Woodsmanship and Skill: Finding Roosevelt Elk by Sign, Sound, and Terrain

In this podcast episode, Matt and Trent discuss building hunters through skill and craft, focusing on woodsmanship as a learned "puzzle" of understanding animal behavior, terrain, and sign. They emphasize starting with fundamentals—food, water, shelter—then using tools like OnX to locate clear cuts/units, plan routes, and mark rubs, wallows, trails, and notes to build an experience-based map. They describe practical methods for Roosevelt elk: covering ground by truck/bike, glassing for fresh rubs, bugling every 200 yards to locate elk, listening for stick pops, and learning to judge freshness of tracks, scat, and scent. They compare Roosevelt vs Rocky Mountain elk behavior, stress constant wind-checking, and highlight mindset: don't overthink or talk yourself out of clues, accept the effort, and treat each attempt as learning, illustrated by a story of following cows that led to a close encounter with a large bull.

Trent and Matt discuss not listening to their own podcasts, upcoming travel for their last show of the year, and the approach of spring bear season in Oregon. They compare bear hunting to duck hunting as a social way to get back outdoors and talk about seeing more bears than in past years, concerns about overpopulation, and studies on bear predation on elk calves and deer fawns. They criticize wildlife policy being driven by public votes and advocacy groups, referencing Oregon's 1994 Measure 18 banning hunting bears and cougars with dogs and mentioning IP 28. The conversation shifts to discipline in dog training and parenting, arguing for consistent consequences and leadership. They share bear-encounter stories, cover spring bear tactics (coast vs Cascades timing, south-facing slopes, cameras, calling with fawn distress), and emphasize bear shot placement over caliber, discussing PRC cartridges.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!    

In this podcast episode, Trent and Matt discuss Oregon's proposed initiative IP 28 (also referred to as the PEACE Act), which would remove longstanding exemptions in Oregon animal cruelty laws for lawful activities involving animals. They say current exemptions include farming, ranching, hunting, fishing, animal husbandry, pest control, and veterinary care, and argue that removing them could open the door to targeting or restricting those activities, ultimately threatening hunting and fishing and potentially impacting ranching, small-scale livestock ownership, pest control, and even pet training practices. One host shares how he first learned about it when his father—who follows politics but isn't a hunter—called from Nebraska after seeing news about the measure. The conversation broadens into concerns about political polarization, people making decisions based on emotion rather than facts, and the difficulty of having respectful discourse in the current media and social media environment. They discuss how fear and anger are amplified by 24-hour news and algorithms, including anecdotes about targeted advertising and device listening, and one host mentions hearing credible claims that phones and vehicle systems can be used for surveillance even when a phone appears off. The hosts also reference recent divisive events and reactions, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk and polarized perspectives around ICE-related incidents, emphasizing nuance and the need for middle-ground thinking. Finally, they talk about how brands and platform owners should decide when and how to take public stances, using a story from Benchmade: Oregon City Police had firearms destroyed at the company, a photo of gun cutting went viral, and subsequent scrutiny of political donations sparked backlash; the host describes internal impacts including threats to employees and his family, while noting the business did not experience a catastrophic drop in demand. The episode ends with a call to research issues, base opinions on facts, listen to opposing perspectives, and speak up for causes rather than staying neutral out of fear.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!

In this episode, Pastor Mike Bull shares his journey of faith intertwined with a passion for hunting and the outdoors. Hosts Matt and Trent discuss their long-standing friendship with Mike, reflecting on the deep connections between hunting, God's creation, and ministry. Mike recounts his upbringing in a hunting family, his spiritual transformation at age 23, and his eventual path to full-time ministry. The discussion touches on navigating life's risks, the significance of having quality time with family in the wilderness, and leveraging personal passions for God's glory. Whether through hunting trips or everyday life, Mike emphasizes the importance of prioritizing faith, reading God's word, and embracing the opportunities for spiritual growth and ministry that come our way.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!

In this episode, Trent and Matt discuss the complexities and evolving landscape of hunting on public and private lands. They delve into their experiences with hunting leases, the shift from public to private land hunting, and the rising costs associated with it. They reflect on the impact of social media on hunting culture and the challenges of remaining relatable to their audience while producing engaging content. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the need for strategic planning to continue enjoying hunting opportunities. The episode highlights the necessity of balancing professional obligations with personal values and the pursuit of authentic, enjoyable hunting experiences.

In this episode, Trent and Tyler talk about the influence of social media on hunting culture. They delve into concerns about increased visibility of hunting activities potentially leading to restrictive regulations by wildlife agencies. The conversation then shifts to navigating the complexities of parenting in a digital world, the ethical implications of AI technology, and the importance of preparing children to use technology responsibly. The episode concludes with reflections on faith, love, and the importance of open communication between parents and children.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!

In this episode, Trent and Tyler return after a long hiatus since August 22nd, reflecting on their recent adventures and challenges during the hunting season. They discuss technical adjustments, such as improving audio quality by repositioning Wi-Fi extenders, and share anecdotes about listening to their podcasts and watching their YouTube videos. The conversation covers various hunts across states like Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico, including highlights like teaching younger family members and experiencing the beauty of the wilderness. They also delve into more profound topics, such as dealing with online negativity, the importance of staying positive, maintaining focus on things that matter, and the impacts of social media algorithms on society. The episode concludes with a discussion on adapting to life changes, quality family time, and future aspirations.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!

In this episode, Trent, Matt and Andy delve into various advanced hunting techniques and equipment, such as the resistance release for archery and its advantages in maintaining good form and eliminating target panic. The conversation transitions into discussing the importance of practice and overcoming bad habits both in hunting and competitive sports. They share personal experiences and strategies for whitetail hunting, emphasizing the effectiveness of trail cameras, tree saddles, and making micro-adjustments based on real-time intel. Similarities and differences between elk and whitetail hunting are explored, including strategies for staying ahead of game movements and decision-making. 

This week Trent sits down with The Grizzly Brothers, Ben and Clayton to talk about their "The Quota" their new predator call devolped alongside Born and Raised Call Co. The guys talk about how they developed the call based on years of modifying existing calls and understanding sound nuances.  Looking ahead, they plan product development, spring bear hunts, and trade show attendance, having rebranded from "Catcher Outdoors" to "Grizzly Brothers" to reflect their focus on bear hunting and brotherhood.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!

Matt and Trent discuss various aspects of dog ownership, professional hunting, and family dynamics. Matt shared his evolving perspective on dog ownership after having a child, while Trent explained the complexities of professional hunting beyond common misconceptions, highlighting the shift from a self-centered approach to creating new experiences with his children. They both agreed on the importance of relatability in hunting content, advocating for showcasing failures and challenges to inspire and foster a supportive community.   Did you know you can get a discount on the onX Hunt app? http://bit.ly/BRO_onXHuntShop  Use the promo code: BRO and you'll get a 20% discount!