Tundra Talk Podcast

In this episode, Nick Muche, Frank Schultz, and I discuss the results of the annual Alaska permit draws, talk about previously drawn permit hunts, and what things are looking like this year! Also, it’s been just about one year today for this podcast, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the support an everyone who listens. If you have any comments or questions, email [email protected], and leave a review on whatever platform you listen on. Thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, “Dr” Frank Schultz and I catch up on the winter’s activities, and a scary incident he had recently with an exploding handgun. He catches us up on his trapping (since i’m not doing any this winter), and I have a little bit of the rant…starting to get cabin fever maybe. If you have comments or questions, email [email protected]. thanks, and enjoy! -Tyler

Don is one of several folks I’ve intended to have on the podcast for quite some time. We hit on a few topics including moose hunting, sheep hunting, and trapping, but consider this an introductory episode to a guy who is a wealth of knowledge and experience. Yet another one of those guys who you don’t know where to even start with. Enjoy! If you have comments or questions, you can email [email protected], and as always, I appreciate your feedback and reviews on whatever platform you listen! thanks! -Tyler

At the end of the mind-numbing SHOT show this year, I sat down with The Rokslide.com crew and we talked about some of the cool and not-so-cool things we saw this year at SHOT. Along with myself, there was Ryan and Tanya Avery, Justin Crossley, and Matt Cashell. Enjoy!

In this episode, you’ll get to hear a few stories and tips about brown bears from my good friend Luke Randall. Luke has guided for brown bears for his entire adult life, and I happened to get to sit down with him at SHOT show. There may not be a ton of Alaska-relevant conversation happening here, but this one definitely is. Enjoy! -Tyler

Steve Hallenbeck is no stranger to the podcast, but I hadn’t seen much of him since early august, so it was great to catch up and hear about his hunting season. Steve ended up sheep hunting for nearly the entire season, and a mountain goat hunt on top of that. I hope talking sheep hunting isn’t getting old cause we hit a lot of it, as well as gun safety, and some of the hazards we deal with on a daily basis in the mountains. Enjoy! Comments or questions? email [email protected] and be sure to leave a review on whatever platform you are listening. Thanks! -Tyler

Hey Everyone, This episode may not be too polished, but it was a lot of fun. I was joined by Trevor Embry @teeterman, Nick Muche, Frank Schultz, and Matt Herkstroeter @steepndeep_outdoors. We had some great discussion on the whole spectrum of Alaska hunting topics, and these guys are a wealth of experience and knowledge. As implied, our conversation was about what you’d expect from 5 of us Alaskans drinking a little more than moderately and talking about our passions Enjoy! -Tyler

In this episode, I get to catch up with Brett Evens. It’s been a long time since Brett has been on the podcast, so it was great to hear about his hunting seasons, talk some sheep and moose hunting, as well as get into some festivus grievances about the social media influencer/content creator world Enjoy, and if you have any comments or questions, email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

This is a very special episode, where I had the unbelievable opportunity to sit down with two living legends of the traditional bowhunting world, Tom Clum and Andy Kohlhofer. Tom and his family own Rocky Mountain Specialty gear, one of the foremost traditional bow shops in the country, and Andy is the main man behind Selway Archery. In short, I came to Colorado to get some coaching from Tom. I knew he would be able to help with my shot, but I was blown away. Even at my best, I had been unable to push past several barriers for years, and in one day, he tore them down. In this episode, we hit a lot of stuff, and dive deep into the shot, but also give advice that can help anybody, whether a brand new shooter, or someone stuck in a rut. If you are just a rifle hunter, a lot of this stuff may go over your head, but actually, a lot of the mental control principles in an archery shot are directly applicable to just about any type of shooting. I hope you enjoy this, and if you have any questions, please email [email protected] If you want to check out Tom’s groundbreaking course and start improving your shot NOW, visit www.shootsolid.com

In this episode, I’m joined by my uncle, Tracy Freel. He’s one of those guys that has been there and done that, and has been a big influence on my passion for hunting since I was a kid. It’s always great to hear his stories and perspectives, and this was no exception. Enjoy! If you have any questions or feedback, email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

