From the Archives: Tracking Elk and Facing Grizzlies with Todd Orr

Join us for an exhilarating episode of the Elk Hunt podcast, where host Cody Rich revisits a gripping 2018 interview with Todd Orr, a seasoned Montana hunter who survived a harrowing double grizzly bear attack. Todd shares his incredible story of resilience and survival, detailing the intense moments of the bear encounter and his recovery. Beyond the attack, Todd dives into his unique approach to hunting elk with a pistol, offering insights into tracking techniques, animal behavior, and the challenges of late-season hunting in Montana’s rugged terrain. This episode is packed with thrilling stories, practical hunting tips, and lessons on staying prepared in bear country. Perfect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this episode will leave you inspired and ready for your next adventure.   onX Hunt: Elevate your hunting game with onX Hunt, the ultimate mapping tool for hunters. With detailed satellite imagery, property boundaries, and offline maps, onX Hunt helps you scout, plan, and navigate with confidence. Elite members get exclusive access to advanced tools like Terrain X and Game Cam integration. Use code TRO to save 20% on your subscription at onxmaps.com. Start your free 7-day trial today and make this your best hunting season yet!   Tricer: Gear up with Tricer, crafting innovative tripods and bipods designed by hunters for hunters. Their lightweight, durable products, like the Tricer AD with LP pan head, are perfect for rugged backcountry pursuits. Visit Tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% on your purchase.   Stone Glacier: Tackle the toughest hunts with Stone Glacier’s ultralight, durable packs. Designed for backcountry hunters, their packs feature innovations like Bivy Mode and Load Shelf for stealth and efficient meat hauling. Explore their full line of gear at stoneglacier.com for a lightweight setup that performs.   Time Stamp Chapters 00:00 - 02:30: Introduction and Context for the Archive Episode Cody explains why this 2018 episode with Todd Orr is being re-released, referencing a recent podcast with Jade and the demand from listeners to hear Todd’s epic story. 02:30 - 08:00: Todd Orr’s Background and Pistol Hunting Journey Todd shares his transition from bow hunting to pistol hunting after a snowboarding injury, discussing his passion for the challenge and his use of a .44 Magnum and 10mm pistol. 08:00 - 24:00: Elk Tracking Techniques and Strategies Todd details his approach to tracking elk in late-season snow, including reading tracks, identifying mature bulls, and navigating terrain to outsmart elk. 24:00 - 48:00: Grizzly Bear Attack Story Todd recounts the terrifying double grizzly bear attack on October 1, 2016, describing the encounter, his use of bear spray, and the aftermath of surviving two charges. 48:00 - 58:00: Lessons from the Attack and Hunting in Bear Country Todd reflects on how the attack changed his hunting practices, offering advice on bear safety, the importance of preparation, and maintaining awareness in grizzly country. 58:00 - 62:00: Closing Thoughts and Todd’s Knife-Making Business Cody and Todd wrap up with reflections on the joy of hunting, the thrill of tracking, and a shoutout to Todd’s custom knife-making business, Skyblade Knives. Three Key Takeaways Mastering Elk Tracking Requires Patience and Observation: Todd’s methodical approach to tracking elk in late-season snow highlights the importance of reading subtle signs, such as track size, dew claw impressions, and weaving patterns, to identify mature bulls and predict their behavior. Preparation is Critical in Bear Country: Todd’s survival of a double grizzly attack underscores the necessity of carrying and practicing with bear spray, maintaining situational awareness, and being mentally prepared for unexpected wildlife encounters. Pistol Hunting Adds Unique Challenges and Rewards: Hunting elk with a pistol, as Todd does, combines the precision of rifle hunting with the close-range intensity of bow hunting, requiring hunters to get within 100-200 yards and master their weapon for ethical shots.

