ElkShape

Today we’re sitting down with Ty from North Idaho — a framer and carpenter by trade and a full-time wildland firefighter who knows a thing or two about grit, hard work, and showing up when it counts. With several seasons of bowhunting experience under his belt, Ty joins Dan to break down how he can level up his elk hunting through smarter preparation, better systems, and sharper in-the-field tacti...

Today we’re dissecting mountain whitetail bucks on public land with Troy Pottenger—a legendary whitetail subject-matter expert with decades of hard-earned experience. Troy breaks down how he prospects for big, cagey mountain bucks, the role trail cameras actually play in his system, and how he identifies and hunts community scrapes in rugged terrain. We dive deep into the topography he looks for,...

Dan jumps on the mic for a quick bonus episode with a timely reminder you don’t want to miss. Elk draw deadlines are creeping up fast, and if you’re serious about hunting elk every year, you need more than luck — you need a system. Dan breaks down how to track deadlines, plan your states, and stack the odds in your favor so you’re not sitting on the sidelines each fall wondering what went wrong. T...

Live from deer camp in South Texas, the fellas break down real-world observations after putting multiple flagship broadheads through a dozen bucks over the course of the week. What worked, what surprised them, and what matters when it counts. As a bonus, Dan puts his buddy Cody in the hot seat to uncover how a Texas resident somehow manages to have an elk tag in his pocket year after year. 💢 Disc...

Join Dan of ElkShape and MFJJ of Podium Archer as they break down all the details for the 2026 Elk Immersion. This annual event is built for hunters who want to dedicate multiple days to sharpening their archery skills and elevating their elk-hunting craft. The fellas dive into what makes Elk Immersion different—live elk butchering, Joel Turner’s ShotIQ course, and Mark Livesay of Treeline Academy...

Join Dan as he breaks down next-level strategies for planning your first elk hunt. From how to properly vet outfitters—and separate the good ones from the bad—to cutting through the noise and confusion that overwhelms most first-timers, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance so you can plan with confidence and hunt with purpose. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code:...

Join Dan on today’s episode as he announces several big updates heading into 2026. This marks Year 9 of the ElkShape Podcast, and Dan dives into what’s next—breaking down his newest project, Legacy Built, outlining plans for the 2026 Elk Immersion, and sharing which Total Archery Challenge (TAC) events he’ll be attending this season. He also announces an exciting new partnership with Ollin and wha...

Today, Dan sits down with fellow passionate bowhunter Zach from western Oregon to break down his pursuit of a high-country public-land blacktail. The conversation goes beyond tactics and terrain, diving into the often unspoken reality of hunting as a selfish pursuit—and how it can evolve into something deeper and more spiritual. Together, they unpack the balance between work, family, and time in t...

Dan sits down with Cody Rich, founder of Bridger Watch, and puts him on the hot seat. They dive straight into the hard questions—when this watch will actually be ready for market, what separates it from every other smartwatch on the shelf, and why it matters for serious backcountry users. Cody breaks down what Bridger Watch can do for fitness, from performance tracking to real-world durability, an...

Today we’re sitting down with Scott Engles, manager of All Sport Powersports and an avid bowhunter. The guys break down the ongoing shenanigans unfolding in Washington State involving Fish and Game and the Wildlife Commission—where state politics collide head-on with wildlife management and hunter access. They then switch gears and talk gear, as Dan explains how he went from hating all SxS and UTV...

Today Dan sits down with Carl Jocumsen—Australia’s most accomplished bass angler and a relentless example of chasing a dream against the odds. Carl grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, where his passion for fishing took hold early. He entered his first bass tournaments at just 14 and went on to dominate the Australian circuit for more than a decade, earning multiple ABT victories, three Angler of the...

Today’s guest is Dayton from Cranbrook, British Columbia — a law enforcement officer and accomplished bowhunter with firsthand experience in the realities of grizzly country. Dayton has responded to multiple grizzly bear attacks, including one tragically close to home where a hunter later died from his injuries. He’s also been charged by bears while hunting, and in one incident, his colleagues wer...

