KIFARUCAST

If you have questions on what bowstring to put on your bow, then give this episode a listen. Or ask the fine folks at America's Best Bowstrings. Thew would be happy to answer any questions you may have. America's Best Bowstrings has been manufacturing high quality custom bowstrings since 2006. With a foundation based on serving God, we strive to be ethical archers and bowhunters, and to respect the great outdoors. Our commitment to the never ending search for perfection has been the driving force behind ABB, and leads us to be innovative in our pursuit and development of quality products. This never ending drive to be the best has once again led us to raise the bar in custom bowstring manufacturing. We have made significant improvements to our technologies and developed new process including EST, ACCU-SET, and FIBER-LOC. Along with technology improvements, we have expanded our manufacturing capacity so that we can deliver more quickly. At the end of the day it is our goal to improve your bows performance and make your archery experience more enjoyable.

Aron and Frank were in the office briefly and recorded a quick update on thier latest hunts.

John Dudley joins the podcast to give a detailed account of his successful Mule Deer Hunt in Eastern Colorado. With days of zero wind we went back to traditional mulie hunting of long hours glassing open and bedding country. Thankful that @aron_snyder came over to glass with me on the morning that my buck was spotted. This bucks safe place area was super deceptive!! Although this looks like a flat tumbleweed pasture it was actually a diverse section with a lot of unseen pockets and rolls and drainages unseen to the eye. The section was filled with 2 year old corn stalks under the dead grass, volunteer dried wheat, thorns, sand burs, dried switchgrass and head deep entanglements of tumbleweeds. It was a mess. What made it worse is when I got close enough for a shot after hours of of a stalk I just couldn’t see the bucks vitals and arrow deflection was no doubt a problem. Getting archery close to this buck once with all the other eyes in the field or bedded animals you didn’t expect was hard enough. But I had to do it THREE times over two days. The key here was just be so methodical and take advantage of the brief pockets of wind gust. Honestly this is where I praise Yoga and ability to balance while crouched and on one leg for a long period of time while I would be slowly trying to weave my foot that was up in the air down to the ground through the mess without making a noise. I’m proud of this one because it was a level 10 chess match. Nock On Archery Kifaru Become a Patron!

A spur of the moment call from Aron Snyder leads to a two hour conversation with Robby Denning, covering a multitude of subjects, including PC culture infiltrating the hunting industry, ethical shots, troublesome forums, Game wardens, and much more. Hunting Big Mule Deer: How to Take the Best Buck of Your Life Kifaru Become a Patron!

Aron is joined by Cody Greenwood for an in depth look at Trad bows. This episode holds a bounty of impressive information for those looking to pick up a Trad bow for the first time, or looking to upgrade from their current bow. Bow Tests: Traditional tackle is not readily available for Archers to pick up and test locally. My goal is to provide Archers with unbiased quality information that helps them make a well educated choice and pick a bow that fits their needs. I have chosen metrics associated with Ergonomics, Performance and Sound to highlight the compromises within each Bowyer design. I have worked hard to make sure my testing results are accurate and repeatable. If you see a error or flaw feel free to contact me, I will correct it. My goal is to continuously improving myself as an Archer, the Archery Community and our Sport. The Trad Community at its core is made up of selfless people that help one another. I hope this effort maintains that spirit and adds value. God Bless, Cody Greenwood Tradlab Kifaru Become a Patron!

Bows covered in this review: Hoyt Axius Ultra Mathews VXR 31.5 Expedition M16 PSE NTN Bowtech Revolt X

Aron is back from the field, albeit briefly. This podcast covers his elk hunt in Colorado as well as updates and growth for Kifaru as a business.

Frank Peralta recently embarked on his first ever Muzzleloader rifle hunt. The hunt was filmed by professional photographer, and new Kifaru employee, David DeAustin. We will have a film of the hunt released in the next couple of weeks. For now, enjoy listening to the recap of the hunt. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Aron Snyder talks about his recent hunt using Danny Ferris' decoy, and discusses the proper use of the decoy in high winds. Ultimate Predator Gear Kifaru Become a Patron!