Join host Cody Rich and co-host Jaden for a high-energy kickoff to the 2025 elk season, recorded just before the archery opener. Fresh off Alaska hunts, we dive into the frenzy of antelope, cow moose, and elk plans, sharing stories of opening-day rut fests and painful misses. We unpack the 101 vs. 201 elk hunter mindset, exploring how to break free from “Average Joe” habits by mastering skills like finding elk, predicting movement, and adapting to pressure, fires, or weather. With a teaser for our upcoming 301-level elk hunt, this episode is loaded with practical tips, from night calling in tough units to building a versatile skill set. Get ready to level up your elk game and make this season one to remember! Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Season Hype: Cody and Jayden kick things off, stoked for the 2025 elk season, fresh from Alaska hunts and juggling antelope and moose tags. 02:30 - Sponsors: Stone Glacier and Tricer Tripods: Shoutouts to Stone Glacier’s lightweight Archer 6400 pack and Tricer’s innovative LP panhead tripod setup. 04:45 - Opening Weekend Chaos: Discussing the gong show of opening days, why Jayden’s skipping antelope opener, and avoiding the “Average Joe” quitter mindset. 08:15 - Cow Moose Hunt Plans: Cody shares his cow moose tag strategy, targeting areas with bull moose hunters for intel and navigating calf restrictions. 12:00 - 101 vs. 201 Elk Hunters: Breaking down the difference between stumbling 101 hunters and consistent 201 killers, focusing on thinking outside the box. 18:30 - Avoiding Average Joe Moves: How “Average Joe” hunters fail by following crowds, and why seeking unpressured pockets is key to consistent success. 24:00 - Calling in Tough Units: Strategies for silent, call-shy elk, like night calling and soft cow-calf sequences, to outsmart pressured herds. 29:45 - Wallows: Worth It or Not?: Debating the effectiveness of sitting wallows, why mornings might beat evenings, and pairing them with glassing for better odds. 36:00 - Diesel vs. Boot Leather: Why driving to find elk can trump hiking, balancing romanticism with practical scouting in high-pressure units. 42:15 - Limited Entry vs. OTC Mindset: Treating premium tags like high-pressure hunts to avoid complacency and maximize success, even with fewer hunters. 48:30 - Contingencies for Fires and Chaos: Cody’s approach to wildfires, road closures, and unexpected setbacks, emphasizing multiple hunt plans and flexibility. 55:00 - Gear: Confidence Over Hype: How dialed gear boosts confidence, but 301 hunters prioritize skills over chasing the latest trends. 1:00:45 - Mastering Elk Hunting Skills: Cody reflects on learning to predict elk behavior, read herds, and stay calm under pressure to level up from 101 to 201. 1:08:00 - Picking a Skill to Master: Cody’s assignment for hunters—pick one skill (e.g., stalking, calling) and build hunts around mastering it for a memorable season. 1:13:15 - Wrap-Up and Hunt Teaser: Cody and Jayden hype their upcoming 301-level elk hunt, promising a recap of their timber-stalking adventure. Brought to You by Stone GlacierPack light, hunt hard with Stone Glacier, the minimalist’s choice for elk country. Cody’s running the new Archer 6400 pack, perfect for 10-day backcountry hunts or streamlined day trips. Lightweight, durable, and no extra bulk—Stone Glacier’s got you covered from day packs to expedition haulers. Check them out at www.stoneglacier.com and use code TRO to save on your next pack. Get ready to haul that elk out! Powered by Tricer TripodsGlass smarter with Tricer Tripods, built for elk hunters who need lightweight, rock-solid setups. Cody swears by the Tricer AD with the LP panhead—smooth, compact, and ready for big optics. From binos to spotting scopes, Tricer’s innovative designs keep you steady in the field. Visit www.tricertripods.com and use code TRO for 10% off your full setup. Spot that bull before he spots you! Three Key Takeaways Ditch the Average Joe Mindset: To move from a 101 to a 201 hunter, avoid crowd-following habits like quitting after a busy opening weekend. Seek unpressured pockets by thinking differently—focus on areas others overlook, like low-quality habitat or remote corners, to find elk consistently. Master One Skill at a Time: Pick a specific skill (e.g., calling, stalking, or reading elk behavior) and build your hunt around mastering it. Focused practice, like night calling for silent elk or predicting movement, accelerates improvement over scattered efforts. Stay Flexible with Contingency Plans: Elk hunting is unpredictable—fires, weather, or pressure can derail plans. Always have multiple hunt plans across different ranges or low-country backups to adapt quickly and keep your season alive.

