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Episodes
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Monday Dec 06, 2021
Ironwill Bill Lessons Learned
Bill Vanderheyden, Co-Founder and Lead Engineer of Ironwill Broadheads shares with us stories of hunting elk.
#ElkHunting
#Broadheads
Iron Will Outfitters - High Quality Broadheads and Components for Bow Hunting
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Lessons Learned: Ibex Hunting with Brian Cillessen
Show Notes:
Today, I’m swapping stories and tips with Brian Cillessen, star of Beyond Rubicon. This episode is going to be a real mixed bag of good hunting info, so pull up a seat and get ready to hear some great stories!
Ibex are crazy animals. They’re like aliens. There’s something mesmerizing about the way they work a mountain. They’ll go up and down a cliff face like Spider-Man; one time when Brian spooked a group of them, he thought they’d jumped off a cliff into the void. But he walked over to the cliff face, and they were scurrying safely down the rocks.
Brian learned about the New Mexico mountains known as “The Rock.” It’s some seriously intense New Mexico bush, but you can’t let it get into your head. You have to respect the terrain, sure, but the moment you become afraid of it, it’ll become your worst nightmare for real. He encountered two rock slides back to back, but after spending some time and learning the mountains, he got a handle for the area.
Brian shares a success story that illustrates a great point: sometimes, you find success on the very last day of the hunt. He was in a situation where he was sick, the rest of the hunters had already packed up and left, and he was about to call it quits. But he decided that since he was halfway up the rock already, he might as well give it one last shot. And guess what? He spotted a herd of ibex, got into position, and bagged a billy that was hopping across the boulders below him.
We also talk bowhunting in the wind, Brian’s first kill with a bow, the thrill of scoring an Ibex for the first time, and more.
What’s Inside:
Ibex are spider-goats!
Be confident in harsh terrain: don’t let the bush get into your head.
Don’t let the wind work against the angle of your shot.
Sometimes, success comes at the very end of the hunt. Don’t give up!
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
Short Description:Ibex are amazing creatures, like some crazy cross between a goat and Spider-Man. Brian Cillessen, star of Beyond Rubicon, is here with us today to talk about lessons learned hunting ibex in the New Mexico mountain region known as “The Rock.”
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, ibex, goat hunting, mountain goats, new mexico mountains, beyond rubicon, bow hunting
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
Thursday Nov 18, 2021
I speak with Brian Rimsza the Chairman of Bowhunting in Arizona and a board member of the Arizona Bowhunters Association about the possible changes to the OTC deer hunts here in AZ. It's very important for you to voice your opinion to the commission so that we don't lose our hunting privileges and we do what's necessary to maintain and healthy deer herd . Please share this episode and please take the time to reach out to the decision makers
Hello,
As the Chairman of Bowhunting in Arizona and a board member of the Arizona Bowhunters Association I have been working with the Department and the Commission for the past six months to develop a better alternative to the drastic closure of over 30 OTC archery deer hunts that was made in the spring of 2020 . I commend the Department and Commission for their willingness to bring me into this process and listen to my ideas. Based on these conversations the AZGFD is going to present their Hunt Guidelines proposal to the Commission on December 10, 2021. The Commission will choose one of these recommendations to utilize in the management of OTC archery deer for the next 5 years so, it is very important! The hunt guidelines establish the parameters in which the Department and Commission can make hunt recommendations.
The Department's three recommendations for OTC archery deer management are:
Maintain the status quo. Basically, keep doing it the same way we have been doing it. This will lead to more and more OTC hunts being moved to a draw and the eventual closure of all OTC hunts once they exceed 20% harvest and a great loss of revenue.
Utilize a harvest threshold system. This is the managment strategy I have been fighting for.
Move everything to a draw. (estimated loss of 1 million dollars in tag sales revenue)
You can watch the webcast using this link:AZGFD
AZGFD
Public Forum Webcast. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will conduct the second of two webcasts from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, to provide an update and gather public input on the review of the five-year game management hunt guidelines.
www.azgfd.com
I have included an additional breakdown of the potential for the threshold model that I propose below.
