Hound Dog Network - Doing it Right

Sometimes the lessons that stick with us the longest are the ones we learn without realizing it.As a kid, I spent weekends rebuilding a crosstie wall that was good enough in my eyes. At the time, it was just extra work that didn't need to be done—lifting, stacking, lining things up, and making sure each tie was where it needed to be. Looking back, though, that wall taught me something that applies just as much to hound training today. IG - heathhyatt147FB Heath HyattYoutube - Heath Hyatt  Send your stories or questions to: [email protected] our Sponsors:Inukshuk Double U Hunting SupplyMuddy River Transport DarkenergyOnX Inukshuk:Inukshukpro.comCorey.caDarkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4darkenergy.com Frontline Optics- Duty sunglassesPolarizedNo questions asked replacementCharitable Donation with every pairFree shippingFrontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy Subscribe to: Full Cry MagazineBear Hunting MagazineAmerican Bear FoundationVirginia Bear Hunters Association For the best lights in the businessCheck out: Cajunlights.com   Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  www.dusupply.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitch sits down with returning guest Jason Miller of JMiller Custom Calls to kick off another New Jersey black bear season. The conversation starts beneath the mount of Jason’s biggest bear yet—a massive bruin estimated around 600 pounds live weight and now in the Boone and Crockett record book. Jason tells the full story of a hunt he almost didn’t go on, from reluctantly climbing into a stand late in an extended season to watching the bear work toward him, the shots that followed, and finally walking up on an animal far larger than he realized. It’s one of those hunting stories where seemingly everything had to line up just right, and it leads to a simple reminder: sometimes the biggest moments happen when you quit worrying about the outcome and just go hunting.From there, Mitch and Jason look ahead to another bear season and dig into the experiences that have shaped the way they hunt. They compare Jason’s commitment to proven locations with Mitch’s tendency to stay mobile, discuss scouting with a purpose, using bait and cameras for inventory, trusting fresh sign, and knowing when to stick it out rather than chase the next spot. Jason also adds a new challenge this fall by trading his compound for a recurve and setting his stand specifically for a close-range opportunity. More than anything, this is a preseason BS session about black bears, lessons learned through years of scouting and hunting, the camaraderie of bear camp, and why the work and people involved have become every bit as important as punching a tag. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A final hunt with that certain hound can carry a strange weight. You may not realize you're experiencing the last time you'll walk that trail, sit against that tree, hear them strike and tree. At the time, it can feel like just another morning in the woods, just another hunt. But every once in a while, there's a hunt that becomes something bigger than the hunt itself. A good hound may only be with us for a short period of time, but the impression they leave can last a lifetime. IG - heathhyatt147FB Heath HyattYoutube - Heath Hyatt Send your stories or questions to: [email protected] Follow our Sponsors:Inukshuk Double U Hunting SupplyMuddy River Transport DarkenergyOnX  Inukshuk:Inukshukpro.comCorey.ca Darkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4darkenergy.comFrontline Optics- Duty sunglassesPolarizedNo questions asked replacementCharitable Donation with every pairFree shippingFrontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyySubscribe to: Full Cry MagazineBear Hunting MagazineAmerican Bear FoundationVirginia Bear Hunters Association For the best lights in the businessCheck out: Cajunlights.com  Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.comWe would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  www.dusupply.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elk hunting is not about luck—it is about putting yourself in the right 200-yard bubble at the right time, with enough days left to make the moment count. Tim Kent breaks down nearly two decades of hard-earned lessons chasing elk from the East, including the mistakes that cost him bulls, the calling mistake that instantly blew up a setup, and why his biggest breakthrough came from learning where elk actually live instead of where he hoped they would.Dan Johnson and Tim dig into the obsession that keeps eastern hunters driving west every year: the mountains, the pressure, the gear, the archery challenge, and the brutal reality that elk hunting is often more bowhiking than bowhunting. Tim shares how his approach evolved from flying out with a one-man tent and too much optimism to building hunts around mobility, terrain, thermals, and the kind of pre-hunt scouting that narrows a giant unit down to a few high-percentage pockets.You’ll discover:Why Tim now avoids bugling directly below a bullHow one wrong call can shut down an entire herd in secondsWhy two weeks is the sweet spot for serious DIY elk huntsThe biggest difference between early elk hunting and learning through modern online