Join host Cody Rich for an action-packed episode with Trent Fisher, a seasoned elk hunter known for crushing it on over-the-counter (OTC) units across multiple states. Trent shares his approach to finding elk in Oregon’s tight Roosevelt country, his excitement for a first-time Utah hunt, and the joy of taking his kids into the backcountry. We dive into tactics like the cat road shuffle, reading sign, and adapting to high-pressure units with better callers and smarter hunters. From navigating micro pockets to sharing meat with buddies, this episode is loaded with practical tips and stories to fuel your elk season. Don’t miss Trent’s take on woodsmanship, hunting ethics, and why finding elk is the real superpower. Grab your gear and get ready to hunt smarter! Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Season Hype: Cody kicks things off, checking the record button and getting stoked for elk season with Trent Fisher in the studio. 02:15 - Balancing Business and Hunting: Discussing the chaos of July and August in the hunting industry, cashing in family bonus points, and gearing up for multiple hunts. 05:30 - Why Utah for OTC?: Trent explains his plan to hunt Utah’s OTC units for more elk encounters, comparing it to Colorado’s tougher odds and the value of “at bats.” 09:45 - Trent’s YouTube Mission: Breaking down barriers for new hunters, showing anyone can elk hunt with modern tools like OnX, and why Oregon’s OTC is a go-to. 14:20 - Best OTC States and Strategies: Trent ranks Wyoming and Colorado as top OTC states, sharing how he targets new units and avoids over-hunted spots. 19:00 - The Cat Road Shuffle Evolved: How Trent’s run-and-gun calling has slowed down for precision, focusing on benches, bedding areas, and reading elk behavior. 25:30 - Roosevelt Elk Challenges: Navigating Oregon’s tight pockets, dealing with silent bulls, and using night bugling to pinpoint elk in low-visibility terrain. 32:45 - Finding Elk Without Bugles: Trent’s woodsmanship approach—checking bottoms, water holes, and micro benches when bugling and glassing aren’t options. 39:10 - Adapting to Pressure and Change: Discussing how better hunters and OnX have changed the game, and why finding unpressured pockets is key. 45:25 - Hunting with Kids: Trent shares lessons from taking his daughter caribou hunting and prepping his son for a Colorado backcountry hunt, emphasizing slowing down. 52:00 - Hunting Ethics and Meat Sharing: Trent’s code for splitting meat with buddies—front quarters, backstraps, or 50/50 for tough pack-outs. 58:15 - Moose and Elk Meat Talk: Stories of donating moose meat in Alaska, comparing elk to ribeyes, and why one old bull was inedible. 1:04:30 - Gear Favorites and Elk Week: Trent’s take on Born Primitive, First Lite, and Stone Glacier gear, plus a plug for their Elk Week video series. 1:09:00 - Wrap-Up and Season Wishes: Cody and Trent look forward to the Utah film, kid adventures, and crushing it in multiple states. Sponsor Copy Brought to You by OnX HuntPlan smarter, hunt harder with OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for elk hunters. With Elite Membership, you get nationwide land ownership maps, Huntin’ Fool’s e-Magazine, Terrain X, and research tools to find those hidden pockets Trent talks about. OnX helps you scout micro benches and navigate high-pressure units like a pro. Head to www.onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% on your Elite Membership. Get out there and find your elk! Powered by Maven OpticsSpot that bull before he spots you with Maven Optics, a Wyoming-based, direct-to-consumer brand delivering top-tier clarity without the markup. Cody relies on Maven’s B Series binoculars and S3 Spotting scope to find more elk. No middleman, just premium optics built for hunters. Check out the B Series at www.mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO for a bonus gift. See the difference with Maven! Three Key Takeaways Finding Elk is the Superpower: Trent emphasizes that locating elk is the hardest part of hunting, especially in high-pressure OTC units. Mastering woodsmanship—reading tracks, rubs, and micro benches—lets you zero in on elk where others give up, turning tough units into opportunities. Adapt to Pressure with Micro Pockets: With better hunters and tools like OnX, success comes from finding overlooked pockets just beyond the crowd. Trent’s cat road shuffle and willingness to drive hours to new spots show how mobility and persistence beat pressure. Slow Down for Kids, Speed Up for Elk: Taking kids hunting requires patience and relearning basics, but it reignites your own passion. Meanwhile, covering ground fast to find elk, then slowing for the kill, is key—especially when balancing family and hunting.

