FOCUS HUNTING PODCAST

Kevin shares a Western Canada deer-rut report based on his own scouting, trail-camera activity, and conversations with hunters in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. He outlines when and where to look for mule deer and whitetails, how to read rut signs, and how to hunt without pressuring deer or compromising safety and legality. Chapters 00:00 Kevin’s weekend hunt and changing Western weather 04:09 Rut report sources and the AKU boot giveaway 06:05 Mule deer timing and daylight movement in BC and Alberta 08:46 Where to focus as bucks search for does 12:12 Post-rut recovery and recognizing fresh rut sign 13:56 Mule deer terrain, regulations, and late-season transition 15:52 Whitetail rut timing across Alberta and BC 17:47 Saskatchewan outlook and avoiding hunting pressure 20:11 Snow, travel corridors, and bucks moving for breeding 22:06 Making scrapes and focusing on does and pinch points 24:02 Hunting safety, listener questions, and closing giveaway reminder Please check out the YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/@kevinltoye   www.kevintoye.com    

** Warning: some listeners might find this content offensive** Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek trade candid, comic complaints in a Friday conversation ranging from BC politics and grizzly-bear hunting to YouTube DIY advice, pointless questions, and the frustrations of shopping at Costco. They also swap hunting stories and movie references, offering an unfiltered snapshot of their friendship and ongoing projects. Chapters 00:00 Landen's back, and the week has been a grind 01:25 BC politics and whether the grizzly hunt could return 04:38 The YouTube repair that turns into a tradesperson's problem 07:25 Why call someone when you can Google the answer? 11:41 Disneyland, questionable vacations, and hunting abroad 17:08 Costco's slow walkers, blocked aisles, and card checks 22:12 Rusty's youthful looks and the original Road House 26:27 Turkey-hunt outtakes and the upcoming goat-hunt film 33:37 Mule deer fat, hunting regulations, and proof of sex 35:23 Deer harvest proof: antlers, tails, and species checks 39:06 Why elk hunting wears Kevin down mentally 42:24 Coffee, caffeine, and giving up alcohol 45:31 Old drinking stories and family-party chaos 50:13 Dream African hunts: kudu, buffalo, and zebra 53:44 Cougars, mountain lions, and a terminology mix-up 57:39 Favorite comedy scenes and classic SNL sketches 59:15 Whitetail season plans and giant typical bucks 01:03:08 A hunting spot, a landowner, and shifting locations 01:05:25 Why mineral sites need time to establish 01:06:16 Burying minerals and keeping animals working for bait 01:08:15 Moose and bears taking over bait sites https://www.youtube.com/@kevinltoye Please sign up for my weekly news letter. www.kevintoye.com  

Kevin talks with Western big-game hunter Rusty Smith about pursuing archery elk and mature mule deer, including scouting, reading terrain, and adapting to weather and rut activity. Rusty also shares family hunting memories, the realities of balancing a demanding hunting life with work and marriage, and why difficult pursuits can be more fulfilling than easy wins.   Chapters 00:00 Meet Rusty Smith: a lifetime of western big-game hunting 01:57 Why September archery elk is Rusty’s sacred season 03:56 Two Idaho elk tags and a pair of successful hunts 05:52 A wheelchair hunt, a 330-inch bull, and family memories 08:47 Grandpa’s .30-30 and the hunts Rusty still cherishes 13:53 Summer scouting and finding bucks that stay close 17:11 Read bedding cover, feed, and terrain before water 19:58 Glass timber edges and capitalize on the rut 26:04 How a missed buck led to a 30-inch-wide deer 28:58 Cold mornings, storms, and locating does 34:14 Change your glassing angle without blowing deer out 37:03 Tracking big buck sign through snow 39:49 Why mature mule deer punish small mistakes 43:12 Spotting antlers, ears, and white faces in dark timber 46:04 Making room for hunting while showing up at home 55:12 A supportive marriage and the commitment behind hunting 59:01 Happiness versus fulfillment in hunting and life 01:00:55 Rusty’s work, businesses, and where to follow him https://babybooners.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rts_proverbs21v19/ www.kevintoye.com      