Hey Folks, In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Herkstroeter for a special Q and A session. I’ve been getting quite a few awesome questions, so we did our best to try and stay on track and answer some of them. If you have any questions yourself, feel free to email them to [email protected]   thanks, and enjoy! -Tyler

Hey folks, in this episode, Jon Shurtz and Nick Muche give a recap on their recent trip to Kodiak to hunt brown bears and blacktails, We also talk a bit about trad bow shooting, hear some of Jon’s experience on the recent 40 mile caribou hunt discussed a couple episodes back, and hear about his mountain goat hunt that nearly killed him this fall. Enjoy! I’m planning on doing a Q&A episode in the near future, so if you have questions you’d like to have answered on the podcast, please email [email protected] Thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I’m joined by JR Pederson, a guy that I’ve been wanting to talk to for awhile. Since JR moved to Alaska in 1991, he’s been a hunting, fishing, trapping, guiding, and photographing fool. We talk about everything from wolf trapping to sheep hunting and fur handling, and still barely scratched the surface of JR’s knowledge and experience. I hadn’t had the chance to visit with him in much too long, so it was great to catch up, and I hope you enjoy it too! If you have comments or questions, email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I get to catch up with my buddy Mark Rowenhorst on a mid-season break from guiding. He’s been out in the field guiding sheep, goats, and brown bears since august, so it was great to hear a few stories and catch up. We also hit on a few gear topics like tents and rifle calibers for goats, and just some of the dynamics of goat hunting in general. Enjoy! If you have comments or questions, email [email protected] Thanks! Tyler

In this episode I’m joined by my brother-in-law Nate Minnema and we discuss the infamous 40 Mile caribou hunt. I say infamous, because often, the season is opened for only a day or two (with the goal of not over-killing the management quota), which typically results in a horrendous circus of hunters, jockeying for a chance to get their caribou and put meat in the freezer. The vast majority of folks are out there with the same goal in mind, and don’t like the situation, but there are still some issues. Nate and I talk about our recent participation in this “hunt,” and just how mind blowing it really is both as a safety and ethical issue.   Questions, comments, or feedback? email [email protected]   -Tyler

In this episode, I’ve got Luke Moffat on the phone. Luke lives in Wasilla, is a contributor for Rokslide.com and spends as much time as just about anyone I know out in the field hunting, every chance he gets. We can hardly scratch the surface of his knowledge and experience in an hour, but we got the chance to hit on suppressors and hunting with them, putting the bullet in the right spot, and bringing your small children along in the field. It was great catching up with him, and I hope you enjoy our conversation! Comments or questions? email [email protected] thanks, -Tyler

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Muche and Frank Schultz. The three of us hadn’t really gotten together since before moose season, so it was great catching up. We talked about Nick’s very successful sheep hunt, our unsuccessful moose hunts, and, of course, my inherited Butcher Boy bandsaw. We also chat a bit about arrow tuning, predator control, trapping, and email chain brown bears, including the one below, the infamous Alberta Grizzly…which Frank was present for. Anyway, hope you enjoy, and if you have any questions or comments, email [email protected] and please leave a review on iTunes or whatever platform you listen on. thanks! -Tyler https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2012/12/truth-behind-infamous-alberta-grizzly  

This episode is a recap and conversation with Adam Weatherby and Kevin Wilkerson, following our week-long moose hunt here in interior Alaska. We had plenty of challenges to deal with, but it was a great time exploring and hunting new country. Adam and Kevin are both great dudes, it was a pleasure being miserable together, and I look forward to sharing many more campfires with them. Enjoy. For feedback or questions, email [email protected]   thanks, -Tyler

In this episode, I was able to sit down with Jason and Erika Franklin to talk sheep hunting. I met Jason last year, however had already seen his self-filmed first solo sheep hunt video on youtube (link below). This year, he and his wife had an awesome, intense sheep hunt, and I was very excited to hear all about it! It was a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy it! If you have any comments or questions, you can email [email protected] -Tyler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uri9dbDzyc4