Hey folks, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast. Man, what a killer episode we just dropped with my buddy Eric Chesser from Hush. We dive deep into the mental grind of elk hunting, sharing stories from low-success units, boundary games, and that never-give-up attitude that turns tough hunts into triumphs. Eric's an absolute elk slayer who's all about challenging himself on OTC tags and hard-to-draw spots, and we break down tactics like ambushing herds, tree saddles, and willing success into existence. If you're gearing up for elk season, this one's packed with real talk to get you fired up and focused. Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Sponsors: Shoutouts to OnX Hunt and Maven Optics, plus a quick plug for elite memberships and killer gear. 02:45 - Welcoming Eric Chesser: Catching up on why we've never podcasted before and diving into Eric's elk hunting journey. 05:30 - The Mental Battle of Elk Hunting: Discussing persistence, positive mindset, and why time in the field beats talent every time. 12:15 - Prepping for Tough Units: How Eric scouts low-success areas, focuses on high vantage points, and commits to a spot once he finds elk. 18:40 - Visioning Success and Overcoming Lows: Talking about willing kills into existence, handling hunt valleys, and the power of a competitive mindset against the mountain. 25:20 - Solo vs. Group Hunting: Why Eric prefers going solo for decision-making and building intuition, plus reflecting on 25+ years of elk knowledge. 31:50 - Finding and Honing In on Elk: What makes Eric lock onto an area, combining sign, low pressure, and personal vision. 37:10 - Tree Saddles and Early Season Tactics: Eric's challenge-driven approach to water holes, wallows, and why saddles are a game-changer for mobile setups. 43:25 - Boundary Games and Private Edges: Patience, persistence, and aggressive moves when elk finally cross onto public. 49:00 - Ambushing Herds and Reading Elk: Quick decisions, cutting off moving groups, and analyzing body language to get in tight. 55:30 - Huntability and Big Bull Habits: Choosing terrain for stocks, predicting pressured elk, and what makes a spot "huntable." 1:01:45 - Dream Bulls and Genetics: Defining big bulls (320+ as solid, 340+ as giants), unit-specific expectations, and personal favorites like whale tails and triple brows. 1:07:20 - Upcoming Hunts and Films: Eric's 2023 plans, redemption tags, and must-watch Hush elk films for inspiration. 1:12:00 - Wrap-Up and Outro: Best of luck for the season, plus a tease for a mid-season check-in. Brought to You by OnX HuntDon’t just hunt—hunt smarter with OnX Hunt. More than a mapping app, OnX is your ultimate hunt planning system. With Elite Membership, you get access to nationwide land ownership maps, Huntin’ Fool’s e-Magazine, Terrain X, and research tools to plan better hunts and find more elk. Cody and Eric rely on OnX to scout high vantage points and navigate tough units. Head to www.onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% on your Elite Membership. Elevate your elk game today! Powered by Maven OpticsWhen it’s time to glass that dream bull, trust Maven Optics, a Wyoming-based, direct-to-consumer brand delivering unmatched clarity and durability. Eric swears by the B6 binoculars and RS.3.2 rifle scope for spotting giants in the high country. No middleman, no markups—just premium optics at the best value. Check out the B Series at www.mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO for exclusive savings. Spot what others miss with Maven. Three Key Takeaways Persistence Trumps Skill: Elk hunting isn't about being the best caller or mapper—it's about outlasting the lows. Eric and I both hammer home that success comes from grinding longer than most, blocking out doubts, and turning every day (even the elk-less ones) into valuable intel for future wins. Commit to Your Vision: Go into hunts with a clear mental picture of success—whether it's killing in a specific canyon or on a tough unit. This "willing it into existence" mindset helps push through mental battles and turns challenges into obsessions that pay off. Read the Room and Act Fast: When closing in on elk, analyze herd dynamics like cow body language, bull position, and movement patterns. Be aggressive in decisions—cut off herds for ambushes—but know when to slow down. It's all about building that gut intuition through real field time.

In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, host Cody Rich sits down with elk hunting expert Aaron to discuss the highs and lows of backpack hunting, animal behavior, and the importance of patience when hunting elk. With years of experience under their belts, Aaron shares his perspective on the intricacies of hunting elk in the backcountry and offers tips on how to approach new areas, how to call elk, and when to move to another spot if you're not seeing success. Whether you're a seasoned elk hunter or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights that will help you become a more effective hunter. Timestamp Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Mentions 4:00 - Aaron’s Background and Return to Elk Hunting 9:15 - The Appeal of Backpack Hunting and its Challenges 14:20 - Hunting Strategies: Patience vs. Overcalling 22:30 - How to Know When to Leave an Area 30:00 - Cold Calling vs. Mild Calling for Elk 39:00 - Scouting: When it’s Necessary & When it’s Not 46:00 - Backpack Hunting Decision: Stay or Go? 54:00 - Animal Behavior and Understanding Elk Patterns 1:02:00 - How to Adjust Your Approach as the Season Progresses 1:10:00 - Final Thoughts on Effective Elk Hunting Strategies Three Key Takeaways: Patience is Crucial: When calling elk, waiting and letting the situation unfold can often be more effective than constantly blowing calls. Getting too eager to call can ruin your chances and lead to poor results. Understanding Animal Behavior: Knowing elk habits—where they feed, rest, and move during the rut—will give you a significant advantage in finding elk and predicting their movements. Don’t Overstay in a Spot: If you're not seeing elk or hearing calls, don’t hesitate to move on. Fresh sign is key—don’t waste your time in a spot that’s not producing, and don’t be afraid to backtrack if things aren’t working. When it comes to ultralight hunting gear, Stone Glacier has you covered. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day backcountry sheep hunt or pushing miles in search of elk, their minimalist designs keep your pack weight low without compromising on durability or performance. From tents and sleeping bags to premium clothing and packs, Stone Glacier delivers gear that’s built to withstand the toughest conditions and keep you moving. Trust Stone Glacier to go further, faster, and lighter. Check them out at StoneGlacier.com. Tricer Tripods: Looking for a lightweight yet sturdy tripod to pair with your Maven Optics? Look no further than Tricer Tripods. Designed by hunters, for hunters, Tricer offers a range of innovative, highly functional tripods. Whether you're glassing from the ridgeline or need a solid shooting platform in the field, Tricer’s LP Panhead is a game changer. Don’t compromise your gear—get the ultimate support and save 10% on your next purchase with code TRO at Tricer.com.

In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, host Cody Rich is joined by the team from PNWild Podcast to dive deep into the mindset and strategies for tackling limited entry elk tags. From discussions about gear, like the mechanical vs. fixed blade broadhead debate—to the mental game of hunting elk in some of the most coveted units, this episode covers a lot of ground. Whether you’re focusing on archery or chasing rut action, you'll get some great tactical advice and insights that’ll help you make the most of your hunt this season. Time Stamp Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and sponsor shoutouts (Trier Tripods, Stone Glacier) 02:00 - Catching up and diving into the elk hunting series 10:00 - Drawing coveted tags and the excitement behind it 12:00 - The fixed vs. mechanical broadhead debate and real-world experiences 25:00 - Tactics for hunting limited entry elk tags 33:00 - Mental approaches for new elk hunters and managing expectations 45:00 - The importance of "getting at-bats" and how to manage the hunt stress 50:00 - Tips for scouting and how to approach hunting a new unit 60:00 - Final thoughts on strategies, tactics, and what to expect from the hunt Three Key Takeaways: Mental Preparation is Key: Going into a limited entry hunt with the right mindset is crucial. Expecting to grind and be patient will help manage the inevitable challenges. Don't put too much pressure on the hunt or yourself. Mechanical vs. Fixed Blades: The choice of broadhead is subjective, but confidence is essential. Some hunters prefer mechanicals for their accuracy and reliability, while others swear by fixed blades for deeper penetration, especially in challenging conditions. Tactical Flexibility: It's important to have a backup plan and be ready to adjust tactics based on the elk’s behavior and the conditions. Sometimes, covering more ground and checking different areas is more effective than sticking to one spot. Stone Glacier: When it comes to ultralight hunting gear, Stone Glacier has you covered. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day backcountry sheep hunt or pushing miles in search of elk, their minimalist designs keep your pack weight low without compromising on durability or performance. From tents and sleeping bags to premium clothing and packs, Stone Glacier delivers gear that’s built to withstand the toughest conditions and keep you moving. Trust Stone Glacier to go further, faster, and lighter. Check them out at StoneGlacier.com. Tricer Tripods: Looking for a lightweight yet sturdy tripod to pair with your Maven Optics? Look no further than Tricer Tripods. Designed by hunters, for hunters, Tricer offers a range of innovative, highly functional tripods. Whether you're glassing from the ridgeline or need a solid shooting platform in the field, Tricer’s LP Panhead is a game changer. Don’t compromise your gear—get the ultimate support and save 10% on your next purchase with code TRO at Tricer.com.

In this episode of The Elk Hunt Podcast, Cody Rich sits down with Dan Pickar of Eastmans Journal, an experienced elk hunter who shares an unforgettable hunt in Alaska, strategies for maximizing elk encounters, and his insights into making the most of limited opportunities. From private / public land dynamics, Dan dives into the art of elk hunting—how to stay patient, how to make the most of your gear and time, and how to use past failures to fuel future success. Whether you're an aspiring elk hunter or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with useful tactics and personal stories that will get you fired up for the upcoming season.Want to win a new Stone Glacier Sky Archer 6400, and Schnee's Timberline Boots? Get entered before August 21st.  If you are a member you are already entered! Monster Archery Bull! A Bow Hunting Dream | Eastmans' Beyond the Grid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyAtX64nOd4Learn From Elk Collective:https://eastmans.com/courses/the-elk-collective/ Time Stamps: 0:00 – 3:00: Introduction to Dan and Alaska adventure 3:01 – 8:30: Packing and preparing for the hunt, the importance of being prepared 8:31 – 13:00: The elk hunt experience – private land vs. public land 13:01 – 18:00: The impact of resourcefulness and networking in hunting 18:01 – 23:00: The value of being a good person in the hunting community 23:01 – 28:00: Capitalizing on small opportunities – hunting tips from Dan’s experience 28:01 – 33:00: A deep dive into elk calling, strategy, and understanding elk behavior 33:01 – 38:00: The importance of being prepared and acting fast during elk hunts 38:01 – 45:00: Mistakes made during hunts and the lessons learned 45:01 – 51:00: The concept of hunting “angry” and finding balance in your approach 51:01 – 56:00: Applying knowledge, the Elk Collective, and maximizing your hunting potential Key Takeaways: The Importance of Patience and Persistence: Dan emphasizes the necessity of being patient and calculated in elk hunting. He explains that many hunters often rush, but the key to success lies in taking time, understanding elk behavior, and waiting for the right moment to act. The Role of Networking and Resourcefulness: Success in elk hunting isn’t just about your skills—it's about being connected. Dan stresses the importance of networking within the hunting community, sharing information, and being resourceful to find the best opportunities, especially in private and public land hunts. Capitalizing on the 1% Window: One of the most crucial skills in elk hunting is knowing when to make the move. Dan talks about how successful hunts often come down to small, fleeting opportunities. The ability to recognize these moments and take action within seconds separates the good hunters from the great ones. Stone Glacier – Gear Up for the Backcountry Stone Glacier is built for hunters and adventurers who demand the highest level of performance and durability. From backcountry hunting to alpine climbing, our gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and perform when you need it most. With Stone Glacier, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in the next level of outdoor performance. Why Stone Glacier? Lightweight Durability: Our packs, gear, and apparel are crafted for maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Engineered for Comfort: Every item is designed to provide the best fit and function, ensuring your comfort during long days in the field. Field-Tested: Built by hunters for hunters. Our gear is tested in the harshest conditions by experts who demand the best. When the wilderness calls, be ready. Explore Stone Glacier and equip yourself with the gear that will carry you further. Elevate Your Hunting Game with Tricer Tripods When it comes to hunting, stability is key. With Tricer Tripods, you get unmatched precision and durability for those critical shots. Whether you're glassing distant terrain or setting up for a shot, Tricer’s lightweight, ultra-stable tripods give you the edge you need. Exclusive Offer: Use code TRO to get 10% off your next purchase! Ready to take your hunt to the next level? Don’t settle for anything less than the best – Tricer Tripods, the choice of hunters who demand precision.