Threshold Model
Continue to issue OTC permits in the same manner we do now. Establish harvest objectives for each unit. These objectives will include an individual season objective along with an annual harvest objective. Utilizing a mandatory harvest reporting system similar to bears/lions requiring successful hunters to report their harvest via telephone, internet, or etag within 48 hours of harvest. Once the season harvest objective has been met in a unit close the season the following Wednesday at sundown. In addition to the harvest reporting, also utilize MANDATORY REPORTING to collect harvest data from unsuccessful hunters as well. This option would allow the department to reopen the units that were closed during the 2021 hunt recommendations process and return them to the OTC format.
Pro's
Reopen hunts that were closed last year
Accurate Harvest data
No loss of revenue
Active management during season, eliminating overharvest
Ability to evaluate non-resident harvest vs. resident harvest
Does not restrict non-resident participation
Con's
No restriction to non-resident tag sales
Currently there is a perception that non-resident participation/harvest should be restricted in the OTC deer hunts. At this time there is no data to support this claim although it is a strong perception from many. In 2020 non-residents accounted for 10.5% of the total OTC tags purchased, but we do not know what percentage of harvest occurred by non-residents vs residents.
After utilizing this system for a few years, we would have data to show if non-resident participation/harvest needs to be regulated.
Requires an Article 3 rule change for mandatory reporting
Mandatory Reporting
The department has fought the idea of mandatory reporting for years. To put things in perspective, the Department’s hunter questionnaires from the 2020 OTC archery deer hunt showed 814 deer were killed, yet their estimate for total OTC archery deer killed in 2020 was 3,654. This estimate was made with only 24% of hunters actually completing a hunter questionnaire. Additionally, I have included an attachment containing a study completed by AZGFD in 2019 on moving to mandatory reporting. When you read the report, you will see "All states indicated that mandatory reporting has worked well for them."
My suggested way to implement mandatory reporting would be to utilize the e-tag for those successful in the field as well as a paper tag. When you go to apply for elk and antelope in January the portal will prompt you to complete your mandatory hunter questionnaires. If you do not complete the questionnaire then you would not be allowed to apply for the draw. There would be no fine or penalty you simply could not apply for the draw without completing the mandatory report.
Take Action!!!!!!
It is more important more than ever that we present a unified position to the Commission. I realize there are many great ideas and ways to manage our wildlife, but these are the only recommendations that are currently being considered at the December 10 Commissioner’s meeting. These recommendation are what will be presented to the Commissioners on December 10th. I encourage everyone to send an email to the Hunt Guidelines email showing their support for two items.:
HARVEST THRESHOLD MODEL FOR MANAGING OTC DEER
MANDATORY REPORTING OF BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND NON-SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS
Please send your email before December 1st.
AZhuntguidelines@azgfd.gov
If you have additional questions, please call me or email me.
Monday Nov 15, 2021
Monday Nov 15, 2021
Hunting in Hawaii and The Bow Hitch with Armando Martinez
Show Notes:
Armando Martinez has a great product called The Bow Hitch. It’s a neat little device that makes carrying your bow suck less. He’s got a website and is on Facebook and Instagram, so check it out. The links are below.
Armando started up The Bow Hitch with a friend of his in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was born and raised. Armando is a fireman by trade and is set to retire in about 10 months. He grew up hunting, and started doing work as a guide in New Mexico, which took his hunting to the next level. He’s got a great story about hunting in Hawaii, a place I’ve heard was wild but couldn’t wait to hear more.
While he was working as a guide, he met someone who lived in Hawaii and wound up inviting him out to hunt. Now, Hawaii is way different than the mainland when it comes to regulations. They do have game and fish and have seasons on some parts of the island, but most of the game lands are privately owned. On privately owned lands, they don’t have seasons, so the dates and weapon choices don’t matter. Some areas do draw tags, but Armando didn’t have to go through that for his trip.
