ElkShape

Dan dives solo into one of the most exciting times of elk season—the Peak Rut. In this episode, he breaks down proven tactics for calling in bulls when the woods are alive with bugles. From understanding bull behavior and timing your setups, to reading the herd dynamic and adjusting to hunting pressure, Dan shares practical strategies that hunters can put to use immediately. Whether you’re a seaso...

In this short and tactical episode, Dan breaks down the art of elk bugling—when to bugle, how to bugle, and why timing matters more than volume. From locating bulls to provoking a response, you’ll learn how to read the situation and apply the right call at the right moment. Whether you’re a new elk caller or sharpening your skill set, this quick-hit episode will give you proven strategies to help...

September has finally arrived, and with it comes the start of elk season. In this solo episode, Dan kicks off the September Series by breaking down his approach to hunting elk in the early season. From understanding elk behavior in the first days of September, to locating herds before peak rut activity, to strategies for calling, glassing, and moving through the mountains—this episode is all about...

In this solo episode, Dan breaks down his full elk hunt game plan for the season. From how he’s preparing physically and mentally to the strategy he’ll deploy once boots hit the dirt, Dan walks through the details that make or break an elk hunt. He also shares how he intends to capture the entire experience on film—what gear he’ll bring, how he’ll balance hunting and filming in the backcountry, an...

Chris Adams is a flight nurse who knows what it means to be ready when seconds count. In this conversation, Dan and Chris dig into what hunters often overlook when it comes to backcountry safety and medical preparedness. Chris shares the story behind developing a field-ready med kit built for hunters, the essential skills you should have before heading into the mountains, and why preparation is ju...

In this episode, we tackle the question: “Does elk hunting etiquette still exist?” From trailhead behavior and camp courtesy to calling tactics and respecting other hunters' space, we dive deep into the unwritten rules that once defined ethical elk hunting. Have we lost touch with the code of the backcountry? Or are these values still alive in the modern hunter? Tune in for a raw, honest discussio...

🎥 ELKSHAPE PODCAST: Sam Has a HOLE is his heart Meet Sam Fernandez: A Story of Faith, Family, and Resilience 🙏🏹 Sam Fernandez is a husband, a father of four, a full-time pastor, and a part-time bow technician at Straight 6 Archery. He’s the kind of man who puts his heart into everything he does — and right now, that heart needs healing. Watch and share as we walk alongside Sam through this chap...

In this episode, Dan sits down with longtime friend and podcast legend Cody Rich, host of The Rich Outdoors. What starts as a conversation about elk hunting, business, and the grit it takes to live a purpose-driven life quickly turns into something much bigger. We dive into the lessons Cody has learned as an entrepreneur in the hunting industry, share some unforgettable hunting stories, and then p...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake Nations, a seasoned Naval veteran, and Nick, a fellow archer and passionate outdoorsman, for a full-length conversation about life, discipline, and the mindset it takes to stay dialed in — both in the mountains and in everyday life. Blake shares powerful insights from his time in the Navy, and how that foundation of service, structure, and sacrifice has sh...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Drew Rouse, the outspoken and passionate founder of Reel Game Calls. Known for his bold confidence and his no-filter approach to calling elk, Drew brings the heat in a conversation that covers way more than just bugles and chuckles. They dive into: 🗣️ What makes a truly effective elk caller — and why most hunters are doing it wrong 🏹 The mindset it takes to be...

In this episode, Dan and Josh sit down with the newest addition to the ElkShape Training team: Sage Gardner, a Colorado-based strength and conditioning coach and the mastermind behind our evolving fitness programming. We dive into:🏋️ Sage’s journey through college athletics, coaching, and how he found his way to ElkShape📚 His background in sports performance and what that brings to the table for...

In this episode, Dan and Riley recap their recent multi-state elk scouting trip that was all about long-term strategy, boots-on-the-ground intel, and putting in the work now to increase success later. They break down:🧭 How to build a smart e-scouting plan before you ever leave home🥾 What to look for during in-person scouting (sign, pressure, access, water, and more)📍 Why some of the best places...

In this in-depth episode, Dan sits down with Mark Livesay, founder of Treeline Academy and one of the most respected digital scouting minds in western hunting. This is more than just elk tactics. It’s a full-on masterclass in how to find elk, how to prepare for success, and how to defend the future of public land hunting. They cover:🏹 Advanced strategies for archery elk hunting🗺️ Why e-scouting i...

**BONUS POD** In this special and emotional episode, Dan sits down with Tyler Denim—firefighter, bowhunter, and close friend of ElkShape—for a raw debrief following the recent Coeur d’Alene fire tragedy, where two firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. After filming a light-hearted episode together, Tyler was one of the first on scene responding to that devastating call. This conversat...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 bea...

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...

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 re...

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 inspirati...

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 m...

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...

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 b...

We sat down with the fittest man on earth, and learned more about him as a Man of God, husband, and athlete. Plus, hear the story of the worlds fittest man, and how he got to where he is now. 💢 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% Of...