Dan breaks down his Top Five Elk Hunting Zones in Idaho for archery season! With Idaho rolling out a brand-new application system for nonresident archery elk tags, things are changing fast. Gone are the days of swinging by the gas station to grab a tag on your way to camp — this new process is designed to be fairer and more structured, especially for those wanting to hunt as a group. In this video...

Today, Dan sits down with Nick James — a new bowhunter and team member at Montana Knife Company. Nick got his start in archery after attending a Total Archery Challenge event with MKC, which quickly led him down the path of archery elk hunting. Dan and Nick dive into his first-season learning curve, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he’s already picked up along the way. This episode is packed...

Today, Dan sits down with Ryan Fritz — personal trainer and strength coach. Dan and Ryan go way back, having met 20 years ago during their internship at Athletes’ Performance in Tempe, AZ. In this episode, they break down the blueprint for any flatlander looking to hunt out West — covering how to get physically and mentally ready for the grind of mountain hunting and the challenge of altitude accl...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Steven Laughter, a former 9-to-5 corporate employee who took a massive leap to become a full-time freelance photographer and videographer. Steven shares how he turned his passion for the outdoors into a career, his experience running his first 100-mile ultra-marathon, and the mindset that helped him crush gym PRs like a 450 lb deadlift and 300 lb bench. We also...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about backcountry safety and how to control bleeding in the field. Our guest shares a real-life story of accidentally stabbing himself in the leg while field dressing his archery elk. We break down what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and—most importantly—what every hunter should carry in their pack to be prepared for medical emergencies. Whethe...

In this episode, Dan breaks down why he decided not to hunt Colorado after burning 17 preference points for a 1st season rifle elk tag. He also recaps his October archery elk hunt in Montana—what went right, what went wrong, and what he learned along the way. To wrap it up, Dan and Tyler from ElkShape Gear dive into your listener questions about elk hunting tactics, gear setups, and strategies to...

In this episode, Dan opens up about the recent and unfortunate news of BlackOvis.com filing for bankruptcy. He shares his honest reaction to the announcement, what it means for the hunting industry, and how he personally plans to pivot moving forward. Dan also reflects on his six-year partnership with the BlackOvis team—expressing deep gratitude, respect, and sadness for the hardworking people beh...

Dan sits down with Michael Allman to swap stories from elk season and dig into everything from mountain adventures to target archery. The two talk about what went right, what tested them in the field, and how shooting discipline translates from the range to the backcountry. They also drop a few teasers about a new bow that’s been getting some serious attention. It’s a laid-back, insight-packed con...

Dan and Josh are joined by Dr. Kyle Gillett for a deep dive into what it really takes to be in your best health. They break down how to read and understand bloodwork, what key markers matter most for performance and longevity, and the everyday habits that drive long-term wellness. From hormones and sleep to nutrition and stress management, this episode is packed with practical insights for hunters...

Dan sits down for a full, unfiltered debrief of his 2025 elk season — every win, every mistake, and every hard-earned lesson from weeks in the mountains. This episode is a raw, day-by-day breakdown of what went right, what went wrong, and what he’ll do differently next year. From close encounters and blown stalks to pack-outs, weather, mindset, and the grind that defines September — it’s all here....

Dan sits down with MFJJ for a laid-back, wide-ranging conversation. The two talk shop on all things archery, swap hunting stories, and dive into what’s going on in their personal lives. They even wade into some real talk about today’s world and what keeps them grounded through it all. It’s an unfiltered, authentic chat between two longtime friends who’ve spent decades in the bowhunting trenches.  ...

Dan sits down with his former videographer and editor, Tim, for a long-overdue reunion. The two catch up on life, answer a handful of internet questions, and take some good-natured jabs at cameraman Jake. Along the way, they swap stories, laugh about behind-the-scenes moments, and relive some of the memories that shaped the early ElkShape grind. This episode is equal parts throwback and fresh pers...

September is winding down, but there’s still time to punch a tag. In this solo episode, Dan lays out his buzzer-beater tactics for the final days of elk season. He covers how to adapt when elk are worn down from weeks of pressure, where to find bulls when calling activity slows, and the mental edge it takes to keep grinding until the very end. If you’re staring at the clock and looking for a way t...