On his first day out, Armando borrowed a custom rifle along with his bow after his guide suggested it. The animals in Hawaii are way more skittish, so a rifle would give him a better chance of shooting something to take back home with him. He went after a buck about 43 yards out but lost him. After 12 hours, he got pretty dehydrated from the heat and wind. The terrain on the islands is paradise, but it can be really rough.
The best part of the story is when Armando went to the airport to check in for his flight home and he realized he was a day early! He got an extra day of hunting to do, and he went out alone this time with his bow. In a grassy field, he came up on a bunch of deer and two bucks who were feeding and didn’t see him. It gets crazy from here on out. Armando wound up shooting the buck and then had to get some help to take it down. The buck kept getting back up and they would lose him in the grass, and at one point it charged at the other guy! It finally went down, and everyone lived to tell the tale.
What’s Inside:
What it’s like to hunt in Hawaii’s terrain.
Armando’s story of taking down a buck in the islands.
How hunting permits are different in Hawaii.
Information about The Bow Hitch.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
JohnStallone.me
Thebowhitch.com
The Bow Hitch on Facebook
The Bow Hitch on Instagram
Short Description:Armando Martinez is the co-founder of The Bow Hitch, a company with a device that makes carrying your bow suck less. He’s also got a wild story about hunting in Hawaii, which is way different than hunting on the mainland.
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, deer hunting, rifle hunting, archery hunting
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Long Range Hunting Dave Maher
Show Notes:
I don’t think anyone knows more about hunting rifles than competitive shooting expert Dave Maher. Today, he’s on the show to give us a deep dive into all things hunting rifles and hand loading.
Did you know that the barrel of your rifle vibrates harmonically when you fire a shot? The barrel is actually moving around rapidly while the bullet is traveling through it, and this affects your accuracy. Dave explains exactly how this works, and tells us how you can “tune” your ammunition so that it exits the barrel consistently.
Dave also gives an in-depth guide to developing and tuning a load for your particular rifle. Start by looking at what you’re trying to hunt. This will tell you your caliber and bullet grain. Then, it’s time to start tuning your powder load. The goal is to get to consistent, small groups, and it’s going to take some trial and error to get there.
We also talk about ballistic software, shooting positions, shooting in the wind, recoil management, and more!
What’s Inside:
What are barrel harmonics?
The ins and outs of developing a load.
What “miles per hour” is your rifle?
Practice in the wind.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
Short Description:No one knows rifles like competitive shooter Dave Maher. He’s here today to geek out about all things hunting rifles, including how to tune and develop your own hand load. Plus, a deep dive on the science of barrel harmonics, a case for the sitting shooting position, dealing with the wind, and more!
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, hunting rifle, shooting tips, hand load, reloading, powder load
Monday Nov 01, 2021
Monday Nov 01, 2021
Elk Hunting with Morgan Abbott
Show Notes:
I’m talking to listener Morgan Abbott. He grew up in rural Utah, hunting with his dad – he shot his first deer at four years old! Today, he’s 23 and plans to take additional time off work so he can spend more time hunting. Just a few weeks ago, Morgan got into the Wasatch limited entry muzzleloader and shot elk with a friend of his. His friend drew the tags and they put their plans together, started placing trail cameras and locating cows over the summer.
They showed up the night before the hunt, checked their cameras and didn’t see what they wanted. They were discouraged but woke up on opening morning and started glassing from square one. They hiked into a canyon and then another location and glassed up a 300-310 bull, a straight 6 point. His friend wanted to shoot it, but he thought they could do better. A third friend wound up joining them and they started bugling and some bulls started to respond. They spent a couple of days bugling and tracking, but nothing was happening.
