Days In The Wild - Big game Hunting podcast

Guest: Scott Leysath — The Sporting ChefEpisode: Field-to-Table Made Simple
What’s inside (quick hits):
The three biggest mistakes that make wild game “gamey”—and how to fix them
Field care that actually matters (cooling, cleanliness, trim)
Cut-to-method pairings for deer, elk, upland, and waterfowl
Weeknight formulas: fast marinades, hot-and-fast sears, smart sides
Gateway dishes that win over non-hunters (and why they work)
Takeaway: Respect the animal, manage heat and fat, add acid and texture—great wild game is technique, not luck.
Follow Scott: @thesportingchefFollow John: @johnstallone

Guest: Marlon Holden Episode: Fall 2025 – Mule deer hunting, Camo, Boots, gear
What we cover (quick hits):
Hunting mule deer in South Dakota recap
Layering systems, camo to wear
Boots, socks
AZ mule deer quota system
Connect with Marlon: @graylighthunterConnect with the show: @johnstallone

Rifle vs. Archery — strengths, limits, and how to choose
What we cover (quick hits):
Why Matt hunts with both weapons—and what each teaches the other
Ethical effective range: defining it for your skills, terrain, and conditions
Fieldcraft vs. ballistics: closing inside 40 yards vs. building a rock-solid rifle position
Calling, wind, and movement discipline—what changes with bow vs. rifle
Practice plans: 4-week tune-ups for bowhunters and rifle hunters
Gear that matters (and what’s overrated) for real-world hunts
Links:IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattrege/
If you enjoyed this one, share it with a hunting buddy and leave a quick rating—it helps a ton.

Whitetail Rut Tactics + Buying Land
John sits down with Jordan Blissett to break down practical rut strategies—how to read phases (seeking, chasing, lockdown), pick high-odds terrain, manage wind the smart way, and decide when to call or stay silent. Then they pivot to buying land for whitetails: access and neighborhood first, must-have habitat features, quick-win improvements, and rookie pitfalls to avoid.
Highlights
Rut stand selection: leeward edges, hub scrapes, ditch/creek crossings
Calling & decoys: when they help—and when they burn a spot
Pressure management on small tracts
Land buying: access, cover diversity, neighbors, red flags
First-year improvements that move the needle
Follow Jordan
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanblissett/
Team page: https://openseasonproperties.com/our-team/jordan-blissett/

Legacy, Stewardship, and Straight Talk: A Conversation with Dan Cabela
Summary
John sits down with Dan Cabela—conservation advocate and scion of the Cabela family—to share a wild-game meal and talk honestly about why hunting matters, how funding and policy actually move the needle for wildlife conservation, and what it takes to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters. No dunking, no shouting—just good food and better questions.
What you’ll hear
Origin story: The moment Dan’s love for the outdoors turned into a commitment to stewardship.
Conservation, not slogans: How regulated hunting, tags, and excise taxes fund habitat, research, and management.
Ethics in practice: Fair chase, technology creep, and what “doing it right” looks like before, during, and after the shot.
Bridging divides: How to talk to non-hunters with humility, data, and real stories.
Global perspective: Wins and lessons from projects around the world—and what actually scales.
Legacy & responsibility: Carrying a famous name without being trapped by it.
Wild game on the table: Cooking notes, transparency, and why sharing a meal changes the conversation.
Quick takeaways
Stewardship > rhetoric: Policy + funding + local buy-in beat internet arguments.
Many pathways to help: You don’t have to hunt to support wildlife—join, donate, volunteer, vote smart.
Food is a bridge: A plate of honest wild game opens doors that debate can’t.
Measure impact: If it doesn’t move habitat, populations, or community support, it’s just noise.
Suggested chapter guide (drop in timestamps after publish)
Cold open & wild-game dish
Dan’s early field memories → stewardship pivot
How conservation gets funded (and where it fails)
Ethics & tech in modern hunting
International lessons that apply at home
Sharing wild food with skeptics
Rapid-fire: favorite hunts, mentors, books
Calls to action & ways to get involved
About our guest
Dan Cabela is a lifelong outdoorsman and conservation advocate whose work spans habitat projects, policy support, and community engagement. He focuses on pragmatic solutions that sustain wildlife and local economies.
Links & resources
Howl for Wildlife — Take action, learn more, and support science-based management: [howlforwildlife.org]
Connect
Guest: Dan Cabela — IG @dancabela
Host: John Stallone — IG: @johnstallone

We sit down with Robert Cowan and   Michael Cardinal  
Episode Summary
John sits down with Michael Cardinal to unpack the hunt behind his latest bull—how he scouted, read sign, and made decisions when the plan fell apart.

