Ep. 431: Elk Hunting Strategies THAT WORK for Over 30 Years! w/ Donnie Drake // Elk 101

Beau Martonik is joined by Tyler Vanderkolk. In this episode, they discuss Tyler’s journey with Archery Country, an archery shop in Austin, Texas, and his efforts to get rid of “gun counter culture.” They share lessons learned during the pandemic that helped them thrive, and most recently, going into business with Joe Rogan, Cam Hanes, and Evan Hafer, which aimed at community engagement. Additionally, they discuss common mistakes that archers often make and how you can become a better archer! Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction  00:06:14 – Tyler’s Introduction to Archery Country and Changing “Gun Counter Culture” 00:20:13 – The Effects COVID Had On Business 00:27:52 – Tyler’s Growth and New Partnerships with Joe Rogan, Cam Hanes, and Evan Hafer 00:38:32 – Believing In The Mission 00:43:22 – Common Archery Mistakes 01:02:03 – Closing Statements Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@archerycountry Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Martonik is joined by Jace Allen, a strategic and surgical whitetail hunter who has had a ton of success in the early and late seasons. They focus on whitetail preparation, scouting insights, and the importance of mobile hunting gear and safety. They share personal experiences and strategies for successful hunting, emphasizing the need for practice, understanding deer behavior, and the significance of being well-prepared for the season. Jace shares his hunting experiences, focusing on the challenges faced while hunting specific bucks, particularly the old nine, and much more! Topics: 00:00 - Introduction  04:17 – Introduction to Jace 06:35 – Jace’s Preparation for Next Season 07:25 – Hunting Kentucky Velvet Bucks 15:07 – Learning From Scouting 20:06 – Practicing With Tree Stands And Becoming Efficient 31:52 – Hybrid Setup 39:59 – Tree Stand Safety 51:04 – Jace’s Mobile Hunting Gear 01:03:58 – The Old “Nine” 01:12:42 – Old Deer Behavior 01:16:01 – The Old “Nine” Continued 01:32:57 – Choosing A Tree Next to Buck Bedding 01:43:56 – Trusting Your Gut 01:47:48 – Wrapping Up Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @_nature_of_the_beast Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beau Martonik is joined by the entire Spartan Forge crew, including Bill Thompson, Johnny Stewart, Hunter Rud, Gunnar Emberg (The Hungry Huntsman), Pete Six, Tyler Vanderkolk from Archery Country, and former Navy Seal, Mark Cochiolo, to recount their bear hunting trip in Quebec. They share Bill’s insights on finding the right outfitter, and the balance of firearm versus archery techniques. Each hunter also shares their own unique experience hunting black bear. They celebrate their victories with a meal prepared by Chef Gunner and reflect on the camaraderie and ethical dimensions of their experiences in the Canadian wilderness.   Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction  00:05:30 – Choosing An Outfitter 00:11:33 – What It’s Like To Hunt Bear VS. Whitetail 00:15:06 – Day One Of Hunting 00:27:39 – GSP’S Hunt 00:35:25 – Switching Guests 00:36:15 – Being A Camp Cook 00:43:11 – Beau’s Bear Hunt Story 00:58:58 – Guest Switch 01:00:08 – Mark’s Introduction 01:03:57 – The Fundamentals Of Shooting 01:06:53 – Tyler’s Introduction 01:08:01 – Tyler’s Experience In Bear Hunting 01:12:26 – Thank You’s Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@georgestpierre⁠ Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beau Martonik speaks with Georges St-Pierre, arguably the best pound-for-pound UFC and MMA fighter of all time, about his newfound passion for hunting. George emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone for personal growth. While sharing his story of how his career got started, George also mentions championing the "white belt mentality" and tackling new pursuits. His journey through health challenges, including fasting, underscored the importance of wellness. George’s insights inspire embracing new challenges and fostering meaningful connections.  Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:20 – George’s History And Insight To Learning To Shoot 00:12:11 – Camp Life For George 00:18:21 – Grounding 00:26:41 – Fasting 00:41:15 – George’s Story Of His Professional Fighting Career 00:57:55 – Experiences In Taking Risks And Success In A Team Of People 01:04:35 – Managing Fear 01:05:51 – Confidence Through Preparation 01:08:00 - Thank Yous and Goodbyes Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @georgestpierre Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Martonik shares a few quick, but important updates with everyone! Mountain Man Joe Film Launch - 8pm EST on YouTube WIN The Ultimate Whitetail Gear Package Giveaway Brand new gear added to the website - Iron Will Broadheads, RackHub antler displays, and Uncharted Supply first aid and preparedness products Thanks for listening and hope that you enjoy the film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Beau Martonik reconnects with Brian Hale from Elk County Outfitters. They explore the intricacies of elk hunting regulations in Pennsylvania, the lottery system and the strategic application for tags, particularly with upcoming changes to bull tag policies in 2026.  Bryan shares insights into elk population dynamics and habitat management while recounting memorable hunting stories, and much more.   Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:07:26 - Recap on Nick’s Hunting Season With Elk County Outfitters 00:18:43 - Applying For A Pennsylvania Elk Tag 00:19:53 - Points Vs. Applying 00:23:26 - 2026 PA Elk Regulation Changes 00:42:22 - Future Zone Changes 00:45:37 - Changes For Habitats 00:49:52 - Crop Damages 00:53:56 - Governor’s Tags 00:58:02 - Handling Velvet 01:01:36 - The Three Elk Hunting Seasons And Their Dates 01:02:41 - Application Dates 01:06:41 - Bonus Points and The System 01:12:37 - Choosing A Zone 01:25:52 - Elk Population Data 01:28:26 - Hacked Facebook Page 01:37:22 - Thank Yous and Goodbyes Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @elkcountyoutfitters Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Martonik is joined by Donnie Drake, of Elk 101, to talk about Donnie’s journey in elk hunting. They discuss the importance of personal struggles they’ve faced, wind, and the significance of practice and perseverance. Donnie shares insights on elk behavior, calling techniques, and the physical challenges of hunting in steep terrains. They also touch on Donnie’s passion for his custom-built 1950 Willys Jeepster. Key takeaways for aspiring elk hunters include mastering the wind and maintaining a resilient mindset. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical tips for hunters of all levels that have worked for decades.  Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:30 - Donnie’s Journey to Elk Hunting 00:22:09 - The Struggles of Hunting Different Regions 00:25:35 - How Donnie and Corey Jacobson Met 00:28:52 - Starting Elk 101 00:35:13 - Learning From Your Mistakes 00:40:49 - Destination Elk Challenge - Elk Hunting WITHOUT FOOD 00:51:52 - Elk Hunting Tactics 01:04:04 - Elk Calling Strategies 01:10:04 - Learning How To Estimate Distance 01:12:40 - Comparing Sights and Sight Tips 01:23:46 - Gaining Experience 01:25:13 - Know The Wind and Thermals 01:29:13 - Comparing Whitetail Hunting and Elk Hunting 01:30:25 - The Jeepster 01:38:44 - Wrapping Up Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @eatsleephuntelk Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Martonik is joined by Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. They talk about his hunting journey and the evolution of wildlife management in Pennsylvania. They cover topics from deer population trends, upcoming changes for the 2025 hunting seasons, and initiatives like the Deer Management Assistance Program. Steve also addresses hunter concerns regarding regulations such as no hunting on Sundays, highlights efforts to improve access to public land, how decisions are made, and what the overall future of hunting in Pennsylvania looks like for years to come.  Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:06:33 - Steve's First Hunt 00:08:10 - Past and Present Pennsylvania Deer Population 00:11:59 - Steve’s Position As Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission 00:14:44 - Relationship Between Game Commission and Hunters 00:17:16 - Pennsylvania Hunting Quality Improvement 00:22:26 - Trends in Hunting License Numbers 00:27:18 - Will Pennsylvania Ever Allow Sunday Hunting? 00:34:52 - Access to Hunting Lands 00:50:09 - The DMAP Program Explained 00:56:29 - Balancing Wildlife Populations 00:59:09 - DMAP Extended Season 01:15:34 - Decisions Made Based on Data 01:28:20 - 2025 Regulation Changes 01:39:14 - Closing Thoughts and Feedback Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@pagamecomm Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beau Martonik is joined by Joe Miles, who has over 30+ years of bowhunting whitetails throughout North America. Joe transitioned from youth hunting experiences to professional pursuits, including guiding in Africa and establishing Sporting Adventures International. They discuss what it’s like hunting in South Carolina, hunting a specific buck that beds in many places, finding deer funnels, rut hunting strategies for a specific deer, the difference between hunting high-pressure areas vs. areas with little pressure, the moon guide, and much more! Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:05:32 - Working in the Hunting Industry 00:05:53 - Joe’s Background and Early Hunting Experiences 00:09:53 - The Passion and Challenges of Whitetail Hunting 00:13:39 - What It’s Like To Hunt South Carolina 00:14:49 - South Carolina Hunting Traditions 00:16:12 - The Hunt Camp Experience 00:20:15 - What It’s Like To Hunt Where Everything is Thick 00:29:45 - Finding Deer Funnels 00:36:32 - Rut Hunting Strategies 00:41:12 - Analyzing Deer Movement Data 00:46:41 - The Effects Of Pressure in Hunting 00:57:05 - All In For One Buck 01:02:22 - Experience New Places 01:04:51 - Different Styles Of Hunting 01:10:07 - Being Part of The Moon Guide 01:14:35 - Does the Moon Play a Big Role in the Best Times to Hunt? 01:21:03 - Upcoming Whitetail Plans 01:25:11 - Closing Remarks Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠ @mission_whitetail Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals/Gear: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most hunters want to know, "When should I take off work to hunt the rut?" Well, paying attention to fawns right now and historical doe data can help you predict the best dates in YOUR area! This is a bonus episode from the 2025 Mountain Bucks Scouting Camp. Resources: Instagram:   ⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠ Facebook:   ⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠  Website/Apparel/Deals: ⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠ Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices