The Western Huntsman Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Well here we are! The final School of September episode of 2024!

One of my favorite people, also a listener favorite, we close out this SOS season with none other than Dirk Durham. A man who needs little introduction, a dude that every hunter can learn from, and a guy I'm proud to call a friend. 

In this episode, Dirk and I dive into some "out-of-the-box" type calling techniques that can make a big difference on uncooperative bulls and bulls that get hung up out of range. Don't miss this episode! May your arrows hit their mark, good luck this September friends!

Dirk on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Devan Reilly is a man blazing his own trail. He's a hunter, podcast host (Blazing Trails Podcast and Top Dog Hunt Podcast), and rodeo cowboy with a passion for pursuing elk with a trad bow.

In this episode, Devan and I talk a bunch of elk strategy from calling to glassing to the differences between hunting with a compound bow and a trad. Devan is a wildly successful elk slayer and a committed steward to the art of archery hunting. I already know you guys are going to like him as much as I do!

Devan on Instagram.

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Return Guest Mike Barnes is the former Strength Conditioning Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, hunter, trainer, and author. He's spent a career out of understanding and teaching strength conditioning to others and let me tell you, he knows what he's talking about. 

In this episode, we are excited to talk to Mike about his new book, The Complete Guide to Fitness for Western and Mountain Hunting. Mike's new book covers everything from basic physiology to nutrition to strength conditioning and everything between. Finally! A book strictly dedicated to fitness for the Western Hunter written by a guy that specializes in both areas of strength conditioning and hunting elk in the high country! Mike puts it all together for us, and you're going to want to get this book NOW and start utilizing it for this coming season... Check it out below!

The Complete Guide to Fitness for Western and Mountain Hunting

Mike's Website

Mike on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular!

Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com

Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com

Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/

Hit me up at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Shane is a listener favorite and he's back! Shane started Bone Maniacs and his hunting show, Bone Maniacs, has been nominated for the annual awards at Carbon TV. Shane is one of the most consistent hunters I know and I always enjoy his honest, unashamed approach to life, as well as his willingness to share his perspective.

We talk about his show, the dismal state of political affairs in this country, hunter divisions, being true and authentic to ourselves, and how you can help Shane's show dominate the 2022 awards!

Vote for Bone Maniacs Here!

Bone Maniacs on Instagram 

Show Sponsors and Discount Codes!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Follow The Western Huntsman on Social Media

Email: jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Joel Turner is a retired law enforcement officer, firearms instructor, SWAT Team Leader, successful elk hunter, and the founder of SHOT IQ. He is a return SOS guest on the show and due to popular demand, we brought him back for this season!

In this installment of School of September we discuss the controlled shooting process with a bow, whether chuckling at a  bull is a good idea, Joel's philosophy behind his rock solid elk calling sequence, drunk dudes in bars, calling in herd bulls, and locating elk. With season so close, I promise you won't want to miss this one!

SHOT IQ Website

SHOT IQ on Instagram

The Western Huntsman on Social Media and More!

Check out our show sponsors and special discount codes!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Questions, comments, concerns, ideas? Email Jim at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Finally! Ross Sharp and I have been trying to record an episode together for a long time. He is a Washington resident, hunter, and business owner. Ross founded The Crazy Elk Company famous for it's innovative Tag Wallet product with much more in the works. He is a dedicated and wildly successful hunter, advocate for hunting rights in Washington, and a super cool dude to have on the show. You won't want to miss this discussion as we talk about his company, hunting, and dealing with the insane politics that come out of Western Washington. 

Crazy Elk Company Website

Crazy Elk Company Instagram

Show Sponsors and Discounts!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Follow us on Social Media!

jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Another episode from my Wyoming trip to visit with the crew at Eastmans Hunting Journals, this time with Dan Pickar! Dan is a writer, editor, and producer for Eastmans Hunting Journals and Beyond The Grid TV, he's also an absolute savage bowhunter who has mastered the art of high country mule deer. The mounts on the wall in his office would make any hunter's heart beat a little faster.

In this episode, Dan lays out the new virtual mule deer course that will be available soon and what people can expect to get out of it, he offers some mule deer and elk tips and strategies, backcountry hunting in the West, and his wild solo hunt that ended with a successful high-country monster muley! I really enjoyed the conversation and if you love Western big game hunts, you will too!

Check out Dan on Instagram

Eastmans Hunting Journals

Show Sponsors and Discounts!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Follow The Western Huntsman

jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Guy Duplantier is a frequent guest of this show and host of the Western Contours Podcast. In fact, he's one of my favorite humans and I always end our recordings together feeling great about the content and the friendship. 

In this episode, we talk about his recent move to Colorado and how it's changed his perspective on things. We also talk about elevation sickness, how hunters can mitigate it, and our frustrations with the woke culture in America. As always when Guy is on the show, we hold nothing back!

Guy on Instagram

Show Sponsors and Discounts!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Follow us on Social Media!

Email the host: jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

A trip to Wyoming is always worth it, but it was even more so this time because I got to meet the entire Eastman's Hunting Journals team to include Ike Eastman, President of the company! 

Ike and I sit down to chat about perceptions surrounding trophy hunting. We discuss how the term is portrayed negatively by the anti-hunting folks, how some hunters may perceive it, and what truly defines a trophy hunter. We discuss the benefits of taking mature animals and the importance of not disparaging those who choose not to. Ike is extremely insightful and a fantastic resource on this topic. The epitome of true sportsmen can be found in all corners of Eastman's, and I'm proud to call them all friends!

Check out Eastman's Hunting Journals

Check out Eastman's TagHub

Ike Eastman on Instagram

Show Sponsors and Discounts!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

LinkTree

Spring Bear Video!

jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

One of the most profoundly successful Federal funding programs in our history is The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937. For 85 years, this legislation has funded wildlife conservation efforts to the tune of over eleven billion dollars. It has fueled projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife science projects, public access, species rehabilitation, hunter education, gun ranges, and much more. It has also been a strong badge of honor to sportsmen and women, a weighted fist in the fight against the anti-hunting movement, and an effective tool to improve the overall management of our wildlife and the wild places they thrive in. 

Now, in a surprising twist, it is under attack by Republican legislatures under a false premise that it is an infringement to gun owners. As a right of center hunter, I'm embarrassed by this legislation. As a 2A advocate, I'm ashamed of the misuse of what I consider our most critical Constitutional Amendment. And as an American, I'm confused as to why our elected officials would meddle in such a wonderful conservation tool given the current issues Americans face that should be prioritized. 

In this episode, Brian Brooks, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, joins me to break down the details of this proposed legislation, explain why it's misplaced, and offer some action items us sportsmen and women can do to combat it. The time is now, we cannot allow the people we have trusted in government office, deprive us and our wildlife of the most responsible use of tax dollars any collective group has ever contributed. Stop this bill!!

Idaho Wildlife Federation

Howl for Wildlife

Show Sponsors and Discounts!

SKRE Gear - High octane hunting attire without breaking the bank! https://www.skregear.com/  -Use Promo Code “thewesternhuntsman” for 15% off and free shipping!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off!

The Elk Collective: An absolute game-changer in self-education. This virtual elk hunting course offers over 140 videos of instruction delivered through the best elk hunters on the planet. Use promo code “thewesternhuntsman” for $20 off the entire course, and go into the elk woods with a lot more confidence this year! Visit the website: https://theelkcollective.com/ 

Hoffman Boots: - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots

Bait Em 907 -Use promo code “Huntsman10” for 10% off of all bear attractants and other products. https://www.baitem907.com

Find The Western Huntsman on Social Media!

Email Jim at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com