This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, Sean Moody joins us to share an epic tale of success and learning in the elk hunting world. Having drawn a coveted special elk permit in Idaho, Sean was determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Although he wouldn’t call himself an expert, Sean approached the hunt with enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and the hope of getting some good at-bats. What unfolded was a whirlwind of excitement as Sean encountered an absolute unit of a bull elk....

Episode 100 of the ELK HUNT podcast!!! This week on the podcast, we take a deep dive into elk season with one of our most intriguing guests yet—Nick Papsadora. A prior Marine Corps officer, Nick has immersed himself in the world of archery elk hunting, and his after-action review from this season is nothing short of impressive. In our conversation, Nick shares his valuable insights, lessons learned, and candid breakdowns of both his mistakes and successes in the field. His journey provides a...

This week, young Jaden and I catch up on his epic season of guiding, filled with incredible hunts and a rollercoaster of highs and lows—especially with a commissioner tag holder. We dive into some amazing stories from the field and discuss what’s coming up for rifle season, both as a guide and for his personal hunts. It’s always great to reconnect with good buddies after a long season—this episode is full of laughs, insights, and lessons learned in the mountains.

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, we wrap up my thrilling 2024 elk season with an unforgettable weekend that exceeded all expectations. I had the opportunity to take a great bull, while my good buddy Jeff Helm capitalized on a bull he pursued the night before—talk about teamwork! With only three days in the field, it was an epic adventure packed with excitement. In the second half of the episode, Jeff shares his proven system for success in elk hunting. An under-the-radar elk killer with a...

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, Cody welcomes back Mike Mulligan, a professional poker player with a deep passion for elk hunting. In this riveting episode, Mike recounts an epic hunting saga from last season, involving a bull that challenged him from start to finish. This high mountain bull proved to be elusive and demanding, providing Mike with an intense and rewarding hunting experience. Mike dives into the detailed story of his pursuit of this remarkable public land bull, describing...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, Cody and Jaden catch up after opening weekend to reflect on the lessons learned and mistakes made in the field. Cody explores the concept of "read the room," sharing insights on how a group of young hunters disrupted a quiet drainage filled with satellite bulls. The guys discuss the idea of "when all you have is a hammer, all you see is nails" and offer strategies for approaching early-season elk hunting with a fresh perspective. Tune in for practical advice...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we sit down with Tim Bunao, a Montana electrician with a burning passion for elk hunting. Tim, originally from the East Coast, shares an incredible story from last year's hunt that will leave you fired up for the season ahead. In this episode, Tim recounts a jaw-dropping experience where he harvested both a lion and a giant bull elk in a single day. Despite facing challenges and encountering other hunters at every turn, Tim’s perseverance and trust in his...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we’re joined by Kelvin Eldridge of Western Big Game Scouting. A dedicated guide and e-scouting expert who’s on a mission to help hunters find elk like it’s their full-time job. Kelvin brings a unique perspective to elk hunting with his mantra of “Look Far and Look Often,” emphasizing the importance of relentless scouting and observation. In this episode, Kelvin shares his innovative approach to elk hunting, including his decision to forgo traditional calling...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we sit down with Joe Giglia from Elk Bros, a seasoned elk hunter with a wealth of knowledge to share. Joe, a self-taught elk hunter hailing from the deep South, has spent decades perfecting his craft in the rugged mountains of New Mexico. In this episode, Joe unveils his unique approach to finding and hunting elk, blending his passion for the sport with his professional experience as a teacher and coach. Joe dives deep into the 201-level tips and tricks that...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we’re joined by E-Scouting legend and good friend Mark Livesay of Treeline Academy. Mark, renowned for his in-depth e-scouting courses, returns to dive into a fresh perspective: how to use your advanced e-scouting skills to re-evaluate and rethink your old elk hunting areas. We explore techniques to uncover new insights and opportunities in familiar spots, even when your map is already dotted with pins. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your current...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I sit down with Brian Kerb from The Western Rookie podcast. Brian, who has been hunting out west with a large group for a decade, shares his insights on managing a hunt with 4 to 10+ hunters. We delve into the unique challenges and strategies involved in coordinating such a sizable crew, as well as the highs and lows of their adventures across new states. Brian’s storytelling shines as he recounts some of the most memorable moments from their elk hunting...

This week on the ELK Hunt podcast, I sit down with Young Jaden to discuss the ins and outs of hunting plans, from solo adventures to large group setups. We explore strategies for optimizing your hunt whether you’re flying solo or managing a camp with multiple partners, covering everything from camp organization to effective hunt planning. Tune in for valuable insights to elevate your hunting game and make the most out of your next adventure. Discover the durability and lightweight...