Doyle Moss, Guide, Outfitter, and professional photographer with Mossback Outdoors joins the podcast, and offers real world knowledge of the gear he uses. Mossback Outdoors Welcome to Mossback Outfitters. We take pride in delivering an unforgettable hunting experience. Whether your “Bucket List” is a Giant Bull Elk in Utah, or a “Arizona Strip” Buck of Lifetime, We deliver. From the high elevations where the Goats run wild, to the cliffs and crags holding Giant Rams We deliver. Our Dogs are unstoppable on Bears and Lions and our Guides are too. Come share the Sunrises and Sunsets in the quest for giants in amazing places with amazing people. We currently operate in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Washington, Montana, British Columbia and more. Take some time and click around the website. If its a Hunt or a Tag you are looking for? Let us do the leg work and find you exactly what you are looking for. Tags from CWMU’s, Landowners, Conservation Permits & Convention Permits we’ve got em all! We have the resources and a competitive pricing guide with several options depending on your dream hunt. Lets Go Hunt! ~ Doyle Moss Doyle Moss Photography Kifaru Become a Patron

BASEMAP has been updated recently with new features. Aron and Frank go over the updates among many other topics. If you are considering an app like BASEMAP be sure to download the app directly from www.basemap.com and enter the code KIFARU for a discount. Here at BaseMap we want to empower outdoorsmen and women to spend more time outside doing what they love. We want everyone to be able to go for a hike, go fishing, or even just explore your own hometown with our product. Our goal is to continuously provide cutting edge technology, innovation, and information that our customers really want. We believe that BaseMap will allow people to spend more time outdoors in a safe way, creating memories to last a lifetime. Our vision is to empower everyone to Own The Outdoors. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Founded by 10 Year NFL Veteran John Welbourn, Power Athlete is the world leader in delivering goal orientated performance programming. one of the topics covered in this episode is foot health, for in depth information, give a listen to Power Athlete Radio Episode 377 with Dr. Emily Splitchal Kifaru Become a Patron!

When two gentleman who grew up in the wilds get together, the results are a wonderful conversation on experiences in the backcountry and the proper use of equipment. When both of these gentlemen are small business owners you gain great insight into what drives their passion to make high quality gear. Meet Thor Tingey, Founder and CEO of Alpacka Rafts, a family owned company in Manco Colorado. About Alpacka Rafts Today, every Alpacka Raft packraft is manufactured by hand in our Mancos, Colo., factory by skilled craftsmen and women that are dedicated to their craft. The current models are the product of years of experiments, re-design, and great feedback from the boating community. Sheri remains our head designer. Thor rejoined the company in 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer, handling our day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and design assistance. And Thor’s wife, Sarah is the Chief Operating Officer, doing everything from planning outreach events, to partnering with nonprofits, to giving Sheri’s latest creation a whirl on the water. On any given day, up to 50% of our shop staff may be dogs. We continue to build tiny, little boats for those who demand something unreasonable from them. Our designs and innovation have refined and defined the sport, and with the help of adventurers all over the world, pushed packrafting further than we ever thought possible. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Learn all about Hilleberg tents from, quite possibly, the nicest CEO and President on the planet. IN 1971, BO HILLEBERG, a professional forester, founded his own company, Hilleberg AB. That same year, while on a ski vacation in the Austrian Tyrol, Bo met Renate Neuner. After a couple of years, the two had fallen in love, married, and she had moved with him to Stockholm, Sweden. Their marriage was the final, necessary ingredient in the mix that has become Hilleberg the Tentmaker. Before Renate, Bo’s fledgling company was primarily a forestry equipment concern, with tent making as a hoped-for sideline. An avid, lifelong outdoorsman, Bo was terminally frustrated with tents that required pitching the inner tent first and then covering it with a loose rain fly that usually displayed the same properties as a kite in the wind. He envisioned a tent that had an outer and inner tent that pitched together, simultaneously – but he didn’t have the necessary sewing skills. With Bo and Renate’s marriage, conjugal and commercial became one: Renate took charge of the sewing while Bo handled design and sales, and with their combined efforts, the company flourished. Today, family and business are still inextricably linked. Bo is Chairman, and is senior advisor to the product development team; daughter Petra is CEO of the Hilleberg Group, President of both Hilleberg AB in Sweden and Hilleberg Inc in the US; and Bo, Renate, Petra and her brother Rolf make up the governing board of directors – clearly, family synergy continues to beget success. Kifaru Become a Patron!