Hey Folks, In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Ryan Avery. Ryan played a huge part in helping me get this podcast off the ground. He is co-owner of the website Rokslide.com and also hosts his own podcast called Avery Adventures. Although he doesn’t live here in Alaska, he is a solid dude, and one who’s opinion I respect highly on many things, from rifles, to optics, to stickbows. We had a great time catching up, and hit on quite a few topics, and hope you enjoy it as well! Thanks, -Tyler Questions or comments? Email [email protected]

Hey Everyone, In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz and Nick Muche. We primarily talk about solo sheep hunting, as Frank and I each split up and went on our own solo sheep hunts this year. Every sheep hunter should go solo at least once in their life. It’s a very unique and challenging experience, and both Frank and I recap our hunts from this year, as well as catch up with Nick. Enjoy! Any comments or questions, email [email protected], and leave a review on whatever platform you listen on!   thanks! -Tyler

I’m joined in this episode by Steve Hallenbeck. Steve was on a previous episode, and is a very experienced sheep hunter. Talking gear for hunting sheep or other extended backpack hunts can be a black hole, and it can be intimidating for someone who is just getting started. Steve and I walk through what we consider our most important gear and what we are currently using. We also discuss the importance and methods of caring for your meat and cape in the field. If you have any questions or comments, email [email protected] Thanks and enjoy! -Tyler

Hey Folks, Sorry for going dark for a bit, but we are back at it. For this episode I’m joined by Temple Dillard and Frank Schultz. Temple is an awesome guy who has lived in Alaska his entire life, much of it in the bush. I had a great time getting to know Temple a little better and hearing his perspectives and experience hunting and trapping in Alaska. Temple grew up living a true subsistence lifestyle and still feeds his family almost entirely on the meat he brings home. Enjoy! If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected] thanks, -Tyler

In this episode, Frank Schultz, Nick Muche, and I catch up on the past couple weekends of bear hunting. We talk about Nick’s epic weekend with his wife where they were able to take 2 grizzlies with their bows, and this past weekend’s epic black bear trip. Frank talks about his struggles as a budding traditional bow hunter. We had a great time, and hope you all enjoy hearing about it! Questions or comments? email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

Hey Folks, This episode is with Frank Schultz and I as we are returning from an initial trip WAY upriver to set black bear baits. Most of what we had to talk about however, was the phenomenal pike and sheefish fishing we had on our overnight trip. I think for both of us, it was some of the best freshwater fishing we’ve encountered. We caught over 100 pike, around 30 sheefish, and nothing under 30″. We talk pike fishing quite a bit, then veer off into a little bit about what Fairbanks is like and some of the unique people that live here. Enjoy!   If you have comments or questions, email [email protected] thanks, -Tyler

Hey Folks, in this episode, I sit down with Gary Colbath and Nick Muche. This was the first time I’d met Gary, as he was making a stop in Fairbanks on his way up north to hunt grizzlies. Gary is a great guy, with uncanny luck in drawing raffle hunts, and although he’s relatively new to Alaska, he’s a very accomplished bowhunter. Like many of us, he moved up here for hunting, but has hunted a lot in the lower 48 and elsewhere. We get to hear some of his awesome stories, from hunting muskox and caribou in Greenland, to stone sheep in British Columbia. This was a fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy! oh…and Gary did get his grizzly this weekend!   If you have any comments or questions, you can email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, Nick Muche and I recap our first weekend of bear hunting this spring. It was a weekend with the highest highs, and lowest lows, but that’s how it goes sometimes. We hunted Friday night at Nick’s bait, then hunted one of my baits on Saturday. Enjoy!   If you have comments, questions, or feedback, you can email [email protected] Thanks, -Tyler

In this episode, Nick Muche and I talk bear baiting and the anticipation as we head out for our first sit of the year on Nick’s bait. It’s been a long year, and finally time to start hunting bears. Enjoy!   If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, email [email protected]   Thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I’m joined by two good buddies Jon Shurtz and Nick Muche. Nick just returned from a deployment to Europe and we are all itching to get out to hunt bears this spring. We talk about riverboats, boating mishaps, bears, and stickbows…as well as a few things on the topic of bear defense. This was a bit more of a catching up session, but hope you enjoy it, things are just getting ready to kick off for the spring, and I’ll do my best to take you right along with us! Any comments, questions, or feedback, email [email protected] and leave a review on whatever platform you listen. Thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, we get to hear from one of the few guys I know who has killed multiple rams with his recurve. Troy is a great guy, and he had to learn sheep hunting the hard way, basically diving right into hunting them with a trad bow. We talk about what got him into shooting traditional bows, some of his guiding stories, and what he has learned to take the rams he has. Sit back and enjoy!   If you have any questions, comments, or other feedback, email [email protected]   thanks! -Tyler