  In this episode of The Elk Hunt Podcast, we’re joined by Evan, an expert elk guide who’s spent countless hours in the field, guiding hunters and perfecting his craft. Together, we dive into his unique perspective on elk hunting, breaking down the complexity and simplifying it to a core, actionable approach. From trusting your gut to the art of understanding elk behavior, Evan shares a wealth of practical insights for hunters at all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned elk hunter or a beginner, Evan’s advice will help you sharpen your skills, tackle challenges, and avoid overcomplicating the hunt. Tune in for some real-world tips, strategies, and plenty of stories from the field as we talk about the mental side of hunting, the importance of confidence, and how to stay adaptable when the hunt doesn’t go according to plan. Time Stamp Chapters: (00:00) – Introduction: Getting to Know Evan, The Elk Guide (02:00) – The Simplified Approach to Elk Hunting: Trusting Your Gut (07:00) – Overcomplicating the Hunt: What the Best Hunters Do Differently (12:00) – The Value of Confidence in Hunting: Stop Overthinking (18:30) – Strategies for Finding Elk When They Aren’t Where They Should Be (22:30) – The Power of Repetition in Becoming a Better Hunter (28:45) – The Importance of Being Process-Oriented vs. Results-Oriented (34:00) – Handling Mistakes and Using Them as Learning Opportunities (40:00) – The Challenge of Guided Hunts: What Makes a Good Client (45:00) – Closing Thoughts: Confidence, Patience, and Experience Three Key Takeaways: Trust Your Instincts, Keep It Simple: Overthinking elk hunting can lead to analysis paralysis. Evan emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut and reacting on instincts rather than overanalyzing every situation. The best hunts happen when you simplify your tactics and just “go for it.” Don’t Overcomplicate Your Strategy: Too many tactics and strategies can confuse hunters. Evan advises focusing on a couple of proven methods that work for you, and repeating those strategies until you build confidence. It’s more effective to be consistent with a simple approach than to try too many things at once. Mistakes Are Part of the Process: Failure and mistakes are inevitable in hunting, but they’re not the end of the road. Evan discusses how mistakes teach you valuable lessons that improve your skills over time. The key is to be adaptable, learn from each situation, and keep pushing forward. Stone Glacier – Gear Up for the Backcountry Stone Glacier is built for hunters and adventurers who demand the highest level of performance and durability. From backcountry hunting to alpine climbing, our gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and perform when you need it most. With Stone Glacier, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in the next level of outdoor performance. Why Stone Glacier? Lightweight Durability: Our packs, gear, and apparel are crafted for maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Engineered for Comfort: Every item is designed to provide the best fit and function, ensuring your comfort during long days in the field. Field-Tested: Built by hunters for hunters. Our gear is tested in the harshest conditions by experts who demand the best. When the wilderness calls, be ready. Explore Stone Glacier and equip yourself with the gear that will carry you further. Elevate Your Hunting Game with Tricer Tripods When it comes to hunting, stability is key. With Tricer Tripods, you get unmatched precision and durability for those critical shots. Whether you're glassing distant terrain or setting up for a shot, Tricer’s lightweight, ultra-stable tripods give you the edge you need. Exclusive Offer: Use code TRO to get 10% off your next purchase! Ready to take your hunt to the next level? Don’t settle for anything less than the best – Tricer Tripods, the choice of hunters who demand precision.

