The Western Huntsman Podcast

Tyler Johnson grew up on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. He's no stranger to brown bears and wild places. A little over a year ago, however, on a backcountry black bear hunt with his Dad, they surprised a bedded brown bear and she predictably came at them. In this episode, you're going to hear the full story of survival and ways you can prevent this from happening to you.

I always find these kinds of stories to be super important for all of us. Tyler is an experienced outdoorsman, and his Dad a longtime veteran...

Stuck N The Rut's Tom Schneider returns to the show this week and as always, it's a solid episode! Tom is a master mule deer, elk, and wolf hunter who always brings his A-Game to any hunt, and every podcast he does with me.

In this episode, Tom and I recap an exceptional hunting season he had. We discuss some wildlife management issues. I hammer the road hunters again and Tom shares some perspective on hunter involvement in management decisions. We cap the episode with Tom sharing some tips and strategies when targeting mature mule...

Corey Groff is the new host of Eastman Hunting Journal's "Predator Pros" podcast, where they discuss the critical importance of predator management through hunting. Corey shares his extensive background in predator hunting and we discuss his evolved motivation toward conservation, the substantial impact of predation on wildlife, and the importance of hunter involvement in managing predators like wolves and coyotes. Enjoy this great conversation with Corey and I, and make sure to like and subscribe to the channel.

Corey on Instagram

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This week, I jump on and record a solo episode, a sort of recap on this season since the beginning of September. I haven't spent much time in civilization the last few months so I'm able to share some good stories and lessons learned between hunting and guiding. It's been one heck of a year! Also, I finish the episode with a little gear talk and stuff that really excelled this season for me. Maybe some Christmas ideas for the hunters in your life.

Jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

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Dirk Durham is the Marketing Manager for Phelps Game Calls, Elk Hunting YouTube sensation, and someone I consider a close friend!

Dirk joins me this week to tell the wild story of his Yukon moose hunt with Jason Phelps. We do a little season recaps, elk hunting, bad etiquette on the mountain from other hunters, running into Doug Fluty on in the elk woods, and getting older as we both are. As usual, Dirk was awesome, full of wisdom and humor, and we had a great chat. Check it out anywhere podcasts are found, enjoy!<...

This week, meet Jordan Christensen from The Draw. We discuss the complexities of western tag applications, noting the constantly evolving process with year-round deadlines and various state changes, which necessitates services like "the draw" to help manage applications and prevent costly mistakes. Jordan detailed the draw's mission to help people hunt out west as often as they desire by leveraging application processes and offering two plan options: the non-floated plan with a service fee per application, and the floated program for aggressive applicants that covers tag costs upfront and offers free application for children under 18. We addressed hunter needs...

Jason Wilson is a hunter with insane amounts of bowhunting experience for rutting whitetail. He's a business guy, political influencer, and all around big personality, I really liked getting to know him!

In this episode, we dive into rutted whitetail and bowhunting. Jason drops some fantastic hunting tips and shooting techniques to help us all do better in the field. He brings his Georgia whitetail and international bowhunting experience to the table, it makes for a great episode. Can't wait to get him back on, you guys are going to like him as much as...

I just got home from hunting mule deer in Wyoming with Fonzy Haskell of Four Horse Outfitters and Brandon Mason of Eastmans. What a heck of a hunt! We sat down to record a great episode, it's a good one…

In this episode, we discuss Fonzy's appointment to the Wyoming Fish & Game Commission, and what he hopes to achieve. We talk mule deer management. Brandon, as always, brings his A-game and perspective to some tougher topics. We share some laughs about our recent hunt together and have an all around great discussion about all things hu...

Kurt Stick and I have been buddies for a while, mostly on the dot coms. I've always known he was a solid hunter, and this year he proved it again with an over 320" solo bull!

In this episode, Kurt tells the story of how he worked his way into archery range on a great bull this season. There are plenty of lessons to be had in this one, Kurt is a one of kind personality and I know you guys are going to like him as much as I do!

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Return guest, Tyler Oaks from Timber Cruisers Outdoors joins me to share his successful hunt this September on a 300" plus bull!

Tyler shares the calling strategy that worked in this bull on September 3rd, how he moved in closer to get the bull within range, and the final steps to sending his arrow 35 yards into the bull for a lethal shot. We also discuss some rifle elk hunting tips for the upcoming October hunts. Locating bulls, some calling, and even a bit of wallow hunting strategy. Don't miss this one guys, Tyler is always a...