The snow is finally starting to melt here in interior AK, which means that spring bear season will be upon us shortly. In this episode, Matt Herkstroeter and I talk about some of the baiting experiences we have had, as well as some pointers for someone who may be wanting to try it for the first time. Enjoy!   Any comments or questions, email them to [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I was fortunate to track down Ken and Anna Vorisek, who live here in Fairbanks, and are very passionate and accomblished bowhunters. Amazingly enough, they have each completed the North American Super Slam with their bows. We talk about bowhunting and the Super Slam (of course), hunting in Alaska, and Ken’s recent desert sheep hunt, but also about pursuing your passions, and how many of these things really are in reach for the “average person” if you set your mind to it. It was great to catch up with Ken and Anna, and I hope you enjoy as well! If you have any questions, comments, or other feedback, email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with Eric Howard and Taj Shoemaker at the Island Air Service hanger in Kodiak. Island air is one of a handful of air charter operators on Kodiak Island, and if you are going hunting there, there’s a good chance that you’ll be hiring them to fly you out. Having flown with them and some of the other carriers over the years, I can say that they are a top-notch outfit. Eric and Taj are two very experienced pilots, with a ton of knowledge of Kodiak. We sit down and talk about some of the dynamics and challenges of flying in Kodiak, as well as good things to know if you are planning on making the trip yourself. You can follow their goings-on on Instagram (@islandair_adq) and Facebook (Island Air Kodiak). If you want to book a trip, just give them a call!   Questions or comments? email [email protected] thanks and enjoy! -Tyler  

In this episode, photographer and fellow Alaskan John Whipple and I have just returned from a late season mountain goat hunt on Kodiak Island. The registration goat hunt on Kodiak is one of the most unique goat hunting opportunities out there, and possibly the only place in the world with a bag limit of 2 goats. We talk a little bit about how cool this opportunity is, and give you a recap of our recent hunt. Sit back, and enjoy! If you have any comments or questions, you can send them to [email protected] If you’d like to check out John’s photography, find him on Instagram or facebook, under 49mm Creative, and I encourage you to do so!

In this Episode I’m joined by Frank Schultz again, and we discuss A few pieces of gear we have learned to be very valuable on the mountain. We talk about what a CDS dial is, how it works, and how it is a valuable tool for increasing your comfortable range in the field. We also dive a bit into some of the debate on how far is too far, and the importance of practice, knowing your rifle, and being able to evaluate conditions before deciding to take a long shot. We also get into some of the very valuable items like trekking poles, puffy pants and jackets, and crocs. Enjoy! Any comments or questions? email [email protected] thanks, -Tyler

I’m joined in this episode by Brett Evens, a fellow Fairbanks resident who has quite a few stories and experiences under his belt. He’s a great guy, who is more than willing to get creative and go the extra mile for the experiences so many of us are chasing. We talk about the epic year he had in 2017, and I finally got to hear the story of “Megabou” first-hand, Brett’s story of taking a tremendous caribou last fall, getting sick in moose camp, mountain goats falling to the ocean, and, of course, a few sheep hunting stories. Sit back, relax, and I hope you enjoy this episode. If you have questions or comments, you can email [email protected] thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, my guest is Mark Rowenhorst. Mark hasn’t lived here as long as many, but had the dream of moving to Alaska, and has used guiding to both facilitate that dream, and accelerate his learning curve. Because of that, he has experience beyond his years here. We talk about how he came up here and what it was like starting out as a packer and moving on to being a licensed assistant guide, and how that is a very realistic option for folks who have always dreamed of living and hunting in Alaska. We also discuss some of the logistics of hunting Alaska, and touch on some of the things people forget to plan for. You’ll get to hear about some of Mark’s very first guiding experiences, and his first personal sheep and caribou hunt. Questions or comments? email [email protected]   thanks, and enjoy! -Tyler

