Best Initial Ascent Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 047: Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes | Initial Ascent 51:48

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14d ago51:48

51:48

On this episode, I sat down with Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes from Initial Ascent. We go over the packs in the Initial Ascent line up: Day Pack, IA 3K, IA 5K, IA 8K, and the EDC Pack. We talk about their incredible carbon fibre frame that is capable of hauling over 150lbs comfortably. Listen until the end, to hear about Dennis' spring bear hunt. …

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Ep 050: Trail Kreitzer from GO HUNT 1:09:19

4d ago1:09:19

1:09:19

On his episode I sit down with Trail Kretizer from GO HUNT. We talk about his begining adventures with bowhunting, his current bow setup, mechanical broadheads, how GO HUNT works, navagating tag applications, gear he takes on every hunt, and everything in between. Follow Trail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailk11/ Follow GO HUNT on Inst…

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Law Enforcement to Long-range Expert: Rodger Holscher 1:13:29

6h ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Rodger Holscher—law enforcement officer, lifelong hunter, and one of the most dialed riflemen you'll ever meet. From growing up on a California cattle ranch to navigating high-stakes situations as a game warden and cop, Rodger shares raw, hilarious, and ha…

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Ep. 24: Listener Q&A 50:22

5h ago50:22

50:22

In this Episode we answer a couple listener questions and discuss different approaches to gear for different types of moose hunts. Also we discuss an answer to a question addressing our preferences to archery equipment for Alaska hunting. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial …

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Ep 049: Kate Small | Kate Small Outdoors | Predator Hunting Wolves and Bears 59:53

8d ago59:53

59:53

On this episode, I sit down with Kate Small from Kate Small Outdoors. Kate is a hunter who hunts a variety of species, and a passion for hunting predators like bears and wolves. Kate and I cover a number of topics including gear, trapping, the importance of predator management, and giving the ungulates a fighting chance. She also runs a wolf huntin…

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Why Most Hunters Quit Early (And How to Push Through): Chris Young 44:03

7d ago44:03

44:03

Got questions? Send us a text! Welcome back to the Mountain Dude Podcast by Initial Ascent. In this solo episode, host Chris Young dives deep into the one factor that separates successful hunters from those who come home empty-handed: mental toughness. From chasing bugles deep in September elk country to grinding through long solo hunts, Chris shar…

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Ep 048: Chrystal and Jeff Cordero | Barefoot Archery 59:29

18d ago59:29

59:29

On this episode I sit down with Chrystal and Jeff Cordero of Barefoot Archery. Chrystal and Jeff are the new owners of Barefoot Archery purchasing it in the fall of 2024. We talk about the ups and downs of new business ownership, bring old and new customers into the new store, and servicing the archery and bowhunting market as a whole. Follow Baref…

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Training, Faith & 40+ Packouts a Year: "Hollywood" Dave Beronio 1:04:30

7d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks, Dave’s story is one of relentless drive and intentional living. He opens u…

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Ep. 23: Moe's Dall Sheep Pack Dump 2:16:40

10d ago2:16:40

2:16:40

In this Episode we break down the gear Moe is taking on his 16 day solo Dall Sheep hunt. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/

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The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay 1:18:35

14d ago1:18:35

1:18:35

Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunter…

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Ep 046: Sarah Bowmar | Fitness | Family | Bowhunting 1:01:21

21d ago1:01:21

1:01:21

On this episode, I sit down with Sarah Bowmar. Sarah is a professional fitness athlete, mother, and incredible bowhunter both in North America and internationally. Sarah and I discuss her start in the fitness industry, how she met her husband Josh Bowmar, the beginings of their supplement company, and starting Bowmar Bowhunting and Beast Broadheads…

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Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life Challenges: Cody McCarthy 1:17:07

24d ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early…

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Ep. 22: Our Favorite Knives (for now) 1:46:50

1M ago1:46:50

1:46:50

In today's episode, Dalton and Moe bring out their knife collections. Budget, steel type, and favorite profiles are all discussed, as well as some new knives that they will be trying soon. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/…

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Ep 045: Mechanical Broadhead Test #2 | PART 2 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

This episode is a solo podcast where I go over the second group of five broadheads that will be featured in my Mechanical Broadhead Test #2 video. The second group of five broadheads to round out the ten in the test will be from G5 Outdoors, Rage, Grim Reaper, and Thorn. Make sure you listen to Ep 044 to hear about the other five that will be in th…

