 2024 and answer more listener elk hunting questions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With turkey season in the tail lights, Jason and Dirk answer listener elk hunting questions. They dive deep into scouting, bow and arrow setups, and shot placement. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the best hunters are those you've never heard of. Brock Shelton doesn't have social media, and nobody aside from his close friends has ever seen a deer that he has killed, but his wall is testament to how effective he is in the whitetail stand. Jason and Brock discuss the whitetail deer hunter's calendar and how successful deer hunters are working year round. We talk about setting stands, weather fronts, hunting different periods of the rut, and a bunch of other things. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode Dirk and Jason play listener questions from the call-in number. Questions about hunting a full moon, hunting elk that move from public to private land, hunting elk in the jungles of North Idaho, and several more. If you have a question that you would like answered on the air, call in and leave a message. Please note, your question can't be longer than 3 minutes or it will get cut off. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spot and stalk bear hunting can be tough, but also rewarding. Dirk and Josh Boyd share a conversation about spring bear hunting in the backcountry. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkey season is here! The birds are gobbling, so we wanted to touch on turkey tactics one last time. Jason and Dirk discuss everything that they carry in their vest, their approach on different subspecies, how to call to birds in when henned up, and much more. Jason then throws some real-life hunting scenarios at Dirk that steers the conversations to what their next move will be. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time spent in the woods each spring is so imortant to resetting our mental state after being cooped up all winter, especially when you share that time with friends or family. Dirk recaps his Oregon turkey hunt with his good friend, Ron Hewitt, and they dive into a couple rabbit holes of Idaho elk hunting and the effect wolves have had on the landscape there. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people may say, "Baiting is the lazy man's way to hunt bears." Dirk dives in deep about the work and details that goes into bear baiting while on a bear hunt last spring in Wyoming with long time friends Cody Wilson and Corey Paulsen. After listening to this, you may walk away with a new found respect for those gritty hunters who take the "lazy man's way" to hunting black bears. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hound hunting can stir strong emotions in both hunters and non-hunters. Jason and his good friend and hunting outfitter, Bradley Dammerman, reflect on Jason's recent Mountain Lion hunt and discuss what hound hunting is all about. As any group of people today, a couple bad actors can make the whole group look bad. Bradley explains his take on houndsmen, selective harvest, and what really goes into hunting with dogs. They also recap the hunt that didn't turn out quite how they anticipated. Watch the film now on Youtube: https://youtu.be/U_IdMtmk-58 Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Backpack hunting is becoming more popular as time goes by. People are venturing further and farther from the roads to find game and just get away from it all. Jason and Dirk sit down to talk about the specialty gear required, when they make the decision to backpack hunt, as well as a list of other best practices. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bo Nickal is known by almost every wrestling and UFC fan out there. He is one of the most dominant wrestlers of all time, winning three NCAA championships for Penn State and carrying that success into the octagon where he now has a 5-0 record to start his career. Bo started hunting later in life, once his collegiate career was over. We talk about how the discipline from wrestling and fighting carries over, both physical and mental, how he has handled any negative press from the fans for hunting, and how he handles the schedules of training and hunting. Bo also makes a prediction on how fast he would pin Jason. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Phelps "Small Batch" turkey calls are made in Washington, why are they referred to as "small batch" when the guys behind them live in Missouri? Dirk made the trip out to Missouri from Idaho to capture video content around Steve Morgenstern's new pot calls and James Harrison's triple locator. They discuss manufacturing, features, and best practices for calling turkeys. As a bonus, Dirk compares and contrasts calling elk to turkeys! Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever met someone who is so easy to talk to and shares the same passions as you? Someone who you can talk to for hours and it seems like time stands still? Dirk's longtime friend, Josh Boyd, from north-western Montana is just that kind of guy. Josh has taken many public land bulls and bucks in his life and loves to share his adventures with fellow sportsmen. Josh has written many magazine articles and web articles over the years about backcountry hunting, tips and tactics, and gear reviews. Dirk and Josh get deep into his roots as an elk hunter and also discuss what challenges elk hunters face today with etiquette and the ever changing technological advancements in gear. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkey season is right around the corner! If I were a betting man, I would place my bet on the fact: "There is nobody that spends more time chasing mountain birds around than John Weik." Jason jumps into conversation with John on the best times of day to be hunting, what calls should be in your kit, and locating birds in the mountains. Jason then sends John some rapid-fire "This or That" questions with explanations. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I hear the phrase "good old days," I want to know exactly how good it was. Dirk sits down with outdoor writer and lifelong Sportsman advocate, George Bettas, to chat about elk hunting in Idaho's famed Clearwater region back in the 70's and 80's. George transports us from back in time to elk hunting massive herds of elk in a place void of hunters, to modern times where elk aren't as plentiful. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We just released a new elk hunting film on the Phelps Game Calls channel titled- "Ghost Bulls of the North". Dirk and videographer, Dusty Rupe, discuss the challenges of filming elk hunts in the Boreal Forest, and then take a deep dive into elk hunting tactics that were used in the film. If you want a little peak behind the curtains of this film production and the calling strategies used, you're not going to want to miss this episode! Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With elk season 2024 planning in full effect and state deadlines approaching, Jason brings Dirk on this episode to talk about their strategies when applying for tags. They briefly go over preference points, bonus points, lotteries, and OTC opportunities. Jason also goes on a little rant on a new "US Hunting Pact" that would alleviate the supply and demand issue we are currently facing out west. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With elk season 2023 in the tail lights, Dirk reflects on what his elk hunting report card looks like, and plays listener questions and comments about their season from our Call-In Hot Line as well. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you been on the fence about jumping in on hunting turkeys? Today it's easier than ever before to pursue turkeys. Jason breaks down what it takes to get started turkey hunting by answering listener questions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No doubt there's a lot of buzz about getting fit to pursue big game in the backcountry. Dirk sits down with good friend Bob Terwilliger. Bob is what some might call an "Aging Hunter", yet he keeps himself fit enough to enjoy one of his favorite past times - backcountry elk hunting. Listen in to hear about Bob's age-defying secrets that keep him young enough to hike the mountains while chasing bugles. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long Range Shooting has gained a ton of popularity over the last twenty years, but is it for the best? Jon Pynch joins Jason on the show to have a conversation to discuss if long range hunting is effecting seasons and quotas, what it takes to become an efficient shooter, rifle builds, bullets, and more. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent buzz about releasing wolves into the state of Colorado, wolf management is on a lot of people's minds. In this episode, Dirk talks with Justin Webb, Executive Director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management. They discuss the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho and what the landscape looks like for ungulates 28 years later. Justin describes what elements go into trapping wolves and why it's so important to manage predator numbers through hunting and trapping endeavors. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitetails are the topic of conversation between Jason and Jeff Sturgis. The discussion is rooted in how habitat affects deer movement and how you can capitalize while hunting. They dive deep into bedding and feeding and the relationship between the two as well as what the ideal stand placement is. Jeff also hints on how he can use the understanding of the movement to capitalize on public land tracts to find success. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Division in America seems to be everywhere we look, including among hunters. Dirk and Jim discuss common points of division among hunters and why it's so important to lay down our proverbial "swords" and focus on the real issues we're facing. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason sits down to catch up with Ryan Lampers to go over some listener questions such as; off season preparation, training and nutrition, how he consistently finds success when targeting mature animals, how his elk hunting tactics have changed over the years amongst others. They then turn the discussion to Ryan's 2023 season and what worked and didn't work for him on this years hunts. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dirk interviews seasoned outfitter and hunting guide Bradley Dammerman, of Idaho Whitetail Guides. Bradley shares many of the common mistakes that hunters have made that he's guided over the years. Bradley also shares important questions to ask the outfitter before booking a guided hunt. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason doesn't like a lot of change year to year when it comes to his gear. Once he finds gear that works he tends to stick with it. On this episode Jason answers listener questions on light poundage archery setups for elk and hunting multiple days out of a pack. He then turns to what gear he used on this year hunts and why; Oregon archery elk, Western Washington muzzleloader elk, Montana Rifle Mule Deer and Kansas Archery Whitetail. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kansas is known for it's giant whitetail bucks. Dirk and Jason had the pleasure of archery hunting on their good friend Randy Milligan's farm. They discuss the highs and lows of the hunt. From less than ideal warm temperatures to lower deer numbers, things had changed from their 2022 hunt there. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason and Tyson just returned from their "almost annual" Montana mule deer hunt and discuss what they encountered. They talk about the decline in the deer numbers in the area they hunted and what it could be the cause. They dive into multiple drought years, harsh winters coupled with predator problems, as well as some hunter and management issues that could be effecting the populations. They also talk about some proposals that may have a positive effect on numbers. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After being out in the field the last couple months, Dirk and Jason answer listener questions from the "call in hot line". They talk about everything from setting up properly while calling elk in, to finding November bulls in rifle season. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Often times when we see hunter's success, the hard work behind the scenes isn't always apparent. Jon Gabrio talks about the ups, downs and hard work from this last September, and the success that followed. Dirk recaps his 2023 archery elk season and his theory on the "Year of the Huckleberry". Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elk season is over and mule deer are almost as awesome! On today's episode Jason dives into mule deer with Duke Wasteney. Duke is one heck of a mule deer hunter and we could all learn a few things from him on finding consistent success. The conversation touches on scouting, patterning, glassing, characteristics of big bucks, what to do when they get pressure amongst a list of other topics. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Jason recaps his recent western Washington muzzleloader elk hunt. After a ten-year hiatus of hunting close to home, he returns to find a surprising lack of elk. He goes over the struggles he faced, what worked, his opinion on the hoof rot issue, and the huge increase in predator numbers. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back for part two of Dirk's conversation with "Stuck N the Rut" YouTuber Tom Schneider about Rifle Hunting elk. They dive deep into finding late season bulls and how to hunt them. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, host Jason Phelps sits down at the notorious Pendleton Round-Up with three time world champion saddle bronc rider, Zeke Thurston. Jason and Zeke are able to dive into what it looks like to be a professional rodeo cowboy and how he’s able to fit in his incredible passion for hunting while being on the road for ten months a year. As an added bonus, Jason also sits down with Brian Sanders and David Frame to recap his recent hunt in Oregon. They talk about the state of the unit, the difficulties encountered, as well as finding success. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dirk had the great opportunity to sit down with "Stuck N the Rut" YouTuber Tom Schneider and talk about hunting elk with a rifle. This is part one of two episodes. In this episode, they break down how to find elk and how to hunt them during the first part of October. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On todays episode Jason sits down with his cameraman and good friend David Frame. They answer listener questions about bulls hanging up, how long to hunt an area before moving on, amongst others. They then dive into their past hunts and what made them successful as well as what gave them some difficulty. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a trend going on right now to film your hunting adventures. From the outside looking in it looks relatively easy, but there are a lot of steps done right that bring your film to life. Dirk chats with good friend and videographer Dusty Rupe about following the best practices for turning film clips into an unforgettable story. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch Dusty's website: https://dofproductions.com/ Dusty's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dof_productions/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September is here! Jason sits down with Cory Calkins to talk about what they've seen so far this September. They then dive into Cory's guiding backstory and they talk about the differences in elk in wilderness areas versus private ranches as well as what is required to be successful in both locations. They also touch on the moon phase and the weather changes and how they think it affects how the elk will respond. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve often said there are more ways than one to skin a cat when talking about archery elk hunting strategies. This week Dirk Durham sat down with “Alone” Season 8 TV Series winner and long-time traditional bowhunter, Clay Hays, to compare and contrast elk hunting tactics. Being that he is a traditional archer, and Dirk shoots a compound, their approach to bowhunting elk isn't always that different. We cover from pre-rut archery to post-rut traditional flintlock muzzleloader tactics and have a lot of great nuggets to take away to the field this fall. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Jason takes on a bunch of listener questions on elk hunting. He answers questions on what to do when elk shut down, how to determine what your next move should be, and how to deal with the excitement of a big bull getting within bow range amongst others. He then changes the discussion to other ways to hunt elk aside from calling and what the pros and cons of these options are. He discusses sitting wallows, ambushing, treestanding, baiting, and more. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, host Dirk Durham talks about pre-season preparation with the host of the podcast "The Western Huntsman", Jim Huntsman. They discuss everything from making sure your bow and arrows are correct for elk hunting, to not letting the idea that you have to be an elite athlete to enjoy chasing bugles in the elk woods, be a barrier. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Jeff Roberts of PNWILD to go over everything fall bear. The bulk of the conversation hinges around the food sources that the bears will be on, but they also dive into e-scouting, watching the receding snow lines, feet on the ground, and even using hiking websites to determine where you should be focusing your time in the fall when trying to turn up bears. Other topics discussed are hot weather field care, how long you should spend in an area, weather effects, and what times of day turn out to be more productive. If you have a fall bear tag in your pocket, this is a must-listen episode. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what it's like to archery elk hunt in New Mexico? Jason introduces new co-host Dirk "The Bugler" Durham on this week's show and the guys talk at length about how quirky the elk rut can really be, even in the famed state of New Mexico. Be sure to follow up and get your eyes on Dirk's "New Mexico Bulls" film, which he discusses in this episode. It's out on the Phelps Game Calls channel of The MeatEater network now. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason sits down with Bill Vanderheyden from Iron Will Outfitters to talk about the sharp end of the stick. They dive into arrows, efficiency, and ethics, discussing single bevel vs. double bevel, the optimum amount of offset and helical, as well as Bill's work on arrow flight with the University of Colorado. Connect with Jason Phelps Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube Shop Phelps MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.