Days In The Wild - Big game Hunting podcast

Whitetail Deer Hunting Strategies with Jake Bush

Whitetail Deer Hunting Strategies with Jake Bush
Show Notes:
In my circle of hunting friends, there’s no one who knows whitetail deer as well as Jake Bush in my book, specifically in the Midwestern side of the states. Jake is an experienced hunter who lives in Ohio, where he chases big bucks on public land. I see a lot of myself in Jake’s approach to hunting. Neither of us have a lot of time to spend in the field – we hunt on very tight schedules. So, I picked Jake’s brain about Ohio hunting, whitetails, working on tight schedules, and more. 
 
Jake walked us through his scouting and hunting philosophies. He wants to tag out as quickly as possible, so he spends a lot of time scouting. He works with online maps and topography maps, in an effort to “put as many pieces of the puzzle together as possible.” Jake discussed these “puzzle pieces” and what he looks for in his ideal hunting grounds. We also swapped a few tips for maximizing your success in the field. There’s a lot of great info here that any hunters can put into practice.
 
We also traded stories about our experiences hunting deer in the western states. No two states are the same, so we compared and contrasted some of the Midwestern states with further west areas. Each region calls for its own strategies and techniques. 
 
To round out our podcast, Jake told us a story about one of his hunts. This hunt changed the way Jake looked at the sport, scouting, and more. It was a great, insightful story about understanding your surroundings and waiting for the proper conditions – or not waiting, in this case. 
 
What's Inside:
- Jake’s strategy for scouting whitetail.
- Jake’s in-the-field techniques and tricks.
- The differences between hunting in western vs. Midwestern states.
- When to analyze your surroundings – and when to act.
- Stories about big game hunting across the western states.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
Phoenix Shooting Bags: https://www.phoenixshootingbags.com/
Jake Bush: https://www.instagram.com/thejakebush/?hl=en
Jake Bush on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LegendsOfTheHunt
 
Short Description:
Whitetail deer expert, Jake Bush, was such a pleasure to have on the show and he’s one of the best to exchange knowledge and swap stories on big buck hunting with. We discussed hunting all over the country, whitetail strategy, and how to maximize your scouting in this episode. This was a fantastic conversation, and Jake dropped a lot of great knowledge here. 
 
Tags:
Whitetail deer, mule deer, big game hunting, western states, Midwest hunting, technique, scouting, days in the wild, Jake Bush, Ohio hunting, whitetail hunting

The Wild Game Gourmet - Larry White

The Wild Game Gourmet with Larry White
 
Show Notes:
We’re going to switch gears a little bit today and do something different. I have Larry White on with me and we’re going to pick his brain on table fare, caring for meat, and hopefully pull a couple stories out of him as well. Larry’s originally from North Carolina but currently lives in the low country in South Carolina. In 2004, he started his cooking career while he was in California in the Coast Guard. After the Coast Guard, he got his culinary degree and did personal chef and food truck work and is now running a creative venture called The Wild Game Gourmet. 
 
When it comes to wild game, if you’re cooking exotic meals, you’re more likely to cook more often. That’s what ultimately drove me to follow Larry’s work. We talk about the best practices to follow in terms of caring for meat in order to get the best quality. Larry also shares tips on how to handle venison and how to prepare it, the biggest rule being not to overcook it. He also likes to cook it in a cast iron pan and top it off with some butter. Wild game also works well in a Crock Pot, believe it or not! 
 
I’ve gotten into cured meats more over the last several years and it’s one of Larry’s favorite things to do. Larry gives us the rundown on how he likes to cook deer without going too crazy. He loves to braise a shoulder with sauce in a pan and use the meat over the course of a week. Larry says the neck is the most tender part of venison and you can do so many things with it. 
 
If you’re not the best cook or a beginner, you could start by practicing with London broil or an eye of beef. Lamb shanks are also good to cook and a way to practice with braised dishes. Larry has a ton of great recipes on his website. Check them out by following the link below.
What’s Inside:
Meat caring practices to follow to get the best quality possible.
Simple rules of thumb for venison.
What to cook to impress people at a dinner party.
How to cook different parts of venison.
Starting points and ways to practice if you’re a beginner cook.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
GoHunt: https://www.gohunt.com/
The Wildgame Gourmet
 
Short Description:. Culinary guru Larry White joins me on the show today. He’s a master at cooking wild game and he’s got a ton of great recipes on his website, The Wild Game Gourmet. We chat about everything from how to cook venison, how to care for meat so it winds up tasting the best, and tips for beginner cooks. 
 