Return guest, Zach Hanson, has a new book out, The Trade Gap. His new book covers a topic that I'm super passionate about, and it's a page turner! In The Trade Gap, Zach stresses the importance of getting people involved in the trades. He learned this lesson well when he lost his white collar job and had to depend on taxidermy and welding to make ends meet. A perfect fallback!

Zach is an excellent writer, hunter, trapper, and impressively smart guy. I'm super happy he's a friend, you guys are going to love the new book!

Blake and Justin are with HornScore, an app that estimates scores on antlers from images or video you take in the field.

In this episode, they tell us about the app and how it works. It's a sweet product, I've been taking trail camera images and scoring them in the app. This is not only useful information for me to know, but it's incredibly entertaining! Justin and Blake share the details and the why behind the app and go into everything the app can do. Definitely be sure to check it out, every serious hunter...

Jordan Breshears is a hunter, writer and content creator for Eastmans, and a nuclear electrical wizard of great proportion. He's a fantastic archery elk hunter, and joins me this week to kick us off into the first episode released during season!

Jordan and I discuss some last minute gear and preparation stuff. He brings up some great strategies for locating lone bulls and quiet elk. We discuss some major mistakes that cost hunters notched tags, it's a great School of September! Don't miss it!

Jordan on Instagram

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In this episode, there is no guest… It's just me bringing in a last minute episode as a bonus for this month. I break down mountain thermals, answer some various gear questions, and share some stories from past hunts that highlight the exact "failure point" that cost me a notched tag. It's my hope that those tough lessons I learned will prevent you from having to learn the same one.

Let me know what you think of this episode at jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

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Rod Paschke is a rancher, outfitter, hunter, and conservationist. He owns Sizzlin' S Outfitters in Montana and is part of an advisory group for mule deer management changes.

In this episode, Rod and I discuss the challenges with mule deer management, specifically in Montana. The advisory group has developed some key changes to help improve muley numbers throughout the state. Rod walks us through the whats and the whys.

We also talk about mule hunting strategy. Rod offers up some important tips on how to locate big mule deer. It's always...

Return guest, Dan Pickar, joins me for a short but action packed School of September! Dan is a writer, editor, and video producer at Eastmans as well as a co-host of the Life of a Bowhunter Podcast.

In this episode, Dan and I key in on some elk locating tactics, stalking techniques, calling, killing pressured bulls, and tons more. Dan is the perfect guy for the School of September! I always leave with a ton of new knowledge after recording with him and you guys are going to love this one!

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Josh Caple is a friend, hunter, and member of the Conservation Coalition of Washington. He's also a return guest and we dive into some of the latest happenings of the Washington fish and game commission. We talk about bear hunting, issues facing hunters, challenges with some of the language being used coming into the next legislative sessions, and the attempt to do a nationwide ban on bear baiting. Josh and I have a great conversation, it's important to keep our eyes on the animal activists even while we gear up for hunting season!

Josh on Instagram: https...

James Nash is a return guest on the show. He's the host of the 6 Ranch Podcast, an outfitter, a Marine veteran, generational rancher, writer, and without a doubt, one of the most intellectually well-rounded humans I've ever met.

I knew James would be a great School of September guest, but I didn't know how great until I hit the record button. In this episode, James discusses some deeper elk behavioral and biological topics that blow my dang mind! We talk some strategy as well, and pick on hunters that use llamas… It's got to be on...

I promised you guys I would find some unique School of September guests that offer some fresh perspective… Meet my buddy, Bob Capka, AKA Bugling Bob! Bob is one of the longest serving guides at Elk Creek Outfitters, and without question, the most successful guide in the history of the outfitter for archery elk hunting. He is an archery expert at Archers Afield in Tigard, OR when he's not guiding. Bugling Bob isn't just a wildly talented elk caller, he also slays the guitar as an international touring lead guitarist in some big name bands. In this episode, Bob br...

Tamie Fitchett is one of the owners of Elk Creek Outfitting, she runs the Big Sky Packer and Guide School where her passion is. She's a former game warden, hunter, and competes as a Mounted Shooter throughout the Northwest. In short, she's one helluva great person!