Elk Hunter Missing in Colorado
Episode title
“Missing in the High Country: An Elk Hunter’s Story in Colorado”
Summary
Guest Dac Collins 
In this episode, John unpacks the developing story of an elk hunter who went missing in Colorado—what’s known so far, how search-and-rescue operations unfold in the Rockies, and the practical steps backcountry hunters can take to reduce risk and help responders if something goes wrong. The conversation balances empathy for the family with actionable fieldcraft and preparedness.
Note: Facts are evolving. We stick to verified information and avoid speculation.
What you’ll hear
Timeline & terrain: What’s known about the incident and the landscape factors at play (elevation, weather, access).
SAR reality check: How mountain Search and Rescue is mobilized, what slows missions, and what information helps the most.
Preparation that matters: Comms plans, weather/nowcasting, navigation backups, and “don’t split the party” rules.
If you get turned around: Immediate steps that improve survival and make you easier to find.
For hunting partners at home: How to structure check-in windows, map shares, and who to call if a teammate is overdue.
Respect & responsibility: Keeping the focus on the missing hunter and supporting family and responders.
Quick takeaways
Tell two people your plan (route, camp, bail-out options, check-in times).
Carry redundant comms: phone + battery, offline maps, PLB or satellite messenger (preset check-ins & SOS).
Weather drives risk—nowcast every 30–60 minutes in the mountains.
If lost: STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan), make yourself findable (bright panel, whistle, signal mirror), and stay put when it’s safer than wandering.
 
Safety checklist (copy/paste)
Trip plan shared (route, alt routes, check-in times, who to call)
Phone with offline maps + spare battery
PLB or sat messenger with preset messages to a contact
Paper map + compass (know a bearing to camp/trailhead)
Weather layers (puffy, rain shell, hat/gloves) + headlamp
Signal gear: whistle, bright panel, small mirror
Fire kit, basic med kit, calories & water treatment
Call to action
 

Throwback episode with Paul Medel 

“Solo vs. Social: The Psychology of the Hunt with Beau Martonik”
✍️ Episode Description:
In this compelling episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with hunter, writer, and East Meets West podcast host Beau Martonik to dig into the mental side of hunting—specifically the contrast between solo and social hunting experiences. Beau opens up about how hunting alone in remote terrain builds resilience, sharpens instincts, and forces you to confront your inner world. We also explore the camaraderie of camp, the challenges of balancing solo ambition with shared experiences, and how both play a vital role in shaping today’s hunter.
If you've ever questioned whether you're more effective—or more fulfilled—hunting alone or with others, this episode will speak directly to you.
📌 Topics We Cover:
The mindset differences between solo and group hunts
Why solo hunting builds personal growth and mental toughness
How social hunting cultivates community and tradition
Making space for solitude while still honoring shared camp culture
Gear choices that support both independence and team hunting
Learning to embrace discomfort and silence in the backcountry
Lessons Beau’s learned through years of chasing whitetails and mountain bucks
💬 Notable Quotes:
“Solo hunts strip away the noise and reveal what kind of hunter—and person—you really are.”
“There’s power in both solitude and community; the key is knowing what you need in each season.”
🧠 Key Takeaways:
Solo hunting demands higher levels of self-reliance, decision-making, and mental stamina
Group hunting offers emotional support, shared knowledge, and deeper traditions
The choice between the two is often less about success and more about personal evolution
Understanding your psychological needs in the field can elevate your overall hunting experience
🔗 Connect with Beau Martonik:
🎧 Listen to his podcast: East Meets West📸 Instagram: @beau.martonik🌐 Website: www.eastmeetswesthunt.com
📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate the show, and share with fellow hunters—whether they ride solo or run with a crew. Stay tuned for more deep dives into hunting, mindset, and the wild places we chase.

n this episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with backcountry hunter and elite outdoor photographer Steven Drake to unpack his approach to gear, preparation, and the mental edge needed to thrive deep in the wilderness. We dive into his minimalist yet functional backcountry pack system, how he balances photography and hunting in extreme terrain, and the hard-earned lessons that shape his mountain mindset.
Whether you’re dialing in your gear list or just looking for inspiration from someone who truly lives the wild, this episode is loaded with insight, authenticity, and practical takeaways.
📌 Topics We Cover:
Steven’s exact backcountry gear loadout—what makes the cut and why
The philosophy behind “gear with purpose”
How to prioritize weight vs. comfort for extended hunts
Balancing camera gear with hunting efficiency
Mindset shifts that separate successful backcountry hunters
Why Steven believes in failing forward as a way to grow
Lessons learned from grueling hunts in Alaska, the Rockies, and beyond
💬 Notable Quotes:
“If everything in your pack doesn’t serve a purpose, it doesn’t belong there.”
“The most valuable skill in the backcountry isn’t shooting—it’s adapting.”
🧠 Key Takeaways:
Intentional gear selection makes you more efficient, not just lighter.
Simplicity in systems leads to mental clarity in high-stress situations.
Physical preparation is essential, but mental resilience is the real game-changer.
Photography and hunting don’t have to compete—they can fuel each other.
🔗 Connect with Steven Drake:
📸 Instagram: @stevendrakephoto🌐 Website: www.stevendrakephoto.com
📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your hunting crew. And don’t forget to check out previous episodes of Days in the Wild for more insight from the field.