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, gourmet cooking, wild game, venison, cured meat, elk, deer, the wild game gourmet, days in the wild, Larry White

Big Game Tactics and Time in the Field with Alex Millward

Big Game Tactics and Time in the Field with Alex Millward
Show Notes:
Alex Millward is a hunter based in Utah, with a passion for mule deer and elk. We sat down to get into the nitty-gritty and talk about all things tactics. To kick us off, we swapped a couple of stories about recent hunts. Alex told a story about being resourceful on a 4-day mule deer hunt and making things happen despite all odds. 
 
This led us to talking strategy. I picked Alex’s brain on how he picks bucks and how he puts them down. It’s important to understand hunting on a situational basis. Bucks aren’t going to stick around, so when the opportunity comes around – you’ve gotta take it. You’ll only get so many chances on any given hunt. 
 
People often ask me, “What differentiates me from you?” when it comes to hunting. The answer: Time in the field. Having experience and just getting out there is the most important part of growing as a hunter. Sometimes, you’ll have to make some sacrifices to get hunting. We talked about some of the sacrifices we’ve made in the name of the sport. 
 
We also talked about the importance of preparation – both physical and mental. Hunting is tough on the body and the mind. Alex talked about what he’s done in recent years to get in shape for hunting. We also discussed gear, and what the right setup can do for you. 
 
We ended on a great story from Alex about some elk hunting. 
 
What's Inside:
- Tactical discussion with Alex Millward.
- Understanding hunting on a situational basis.
- The importance of time in the field.
- How to mentally and physically prepare for a hunt.
- We swap stories about hunting elk and deer. 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
Phoenix Shooting Bags: https://www.phoenixshootingbags.com/
GoHunt: https://www.gohunt.com/
 
Short Description:
This one’s a must-hear for big game hunters. Alex Millward joined me on the podcast to talk about elk and deer hunting strategy. We covered tactics, preparation, and a lot more. Nothing beats time in the field, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success when you’re out there. 
 
Tags:
Deer hunting, elk hunting, hunting tips, big game hunting, tactics, strategy, utah, days in the wild, Alex Millward, Utah hunting

Whitetail, Elk, and Hunting Tactics - Andy May

Whitetail, Elk, and Hunting Tactics Andy May
Show Notes:
Andy May is a Michigan-based bowhunter who targets big game in his home state and the west. He joined me on the podcast this week to talk about his hunting strategy. He’s hunted elk, mule deer, whitetail, and more. We sat down and discussed tactics, results, and everything in between. 
 
To kick us off, Andy talked about his go-to strategy for whitetail hunting. Andy is a very, very efficient hunter: he gets great results on very limited amounts of time. He discussed how he got to be this way in the field. Andy credits one thing for his success: focused information gathering. From buck behavior to food supply, Andy looks at a lot of factors when choosing his hunting ground. Sometimes, he’ll even go into a trip targeting a single, specific buck.
 
But what about out-of-state hunting, where recon is much tougher? In that case, Andy’s strategy is the same – but different. He talked a little bit about how he handles out-of-state hunts on limited time. This can be very helpful for the busy hunters out there. 
 
We also talked about the importance of instincts. When you talk to successful hunters, they often utilize methods that aren’t considered ‘textbook.’ These methods are often fueled by instinct, which can be learned over time. Experience in the field creates success. 
 
What’s  Inside:
- Recon tips for busy hunters.
- How Andy hunts with efficiency. 
- What kind of information to look for when scouting locations.
- How to hunt efficiently on out-of-state trips.
- The importance of hunting instincts. 
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
Phoenix Shooting Bags: https://www.phoenixshootingbags.com/
Andy May: https://www.instagram.com/bowhuntingdad/?hl=en
 
Short Description:
Andy May is a bowhunter in Michigan with a jam-packed schedule. We talked about how to hunt efficiently, and how Andy finds big success with little amounts of time. If you’ve got a job (or two) and a family that you’re trying to schedule hunting around, there’s a lot of great information here. 
 
Tags:
Time management, elk hunting, deer hunting, hunting tips, strategy, recon, Michigan, Michigan hunting, days in the wild, big game hunting, Andy May

Tuning your hunting bow with Chris Escarcega

Bow Tune and Bow Hunting Best Practices with Christopher Escarcega
 
Show Notes:
Building arrows and tuning bows the right way are great skills archery hunters definitely benefit from. My good friend Chris Escarcega is my go-to guy when it comes to this. He’s one of the guys who helped me develop my own bow tuning and arrow building practices. Chris has been shooting since he was a little kid when his grandpop put a bow in his hands. He took a step back while in school but got serious about it ten years ago. He moved to Salt Lake City and worked for a couple of firms and then moved to Arizona to work at an archery club. Now he’s a territory manager for a company and takes part in archery competitions as well. 
 