On the fourth day, Morgan got to the trailhead they were working early, but someone had beat them to it. They decided to try a totally different area altogether and drove about an hour to another spot. He ripped a bugle and had 4 bulls answer immediately! They chased bugles all morning, found some cows and a 5 point, but they wound up letting him go and went back to camp. The next day, they woke up at 4am to hit the trail and were the first ones in the canyon. They bugled but it was dead silent. Right when they started to get discouraged again, they heard a long bugle about 10 minutes after shooting light, saw two cows through a small opening, and spotted a 6 point! After a lot of hard work to home in, they wound up getting it. It came in at around 330.
All the stress just left them after they shot the elk, and I know there’s no better feeling. It’s all worth it and it really is such a humbling experience. You don’t always realize how tired you are after the chase until it’s all over. Morgan said his pack out was exhausting but they wound up going home proud.
What’s Inside:
Morgan’s experience on the Wasatch Elk Hunt.
How to bugle.
How the chase humbles you when you finally get your kill.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
JohnStallone.me
Short Description:Listener Morgan Abbott tells his intense story about getting a 6 point elk on the Wasatch hunt in Utah. After almost a week of bugling and tracking cows and bulls, they finally got their kill, which was a humbling experience for the whole crew.
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, elk hunting, Wasatch elk hunting, muzzleloader
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Making Things Happen with Steve Evans
Show Notes:
Steve Evans is pretty new at hunting, but he’s got some great tips, especially for other people just starting out. He lives in California and started big game hunting in 2019, killed his first buck in Montana and then just took off. Steve’s now addicted to both archery and rifle hunting and travels all over the place.
Last year, Steve killed a 30-inch buck on California public land. He found it pre-season but started tracking it with a trail camera. When he first found it, it was only about 22 inches wide, but he knew it was going to grow. He set his camera up 100 yards from the buck’s bed and planned on waiting until rifle season. Steve watched the buck grow into a 30 and 3/8 buck from the trail camera!
Steve went back at the beginning of rifle season but decided to focus on a different buck opening weekend. He realized that the only way he was going to get to the big guy was if he slept on the mountain and then snuck down 1000 feet from where was so he could kill the buck in his bed. Steve planned a multiple-day hike and took a couple days to get about a mile away from where the buck was living. On the third day, he spotted a big frame in a little avalanche pretty early in the morning – this buck was huge. He didn’t think it was his buck, but it turned out that it was! He wound up killing him almost by accident, about 1000 feet higher than where his pictures were.
Steve’s the kind of guy who likes to make things happen. I’m the same way. He’s found a way to kill bucks in their beds, taking a more active approach to tracking. If you have an instinct for something, you should just go for it. Steve was lucky enough to have a buddy of his show him how to get out in the field and look for things himself and he found his own style from there.
What’s Inside:
Steve’s story on how he killed a 30-inch buck.
How you can track and kill a deer in its bed.
How you can hunt without patterning.
Why making things happen instead of waiting for them works.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
JohnStallone.me
Short Description:Making things happen with your own unique hunting style can make you a better hunter than waiting around for them to come to you. Steve Evans shares a couple of awesome stories of how he’s been able to get some big bucks by tracking them in their beds. He might be somewhat of a beginner, but he’s got great instincts.
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, trail cameras, rifle hunting, archery hunting
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Monday Oct 18, 2021
Elk Camp 2021 with Dan Graff and Charles Whitwam
Show Notes:
I’m coming to you from our hunting cabin on the last night of my group OTC elk hunt with friends and fellow elk hunters Dan Graff and Charles Whitwam.
It was a crazy hunt! The weather on that first day was so brutal. We were out there trying to glass elk in whiteout conditions. It got so cold that we had to break down and make a fire out in the woods. We were able to stalk a bull twice but never got a chance to make a play.
On the second day, we got out on the trail a little late, but got a lock on a bull who was making noise down by a spring. We split up to approach it, and I got there first. I made a cow call and the bull came trotting right toward me. As soon as I saw his antlers, I drew back...and we were all eating elk that night.
Even better, we caught it on camera! You can see me take the bull here, and check out the whole hunt in this video.