This episode is a full clothing-system gear dump from my latest mule deer hunt in the southern interior of British Columbia. I walk through exactly what I wore in the field, from First Lite and Sitka pieces to Smartwool base layers and budget-friendly Winners finds. You’ll hear honest, no-BS comparisons between high-end technical gear and cheaper options, including what actually kept me warm, dry, and comfortable in real mountain weather. I also break down my layering strategy for conditions ranging from warm hikes to cold glassing sessions, plus socks, boots, and bino harness setup. If you hunt Western Canada or the Northwestern U.S. and want practical, field-tested clothing advice (not influencer fluff), this one’s for you. www.kevintoye.com https://www.youtube.com/@kevinltoye  

In this solo episode, Kevin recaps a fast, two-day mule deer hunt in BC’s Region 3, explaining how he and a buddy used e-scouting, south-facing slopes, recent burns, and tight sub 500 yard glassing to locate bucks in big sagebrush country. He shares why they passed young four-points, how his partner made a perfect 6.5 Creedmoor shot on a rutty three-point, and gives a candid account of his own bow kill on an ancient buck, including a bad first shot caused by cam contact and the follow     up that finished the job. Kevin also touches on declining mule deer numbers, the importance of hunter “citizen science,” practical late-October tactics you can use right now, and details on how to enter the upcoming AKU boot giveaway. www.kevintoye.com https://akuoutdoor.ca/ Use promo code FOCUS  

Indoor National Champion and Vermont bowhunter Isaac Sullivan joins host Kevin Toye to talk about the side of archery you rarely see target panic, slumps, missed shots, tough blood trails, and the mystery of a missing Vermont deer. From his beginnings to a national title, Isaac explains how coaching, daily practice, and a one-arrow-at-a-time mindset shape both his tournament performance and his bowhunting decisions, and why ethical hunters should share the lows as honestly as the highlight-reel kills. Chapters 00:00 Meet Vermont champion Isaac Sullivan 01:20 First deer hunt and early archery beginnings 04:05 From JOAD classes to daily practice 08:25 The coaches who shaped his competitive game 12:12 Troubleshooting slumps, timing, and bow setup 18:16 Work ethic, ambition, and representing Vermont 23:05 Youth score milestones and the pressure of perfection 27:19 Why he wants his bow ready from the first arrow 30:18 A tournament loss, inside-out Xs, and small goals 35:36 Resetting after setbacks and building a short memory 39:26 How overtraining led to target panic 42:05 Admitting the problem and rebuilding confidence 45:19 Managing target panic through wind and team rounds 49:09 The Pan Am bronze and renewed belief 53:15 Hunting bow balance and broadhead testing 58:03 Broadhead performance, blood trails, and close shots 01:01:26 A challenging Kentucky buck shot 01:01:54 A missed first shot and the pressure of a mature buck 01:04:37 Why hunters should share the imperfect moments 01:07:57 Isaac’s dream hunt and the 200-inch whitetail goal 01:11:21 A ducked arrow, missed windows, and the grind 01:15:23 What makes mature whitetails so challenging 01:18:18 Public land, trail cameras, and hunting the sign 01:22:25 Baiting routines, scent control, and electronic devices 01:25:24 The Vermont eight-pointer and a hard-earned harvest 01:33:08 Ethics, memorable hunts, and the doubt after a shot 01:39:09 Tracking stories, lost deer, and the uncertainty of recovery 01:47:44 A puzzling Vermont recovery and hunting’s hard lessons 01:53:43 The legacy Isaac hopes to leave for the next generation https://www.instagram.com/isaac.sullivan/ https://www.facebook.com/isaac.sullivan.9883 www.kevintoye.com  

In this episode, Kevin chats with Trail Kreitzer of GoHunt. Trail shares his journey from childhood hunting experiences to becoming a wildlife biologist and hunting expert. He discusses the emotional highs and lows of hunting, gear systems, mindset, and the importance of persistence and patience in the pursuit of big game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:25 First hunting memories with family 04:43 Emotional highs and lows of hunting 08:28 Getting started with wildlife biology and hunting 11:45 Transitioning to a career with Go Hunt 12:20 Reflections on aging and hunting 14:58 Love for the outdoors and hunting passion 16:51 The thrill of the hunt and persistence 20:50 Understanding elk behavior and common mistakes 24:43 The importance of patience and perseverance 28:51 Unexpected moments and seizing opportunities 34:39 Gear systems and clothing for different conditions 43:55 The role of gear in success and comfort 49:50 Overcoming personal struggles through hunting 55:57 The satisfaction of a perfect shot 01:00:05 What if hunting disappeared from life 01:02:11 The importance of meat in the freezer 01:03:55 Connecting with the hunting community 01:04:52 Upcoming hunts and future goals https://www.gohunt.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/trailk11/ www.kevintoye.com      