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The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham 1:32:28

1M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game. From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped h…

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Ep 044: Mechanical Broadhead Test #2 | First Five Broadheads to Test 36:56

2M ago36:56

36:56

This episode is a solo podcast where I go over the first five broadheads that will be featured in my Mechanical Broadhead Test #2 video. The first five broadheads will be from Sevr, Beast, and Evolution Outdoors. Make sure you listen to Ep 045 to hear about the other five that will be in the test. Follow Sevr Broadheads on Instagram: https://www.in…

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Ep. 21: Initial Ascent Packs: Dennis Stokes 1:23:34

2M ago1:23:34

1:23:34

In this episode of the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton Gray and Moriah Humphries chat with Dennis Stokes, co-owner of Initial Ascent packs, about his journey from Florida to Idaho, and the innovative development of their carbon fiber backpack frames. Dennis also shares a heartfelt story of a mule deer hunt honoring his late father, discu…

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Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West 1:00:44

1M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Got questions? Send us a text! Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the…

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Ep 043: Ryan Peterson and Misha Koroscil | First Time at Total Archery Challenge 1:39:41

2M ago1:39:41

1:39:41

On this episode, I sit back down with Ryan Peterson and Misha Koroscil who attended the 2025 Total Archery Challenge in Pennsylvania for the first time. We talk about all things TAC, archery, bowhunting, broadheads, arrows, arrow fletching, and our thoughts from the 2025 PA Total Archery Challenge. Follow Misha Koroscil on Instagram: @https://www.i…

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Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth 1:04:51

1M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Got questions? Send us a text! In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all w…

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Ep 042: Julien Simard and Keegan Layer | NEW Friends from PA TAC | Ottawa Archers 1:42:30

2M ago1:42:30

1:42:30

On this episode I sit down with Julien Simard and Keegan Layer. I met these fellas at the 2025 PA Total Archery Challenge Event. It turns out that they are Canadian and are new to TAC events and bowhunting. We discuss our experineces at the Total Archery Challenge, bow set ups, gear, hunting experiences and their 3D club Ottawa Archers. Follow them…

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Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate 1:15:42

2M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of Gear Talk, we go deep into clothing systems for backcountry hunting. From the hot debate of Merino wool vs synthetic base layers to how to layer effectively without overpacking, this is your ultimate breakdown of what to wear, when, and why. Whether you’re prepping for spring bear or late-season elk…

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Ep. 20: Archery Bear Bait Kills and Final Season Recap 2:05:25

2M ago2:05:25

2:05:25

In this episode of The Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, hosts Dalton and Moe are joined by Dalton’s wife, Tabitha, and friend Hunter Brook. Together, they share stories from spring bear baiting season in Alaska, including setup mishaps, successful kills, and encounters with grizzlies. They also detour into discussions on European bears, hunting gear, …

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Ep 041: Tom LaLond from XOP | NEW Products for 2025 53:49

2M ago53:49

53:49

On this episode I sit down with Tom LaLond from XOP. We talk about all of the cool NEW products being released in 2025. You won't want to miss this one. To learn more about XOP Click here: https://xopoutdoors.com/ Follow XOP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xopgear Subscribe to the XOP YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCMN_FKLl…

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Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips 1:13:36

2M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we dive deep into the backcountry, from the comfort of basecamp hunts to the grind of true backpack-style missions. We swap personal hunting stories, break down gear essentials like backcountry chairs, and talk about how to balance comfort and pack weight when you're miles deep. We also hit on one of …

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Ep 040: Jared Kaiser | Marsupial Gear 1:08:02

2M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

On this episode, I sit down with Marketing Director Jared Kaiser of Marsupial Gear. We discuss Jared's exposure to hunting from a young age, his bowhunting set up today, and a large portion of the gear covered in the Marsupial Gear line up. For more information about Marsupial Gear click here: https://www.marsupialgear.com/ Follow Marsupial Gear on…

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The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley 1:04:35

2M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, a former architect to the stars turned full-time filmmaker and mountain hunter. From designing homes for Hollywood elites to filming in the remote wilds of Alaska, Clint’s story is one of bold transitions, relentless creativity, and a calling to something deeper. This co…

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Ep. 19: Bowhunting Alaska: Bear Camp Stories 1:20:01

2M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

Dalton and Moe share their experiences from an Alaskan bear baiting camp. This episode blends bowhunting tips, wildlife encounters, and the charm of outdoor life in the Last Frontier. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/…