ABOUT US Wilderness Athlete® is committed to improving the health & quality of life for the outdoor athlete by providing field tested, scientifically validated nutrition and sports performance product formulations. WHO WE ARE Wilderness Athlete is The Authority on Outdoor Performance Nutrition® specializing in unique, scientifically validated product formulations addressing the need for quality health and physical conditioning for the outdoor athlete before, during and after outdoor activity so every second spent outdoors is experienced to the fullest. COMPANY HISTORY Mark Paulsen founded Wilderness Athlete based on one simple question, “Why hasn’t the science of mainstream sports nutrition been applied to the specific needs of the outdoor athlete? After all, there are no locker rooms or timeouts in the backcountry.” Mr. Paulsen’s relationships with expert nutritionists and top collegiate and professional athletes enabled him to answer his own question by launching Wilderness Athlete to enhance the outdoor experience for the 75% of the population that participates in outdoor activities each year. Outdoorsman's Working Athlete Kifaru Become a Patron!

After a lifetime of outdoor adventures leading to multiple industry firsts in comfort and longevity in the backcountry, Patrick Smith finally found worthy successors to carry on the torch of Kifaru. Truly a bittersweet moment in the lives of Patrick and Sarah Smith, who built two companies, MountainSmith from their garage, and Kifaru for serious backcountry hunters. May we all learn from Patrick's wisdom and carry on producing gear worthy of the Kifaru brand. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Luke Caudillo is back on the podcast. You're welcome.

Danny Farris rejoins the podcast to talk about his decoys, hunting stories, and announces a new partnership between Bowhunter Magazine. For more information about Stalker Decoys check out https://ultimatepredatorgear.com/ Hunting decoys have been around since the dawn of mankind. Unlike most tools of survival though, their evolution has been a slow process. The decoys we use today aren’t really that different from those used by our forefathers. That certainly doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for improvement. It is with that in mind that the product development team at Ultimate Predator, set out to design the most efficient and deadly decoys in the marketplace today. Kifaru Become a Patron!

If you are having trouble finding the perfect boot for upcoming hunts this episode may help. Aron's feet are about as bad as can be, yet he found relief using Sheep Feet. All SheepFeet are 100% custom and handmade in the USA to ensure quality and durability. When making SheepFeet, we had the vision to make them rugged, and as hardcore as the hunting you do. The terrain you experience can often be harsh and unforgiving, resulting in wear and tear on your body that can lead to injury. Which is why we knew SheepFeet had to be strong enough to protect and support you through anything. Especially if you're packed into the backcountry where injury could cause significant problems or end your hunt. That's why SheepFeet are made with the highest quality, state of the art materials to be strong and durable when you need them the most. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Levi Morgan joins the podcast again, and covers the technical side of tuning a bow. For more information from Levi Morgan be sure to check out his youtube channel, Bow Life TV. Whether they are standing on the line, shooting for a world title, or chasing a giant whitetail on a cold November morning, the Morgans would like to welcome you to “Bow Life TV”. Championship titles aren’t all that the Morgans excel at collecting. They demonstrate their knowledge bow hunting whitetails and other exciting big game animals on Bow Life TV. In addition, the new video series “Archery Fit”, an archery tips segment, allows Levi to help archers and bow hunters alike with archery tips, bow hunting tips, and an assortment of how-to and advice giving videos. This video series, the show, and even some helpful information from both Levi and Samantha can also be found in the Bow Life TV “Bow Blog”. The show, the video series, the blog, and the Morgan’s resume speaks for itself! Through his well-honed skills and love for the sport, Levi and Samantha Morgan have become the most dominant shooters in the history of archery. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Trevor Thompsons joins the podcast offering insight into his artistic journey as a photographer. Thank you for your service sir. Below is an excerpt from his website https://www.trevorpthompson.com/ An artist who served and grew in the martial life as a Navy SEAL. I am back to my roots as a full time photographer, speaker, and student of light, sound, and life. I spent my childhood in Southern California drawing, climbing, and enjoying an ‘Americana’ life. Following a year of study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago I chose to serve in the military and spent 2007-2016 as a Navy SEAL deploying across the globe and war torn Afghanistan, through the process and the pain, I was changed. I am now a full time photographer of life and living light. Enjoying the difficulties of life and the joys of experience, capturing it...as I feel it. See more @trevor.p.thompson Kifaru Become a Patron!