In this episode, Frank Schultz and I talk trapping. Frank is brand new to trapping this year, and it was great to hear his perspective on it. He is a very accomplished hunter, but trapping has opened up a whole new world for him, and he’s done pretty well for himself so far. We talk a bit about some of the general perception and realities of trapping, albeit, not very eloquently, as well as what Frank has learned through this experience, and how any outdoorsperson can increase their knowledge of the world around them by getting involved in responsible trapping. I appreciate your feedback, so any comments, questions, or grievances, shoot them over to [email protected] thanks, and hope you enjoy! -Tyler

In this episode, I link up with my good buddy Steve Hallenbeck. Steve is one of the most experienced sheep hunters I know, and have had the good fortune to hunt with, as well as a builder of some awesome custom mountain rifles. We look back at “Houdini,” probably the most memorable ram in all our years of hunting together, and he was truly the big one that got away…several times. We had several opportunities to kill him, but he always managed to give us the slip. We also talk about a couple of the times one of us has completely come apart from the frustrations of a given hunt, and also how important it is to be prepared to spend an uncomfortable night away from camp in bad weather. If you want to get in touch with me, email [email protected] Thanks, and enjoy!

Hey everyone, in this episode, I’m talking with Matt Herkstroeter, another buddy and long-time Fairbanks resident. This is a long one, but it really just barely scratches the surface of Matt’s experiences here in Alaska. We talk about dreams that have come true, what might have been, and being “sheep crazy.” Matt is another one of those humble guys that has the experiences that most don’t acquire in their lifetime. Re-visiting just one of those experiences in it’s entirety is daunting, but we got through some amazing stories, and left plenty to be told. He talks about some of his early experiences hunting Dall sheep, and caps it with the story of his solo archery Dall ram, in my opinion, one of the pinnacles of possible hunting accomplishments in the world. Put the coffee on, sit back, and enjoy!   Questions, comments, or grievances? email [email protected] Just know….all three categories are subject to coverage on the podcast 😉 Thanks! -Tyler

In this episode, I sit down with another good friend of mine, Jon Shurtz. Jon, like myself, is a transplant to Alaska, who now has quite a few years and experiences under his belt. Jon tells about bear attacks, dipnetting and exploring on the Copper River, and some sheep and goat hunting. We also give our initial reactions to the Alaska Draw Permit results being released, and the Facebook mayhem that ensues annually. Sit back and Enjoy! Questions, comments, grievances, or something you would like to hear discussed? Email [email protected] If you want to check out Jon’s freshly started dipnetting/tour company, go to: https://www.facebook.com/CopperRiverWILD/ -Tyler Freel    

On this episode, I once again sit down with my buddy Frank Schultz, to talk about some of the things we have seen and experienced while guiding hunters in Alaska. If you spend much time guiding hunters, you will see the entire spectrum of types of hunters out there. Some will become lifelong friends, and others will leave you baffled and bewildered. Enjoy. Questions, comments, or things you’d like to hear about? Send an email to [email protected] -Tyler Freel

Welcome to Tundra Talk! In this pilot episode, I sit down with my good friend Frank Schultz and discuss some of the dynamics of how Alaska is different than any other place, and why we love it. Alaska is a unique melting pot of people who are drawn here, and as far as the United States goes, it truly is The Last Frontier. I have been a contributing writer for Outdoor Life magazine for the past 7 years, and have been living and hunting in Alaska for 16 years. I want this podcast to inform and entertain you with interesting stories, people, and useful information, both for your adventures in Alaska, and stuff that you can apply where you are. Compared to much of my content working with Outdoor Life, this show should give us the chance to go in-depth into various topics, in a way that none of my other platforms can, and I’m very excited to share the experience with you. You’ll have to bear with me as I figure this whole thing out, but I’m looking forward to some great conversation and stories that lie ahead. Have questions or comments? email [email protected] Along with sharing my own experiences, and the experiences of those who live here in Alaska, I also want to provide useful and valuable information, and in future episodes, will be able to address listener questions. Thanks! -Tyler Freel