The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson speaks with Justin, a wildlife biologist who has transitioned from working in conservation to living in Alaska. They discuss Justin's experiences hunting caribou, the logistics of hunting in Alaska, and the unique challenges and rewards of the hunt. Justin shares insights on caribou behavior, hunting strategies, and the importance of patience in the field. The conversa...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson discusses his personal journey in preparing for Western hunting, focusing on physical conditioning, health challenges, and future hunting goals. He shares insights on training for the terrain, acclimatization to elevation, and the impact of health issues on his hunting aspirations. Dan emphasizes the importance of planning for future hunts and the need to adapt his tra...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Kurt Belding discuss their experiences and challenges in elk hunting, particularly focusing on the transition from flatland to mountainous terrain. They share insights on training, mental toughness, and the importance of understanding elk behavior. The conversation covers various strategies for hunting, including the differences between targeting herd bulls and raghorns, the role of calling, and the...

In this engaging conversation, Dan Johnson and Aron Snyder reconnect after five years, reflecting on their personal growth, nostalgic childhood memories, and the impact of injuries on their lives. They discuss the challenges of substance use, the role of social media, and the importance of spirituality in finding true happiness. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of setting future goals and the journey towards a fulfilling li...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Stanley Lewandowski discuss the intricacies of mule deer hunting during the rut and late season. They explore strategies for finding and stalking deer, the impact of weather and cattle on deer populations, and the transition from archery to muzzleloader hunting. With insights on deer behavior and effective hunting tactics, this conversation provides valuable ...

In this episode of the Western Rookie podcast, host Dan Johnson discusses the current state of hunting seasons across the Western United States. He highlights the winding down of big game seasons for species like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, while noting that opportunities still exist for hunting mule deer and antelope. Dan emphasizes the importance of planning for future hunts, particularly for the 2026 season, and provides key ...

The conversation delves into the dietary habits and behaviors of elk, contrasting them with other species like white-tailed deer and moose. It highlights the necessity for elk to access grassy areas for sustenance, especially during specific seasons, and discusses the implications for hunting strategies.

Takeaways

• Elk are not browsers like white tails or moose.
• They consume a heavy grass diet, unlike other species.
• Elk require acce...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Jaden Bales discuss the intersection of wrestling and hunting, share insights on the current hunting season, and provide strategies for elk and mule deer hunting. They explore elk behavior in November, tips for hunting big bulls, and the importance of understanding winter ranges for mule deer. The conversation wraps up with practical hunting tactics and resou...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and his guest Dan discuss their experiences and challenges in mule deer hunting. They share insights on finding hunting partners, learning from failures, understanding deer behavior, and the impact of environmental factors such as cattle and weather on deer movement. The conversation also covers strategies for hunting in different terrains, the importance of water sources, and navigating private and pub...

In this episode, Dan and Ken discuss the intricacies of hunting antelope, including preparation, scouting, and the challenges faced during the hunt. Ken shares his experiences with drawing tags, managing expectations, and the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and terrain. The conversation also touches on the significance of gear and the strategies employed to successfully hunt antelope in Alberta.

takeaways

• Ken has ta...

In this episode of the Western Rookie podcast, host Dan speaks with Bob Polanic about his journey from whitetail hunting in Michigan to becoming an experienced elk hunter over the past decade. They discuss the challenges of hunting, including the competitive tag application process, the importance of patience and strategy in the field, and how weather conditions affect elk behavior. Bob shares insights from his first elk hunt, the ...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Jason Tibbadoe share their hunting experiences, focusing on a memorable elk hunting trip in Colorado and a proud moment of a father taking his son on his first hunt. They discuss the challenges faced during the elk hunt, including wildlife encounters, preparation, and the costs associated with such adventures. The conversation highlights the importance of bonding through hunting, the unpredictabilit...

In this engaging conversation, Dan shares his unique experience of elk hunting in Colorado, discussing the challenges and excitement of the hunt, the importance of communication with family, and the unexpected twists that come with outdoor adventures. He reflects on the strategies used, the thrill of calling in elk, and the camaraderie of hunting with friends and family. The conversation also touches on the significance of preparat...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, Dan and Stanley Lewandowski discuss the intricacies of mule deer hunting, particularly in September. They cover various aspects such as deer behavior, the importance of water sources, food identification, terrain navigation, effective glassing techniques, stocking strategies, and the impact of weather on deer activity. Stanley shares valuable tips for new hunters, emphasizing the signi...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Nate Thomas discuss their experiences with elk hunting, including the challenges, strategies, and memorable moments from their trips. They delve into the dynamics of hunting in groups, the impact of weather and terrain, and the importance of having the right equipment. Nate shares his decision to stay home this year to prioritize family commitments, reflectin...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and CJ Davis discuss the excitement of the upcoming hunting season, focusing on antelope and elk hunting. CJ shares his experiences as the president of Montana Decoy, emphasizing the importance of quality gear and effective hunting strategies. The conversation covers various topics, including family dynamics in hunting, the use of decoys, and the unique challenges of e...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan and guest Tim Kent discuss various aspects of hunting, including the impact of aging on physical capabilities, the importance of nutrition and preparation, and the challenges faced during hunts. They delve into long-term planning for hunting trips, the shift from over-the-counter tags to guided hunts, and the balance between family commitments and hunting aspirations. The conv...

On this episode,  conversation includes various e-scouting techniques, the importance of understanding terrain and topography, and how to identify game indicators. This epiosde also highlights the practical applications of OnX, such as navigating public and private land and utilizing collaborative scouting tools. The guys finish by emphasizing the value of preparation and adapting to pressure, closed roads, and lack of wildlife .