2020 is already crazy enough...then the fine folks at XLR Industries and Viking Armaments built a custom rifle for Aron Snyder...the end is nigh! At Viking Armament we provide cutting edge AR15/M4 style weapon system and accessories. Quality and pride in craftsmanship is our main objective. Our professional staff will inspire our customers to achieve more with their AR15/M4 weapon system and accessories than any other company. XLR is a U.S. based manufacturer of world-class rifle chassis, components, and accessories. The company manufactures the renowned Element 3.0, ENVY Pro, Carbon, and Evolution chassis systems for professional shooters, tactical shooters, and hobbyists. All XLR chassis systems are manufactured in the U.S.A. and are machined from 6061 T-6 billet aluminum. XLR chassis feature a multi-point radial cut inlet that mirrors your receiver, creating a perfect chassis to action union. This inlet method eliminates any external stresses commonly found in traditional or v-block stocks. This style of 'bedding' has proven to increase accuracy and repeatability beyond traditional bedding or inletting methods. Mounting your action into our chassis only requires a torque wrench and few minutes of your time. What makes our chassis systems so unique is the use of our adjustable buttstocks. Renowned for their large range of adjustment and usability across numerous platforms, including AR15 style rifles. XLR buttstocks allow the shooter to truly fit their rifle to their build and shooting style. Making your shooting experience more enjoyable, accurate and repeatable. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Mike Duplan is back in the Kifarucast studio. Great conversation and great information on a multitude of subjects in this episode. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Matt originally took up CrossFit in his late 20s to help improve his endurance as a Denver area firefighter. After four Top 10 finishes at the CrossFit Games (including the runner-up slot in 2012), Chan became a full-time athlete and one of the most popular and knowledgeable veterans in the sport. @cherizle @matt1chan [email protected] TrainFTW Kifaru Become a Patron!

Applying the experience and emotions from real-world combat to the pages of The Terminal List, True Believer and Savage Son, Jack Carr brings unprecedented levels of authenticity to the political thriller, taking readers on a behind the scenes journey into the mind of a modern-day special operations soldier, dispensing an ancient form of justice in today’s modern geopolitical landscape. Jack Carr Kifaru Become a Patron!

Professional archer and longtime friend, Tipton Cook, joins the podcast to discuss his career and passion for hunting. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Aron Snyder sits down with Evan Williams, former kifaru employee and Pro Staff Manager at Hoyt, for an in depth conversation on bow setups. Innovation is our driving force at Hoyt. We strive to build the highest quality, most advanced bows in the world, to be a market leader, and to constantly raise the bar. We don't just talk about innovation. We define it. evan_r_williams hoytbowhunting Kifaru Become a Patron!

This episode is a no nonsense discussion on the gear you should never skimp on. Multifuel stoves and water 00:00:00 - 00:32:48 Sleeping pads and bags - 00:32:48 - 01:02:18 Clothing - 01:02:18 @jbarklow Kifaru Become a Patron

This episode delves into Aron Snyder's military service with longtime friend and mentor Steve Tetrault. Thank you both for your service.