After that, we had a few more days of hiking around, including a mountain climb that felt like it had us nearing the lower stairs of heaven. I ran into a mountain lion on the trail, and then on the last day, we lost Dan! It turns out he had just taken a while to pack out, because he hurt his knee hiking. All in all, it was an intense but successful 6 days.
What’s Inside:
Stories from our OTC elk hunt.
Dealing with the cold.
When plans fail, be ready to improvise.
Bugling success stories.
Mentioned in this episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags save 20% with code johnstallone
Days In The Wild
Video: Bull at 25 Yards
Video: Full 2021 OTC Elk Hunt
Short Description:Wind, snow, mountain lions, and a bull elk at 25 yards: it’s the 2021 OTC elk hunt recap! Friends and fellow elk hunters Dan Graff, Charles Whitwam, and I swap stories about our six-day elk hunt in the mountains.
Tags:
big game hunting, hunting tips, hunting guide, big buck hunting, hunting stories, elk, otc tag, cow calls, elk calling
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Title: Relating Health and Hunting, Linden Loren and James Fitzgerald
Show Notes:
Without health, there is no hunting. Linden Loren and James Fitzgerald join me to discuss how our health affects hunting capabilities in season and our day-to-day life off season. James is a returning guest; I really lean on him for all things fitness. Linden is owner of ANION Outdoors and author of his upcoming book; Your Hunting Healthspan: 73 Ways Hunters Can Age Better & Prevent Disease.
The intent of Linden’s work is to positively impact the hunting community, both in the off-season and in-season. Linden gets his inspiration in part from the passing of his father when he was 18. His dad was a hunter, whose lifestyle choices whittled down his health. His hope is that he can inspire self-awareness in hunters, in that if I do more things in the favor of my health then I can do more of the hobby I love.
The better in shape we get not just physically, but mentally and spiritually, the more we understand that these are things we are able to do and can even make our hunt better. As hunters and people, we want to reach our highest human potential. This is something we can all agree on, but what does this look like? Linden says that this means moving into a mindset of prevention. This causes health results to build momentum. When people are feeling great all of the time, they are more likely to make healthier choices.
Start evaluating yourself, How do you feel? How is your mood? Get a foundation and a starting point. Really reflect on how you’re maximizing your minute. Are you putting in the effort in your relationships? Get a baseline of what your day to day is, and ask yourself truthfully: Do I think these things are working? When you’re more aware, and you realize how these practices came to be, this is where positive change will happen.
As a guy who has been trying to integrate health into this world. It’s kind of like hitting a brick wall. The main obstacle is to get the hunter to realize what you’re selling them. What hunters want and need is the silver bullet, this perfect answer to, how can I fix this? Linden’s book and philosophy are taking steps to get those answers into the hunter’s hands.
What’s Inside:
Health and Hunting.
How are your health and lifestyle choices affecting your hunt?
Your Hunting Healthspan.
Helping hunters make their health a priority.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Your Hunting Healthspan | Anion Outdoors
ANION | Merging Science with the Outdoors
Phoenix Shooting Bags, save 20% with code johnstallone
Days in the Wild Podcast & Guide Service
John Stallone Days in The Wild - Days in The Wild
Short Description:
How is your health affecting your hunt? Linden Loren and James Fitzgerald are on the show today to talk about the way changes in your lifestyle could improve your hunting and your day-to-day in the off season. We’re talking about Linden’s upcoming book, Your Hunting Healthspan: 73 Ways Hunters Can Age Better & Prevent Disease, and talking about the first steps to take in improving your health.