This week on the Elk Hunt podcast, I’m joined by Andrew Whitney from Bozeman Hunting Company. Andrew, an exceptional archery hunter and guide, shares why mastering archery is crucial for success in elk hunting. We dive into the "killer instinct" that separates great hunters from the rest, with Andrew recounting stories where intuition turned close calls into successful shots. Plus, he offers valuable advice for East Coast hunters making the leap to elk hunting in the West. Tune in for an...

This week, join me as I sit down with Trent Fisher from Born and Raised Outdoors. We delve into Trent's expansive journey as an elk hunter, tracing his evolution from hunting Roosevelt elk to refining tactics across various states. Trent shares insights into the famed "Cat Road Shuffle," a method synonymous with their early days of covering ground until finding an eager bull. We explore pivotal moments like the intense encounter when a massive bull lingered just 30 yards away during a...

This week on the podcast, I'm excited to have James from the Bow Disciples YouTube Channel join me. His latest elk hunting video, "Hat Trick," is a thrilling showcase of consistent success on challenging OTC elk hunts in Utah. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of consistently harvesting elk in these demanding units. James shares his innovative approach, including the unconventional use of tree stands in low-density elk areas. If you're looking to up your game in tough hunting...

This week on the podcast, we're joined by Jason Matzinger, a seasoned elk hunter with a deep passion for the chase and a knack for pulling out all the stops in both mountain and plains terrain. Jason's track record includes bagging some monumental trophies, driven by his meticulous approach to selective hunting. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the art of spot and stalk elk hunting, delving deep into the strategies and scenarios that define Jason's success. We dissect the nuances...

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Tony Gilbertson, the newly crowned 2024 World Elk Calling Champion. Tony is not only a master elk caller but also a seasoned hunter with a wealth of experience. In this episode, we delve into Tony's journey to becoming a champion caller and how his calling skills directly translate into success in the field. Tony shares valuable insights and stories, including a pivotal moment where patience triumphed over persistence in hunting a bull. We explore...

This week on the podcast, we're joined by Dylan, a passionate podcast listener and avid elk hunter who's on a journey to master the art of hunting solo. While Dylan hasn't yet sealed the deal, he's honed his skills in tracking and approaching elk with impressive results. Join us as we delve into the strategies and tactics that can turn close encounters into successful hunts. Cody breaks down his top three tactics and offers valuable advice on refining Dylan's approach for greater success in...

This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, we're thrilled to be joined by Bryan Broderick, the founder of Day Six Arrows. Bryan's elk hunting journey began in 1991 when he made his first trip to New Mexico in a standard cab 2WD Tacoma. Despite missing multiple bulls that year, he was hooked. The very next year, he returned and took down a massive non-typical elk. In this episode, Bryan shares the wild story of his early hunting days, the impact of the internet on hunting, and how his tactics have...

Dive into the art of crafting the perfect elk arrow with John Stallone, co-founder of Howl for Wildlife, on this week's episode! Join us as we explore John's expert tips and techniques for building arrows tailored specifically for elk hunting. From arrow selection to fine-tuning your setup, John shares invaluable insights gained from years of testing and experience. But that's not all—discover the inspiring work of Howl for Wildlife and their mission to make a positive impact on conservation...

Join Jaden and Cody this week as they delve into the art of next-level e-scouting. In this insightful episode, the duo dissects common mistakes made by clients and shares expert strategies to elevate your e-scouting game. From knowing when to cover ground to the importance of thinking bigger and smaller, Jaden and Cody offer invaluable advice for hunters looking to hone their skills. This conversation is not just about science; it's an exploration of the artistry behind successful e-scouting....

Ready to take your elk hunting game to the next level? Join us this week on Wapiti Wednesday as we sit down with seasoned elk hunting guide, Dan Whitmus. With years of experience guiding clients through the rugged terrain of elk country, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of elk hunting, exploring strategies for getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures. From understanding elk behavior to mastering the...

This week on Wapiti Wednesday, we're joined by legendary shed hunter and outdoor photographer, Steven Drake. With years of experience under his belt, Drake and his wife have mastered the art of shed hunting, spending countless days scouring the wilderness each spring. In this episode, Drake unveils his tried-and-true system for shed hunting, sharing insights into finding bulls in the winter and ensuring no shed goes unnoticed. Discover how Drake's observations during shed season inform his...