This episode was a live Q&A recorded at Elk Shape Camp Colorado. www.elkshape.com Instagram @elkshape Kifaru Become a Patron!

The conversation is always interesting when Alex Nextor, guide and outfitter, joins the podcast. The controversy begins right from the start! Huntnest Kifaru Become a Patron!

If you are in the market for a new Compound bow you don't want to miss out on this Episode. Brandon Mcdonald and Aron Snyder put several compound bows to the test recently and share their findings as to which bows came out on top. To see the bows Brandon mentioned in this podcast put to the test, check out his YouTube page to watch in depth information on each bow. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Dennis Harper, President of Compton Traditional Bowhunters, joins the podcast to discuss how the organization is adapting and gaining new members who are passionate about traditional archery. For our organization to remain strong we need new members who believe in traditional bowhunting and everything it stands for. We need people who understand the need to teach traditional bowhunting ethics and conservation to our kids. Members who love to watch the flight of an arrow, measure their success by the effort involved, and are willing to fight for our right to bowhunt in this great country forever. If this sounds like you, then please Join Compton Traditional Bowhunters Now. Kifaru Become a Patron!

A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC as a member, volunteer. Corey Mason is the Executive Director at DSC, a leading international conservation organization and a member of the IUCN. As Executive Director, Corey oversees all of DSC’s staff, programs, growth, and mission execution. He works extensively with federal and international delegations, policy makers, and like-minded conservation organizations to support conservation and the demonstrated benefits of the conservation through hunting model. Corey serves on numerous Boards and Committees, including state advisory committees for mule deer, whitetail deer, and desert bighorn sheep. He is a Past President of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Prior to his work at DSC, he had a 16-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where he held the positions of Regional Director, Program Leader, and Management Area Biologist. Corey is a published author, including both popular and peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Management.

John Dudley, with Nock On Archery, meticulously built a compound bow for Aron Snyder, and joins the podcast to discuss the nuances of different compound bow setups, as well as the changes John has made to his own bow. Nock On Archery Kifaru Become a Patron!

Dale Perry, owner of Evolution Outdoors, gives listeners insight into the design process for his latest broadheads, Jekyll & Hyde. The Evolution of Jekyll & Hyde After inventing the original GraveDigger Broadhead, I had to be innovative and creative in order to compete with myself when designing JEKYLL & HYDE. A great product always provides a solution to a problem. One obstacle many hunters face, especially when traveling to hunt, is that each state has their own broadhead regulations. I thought it would be helpful if a bowhunter could easily convert their mechanical broadhead to a fixed in a matter of seconds. This eliminates the need to shoot different broadheads in different states. With that in mind, I developed the first of its kind, patent-pending, interchangeable ferrule; allowing the hunter to choose a fixed or mechanical setup based on their hunt. During development and extensive testing, I found that the arrow mechanics and flight pattern did not change between the two configurations. Using today’s technology, I was able to create a better, patent-pending, blade locking system that ensures consistent deployment every time. With that, the HYDE was born. Knowing I had the pleasure of designing a fixed blade broadhead as well, I add a second one-inch fixed blade creating atypical four blade cut, known as the JEKYLL. We are truly committed to produce and stand behind the highest quality products in the world. With our high standards in quality and machining we continue to use our local expert, Nick Fisher, from AAE, in Prescott, Arizona. With Nick’s working knowledge of machining and archery, the quality and workmanship are top notch. Our processes are evolving as technology changes and our products are tested to the highest standards. We strive to always be at the leading edge in quality, innovation, and customer service. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Brent Burns, Defenseman for the San Jose Sharks, joins the podcast to discuss his passion for hunting in the off season, and the future of Hockey during Covid-19. The versatility that allowed Burns to play forward or defense helped him fashion an NHL career, but the decision by the San Jose Sharks to have him focus on playing defense turned him into a force on the ice. Kifaru Become a Patron!