Tags:
Days in The Wild, Big Game Hunting, Hunting, Hunting and Health, Health and Hunting, Healthy Mindset, Prevention Mindset, Life Change, Human Potential, In Season, Off Season, Tips for Hunters, Your Hunting Healthspan, Hunting Healthspan
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Title: Blacktail Hunt Recap
Show Notes:
My two nemesis, the Blacktail Deer and the Roosevelt Elk. I've had 4 tries at the Roosevelt, the only one I shot we never found. But after all these years of chasing blacktail, I finally decided to just shoot the first buck that made me happy. I have had plenty of opportunities to kill a Blacktail. I probably could have killed a buck of the same caliber I got this year, 3 times already. This year I said no more holding out; I'm taking the shot. I am talking with Mr. Phoenix Shooting Bags himself, Anthony Stallone. I am giving him my recap of our hunt in a California A-Zone.
So last year, I kept going after these big bucks, so different from what everyone else at camp was seeing. I'd get to 100 yards, but I couldn't get that 20 yards to get the ADR pin. I've been way closer, too, and missed the shot. Blacktail Deer do not have that Mule Deer behavior. They don't really ever run out in front of you and look back.
We were hunting in July, which is odd in and of itself. You're not expecting them to be that big. It's hot. It's dry. The terrain is a steep hillside covered in oak variants. Those big oak trees drop leaves and it's so loud. You're walking and it's crunch-crunch-crunch. You make too much noise and they're gone.
The mornings seemed to be the most stalks. The Blacktail were out under the trees feeding. About 20 minutes after first light, they start making their way to their first bed and lay down for about an hour. As soon as the sun is gonna be hitting them, they're gone to their permanent bed for the day. That bed is impenetrable. They go in this crazy thick brush in a clump of trees. It is impossible to get in at them. When I would use that first tree line, they'd hear me 500 yards away and bolt. It's like, how the heck am I gonna get them? So I started treating them more like antelope, using the terrain as my cover, but I couldn't get any closer than 100 yards.
Alright, fast forward to this year. It's the same thing, I am seeing big bucks, 110 to 130 range, 3 by 3's and 4 by 4's. The first morning, I found these bucks basically bedded out in the open, just under the shade. I knew that as long as I could get close enough, I could get an open shot on them, but as soon as the sun hit they'd be gone. Sure enough, that's what happens.
The third or fourth morning, I spot this beautiful 5 by 4, sporting 140 inches. I know in my head I'm not gonna get there in time. I get over there and I am almost on this bench and then a steep grassy cliff. Well, I get over there like 50 yards away, and this doe comes over and just stares at me like 15 yards away and I run out of time. It was the same thing over and over, just running out of time every time. The next day after all day of the same story. We have like an hour of light left. We decided to head back for an early night and start fresh the next morning.
Well, we're in the Jeep and I see this buck. I'm like woah, woah, stop. I get down in the trees and he spooks back; a doe in the trees busts me and they go. So whatever, we just drive down again and there are three bucks in the road. I decided I wanted to shoot this cactus buck. I did actually shoot at him, but by the time my arrow got to him, he was gone. So I go back and we're in the Jeep. AGAIN, another buck, this time up on a ridge eating a berry patch.
That's it, I hop out again and I am stalking my way up under the cover of these blackberry vines. I'm thinking this is it, it's so quiet because I am using the trail the deer have been taking. I get up there in the bush and I am 30 yards away. Draw back, shoot. He runs about 40 yards and drops.
BOOM! I got my deer.
What’s Inside:
Getting my first Blacktail.
Stories of our hunt in a California A Zone.
The 30,000-Foot view of our trip.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Phoenix Shooting Bags, save 20% with code johnstallone
Days in the Wild Podcast & Guide Service
John Stallone Days in The Wild - Days in The Wild
Short Description:
After years of holding out for the perfect Blacktail Buck, I took my shot and finally got one under my belt. I am talking with Anthony Stallone about my hunting trip in a California A-Zone. I am giving you the 30,000-foot view of our trip, our shortcomings throughout and the scores at the end.
Tags:
Big Game Hunting, Blacktail Deer Hunting, Hunting Stories, Hunting Recap, Big Buck Hunting, Hunting Guide, Bow Hunting, Archery, Pig Hunting,