Tamie and I get into details about the Big Sky Packer and Guide School. Anyone interested in getting into making a living in the hunting space, this is the fastest and most consistent way to earn a living in it. We talk about what the school entails, her involvement...

This installment of the School of September features Rob Yoder. Join us for a conversation that will have you counting the days to September 1.

As luck would have it, I met Bobby Collins on a plane ride to Maui. I was on a family vacation, Bobby was heading home. I'm so glad we crossed trails! Bobby shares his background as firefighter, growing up in Oregon, moving to Maui over a decade ago, and the hunt life he lives within the Hawaiian Islands. He is a survivor of the Lahaina wildfire, the most devastating wildfire in Maui history. He shares the story, and it's a heartbreaker, about how he and his friends narrowly escaped the fast-moving blaze. This is not one you'll want to...

This installment of the School of September features Jon Gabrio. Jon is someone I knew several years ago was going to make a huge impact on the hunting space, and he definetely has! In this episode, Jon and I dicsuss his process for locating elk. From eScouting to boots on the ground, you can't kill what you can't find. We also dive into different strategies for different types of terrain; hunting elk in arid desert country to high-mountain stuff. This is a must-listen episode! I can always count on Gabrio to bring his A-game!

Editor in Chief at Eastmans, Todd Helms, joins me this week to offer some insight as to what's at stake in this recent public land disposal bill. This is basically something being added to the so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill" by Utah Senator Mike Lee, a familiar proponent of public land thievery and in my book, someone who needs to be removed from public office because of it.

Todd and I delve into the recent article on the Eastmans Blog, written by David Willms. David saves us the drama and offers just the facts on what's in the...

Thank you all for bearing with me the last few weeks. I haven't put out an episode due to a health issue that popped up out of the blue and almost took my life.

This episode tells the story, and I hope it provides some insight as to how you can avoid the same issue. I should be back to 100% soon, and I'm officially back in the saddle as of now.

I am blessed, and very thankful to all of you who tune in and tolerate me every week. Let's get back to talking hunting!<...

We've got another special episode of the Western Huntsman podcast this week! Guest hosts Todd Helms and Scott Reekers from Eastmans' sit down to tackle some of the hottest current topics impacting hunters today while Jim is out. From grizzly bear management to potential public land sell-offs, they dive into the issues that matter.

Tune in and stay informed—this is one you won't want to miss!

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Today's episode of The Western Huntsman is a special one! In a unique twist, the tables are turned as Ike Eastman, host of the Eastmans' Journal Podcast Edition, takes over the mic to interview our very own Jim Huntsman.

Recently, Jim faced some unexpected health challenges — but the great news is, he's on the mend and doing well.

This heartfelt conversation dives into the origin of the podcast, what inspired Jim to start it, and what keeps him going. From his personal passions to his daily routine, this is an inside look at the man be...

Dirk returns as requested for an in-depth discussion on September archery elk! We talk about some new calling strategies, lessons learned from last season, we cover early, mid, and late September elk sounds/strategies. As always, nobody delivers like Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls!!!

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Dirk on Instagram

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Kevin Hardman is the Treasurer of the Idaho Panhandle Chapter for NWTF, a new chapter for the renowned National Wild Turkey Federation. He brings a lot to the table as we have a great conversation about his goal to hunt and kill something all twelve months of the year. So far, so good for 2025!

We also discuss the upcoming NWTF banquet in Coeur d'Alene, ID in a few weeks, and why it's a great event to win a bunch of gear and rifles. Kevin is a friend and a great conversationalist for the show, don't miss this...

One of my favorite hunting buddies, Kevin Estela, has knocked it out of the park again with another book, Beyond the Field. He joins me this week to discuss what people can expect in the book, some hunting adventures from last season, upcoming hunts and wilderness survival courses coming up, and lots more.

It's always a great chat with Kevin. He is one of the top survival experts in the country and new and old hunters alike will get a lot out of his new book. Check it out in the links below!

Kevin Estela...

Todd Helmes is the Editor in Chief at Eastmans, host of the Wingmen Podcast, hunter, writer, family man and more!

In this episode, Todd and I jump into Spring turkey hunting out West. We talk some access issues, calling in gobblers, deer hunting, elk hunting, outfitters versus DIY, and much more! Todd is a return guest to the show and just like last time, he doesn't disappoint!