After moving to Colorado from Vermont ten years ago, Cody Covey became fast friends with Aron, after a chance meeting at a local grocery store. Cody shares the lessons he learned finding the right gear for mountain hunting, as well as his hunting adventures with Aron. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Doug Rosin, backpack hunter and tournament archer, joins the podcast to discuss the realities of extended hunts in the wilderness. Doug and Aron offer advice to those who may be thinking about seven to ten day backpack hunting trips, how to hunt efficiently, and what gear to bring. Doug was born and raised in California and has been hunting the last 25 years. He started out rifle hunting then moved to long range hunting, but in the last several years has taken all his big game by bowhunting. Over the last 25 years, 90% of all of Doug’s hunts have been backpack wilderness hunts DIY. California wilderness areas are his primary hunting grounds, but he will hunt at least two to four other western states annually depending on what tags he draws. He also also spends plenty of time in winter calling predators, doing fairly well every year. Doug is also a gear junkie and has sorted through many good and bad equipment choices. He shoots all year round entering about 20 tournaments a year. Most of the tournaments are in California, but include several state championships and one of the NFAA National Championships. In 2012, Doug won the California State Field Championship. He is also on the the pro staff for Spot Hogg Archery, Wilderness Archery, Relentless 365 Magazine, and Kifaru. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Clay Lancaster gives us a feel of what its like to truly be alone in the Northwest Territory, as well as insight about his Guide career, and great stories from his hunts with Aron Snyder. Lancaster Family Hunting Kifaru Become a Patron!

Guy Eastman and Scott Reekers, join Aron on the podcast to discuss their new hunting research tool, TagHub. TagHub gives you next level research ability in a customizable, sortable, 24-7, digital platform that’s at your fingertips. Eastmans’ is a three generation media based hunting company whose goal is to promote the pursuit of elk hunting, deer hunting and all western big game. Our mission is to educate and entertain along the lines of bowhunting and rifle hunting to provide sportsmen with the most up-to-date tactics, hunting gear and hunting area research for both archery hunting and rifle hunting in the West. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Amy and Aron Snyder just returned from a Turkey and Pig hunt with Top O Texas outfitters. Amy had the chance to use her new bow, complete with custom bow rest, as well as a new pack setup. Top O Texas Outfitters Kifaru Become a Patron!

Aron Snyder and Greg Poole, from BowJunky Media, talk competition shooting in this episode. (This episode was recorded in February before Covid-19) BowJunky Media Kifaru Become a Patron!

This episode was recorded from an Instagram live Q&A. Aron and Jon answer listener questions covering archery and long range shooting. Precision Rifle Series Kifaru Become a Patron!

Welcome to your Master Class on Archery Mechanics. RMS Gear Shootsolid Kifaru Become a Patron!

Learn about the humble beginnings of Kryptek in this episode. From battle field, to business battleground, to backfield. Kryptek While serving together in the Ninewa Providence in Northern Iraq, Kryptek founders Josh Cleghorn and Butch Whiting discovered they shared a common thread: an unprecedented passion and desire for extreme big game hunting, especially in austere environments. They shared a common mentality and philosophical attitude about the pursuit of big game. Their success on the battlefield was directly related to this mentality - the same principles applied. Skill sets necessary in combat are often applicable to the hunter. It is here that Whiting and Cleghorn began their journey toward what would result in Kryptek Outdoor Group. Kifaru Become a Patron!

Hunting guide, Harold Fahrenbrook, rejoins the podcast to discuss how the Covid-19 virus has impacted hunting. Harold, a huge advocate of bow hunters, also provides an update of his latest efforts to improve archery seasons here in Colorado.

Aron Snyder and Brian Call haven't spoken in a while. In this episode they put the past behind and have a good ol' manversation.

Denny Sturgis and Randy Cooling join the podcast, and the conversation between these two fine gentlemen, along with Aron Snyder is packed with information and advice for traditional bowhunters. Denny Sturgis Randy Cooling Kifaru Become a Patron!

Expert Guide and Hunter, Luke Caudillo, fearlessly leads Aron and John to success in Texas.