Harvest Your Own Podcast

Fall brings a massive lineup of choices for outdoor enthusiasts, but anglers shouldn't put their rods away just yet—it might actually be the most wonderful time of the year to go fishing. 

In this episode:

• Brad explains how shifting thermoclines and pre-winter bulking drive larger, bottom-dwelling fish toward the surface—making trophy fish a possibility.
• Learn why fall fishing requires location flexibility as fish...

Pheasants have been a fixture of the Alberta landscape for over a century, serving as a staple of upland bird hunting across the province. In this episode, Jeff Coyle—director of the documentary A Pheasant’s Journey—and ACA Biologist Jalen Hulit go behind the scenes of the film and explore what it takes to support ring-necked pheasants in Alberta.

In this episode:

• Discover why pheasants are an indicator of overa...

From growing up in a generational Northern Ontario hunting family to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable outdoor advocates, Amanda Lynn Mayhew—host of THAT Hunting Girl—has built a life around resilience, mentorship, and a deep connection to nature. In this episode, Amanda Lynn shares her inspiring personal journey, from overcoming health challenges through fitness to empowering the next generation of outdo...

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a major topic of discussion for hunters and conservationists, and researchers are making steady progress on potential solutions. In this episode, Brad is joined by Dr. Scott Napper—Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and Research Scientist at VIDO—to explore the innovative science behind CWD vaccine research. From the unique hurdles of targeting prion diseases to the cr...

Late summer is one of the most exciting times of the year to be out in the field. Just like farmers are out checking their crops to time the upcoming harvest, hunters can use these weeks to take inventory of what's out there and get a major head start on the fall. In this episode of BrAdvice, Brad breaks down why late summer scouting is essential and how taking a few proactive steps now will set you up for success when opening day ...

Whether you are a seasoned angler or setting up your very first rig, choosing the right tackle can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. In this episode, we are joined by Jaren Baranyay and Rob Nichols from Korth Group as they expand into the world of fishing gear. Drawing on decades of industry experience, they break down the essentials of gear selection to help anglers make smart choices when building out their setup.

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Waterfowl season is just around the corner, bringing exciting potential updates for hunters across the province. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jason Caswell, Alberta’s provincial game bird specialist since 2008, to discuss all things waterfowl management. From the science of tracking bird populations to potential new hunting opportunities, Jason brings decades of research and hands-on hunting experience to the convers...

Every hunter dreams of having their most successful season ever, but the foundation for that success isn't built in the fall—it starts months earlier. In this episode, Brad reflects on his own best hunting season and the single habit that made it possible: pushing himself to practice shooting every single month of the year. By keeping your firearms active year-round, you build a familiarity with your gear that simply cannot b...

 Fish populations face increasing pressure from environmental changes, habitat loss, and invasive species, but a new, invisible threat is emerging in our waters. While most anglers are familiar with whirling disease, the recent confirmation of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) in Alberta has raised new concerns among fisheries managers and conservationists alike. In this episode, we dive into the history of fish diseases in N...

Navigating the digital landscape as an outdoors person can be a tricky balancing act, especially when it comes to growing an online presence that highlights your passion while respecting platform guidelines. Born and raised in Edmonton, Darryl Dahl (@darrylhuntswest) brings over 16 years of marketing and digital strategy experience to the conversation, currently serving as the Marketing Director for the Professional Outdoor Media A...

Sharing your love for the water with the next generation is incredibly rewarding, but taking kids fishing requires a complete shift in mindset. While you might be ready to stay on the lake and cast for hours, children don't possess that same deep-rooted passion just yet, they have to discover it on their own. The secret to building that lifelong excitement isn't actually about the number of fish caught; it’s about making the ...

The outdoors isn't just a hobby for Jill Frederick—it’s a way of life. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the outfitting and hunting community, Jill grew up listening to stories of the wild before ultimately becoming her dad's lifelong hunting partner.

Now, as a mother, her focus has shifted to passing those same traditions, patience, and respect for nature down to her kids. In this episode, Jill shares the special mome...

As the Provincial Wildlife Disease Specialist, Dr. Margo Pybus has led Alberta’s wildlife health efforts for four decades. Responsible for managing provincial and national policy on wildlife parasites, Margo’s work bridges the gap between scientific research and real-world conservation. In this episode, she joins the podcast to discuss how hunters, farmers, and locals serve as the front line for disease surveillance and...

Predator management is a highly debated topic that often elicits strong emotions. But as human development alters the natural landscape, creating straight pathways—such as roads, agriculture, and oil and gas corridors—that make traversing easier for all species, it throws off predator-prey dynamics as these areas become major hunting sites.

In this episode:

• Why wildlife management is essential to maintaining biodivers...

A trailblazer in the Canadian outdoor industry, Lisa Roper is a television producer, hunter, and angler who holds the distinction of being the first woman in Canada to host and produce her own national fishing series. From her hometown of Lac La Biche to the national stage, she has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and building confidence in the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

Six years after appearing on the secon...

A two-time Olympian and multiple World Cup competitor, Ntala Quintilio brings a lifetime of experience in the world of biathlon, where endurance meets precision. From skiing at full intensity to settling into a steady shot, she breaks down what it takes to perform under pressure. 

In this episode:

•  The challenge of accuracy at a high heart rate—hitting 45 mm (prone) and 115 mm (standing) targets from 50 m 
• &nb...

This year, Harvest Your Own is expanding—introducing fishing!

Originally designed to grow awareness and participation in hunting across Alberta, the program has reached nearly 90,000 website visits since launching its first podcast episode in July 2020. Now, we’re casting a wider net.

With close to a million anglers in Alberta, this episode dives into the province’s abundant fishing opportunities—from lake aer...

A retired race car engineer turned powersports leader, Vince spent nearly two decades building and testing engines for stock, drag, and road racing before opening Cycle Works Motorsports Calgary—now representing 15 major brands. Today, he also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Alberta Conservation Association, where he helps bridge the gap between the off-road community and conservation.

In this episode, Vince ...

Mule deer are one of Alberta’s most recognizable big game animals, but they are also one of the least studied.

In this episode of the Harvest Your Own Podcast, Brad Fenson sits down with wildlife biologist Paul Jones to discuss the Alberta Mule Deer Collaring Project, a new research effort tracking mule deer movement, survival, and habitat use across southern Alberta.

Researchers are using GPS collars deployed by helicopter cap...