The Wingmen Podcast on Instagram

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Guy Duplantier is back! He is the host of the Western Contours Podcast, founder of Western Fly Covers and Western Hunt Fest, coach for ElkBros, and someone I consider a good friend.

In this School of September installment, we go back to the gear series and discuss everything from bow setups to snacks in our packs. Guy has forgotten more about hunting gear than I'll ever know, so his insight into what gear performs the best is unmatched. We talk about where to spend money versus where to skimp, best broadheads for total carnage, binos and optics...

The March installment of School of September is a must listen. My buddy, Jon Palmquist reached out to me and suggested I get his elk hunting mentor and friend, Rob Gonzales, on. He didn't disappoint.

In this episode, Rob goes into some calling strategies never discussed before on the show. Things like how to call a bull back in after you maybe buggered him off, how he calls moving through the woods, and some unique calls to help get you a shot. It's a fantastic episode, Rob is an absolute animal in the elk woods and you...

Many of you asked, we listened. 

In this episode, as the first installment of the School of September Gear Series, I open up my daypack and walk you through the contents. I'm very much a minimalist when it comes to what I carry on the mountain, but there may be a few surprises in my pack that will be of interest to you. 

We are looking for more gear ideas to cover, specific to September archery elk. If you have one, send your idea to jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Enjoy!

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Josh Merschat is an outfitter, hunter, houndsman, husband, father, and former bull rider. He owns Waypoint Outfitters in Northwest Montana. 

In this episode, Josh and I try to make sense of how social media has impacted hunting. We discuss some outfitting and hunting topics. Josh tells some insane stories about how a wolf stole a pistol out of his hands and how he basically wrestled a mountain lion sliding down a hill. The stories are crazy! You won't want to miss this one. Josh is a beast on the mountain. He's a lifelong hunter with many years o...

Jason Montagna is a hunter, custom rifle builder, and long range shooting instructor for Elk Creek Outfiftting in Northwest Montana. Article 4 Rifleworks is based out of North Idaho, check out the Instagram!

Jason and I dig into what he considers long-range for hunters, where many hunters get it wrong, rifle and ammo types, ethics, and so much more. Jason is super insightful and I really enjoyed his common sense approach to what can be a very hot topic. We also discuss the upcoming long-range shooting courses coming up at Elk Creek Outfitting, these courses book up fast...

Sam Westfall is an Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and competitive archer with a passion for community building and innovation. Leveraging decades of experience in hunting and shooting sports, Sam uses archery as a tool for therapy, empowerment, and connection, particularly within the military and veteran communities. Sam is also serving as an IVMF Bunker Labs Ambassador for 2025.

Sam joins me this week to talk about Archery in Motion and the Valor Archery Challenge. Sam is on a mission to help veterans, improve your archery performance and experience, and has a great story behind it all. You're going...

Jim Webley is a husband, dad, hunting guide, and Pastor of Baptist Mountain Church in Noxon, MT. In fact, he's my Pastor!

Jim joins me in The Broken Tines Studio this week for a deep conversation centered around the profound connection to God that hunting offers us. We discuss the state of our modern society, and what leads a man's soul to emptiness in a world full of convenience. We walk down a fairly philisophical path about the guidence God offers us, and how obvious it becomes as an outdoorsman. Jim is authentic and unafraid to share...

Thats right folks, School of September is back to kick the 2025 season off right!

The legendary Joe Giglia joins me in this one. Joe is the foundational member of Elk Bros, hunting guide, educator, husband, father, coach, passionate elk hunter and best of all... A guy who's always willing to step up and share his 40 plus years of elk hunting experience to anyone wise enough to listen! 

We give it the School of September all by covering everything from locating elk, calling strategies, gear, communicating with elk versus attracting elk, set ups, and so much m...

Rob Yoder is a family man, builder, hunter, managing guide and outfitter with Elk Creek Outfitting. He's also one of the most talented all-around hunters I know. 

Tune in to a broad conversation about Rob's journey to mastering the Western hunt, how we maintain hunting for future generations, how hunting ties in to real wildlife management and conservation, and a few things you should know should you choose to hire an outfitter. Don't miss this episode! Rob is one of my favorite humans who puts people first from a sincere place, and I promise you won't find a...