199. Hunting, Soldiering, and Gear with Mike Herne

Well here we are! The final School of September episode of 2024! One of my favorite people, also a listener favorite, we close out this SOS season with none other than Dirk Durham. A man who needs little introduction, a dude that every hunter can learn from, and a guy I'm proud to call a friend.  In this episode, Dirk and I dive into some "out-of-the-box" type calling techniques that can make a big difference on uncooperative bulls and bulls that get hung up out of range. Don't miss this episode! May your arrows hit their mark, good luck this September friends! Dirk on Instagram Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Devan Reilly is a man blazing his own trail. He's a hunter, podcast host (Blazing Trails Podcast and Top Dog Hunt Podcast), and rodeo cowboy with a passion for pursuing elk with a trad bow. In this episode, Devan and I talk a bunch of elk strategy from calling to glassing to the differences between hunting with a compound bow and a trad. Devan is a wildly successful elk slayer and a committed steward to the art of archery hunting. I already know you guys are going to like him as much as I do! Devan on Instagram. Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Return guest, Mike Edgehouse, is a professor of anatomy and biology at Lewis Clark College, hunter, meat expert, mobile butcher, and founder of the Cutrite Mobile App that should live on every hunters phone.  In this episode, Mike and I talk about all the things that happen AFTER you've notched a tag on an elk. You School of September Scholars have a higher chance of putting an elk on the ground, so I thought it prudent to continue the discussion on how to get the most out of your kill. From meat care to butchering to recipes, we go all in on this episode from perhaps one of the most passionate wild game meat experts I've ever had the pleasure to call a friend.  DO NOT make the mistake of not getting the Cutrite Mobile App. It will walk you through all the steps to honor your kill and pack your freezer with the healthiest meat on the planet. Get it HERE. Mike on Instagram Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Another week, another installment of the School of September! With season only weeks away, this is not one you're going to want to miss. Brian Barney and Dan Pickar, both of Eastmans Hunting Journals and both return guests to the show, join me to have a panel-like discussion and Q&A on September elk season. As two of the best bowhunters on the planet, these guys brought their A-game to the show. We discuss calling, spot and stalk, elk in different types of country, and answer a series of listener questions. Dan and Brian deliver a full blown throat punch of elk knowledge guaranteed to improve your chances of success this Fall! Enjoy! Brian on Instagram Dan on Instagram Also catch Brian's Eastmans Elevated podcast and Dan and Brians podcast, Eastmans Life of a Bowhunter! You can watch them both in the field on Beyond the Grid as well! Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

As we continue our Summer blitz of School of September episodes, Days in the Wild founder John Stallone joins me this week. John is a lifelong hunter, hunting guide, host of the Days in the Wild Podcast, writer, and strong advocate for the future of hunting with Howl for Wildlife.  In this episode, John details his September elk hunting strategies. We talk locating elk, calling strategies, differences between hunting in Northern climates to the more arid, warmer climates in Southwestern states, and the super moon of this coming September. I've wanted to get John on a School of September for a long time and as I knew he would, he totally delivered! John on Instagram John's website  Howl for Wildlife Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Bradley Dammerman is the owner/operator of Idaho Whitetail Guides and one hell of an American hunter.  In this episode, Bradley and I dive into early to late season elk calling. Bradley describes a unique calling technique with an elk shed you have to listen to. We go from week one September into mid-October calling. Elk ebb and flow with the season, Bradley drops some serious take-aways from his years as a guide that you will surely want to stow away in that knowledge toolbox.  Bradley is, simply put, one helluva human that puts his money where his mouth is. I really enjoy having him on the show. Every hunter out there could benefit from his years of experience and humble nature, don't miss this one folks.  Bradley on Instagram Bradley's website Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Dax is a hunting guide and manager for Wagonhound Outfitters in Wyoming. He's a lifelong hunter and great American.  In this episode, we discuss elk hunting strategies through different seasons. He breaks down calling elk in early September versus late. Then we begin covering strategy changes into October rifle seasons and even some late season (November) elk tips. Dax is a wildly successful guide and hunter and you're going to love this episode! Wagonhound Outfitters Dax on Instagram Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]  

Jeff and Ryan, co-founders of Vantage Point Archery, join me this week to discuss broadheads, hunting, and the politics around all of it. It's a great discussion and if you're wanting a little more technical information regarding your broadhead and arrow setup, this is the episode for you! Vantage Point Archery has been a sponsor on this show since this last Spring and I couldn't be more happy with the product. I've been flinging the Omega broadheads in 125 grain and my confidence in these heads is high as we approach elk season. Check it out below! If you value quality, American-Made products to outfit you for your next hunt, this should be your broadhead of choice! VPA Website Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Finally! Kevin Estela and I sit down to recap our bear hunt and fishing trip. Kevin, with Fieldcraft Survival, flew out to Idaho from North Carolina to chase bruins over a bait site. In this episode, we talk about the gear we used, the shared experience, our fishing wins, and our plans for redemption this coming Fall! Kevin on Instagram CRKT Website Check out the Woods Chogan T-Hawk from CRKT!! Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Mike Herne is a career soldier in the U.S. Army, hunter, writer, and hunting gear guru working with Kifaru and Born Primitive Outdoors. He's also a fantastic American and I was super happy to have him on the show.  In this episode, Mike and I discuss his journey as a soldier and Western big-game hunter. We talk about the military, Kifaru packs, Born Primitive gear, elk hunting, whitetail hunting, and he shares his thoughts on some of the Colorado issues facing hunters. Mike is a world-class hunter and super dialed in to the lifestyle of the hunting community. In short, he brings a ton of value to this discussion. Missing this episode would be a tragedy, so don't do it! Mike on Instagram Kifaru Born Primitive Outdoors Show Sponsors! Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://phelpsgamecalls.com/  -Use Promo Code “Huntsman10” for 10% off! Silencer Central - Get started with a suppressor for your next hunt by going to the website here: https://www.silencercentral.com/ They make it very easy to get licensed, purchased, and set up so you can find out why getting a suppressor from Silencer Centrals is so popular! Hoffman Boots - Best hunting boots you’ll ever own. Specifically, check out the Hoffman Explorers, hands down the finest mountain boot for Western big game on the planet, I guarantee it! Use promo code “HUNTSMAN10” for 10% off! https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots Savage Arms - Don’t skimp on your next big game rifle. Savage Arms has redefined high-performance rifles built specifically for guys and gals like us! Check out the 110 with Accu-Trigger, I promise you won’t regret it. www.savagearms.com Barnes Bullets - Since 1932, Barnes Bullets has been a leader in hunting ammo. The world-famous X-Bullet was the first expanding all-copper bullet known for its exceptional knock down power and performance. I have personally been using Barnes Bullets since 1998 and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t know for sure how well they perform. Check them out at www.barnesbullets.com Vantage Point Archery - American made broadheads of choice for The Western Huntsman! Make sure to check out the single-bevel Omega’s or scroll through and find the broadhead that best suits your needs. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty are just part of the reason why these are my go-to broadheads. https://vparchery.com/ Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn’t know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I’ve been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/ Hit me up at [email protected]