In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, Cody Rich welcomes back Cliff Gray for a series of scenario-based elk hunting challenges. Listen in as they dissect real-life hunting situations, discussing strategy, decision-making, and the nuances that separate successful hunts from missed opportunities. From working the wind to handling chaotic herd movements, Cliff offers valuable insights on how to approach the unpredictability of elk hunting and maximize your chances for success. Whether you're an experienced hunter or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical tips that will level up your game.Be sure to check out everything Cliff Gray at https://pursuitwithcliff.com/ Time Stamp Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 01:00 – Scenario 1: A Bugling Bull at 200-300 Yards 10:00 – The Importance of Being Aggressive vs. Observing Elk 20:00 – Scenario 2: Following a Herd Through Open Terrain 32:00 – Strategy for Lost Elk: Do You Keep Pushing or Wait Them Out? 40:00 – The Art of Glassing for Elk and How to Make the Most of Your Time 50:00 – Cliff’s Tips for DIY Hunters and Avoiding Common Mistakes 58:00 – Closing Thoughts and Advice for the Season Three Key Takeaways: Be Aggressive, But Smart: When you hear a bugle and the wind’s right, don’t hesitate—get in close and move with purpose. But, know when to stay patient and let the elk come to you without giving away your position. Learn to Adapt: Every hunting scenario is different, and flexibility is key. Whether you're trailing a herd or hunting solo, the ability to assess the situation and adjust on the fly will significantly increase your odds. Glass Smart, Hunt Smart: When you’re glassing, location is everything. Don't waste time on areas that likely don't have elk. Instead, focus on prime spots, and don’t be afraid to check them multiple times a day for the best opportunity.   Today's episode is brought to you by Maven Optics and Tricer Tripods! Maven is running a site-wide sale until July 14th! You can get 15% off using code 25-sitewide-15. Whether you're in the market for binoculars, scopes, rangefinders, or spotters, Maven has you covered with top-of-the-line gear that’s built to last. Don’t miss out—head over to mavenbuilt.com today! Also, a big shoutout to Tricer Tripods for their support! Right now, use code TRO at www.tricer.com to get 10% off their incredible tripods. These tripods are a must-have for any hunter or outdoors enthusiast, designed for stability and durability in the field. Trust me, you’ll want to have one in your pack. Now through July 15th, we’re giving away a Maven S3 Spotter and a Tricer AD Tripod with LP Pan Head! To enter, simply head to www.elkhunt201.com and drop your email to get entered for free. Want more chances to win? Sign up for the course and you’ll get 5 bonus entries for the whole year! This is just the beginning—there are more giveaways coming, so make sure you get in while you can. Don’t miss your chance to snag some killer gear!

In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, Cody and Jaden dive deep into the world of elk hunting strategy and preparation. From the latest tech advancements to the realities of scouting, they talk through some of the most common challenges hunters face during the season. They also cover some essential elk hunting tactics, including why staying aggressive is key, the importance of mastering a few reliable techniques, and how to manage information overload during the hunt. If you're gearing up for elk season and want to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Maven Optics Sponsorship 03:45 - Hunting Preparation: Wyoming Scout Plan 10:15 - E-Scouting: Utilizing Multiple Screens for Better Strategy 17:30 - Overcoming Information Overload in Elk Hunting 21:45 - The Power of Aggressive Hunting 30:00 - Mastering a Few Key Tactics: What Works for Elk 37:50 - Handling a Herd of Bulls: When to Go for It 45:00 - The Importance of Covering More Ground & Finding New Spots 52:00 - Strategies for Mid to Late-Season Elk Hunting 59:30 - Why You Shouldn't Overcomplicate Your Elk Hunt 1:05:00 - Rapid Fire Q&A: Common Elk Hunting Scenarios 1:14:00 - The Importance of Staying Adaptable and Committing to Your Plan 1:23:00 - Closing Thoughts & Final Advice 3 Key Takeaways: Master Key Tactics and Don’t Overcomplicate – Stick with a few reliable strategies that work and focus on perfecting them. Simple tactics like "rake and follow" or soft cow calls during the midday can be highly effective. Adapt and Make Quick Decisions – When you encounter multiple bulls or elk in a basin, be quick to act and don’t hesitate to make a decision. Sometimes, not overthinking is the best course of action. Cover More Ground, Find New Spots – One of the most powerful skills in elk hunting is the ability to find new hunting areas. Whether it's through e-scouting or physical scouting, learning to spot new elk habitats is key to long-term success.