School of September: 2026 Summary

In this final installment of School of September for this season, I offer up a summary of all the SOS episodes of 2026, key takeaways, and remind us all of the three key things that must happen to put a bull on the ground this year. With all the episodes we do around archery elk hunting, it's easy to get lost in some of the more technical hunting strategies. Simplify your process, focus on the fundamentals, and remember there's more than one way to skin a cat! Good luck out there this September!   This episode is thanks to our sponsors!   Browning Easton Leupold Phelps Game Calls Precision Pay Safari Club International   For more on our podcast and sponsors visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/listen-now-western-huntsman/ Hit me up at [email protected]  

Here we are! September has arrived!! I thought it quite fitting to bring on my friend, Tony Gilbertson, for this installment of School of September.   Tony is two-time RMEF Elk Calling champ, Husband, Father, Christian, and serves on the Phelps Game Calls Pro Team. In this episode, Tony shares his key strategies for locating bulls, determining their temperament, and how to call in different bulls with different attitudes to within bow range. It's an excellent conversation and Tony gets right to the point to what matters most. This is a great listen on your way to archery elk camp!   Tony on Instagram   This episode is thanks to our sponsors!   Browning Easton Leupold Phelps Game Calls Precision Pay Safari Club International   For more on our podcast and sponsors visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/listen-now-western-huntsman/ Hit me up at [email protected]

Joel Turner is a former law enforcement officer, sniper, family man, and founder of Shot IQ and Mountain Whisper (MTNWISPR). He's also one heck of an elk caller!   Joel returns to the show with a vengeance, bringing some serious archery shot strategy and calling techniques. He shares a calf in distress call he used to call in 67 bulls last season and it's one we all need in our back pocket. Joel is a solid American, excellent trainer, and a dude that I'm proud to call my friend. Do not, I repeat, do not miss this episode!!   Joel on Instagram   This episode is thanks to our sponsors!   Browning Easton Leupold Phelps Game Calls Precision Pay Safari Club International   For more on our podcast and sponsors visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/listen-now-western-huntsman/ Hit me up at [email protected]

I came across Austin's Instagram a while back and hit the follow button. He kept posting interesting, thought provoking, or just flat out entertaining stuff so I decided to invite him on the show. This is often how I end up with guests, sometimes it's good, sometimes not so much. In this case, I'm sure glad I did!    Austin is a guide, hunter, Husband, Father, and downright great dude. This episode kind of bounces all over multiple topics from mule deer management to non-resident hunters to rifle elk hunting strategies. I love discussions like this, I learn a lot by working through issues with genuine dudes like Austin, and you will too! Tune in everywhere and seriously, you gotta follow his Instagram, it's a good one!   Show Sponsors! Browning Easton Leupold Phelps Game Calls Precision Pay Safari Club International For more on our podcast and sponsors visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/listen-now-western-huntsman/   Hit me up at [email protected]  

Back to the show is Jason Phelps, founder of Phelps Game Calls and one of the planet's best elk callers. For this School of September, I wanted Jason to talk to us about some fundamentals around getting initial responses to elk calls, and he did just that!   Jason walks us through his time-tested calls that he has generated the most elk encounters. He talks about his strategy upon leaving the truck in the morning, locating elk, using sign, cow calls, locate bugles, and some out-of-the-box calling techniques to put in your toolbox this season. There are some powerful key take-aways in this one, don't miss it!   Jason on Instagram   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!  Hit me up at [email protected]  

July's installment of the Hunt & Tag Planner is a bit late, but better late than never!   Jordan Christensen with The Draw is back to get us up to speed on tags, draws, bonus and preference point opportunities, and more. Stay on top of your long and short term tag game!   Everything you need in one place, click here.   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!  Hit me up at [email protected]  

Logan Erdman is a Wyoming hunter, horseman, knifemaker, husband, and much more. He returns to the show after coming on over five years ago!    In this episode, Logan and I discuss hunting with horses, grizzly management, hunting in grizzly country, living in the rural American West, and hunters' behaviour on social media. It's a robust discussion between two passionate hunters who have concerns about our future. Logan shares some experience with horses and how being in the saddle offers some advantages chasing elk, but how much work they are to maintain. I'm proud to call Logan a friend, you guys don't want to miss this one!   Logan on Instagram   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!  Hit me up at [email protected]

Zach Bowhay is a lifelong hunter, husband, father, outdoors writer, and return guest on the School of September! In this installment, we cover some season prep items, common elk calling/hunting mistakes, not blowing your shot when a bull is within bow range, calling strategies, and overall hunting tactics with some great elk stories in there! It's exactly the kind of content I strive to record for these elk hunting episodes and it's not one you'll want to miss. Zach is highly credible and knowledgeable, and the kind of hunter we all strive to be.   Zach on Instagram   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!  Hit me up at [email protected]  

Jermaine Hodge is a return guest for School of September and he doesn't disappoint! In this episode, we discuss calling strategies, season prep items, snacks to pack on the mountain, cow calls versus bugling, physical preparedness, and his upcoming sheep hunt. Jermaine is a lifelong athlete and sponsored Phelps Game Calls hunter and this episode is loaded with gold nuggets every elk hunter will benefit from!   Jermaine on Instagram   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!  Hit me up at [email protected]  

Steve Johnson is an old friend and a returning guest… This time for the School of September! In this installment, Steve and I focus on two critical September elk hunting topics; hunting wallows, and calling.    Hunting wallows and intuitive calling skills can greatly improve your odds at killing a bull elk this archery season. We talk about the to-do's and the what not-to-do's when hunting over wallows. Then, Steve, who just so happens to be one of the most effective elk callers I've hunted with, walks us through his calling process. It's unlike anything you've heard before, and this episode is going to be one heck of an addition to your mental toolbox this season!   Stephen Johnson on Instagram   Show Sponsors!   Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans  Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans    Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/   Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/   Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!