educationHow to use your own past encounters to identify elevation bands and likely elk zonesTim also opens up about the emotional side of elk hunting—the frustration of close calls, the adrenaline spike when a bull is coming, and the strange addiction of coming home empty-handed but fired up for next year. If you are an eastern hunter chasing western elk, or you are planning your first serious DIY hunt, this episode is packed with practical insight and a realistic look at what actually moves the needle.Perfect for anyone preparing for elk season who wants fewer theory-based tips and more field-tested truth from a hunter who has lived the grind, learned the hard way, and is still out there doing it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What actually stays in your pack when it’s time to hunt whitetails? On this episode of the Hunting Gear Podcast, Dan and Bob do a complete gear dump for the fall season. From grunt tubes and scent control to bow ropes and screw-in steps, if it takes up space in their packs, it’s getting talked about.Join the conversation on the Sportsmen's Empire Facebook and Instagram pages, or connect with Nine Finger Chronicles and Hybrid Outdoors. Let us know what gear never leaves your pack! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colorado just changed the elk hunting game—and the next round of regulations could reshape how residents and non-residents chase tags, points, and opportunity. If you hunt the West, this is the kind of episode that can save you years of confusion and help you make smarter decisions before the 2028 changes take effect.Dan Johnson sits down with Colorado hunter Adam Parr to break down what is really happening with the state’s draw system, why archery tags went from over-the-counter to draw for non-residents, and how point creep has exploded in some units. Adam explains the new system’s biggest shifts, including the move toward a 50/50 split between preference-point tags and weighted lottery tags, plus the simplified point-buying process that could make Colorado easier to navigate and more fair.You’ll discover:What Colorado’s current over-the-counter options actually are for non-residentsWhy some archery units jumped from a few points to double-digit point totalsHow the new draw rules may change your odds and planning strategyWhy the state’s regulation updates could reduce complexity instead of adding to itHow residents and non-residents should think differently about long-term tag planningAdam also shares how he approaches his own season as a resident hunter—from deciding when to burn points versus hunt over the counter, to scouting, glassing, trail cameras, and why he targets unpressured elk early in the season. He talks through the realities of hunting at 9,000 to 10,000 feet, how dry years push elk higher into timber, and the small details that separate a filled freezer from a long, exhausting grind.Then the conversation turns tactical. Adam explains the strategies he uses to find elk, including location bugles in the dark, reading fresh sign, hunting natural pinch points, and using terrain and wind to his advantage. He also makes a strong case for hybrid broadheads on elk, especially when blood trailing and recovery matter most.If you are applying in Colorado, planning a Western hunt, or trying to stretch your points without wasting years, this episode gives you a real-world look at what is changing and how to adapt. It’s essential listening for Western hunters who want more than hype and fewer expensive mistakes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every houndsman remembers his first.Your first dog.The first time you heard a hound open on a track.The first time you followed that voice through the dark.The first time you walked up to a tree with the game in it.The first dog that really meant something to you.But some of the best firsts come later.The first time your son or daughter hears a hound open.The first time they grab the lead.The first time they walk into a tree and realize what this life is all about.Those are the moments that stick with us. IG - heathhyatt147FB Heath HyattYoutube - Heath Hyatt  Send your stories or questions to: [email protected] Follow our Sponsors:Inukshuk Double U Hunting SupplyMuddy River Transport DarkenergyOnX  Inukshuk:Inukshukpro.comCorey.ca Darkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4darkenergy.com Frontline Optics- Duty sunglassesPolarizedNo questions asked replacementCharitable Donation with every pairFree shippingFrontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy Subscribe to: Full Cry MagazineBear Hunting MagazineAmerican Bear FoundationVirginia Bear Hunters Association  For the best lights in the businessCheck out: Cajunlights.com   Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  www.dusupply.