The last bow Chris helped me tune was my best shooting bow. I’m sad I got rid of it, because I always had the confidence that it was going to do what I expected it to do. I haven’t been able to achieve that level of perfection since. Chris shares what he believes makes a well-tuned bow and the differences between hunting and target shooting. There’s more than one way to set up your broadheads to make sure you have a clear arrow path. 
 
Chris recommends starting with the straightest arrow you can afford and names some good brands to look for. He also shares how to make the arrows you have straighter. You can get good results from a mid-grade arrow if you know what you’re doing. Chris also walks through how to tune your bow by shooting arrows through paper. If you’re not shooting bullet holes, you might need to tweak your technique instead of your equipment. When you practice good habits, you’ll have consistent results.
What’s Inside:
What makes a well-tuned bow.
How to practice with broadheads and field points.
Why you should start with the straightest arrows you can afford.
How to tune your bow by shooting arrows through paper.
How to troubleshoot when you’re not shooting bullet holes.
Using fletching to cover up flaws.
Why accuracy matters over everything else.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
GoHunt: https://www.gohunt.com/
Short Description:. Chris Escarcega is a bow shooting expert and good friend of mine. The bow he helped me develop was by far the best one I’ve ever had. Chris shares tips on how to tune your bow, which arrows to use for best results, how to troubleshoot, and why accuracy matters over everything else. 
 
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, broadhead, bow hunting, arrow, fletching, field points

Chef Jean Paul Bourgeois - Sportsman, Game chef and Meat eater contributor

Chef Jean Paul Bourgeois - Sportsman, Game chef and Meat eater contributor
Expanding Your Culinary Palette with Chef Jean Paul Bourgeois
 
Show Notes:
 
Chef Jean Paul Bourgeois, a contributor to MeatEater TV on YouTube, grew up waterfowl hunting and it’s a huge part of his life today. Jean Paul is also the creator and host of a show called Duck Camp Dinners. The show highlights the lifestyle, food, and hunting of his duck camp in Louisiana. Season two is currently in post-edit and covers duck camps all over the coast of south Louisiana. You can find Jean Paul on another MeatEater show called Duck Lore as well as some fishing shows.  
 
Jean Paul’s culinary career has taken him all over the world. He spent time in France and takes several international trips per year. He’s got a trip planned to Croatia next year where he’s going to take people on a culinary expedition. In terms of hunting, Jean Paul is a wing shooter. He loves to shoot everything from doves to turkeys. There’s a big wide world out there and you can discover different places through flavors. Jean Paul’s recipes have inspired me to cook different dishes and enjoy things I used to just endure, like javelina.
 
Jean Paul’s favorite game to cook and eat is waterfowl, especially a specklebelly goose. He also enjoys elk. I swap some tips with Jean Paul on cooking caribou and inspired him to put it on his list. The most used parts of an animal are going to be the toughest, like the tongue. It’s also incredibly rich. We talk about how to cook different cuts of meat and what’s best for grilling. Animals taste different depending on what they eat, and we get into talking about how that affects your hunting strategy.
What’s Inside:
How Jean Paul started his culinary career.
How traveling inspires Jean Paul’s recipes.
Jean Paul’s favorite game to cook and eat.
Why the most used parts of an animal are the toughest and richest.
Which cuts are the best for grilling.
How an animal’s diet informs how you hunt and cook.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
GoHunt: https://www.gohunt.com/
MeatEater TV on YouTube
Chefjean_paul on Instagram
Spiceology
Short Description:. 
Chef Jean Paul Bourgeois is a MeatEater TV contributor and creator of the show Duck Camp Dinners. He’s huge fan of waterfowl hunting and cooking and shares how he got into his culinary career. We get into how you can travel the world through flavor, how to cook different kinds of game, and how an animal’s food affects how it ultimately tastes.
 
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, waterfowl hunting, duck hunting, wild game, cooking, culinary, bear hunting, elk, meat
Follow him on instagram- Jean-Paul Bourgeois (@chefjean_paul) • Instagram photos and videos
 
 
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Throwback Thursday with Jared Bloomgren

Throwback Thursday with Jared Bloomgren
 
Show Notes: 
 
Aside from your instincts, there’s a lot of things that can help you become a successful hunter. Jared Bloomgren is an absolute beast in the field – no pun intended. He manages to get it done time and time again by combining his military background with his hunting style and I just find his outlook exciting. Being a hunter in the 21st century, Jared believes that technology has given us the edge on hunting but also never limits himself to relying solely on technology. Hunting out of state will always bring some challenges that technology cannot overcome which is why he still has a good head on gathering data the old way like talking to biologists, studying weather patters and even observing vegetation. 
 