**Explicit Content** In this episode, Kevin and Landen dive into a wide range of topics from personal life choices, military training, to AI technology and social media trends. They share candid insights and humorous takes on everyday issues and current events, making it a must-listen for those interested in honest, unfiltered conversations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:59 Discussion on family planning and snipping 03:55 Living on the edge and current events 10:00 Fishing stories and drinking on boats 15:06 Military training, safety, and real risks 20:02 War, preparedness, and real-world training 25:03 AI technology, videos, and thumbnail strategies 30:06 Social media trends and honest opinions 35:52 Personal grooming, aging, and humor www.kevintoye.com  

In this episode, Kevin Toye shares expert tips on how to find and hunt deer effectively, emphasizing the importance of e-scouting, understanding habitat, and making the most of on-the-ground observations. Perfect for new hunters and those looking to refine their strategy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:37 Listener questions and episode goals 02:03 The importance of holding hunting spots close to the chest 03:01 Habitat types for mule deer in BC 03:31 Using terrain and slopes to find mule deer 04:25 Utilizing forestry roads and clear cuts for scouting 05:25 The value of on-the-ground notes and map comparison 07:12 Approaching deer without spooking them 09:23 Observing deer behavior and bedding areas 11:13 Hunting strategies for whitetails and mule deer 14:34 Changes in deer populations and habitat in BC 16:29 Timing and seasonal patterns for deer movement 18:21 Vegetation and terrain preferences for mule deer and whitetails 20:48 Ethical hunting and using baiting and scrapes 22:10 Setting up for successful deer hunting 24:31 E-scouting tips and tools for new hunters 30:51 Final advice for new hunters and closing remarks Key  topics E-scouting techniques and tools Habitat preferences of mule deer and whitetails Using maps and on-the-ground notes to find deer Habitat features like slopes, clear cuts, and water sources Timing and seasonal considerations for deer hunting www.kevintoye.com      

From a life-changing neck injury to becoming one of the most respected voices in elk hunting and outdoor entrepreneurship, Cody Rich has lived a “war of attrition” mindset in real time. In this episode, Cody shares how a devastating accident reshaped his life, the mental models that carried him through recovery, and how persistence, both in the mountains and in business, became his superpower. We dive into elk hunting in British Columbia, from tough access and rugged canyons to silent bulls, decommissioned roads, and reading timber and terrain to find elk in big country. Cody also breaks down the journey from launching The Rich Outdoors podcast to building Bridger, a purpose-built smartwatch designed specifically for hunters. We explore how specialized gear can improve your odds, why redefining what “winning” means matters, and how to turn failures into fuel for long-term success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cody Rich's background 00:19 Introduction to elk habitat and access strategies 01:53 Cody's injury and recovery story 02:32 The importance of canyons and roads in elk hunting 05:07 Using timber and terrain features to locate elk 06:07 The accident details and initial shock 08:05 The role of experience and network in finding elk 10:00 The journey of rehabilitation and resilience 11:57 Mental models: War of attrition and persistence 15:11 Starting the Rich Outdoors podcast 15:29 The analogy of steelhead fishing and elk calling 20:12 Cody's transition into entrepreneurship 20:37 The importance of consistent effort and patience 25:04 Getting into elk hunting and early experiences 25:30 Building a specialized smartwatch for hunters 29:57 Challenges of BC elk hunting terrain and silent bulls 30:04 Features and design considerations for hunting gear 34:55 Strategies for hunting in BC's rugged landscape 35:09 The entrepreneurial journey and overcoming obstacles 39:48 Lessons learned and future plans in hunting and gear 45:00 The mindset of successful hunters and entrepreneurs https://www.therichoutdoors.net/ https://www.therichoutdoors.net/the-elk-nut-episode/ https://www.bridgerwatch.com/ www.kevintoye.com