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Ryan Burnett of Pattern Pros to talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of hunting preparation—actually knowing how your gun and ammunition perform together. Ryan explains how Pattern Pros grew from a frustrating day of shotgun patterning into a way for hunters to test multiple loads without buying full boxes of ammunition that may not work well in their gun. The guys walk through the process of properly patterning a shotgun at different distances, understanding point of aim versus point of impact, evaluating pattern density, and determining which gun, choke, and shell combination gives you the best opportunity when it's finally time to pull the trigger.The conversation expands beyond waterfowl into turkey hunting, choke tubes, modern steel shot, and even choosing factory ammunition for a deer rifle. Mitchell and Ryan discuss how hunters can spend thousands of dollars on guns, optics, decoys, clothing, and other equipment while overlooking the relatively simple step of testing what their firearm actually shoots best. More importantly, they discuss the ethical responsibility hunters have to eliminate as many controllable variables as possible before taking a shot at an animal. You don't have to be a ballistics expert or gun fanatic—you just need to put in enough time before the season to know what happens when you pull the trigger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode DescriptionThe best mobile hunting systems do one thing - they disappear into the hunt. Nested Tree Stand Systems is built around that idea, and Gabe Denzine explains why this brand was designed from the ground up for hunters who pack in, climb once, and want every piece of gear to work together.Gabe and Dan unpack how Nested grew out of a real problem: the clunky, cobbled-together setup so many hunters have been forced to live with. Instead of making another generic add-on to an existing line, the team built a true system - rails, stand, and pack engineered to nest together, carry weight better, and speed up setup in the field.You'll discover why Nested uses rails instead of traditional climbing sticks, how the dual-rail design helps prevent kick-out and improves foot placement, and why the pack-and-stand combo is modeled after a Western frame pack to move weight to your hips instead of your shoulders. Gabe also breaks down the 8.6-pound cast aluminum hang-on, the patented Z-shaped profile, the one-strap cam-over design, and the difference between the 15-liter and 35-liter packs.We also get into the practical details that matter when you're in the dark and under pressure - from rope attachments versus cam straps, to how many rails most hunters really need, to why the system is especially appealing for guys hunting big hill country or anyone trying to cut down on trips up and down the tree. If you've ever wished your mobile setup felt lighter, safer, and more intuitive, this conversation hits all the right notes.Gabe Denzine is the brand manager behind Nested Tree Stand Systems at Artisam, and he brings a hunter's perspective to product design, with firsthand experience using and refining the system in the field. Dan Johnson keeps the conversation focused on the real-world problems mobile hunters face and whether Nested actually solves them.Essential listening if you run a mobile tree stand setup, hunt public land, or want a more streamlined way to carry and hang your gear without the usual frustration. Learn more at nestedtreestands.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick opens with a personal update on the shift from summer chaos into early fall hunting season, then moves into two connected stories about wild game, generosity, and community. He reflects on being gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout, turning part of it into smoked jerky, and how that exchange strengthened a friendship. He also previews an upcoming New Jersey black bear hunt and a new venison donation project that uses hunters’ harvests to help feed others. Key Topics Balancing school, work, family, and hunting preparation as fall approaches Why Nick is keeping his current archery setup unchanged Repacking his kill kit and bringing a paperback book into the tree stand Preparing for an October black bear hunt in New Jersey with Mitchell Shirk Processing and preserving gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout Making smoked fish jerky using a brown sugar and salt cure Smoking fish with charcoal and black cherry wood The practical process of trimming fillets and removing pin bones How gifting wild game can create friendships and strengthen community Using salmon as part of a practical meal-prep routine The Doe Dash venison donation concept Turning donated venison into food for local food banks Using recipes to help families enjoy venison beyond burgers and chili Nick’s quick 30-minute meatballs and his wife’s grandfather’s gyoza recipe The role hunters can play in providing high-quality protein to people in need Episode Summary Preparing for Fall Hunting SeasonNick begins by describing the transition into September in Michigan. With school back in session, a nine-to-five job, children, and personal projects all competing for attention, he is learning to manage his time more intentionally.Fall is also the season when outdoor pursuits begin to accelerate. Nick talks about preparing for Michigan’s archery opener and getting his bow back out to start practicing. His equipment has been working well, so he is taking a simple approach: if something is not broken, there is no reason to fix it.One small change he is considering is bringing a paperback book into the tree stand. Rather than spending downtime scrolling on his phone, he wants to use that time to read and gain a different perspective while remaining immersed in the outdoors.A New Jersey Black Bear HuntNick shares exciting news about an upcoming trip to New Jersey to hunt black bear with Mitchell Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman.The trip is already moving forward, with flights and lodging arranged. Mitchell has been handling much of the scouting, baiting, and stand preparation, while Nick plans to bring his saddle because it allows him to sit comfortably for longer periods.The hunt will be a completely new experience for Nick. In addition to pursuing a new species in unfamiliar country, he will also have to think through the logistics of processing, transporting, and preserving a bear while traveling by plane. He hopes to bring the hide home for a rug and expects to rely heavily on Mitchell’s knowledge of local processors and taxidermists. The Gift of Great Lakes FishThe central story begins with several fillets of Great Lakes king salmon and lake trout sitting in Nick’s freezer.The important part is not simply the fish. It is how the fish came to him. Nick received the fish from Jason and Britley, friends he met through their sons’ soccer team. Jason is an avid outdoorsman who spends much of his time waterfowl hunting and fishing on the Great Lakes. After Jason and his fishing team won a tournament, he found himself with more fish than his household could use because Britley has a serious fish allergy.Jason reached out to Nick, knowing that Nick enjoys both cooking and processing wild game. Nick offered to take some of the fish, prepare it, and turn part of it into jerky so Jason could continue enjoying the harvest without wasting it.Processing Lake Trout for Smoked Jerky Nick explains the practical work involved in preparing the fish. The fillets had already been scaled, so he focused on trimming them and removing the pin bones.He used needle-nose pliers to locate and pull the bones from the larger fillets. Some of the bones were substantial, especially in the bigger fish.Nick also discusses the differences between the fish. Lake trout has a richer, oilier character than king salmon, which gives it a stronger and more distinctive flavor. Instead of viewing that as a negative, Nick embraced the uniqueness of the fish and found that its higher fat content worked well for jerky.The Cure and Smoking ProcessFor the first batch, Nick followed a method inspired by Hank Shaw. The cure consisted primarily of brown sugar and salt. Because fish absorbs salt quickly, he allowed the fillets to cure for roughly six to eight hours before rinsing them and preparing them for the smoker.A problem arose when Nick discovered that his smoker had developed a rust issue. Rather than abandoning the project, he adapted by using cooling racks on his charcoal grill.He also used black cherry wood from a storm-damaged tree in his backyard. The combination of charcoal and homemade wood chunks created the smoke needed to transform the fish.Nick describes how the smoke changed the appearance of the bright red fish, giving it a warm, tan color while preserving the visual appeal of the meat. The result was not just flavorful; it was something that looked appetizing before it was even tasted. Sharing the Finished ProductAfter reducing the moisture and concentrating the flavor, Nick packaged the finished fish and gave it back to Jason.The amount was noticeably smaller than the original fresh fish because of the water loss during smoking, but the value of the gift had increased. Jason could now enjoy his catch in a preserved form, and he had a product that was easier to store and use.This created a meaningful exchange. Jason had gifted Nick the fish, and Nick returned part of that bounty in a new form. The interaction became more than food preservation. It became a way for two outdoorsmen to share skills, effort, and appreciation.The Community Built Through Wild GameNick connects this experience to the broader tradition of sharing wild game.Hunters and anglers often trade venison, duck breasts, fish, and other harvests with one another. Someone may have extra duck but no fish. Another person may have more fish than their family can use but would gladly trade for venison.These exchanges create relationships. They help people use more of the animals they harvest, reduce waste, and give friends an opportunity to experience food they may not otherwise have access to.Nick reflects on the familiar saying: Copy “If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.” For Nick, the saying leaves out something important. When you give someone a fish, you may also create gratitude, conversation, friendship, and a desire to share in return. Fish as Everyday Meal Preparation Not all of the gifted fish became jerky. Nick also used some of it for family meals and meal preparation.He describes preparing salmon with rice and avocado as a balanced lunch containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Having prepared meals available helped him avoid relying on fast food during a busy workday.This connects the gift of fish to another benefit: wild game and locally harvested food can become part of a practical everyday routine, not just a special occasion meal.From Friendship to OutreachThe conversation then expands beyond the exchange between Nick and Jason.   Attribution Code "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.