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Ep 039: Sam Thrash from Fall Obsession 1:10:48

3M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

On this episode, I sit down with Sam Thrash from Fall Obsession. Sam started Fall Obsession years ago, and has grown it as an outdoor hunting brand that incorporates a number of different content creators and stretches across podcasts, videos, and tv shows. We talk all things archery, Total Archery Challenge, bow and arrow setups, Prime Archery, an…

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Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED! 1:01:49

3M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with legendary hunting guide Dan Whitmus, a man who’s lived over 30 years in the wilderness guiding hunters through Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, and the American West. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories, including surviving a self-inflicted knife wound deep in the bush, 300+ pound solo packou…

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Ep 038: Thoughts After Day 1 on the Prime Course | Total Archery Challenge PA TAC 2025 51:07

3M ago51:07

51:07

On this episode I sit down with Misha Koroscil and Ryan Peterson who attended the 2025 Total Archery Challenge in Pennsylvania. We talk about Day one on the Prime course @G5PRIMEOfficial and their first experiences and opinions of the Total Archery Challenge @totalarcherychallenge as first time attendees. Follow Misha Koroscil on Instagram: @misha.…

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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:31

3M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Got questions? Send us a text! Justin and Kate Small, two of the best predator hunters on the planet, share their expertise on wolf hunting tactics that can make you a more effective hunter. • Kate's background includes nursing in Tanzania where she spent four months providing healthcare in poverty-stricken areas, including two months living with t…

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Ep 18: Brown Bears, Baits, and Gear 1:39:12

3M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Dalton shares a thrilling brown bear hunt. With Moe, they dive into bear baiting woes and gear. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ Initial Ascent Packs: www.initialascent.com/By The Great Alaska Hunting Company LLC

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Ep 037: Josh Kuehni | Endure Outdoors 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

On this episode I sit down with Josh Kuehni from Endure Outdoors. Josh is an avid outdoorsman who has been hunting for a significant part of his life. Josh and his wife Jamie live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle with their four children, and teach their children how to live in and live off the land. Josh spends most of his hunting time chasing tu…

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GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:29

3M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, our host Chris Young shares the full story of his 2025 Idaho spring bear hunt. From rivers crossed with pack rafts to glassing for days in high mountain wind, this conversation captures the highs, lows, and lessons of a truly special backcountry experience. Along the way, Chris reflects on the power o…

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200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES 1:16:57

3M ago1:16:57

1:16:57

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, filmmaker and backcountry hunter Martin Chagnovich shares the story behind his film Chasing 200, which documents his years-long pursuit of a 200-inch mule deer buck in the rugged Utah mountains. The conversation explores Martin’s roots in hunting, growing up in a hunting f…

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Ep 036: Dave from Hellcat Outdoors | Tips and Tricks for Black Bear Season 1:33:20

3M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

On this episode I sit down with Dave from Hellcat Outdoors to talk about Spring Black Bear Season in Ontario, Canada. We talk about our experiences, different styles of baiting, how to identify a boar or a sow, different broadheads for bowhunting bears, and so much more. Follow Hellcat Outdoors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellcatoutdoor…

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Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast 12:45

3M ago12:45

12:45

Got questions? Send us a text! In this kickoff episode, host Chris Young along with the Initial Ascent owners Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes gather around the table to set the stage for something bigger than gear talk or hunting stories (though you’ll get plenty of both). This podcast is about diving deep into faith, failure, triumph, and the relen…

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Ep. 17: Grizzly Gunned Down on Parks Hwy: Tourists Lose It 1:47:03

3M ago1:47:03

1:47:03

Moe hosts Hunter, while Dalton is out guiding. Hunter recounts a tense grizzly bear hunt on a busy Alaska highway. Facing tourist outrage and threats, Hunter shares the chaos of the kill. The episode dives into raw hunting experiences and Alaska’s wild challenges. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.h…

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Ep 035: Jeremy Williams | Hillview Custom Meats | Butcher, Bowhunter, Wild Game Processor, and Family man 1:23:30

4M ago1:23:30

1:23:30

On this episode I sit down with Jeremy Williams from Hillview Custom Meats. Jeremy is a butcher, wild game processor, bowhunter, and family man with a love for the outdoors. We talk about his early days as a butcher and bowhunter, tips and tricks in preparing your wild game for processing, and a long history with an eleven year old whitetail. To le…

