ELKSHAPE Podcast - THE FITTEST MAN ON EARTH, James Sprague

Whether you're heading out for your first elk hunt or looking to sharpen your system before the season opens, this episode is your go-to guide. Dan and Riley are joined by Josh Crawford of ElkShape Training to dive deep into all things elk hunting—from tactics to terrain, and scouting to pack-outs. We break down: • Solo vs. partner hunting tactics – and when to use each • How to scout effectively and locate elk consistently • Tips on camp setup, choosing a location, and staying mobile • Meat care in the field – especially when you're deep and far from the truck • Where to find elk, what sign to look for, and how to adapt when the plan falls apart This episode covers the foundations of elk hunting with no fluff—just straight-up, field-tested advice from guys who live it every fall. If you're serious about being prepared for the backcountry, this is one you’ll want to bookmark and replay. @elkshape @elkshapetraining @rileystaton24 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠ MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠⁠SHOP⁠⁠ BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠   🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠⁠ B CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠⁠ SONY ⁠⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠⁠ WIRELESS ⁠⁠DJI MIC 2⁠⁠ STUDIO LENS ⁠⁠24-70MM ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠DJI DRONE ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Levi and Matt, the minds behind QuivAR, to talk all things bowhunting, business, and the changes rocking the hunting scene in Colorado. Spoiler: it’s not all good news for non-residents. We dive into their journey building the QuivAR app, a tool designed to help archers get the most out of their practice and performance, and how their passion for bowhunting shaped the brand from the ground up. We also cover some bigger topics—faith, family, fitness, and what it looks like to pursue your purpose in a world that’s constantly shifting. These guys are gritty, mission-driven, and unapologetically dialed in. Whether you’re a hunter, entrepreneur, or someone just trying to live with more intention—this one’s got something for you. @elkshape @quivar.app   📸: @rileystaton24 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20 MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - SONY A1 BODY B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM DJI DRONE DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of our Bear Bender series, Dan sits down with Bill Vanderheyden, founder of Iron Will Outfitters, for a deep dive into our Saskatchewan bear hunt with Eastern Sky Guiding Service—and so much more. We cover:• The highs and lessons from Bill’s latest bear hunting experience• A full breakdown of his elk hunting film—rewatching it together and going full director’s cut mode• Technical gear talk, shot decisions, mental game, and what really goes through your head when a bull steps into range• Insights from Bill on archery, backcountry gear, and balancing the grind with real life Whether you're an elk junkie, a gearhead, or just want an inside look at how elite hunters think and operate in the field, this episode delivers. 📹 Stay tuned for more Bear Bender content dropping soon, including how YOU can join us for bear season in 2026. @elkshape @ironwilloutfitters https://ironwilloutfitters.com/ Go watch the full film! https://www.fulldrawfilmtour.com/dates-tickets/   📸: @shaka_gnar @rileystaton24   💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠ VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠⁠ MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠⁠ DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠ GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠⁠⁠SHOP⁠⁠⁠ BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠⁠   🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - ⁠⁠⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠⁠⁠ B CAM - ⁠⁠⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠⁠⁠ SONY ⁠⁠⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠⁠⁠ WIRELESS ⁠⁠⁠DJI MIC 2⁠⁠⁠ STUDIO LENS ⁠⁠⁠24-70MM ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠DJI DRONE ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down to recap their full Bear Bender adventure, an epic spring bear hunting trip that took them from the remote bush of northern Alberta to the rugged Duck Mountains of eastern Saskatchewan. They break down the first leg of the trip with Prairie North Outfitters, where Dan filled both of his tags—including a giant boar—and Riley punched his first-ever archery bear tag in one of the most unforgettable hunts of his life. Then they dive into the second half of the journey with Eastern Sky Guiding, where Dan tagged his biggest black bear to date. The guys were joined by Bill from Iron Will Outfitters and the Bear Hunt Giveaway winner, Cody Sabol, making for an awesome camp and even better memories. From the highs, the lows, the lessons, and the wild moments in between, this is a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of a trip they won’t soon forget. Grab a cup of coffee—or get in some windshield time—and catch up with Dan and Riley as they share the real story behind Bear Bender 2025.   @elkshape @rileystaton24 @prairie_north_outfitters @easternskyguiding @ironwilloutfitters 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠ MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠SHOP⁠ BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠   🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - ⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠ B CAM - ⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠ SONY ⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠ WIRELESS ⁠DJI MIC 2⁠ STUDIO LENS ⁠24-70MM ⁠ ⁠DJI DRONE ⁠ ⁠DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Darcy Ledrew, owner and head guide of Prairie North Outfitters, to recap an unforgettable bear hunt in the wilds of northern Alberta. This one’s special—Riley tagged his first-ever archery black bear, and Dan punched both of his tags, including a true Alberta giant. But this conversation goes beyond the hunt. We dive into Darcy’s story: how he went from passionate hunter to full-time outfitter, what it takes to guide in the remote north, and the challenges and rewards of chasing both black bears and world-class Alberta whitetails. We talk archery setups, baiting strategies, the mental side of hunting, and what keeps Darcy fired up season after season.  