Being a Hunting Ambassador with Clint Whitley

Being a Hunting Ambassador with Clint Whitley
Show Notes:
Clint Whitley is a South Dakota native and hunter who’s spent time all across the western part of our country. He’s got experience hunting a variety of game, including elk, mule deer, waterfowl, and more. Clint and I sat down to talk about hunting, life, activism, and everything in between. We started by catching up on our personal lives, and what happens when family meets hunting (and vise versa). 
 
Today, Clint is in field education. He spends all day in the field, teaching people how to get out and enjoy the hunt and the great outdoors. He told me a bit about what he does on a day-to-day basis. As an outdoor educator, Clint has a lot of firsthand experience with getting more sportsmen in the field. 
 
The truth is: A lot of people out there just don’t know what they’re doing. Clint Whitley plays a crucial role in fixing that problem. 
 
We talked a lot about recruiting hunters, what hunting does for conservation, and how hunters can start conversations with non-hunters. There’s a lot of misinformation and ignorance going around out there. As hunters, it’s important for us to mediate the public on hunting misinformation and propaganda. 
 
Ultimately, there’s a lot of money in the anti-hunting camp. The only way we can fight this is with real-life knowledge and experience. There are some great tips in this episode for talking to the public about our sport – and dealing with anti-hunting activists. 
 
What's Inside:
- How Clint helps novice hunters.
- The importance of hunting for conservation.
- How we can spread the truth about hunting.
- The power of money for the anti-hunting side.
- How to talk to the public about hunting.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
Phoenix Shooting Bags: https://www.phoenixshootingbags.com/
Days in the Wild: https://daysinthewild.com/
Western Hunting Podcast: instagram.com/westernhuntinghub/?hl=en
Western Hunting Hub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewesternhuntinghub/
 
Short Description:
We tackled some important issues on this week’s podcast. Clint Whitley is a field educator and experienced hunter. Clint and I sat down to talk about how we can fight for hunting in an increasingly anti-hunting world. This is critical information for experienced and novice hunters alike, so this episode is a must-listen. 
 
Tags:
Conservation, hunting activism, hunting education, activism, anti-hunting, hunting legislation, big game hunting, days in the wild, Clint Whitley

Throwback Thursday with Remi Warren

Throwback Thursday with Remi Warren
 
Show Notes: 
 
If you’ve been in the hunting world for a while, there’s no way you’ve never heard of the name Remi Warren. Remi is a badass when it comes to hunting elk and deer but those aren’t the only species he hunts. Although he specializes in elk and deer, Remi has vast knowledge on buffalo hunting as well. He’s an expert hunting guide and has expanded his guided expeditions to New Zealand and Australia. In this episode, we really dove in the talk of animal behavior, terrain, the uniqueness of every animal and what has brought him great hunting success. 

Elk Hunting with Jeff Moran

Elk Hunting and the Anti-Hunt Movement with Jeff Moran
Show Notes:
Jeff Moran is an expert hunter, who focuses mostly on elk hunting and bowhunting, and he joins me today on the pod. He’s spent a lot of time hunting whitetail, but recently started zoning in on taking elk with a bow.  In fact, he says off the bat that he hasn’t used a rifle in nearly a decade. We swapped stories about elk hunting, traded information about bows and equipment, and a lot more.  
 
We started by talking about issues we all face as hunters: reputation. There’s a growing anti-hunt movement in the country, and they use irresponsible hunters to paint us all as the bad guys. Jeff and I talked about how this happens, why it happens, and what we can do to stop it. 
 
We talked a bit about predator species in different areas across the country. We covered bear, coyotes, and wolves. I’ve done a bit of bear hunting, so it was great to talk about those species with Jeff. After that, we swapped stories about some of our recent hunts. Jeff’s got some great anecdotes about elk hunting up in Idaho.
That led us to talking about arrows and equipment. After Jeff had some problems with one of his arrows, we got into the nitty-gritty on arrow construction and manufacturing. We also talked a bit about the mentality required to get results. From there, Jeff provided some tips for hunting bulls in midday conditions. As an expert elk hunter, it was great to hear these from him.
 
Jeff and I traded a few more stories, before we ended with a little conversation about wildlife population management — another subject both of us are pretty passionate about.
 
What's Inside:
- How the “antis” paint hunters as evil in the mainstream media.
- What we can do to avoid this reputation.
- We swap stories about elk hunting.
- Tips for midday elk hunting.
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Howl for Wildlife: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/
Phoenix Shooting Bags: https://www.phoenixshootingbags.com/
 
Short Description:
In this episode, I sat down with elk hunter Jeff Moran to talk about his experiences bowhunting for elk. We traded a bunch of stories from hunts we’ve been on. We also talked about arrow construction, the anti-hunt movement, midday hunting, population management, and a whole lot more. 
 
Tags:
Elk hunting, anti-hunting movement, elk, population management, bowhunting, predator hunting, big game hunting, days in the wild, jeff moran