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Ep 034: Sean DeGrey | Creator of the Total Archery Challenge 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

On this episode I sit down with Sean DeGrey to talk about his creation of the Total Archery Challenge. We talk about the early beginings, what TAC has grown to now, and what are some things to thing about for people who might be coming to their first event. Listen until the end to hear all about the plans for the 2025 TAC events. Follow Total Arche…

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Ep. 16: Spring: Bear Baiting and Sheep Dreams 1:25:22

4M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Dalton and Moe have a conversation about their spring hunting plans, focusing on bear baiting and sheep hunting in Alaska. They discuss the nuances of shot placement, the effectiveness of different firearms, and the challenges of game management. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbullets.com/ …

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Ep 033: Gary Baldwin | The Full Draw Podcast | Hunting Newfoundland | Archery and Bowhunting Left Handed 1:45:09

4M ago1:45:09

1:45:09

On this episode I sit down with my very good friend Gary Baldwin. Gary is an avid archer, bowhunter, and podcaster who runs the Full Draw Podcast with his brother C.J DiBattista. Gary and I talk about his introduction to hunting while growing up in Newfoundland, and the joys of being left handed archers. Gary and I talk about our new bow setups, fu…

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Ep 032: Scott Bakken | Chief Operating Officer and Part Owner of Dialed Archery 1:16:02

4M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

On this episode I sit down with Scott Bakken from Dialed Archery. Scott is one of the owners of Dialed. We discuss the beginning days of the company, the iteration of the Arxos bow sight, and how that shifting things and now came out with the new for 2025 Dialed PRUF mover bow site. Scott shares what it was like getting the company off the ground, …

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Ep. 15: Archery and Adrenaline: Hunting Tales with Andrew Wilson 1:36:50

4M ago1:36:50

1:36:50

This episode features guest Andrew Wilson, a key member of Screaming Eagle Archery, sharing tales from his hunting adventures, including an ibex hunt in Kyrgyzstan. The trio dives into archery gear, bear hunting strategies, and the nuances of rifle choices. In partnership with - StHealthy Hunter: www.sthealthyhunter.com Hammer Bullets: www.hammerbu…

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Ep 031: C.J DiBattista | Full Draw and Behind the Hunt Podcasts | Hunting Newfoundland | Archery, Rifles, and Bowhunting 1:37:33

4M ago1:37:33

1:37:33

On this episode I sit down with my very good friend C.J DiDattista. C.J is an avid archer, bowhunter, and podcaster who runs the Full Draw Podcast with his brother Gary Baldwin. C.J also has a solo podcast called Behind the Hunt where he talks to hunters after their hunting adventures. C.J and I talk about our new bow setups, future hunts planned, …

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Ep 030: Evan Williams | Marketing and Pro Staff Manager at Hoyt Archery 1:30:53

4M ago1:30:53

1:30:53

On this episode I sit down with Evan Williams from Hoyt Archery. Evan is the marketing and Pro Staff manager at Hoyt Archery. We talk about the new bows from Hoyt for 2025, his incredible fall hunting season, and a couple of amazing hunting stories that you won't want to miss. Follow Evan Williams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evan_r_will…

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Ep 029: Zakk Plocica | Extreme Outfitters 1:01:28

5M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

On this episode I sit down with Zakk Plocica from Extreme Outfitters. Zakk is the owner of Extreme Outfitters and an avid archer, bowhunter, and outdoorsman, Zakk and his dedicated team of bow techs are ready to help you get set up with your next bow. Zakk and I talk about new bows for 2025, arrows, sights, our dedication to bowhunting and everythi…

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Ep 028: Braxen Glines | Haxen Hunt 1:19:22

5M ago1:19:22

1:19:22

On this episode I sit down with Braxen Glines from Haxen Hunt. We talk about starting a YouTube channel, archery, bowhunting, Prime bows, and some of his epic hunting adventures including a bison hunt with a bow. Follow Braxen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haxenhunt/ Subscribe to the Haxen Hunt YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@Haxen…

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Ep. 14: Sheep Hunting Politics: Lew Bradly Interview Part 2 47:31

5M ago47:31

47:31

In part two of the Lou Bradley interview on the Great Alaska Hunting Podcast, Lou discusses the declining sheep population in Alaska and its causes, including weather changes and predator issues. He shares insights on effective management strategies, such as limiting hunter harvests and implementing predator control. This episode offers valuable pe…