Whether you're dreaming of a Canadian bear hunt or just love hearing from people who live this lifestyle full-time, this episode brings the heat.  **Plus, how YOU can come hunt with Elkshape for Alberta Spring Bear in 2026. You don't want to miss this. @elkshape @Prairie_north_outfitters https://www.prairienorthoutfitters.com/ @rileystaton24   💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠ MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠elkshape⁠⁠ DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠ GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠⁠SHOP⁠⁠ BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠⁠   🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠⁠ B CAM - ⁠⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠⁠ SONY ⁠⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠⁠ WIRELESS ⁠⁠DJI MIC 2⁠⁠ STUDIO LENS ⁠⁠24-70MM ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠DJI DRONE ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we flip the script and bring you a raw, behind-the-scenes conversation between Dan and Riley. We dive into what it truly means to be “locked in”—not just in the elk woods, but in life. From faith and family to fitness and bowhunting, this episode explores how staying focused and intentional in every area of life builds not just better hunters—but better men. It’s personal. It’s real. And it just might challenge you to ask the question yourself: Are you locked in? #elkshape insta: @rileystaton24 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20 MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - SONY A1 BODY B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM DJI DRONE DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Joe and Dennis, the founders of Initial Ascent, a company known for its high-performance, hunter-focused backpacks. We explore the role of Faith in their journey, how a shared vision brought them together, and the challenges and triumphs of building a brand rooted in purpose and performance. Whether you're an avid hunter, entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation offers a powerful look at passion, partnership, and perseverance. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20 MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - SONY A1 BODY B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM DJI DRONE DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Tristan Litke, founder of Precision Cut Archery, to talk about one of the most cutting-edge advancements in archery tech—custom sight tapes that bring pinpoint accuracy to a whole new level. We dive into the ballistics behind bow performance, how Tristan developed this unique system, and what separates Precision Cut Archery from traditional sight tape methods. If you’ve ever struggled to get your setup dialed or wondered how to eliminate variables before the hunt, this conversation is for you. We also get into the story behind the company—what inspired Tristan to start it, and how innovation, precision, and a love for archery all came together to launch something truly game-changing. Whether you're a backcountry bowhunter or a target junkie, this one’s packed with insight that’ll make you rethink your setup. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠ MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: ⁠elkshape⁠ DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE⁠ GORUCK | LINK TO ⁠SHOP⁠ BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ⁠ELKSHAPE20⁠ 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - ⁠SONY A1 BODY⁠ B CAM - ⁠SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS⁠ SONY ⁠LONG LENS 70-200MM⁠ WIRELESS ⁠DJI MIC 2⁠ STUDIO LENS ⁠24-70MM ⁠ ⁠DJI DRONE ⁠ ⁠DJI ACTION 4⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this dynamic episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests—Jake Dalton, a U.S. Olympic gymnast, and Sam Pate, entrepreneur and founder of Bear Butt Wipes. What do they have in common? A deep commitment to faith, family, fitness, and a shared obsession with bowhunting. We dive into Jake’s journey from elite gymnastics to life after the Olympics, including how he now channels his discipline into bowhunting and fatherhood. Sam brings a unique entrepreneurial story—turning a backcountry problem into a solution with Bear Butt Wipes, and building a brand rooted in outdoor grit and personal values. This episode is full of real talk, practical takeaways, and a few laughs as we explore how two very different paths still align through purpose, perseverance, and time in the wild. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20 MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - SONY A1 BODY B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM DJI DRONE DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Spokane native Matt Roth for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation covering legacy, faith, career, and the outdoors. Matt shares stories about growing up with his father—who served as the Gonzaga Athletic Director—and how that experience helped shape his work ethic and values. We dig into Matt’s path to becoming a Physical Therapist, and his evolution into a business leader as a part-owner of U-District Physical Therapy, a top-tier clinic in Spokane. We also explore his strong commitment to faith and family, and how both serve as guiding forces in his personal and professional life. Of course, we had to talk bowhunting—Matt’s deep passion for time in the woods and how it fuels discipline, patience, and a lifestyle that aligns with ElkShape values. Whether you're in the health field, love the hunt, or just appreciate hearing from purpose-driven individuals, this conversation delivers. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: elkshape BLACK OVIS | 10% Off Code: elkshape SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: elkshape onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: elkshape Basekamp Quarter Pad | 10% Off Code: elkshape CrossOver Symmetry | 20% Off Code: elkshape Stealth Cam | 20% Off Code (non-cellular): ELKSHAPE20 MAGVIEW | 10% Off Code: elkshape MY MEDIC | 10% Off Code: elkshape DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE GORUCK | LINK TO SHOP BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 🚨Video Production🚨 A CAM - SONY A1 BODY B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM DJI DRONE DJI ACTION 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices