HarvestHolliday Podcast

On todays. show I discuss what's been going on the last few weeks, my first few days of the 2020 whitetail season in Ohio, and my initial impressions on the first time using a tree saddle for hunting, as opposed to the traditional "hang on" or platform style stand. I think there's some value here for anyone that wants to "jump in" the saddle game, and some things to consider before making the comm...

My longtime friend and fellow Ohioan, Todd Johnson joins the show today. We talk about he and his brothers first DIY elk hunt from 2006, mistakes they made, and how they transformed those lessons into success over the years. Todd also shares the story of his first New Mexico solo hunt, mental toughness vs physical toughness, picking a good hunting partner, realistic expectations, loading a minivan...

I am joined today by the founder pf Ironwill Outfitters, Mr Bill Vanderhayden. Bill started Ironwill after a broached he was using, let him down and cost him a nice bull elk.   The result of that fateful day materialized onto on of the best and most durable heads on the market.  Topics discussed include broached vs field point flight and more! https://www.ironwilloutfitters.com

The title pretty much says it all. I am about to head out for my second year chasing elk with a bow, and after the first year, I'll be making some changes. I will give a rundown of my list of gear I'll be taking, what's being left behind, testing gear before you go,  lessons learned on the mountain, going the "cheap" route vs "top shelf" gear, practical choices, first aid, and the thing no one eve...

Today I'm breaking down my 2020 Sitka layering system. I'll go over each piece, and why I'll be running it. There's a few pieces that won't be making the trip this year, and some new ones that will, and the "why" behind it. Also, if you're on a budget, I give my "must have" Sitka picks, to get you started, so you don't break the bank and/or end up divorced.   https://www.sitkagear.com

Today I talk about what foods I"ll be bringing to eat on my 2020 archery elk hunt. Since this is only my second year as an elk hunter, I've yet to try everything out there, but am quickly learning that knowing what different dried meals and snacks actually taste like before hand makes a huge difference. I also discuss some "budget friendly" and "DIY" options as well.  https://www.alpenfuel.com

Dylan Dowson joins me on the show today to discuss the in's and out's of OnX's digital mapping service. I have used this product over the last two years, and it has been a key component to my success, as well as my safety in the mountains and the field. If you're on the fence, OnX offered a free 7 day trial, and I highly recommend trying it out! Link below.    https://www.onxmaps.com

I don't know about you, but I have noticed a "shift" in the last few months regarding "influencers" on social media. It seems like people (myself included) are following more people that they can relate to, more so than the "fully sponsored" or "celebrity" hunters that we've all been accustomed to over the years.  Luke Cauldillo is one of those "real" ones. A Nebraska native, retired UFC fighter,...

After owning the Garmin Instinct for a full year, I give my thoughts on this "entry level" backcountry watch. What worked, what didn't, pros and cons, and my thoughts on weather or not such a watch is necessary for a first time backcountry hunter.    https://www.garmin.com/en-US/

He's Baaaack!  Sitka's Big Game product manager John Barklow joins the show to discuss specific pieces of Sitka's big game line. Topics discussed: What I used last year What worked, what stayed in the truck What I should've bought  Choosing gear for early September through late September and why. What gear I'll be using this year.  And more! https://www.sitkagear.com

Sitka's Whitetail product manager Chris Derrick joins the show today, to discuss the proper way to layer for hunting whitetails in any season. Chris dives into the fundamentals of layering, and how and where to start when making the investment in Sitka gear. We also dive into what's new for 2020! Enjoy! https://www.sitkagear.com  

The "Blue collar bad ass" aka Jake Downs joins me on the show today. Jake is a Nebraska native, family man, small business owner, and bowhunter that prefers traditional archery over the modern day compound. Jake has been on some incredible hunts for only being 32, and we go into great detail on how he has worked hard to earn these trips, common misconceptions about gear, and more.  Click the link...

I chose the Kifaru International 2 man floorless tipi and medium stove as my shelter for my first backcountry elk hunt in 2019. I give a candid review of both products, as well as my thoughts on how much you should spend, vs what you actually need to spend when planning your first western hunt.   I have pushed this theme throughout my last two episodes, and I feel there's a ton of value in this ep...

Another candid review of some of the gear I chose for my 2019 elk hunt. Today I review and give my thoughts on Kifaru's 20° slick bag. This is a "mummy style sleeping bag, and the first time I had ever used such a bag.   I also go over my thoughts on how much you should spend on gear for your first archery elk or other big game/DIY hunts.  https://kifaru.net

In this episode I give my two cents on the Kifaru International 44 Mag. This is a 4400 cubic in bag that I attached to the Kifaru Duplex frame. Being from Ohio, and new to backpacking, I chose Kifaru for their all American made products. This pack system did not disappoint. Built for 3-5 day hunts, it can also have pockets, and lids to add extra packability. Click the link to check out all of Kifa...

Brian Call is the host of the GRITTY Podcast. One of the first to host an outdoor/hunting podcast, when no one knew what the hell a podcast was. Today, along side his successful show, Brian is now creating outdoor hunting adventure films that break away from the stereotypical  "hunting show"  of the past. Brian is a thoughtful, hard working human, and I was inspired to start this show, as well as...

From The MeatEater Inc, and host of the wildly popular Hunting Collective Podcast, Ben O'Brien joins todays show. We chat about podcasting, and how we connect through these conversations. There's a heathy dose of name dropping in the one as well. Follow the links below to listen to Ben's show, as well as all things Meat Eater.    https://www.themeateater.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...

On todays show I am joined by the president of Kifaru International, and host of Kifarucast, Aron Snyder. Kifaru produces some of the highest quality hunting/hiking and technical packs, shelters, and sleep systems in the outdoor industry. Aron spend's nearly 200 days a year in the mountains and in the field, not only testing and developing Kifaru's newest packs, but a wide variety of hunting gear,...

On today's show, I talk with Sitka's big game product manager, John Barklow. This was a fun conversation with a great mix of entertainment, as well as education, as we discuss what it is that makes Sitka gear stand up above the rest of todays modern hunting clothing.  https://www.sitkagear.com

On today's show I had the opportunity to catch up with the Motor City Madman, and get his take on the pandemic and how being a lifelong hunter, has taught him preparedness and self sufficiency.    As a 2 time New York Times best selling author, Mr Nugent is passionate about not only promoting our hunting and outdoors lifestyle through his many writings, and social media presence, but is equally pa...

In 2019 I invested in a nearly complete layering system from Sitka. At first I was apprehensive, but after doing a bit of research through podcasts, as well as calling the company directly, I was given quite the education with the science behind this product.   DISCLAIMER: I am not a paid endorser for Sitka, these are nearly my candid reviews of their products after nearly a years worth of use in...

By the time September 2019 arrived, I had racked up quite the bill for an elk hunt that wasn't supposed to cost as much as it did, and had yet to purchase a quality range finder, so I walked into my local Walmart, and bout the Halo 450 XL for less than $100. How would a "cheap" rangefinder perform in the mountains of Colorado? Give this one a listen and find out! 

On today's show I give a candid review to the Colorado hiking/hunting boot, made by Crispi, an Italian boot manufacturer, that was started in 1975, and now has a distribution center here in the United States. Since I was going on an elk hunt in Colorado, I surmised that a boot with the same name was the best choice! Joking aside, I was actually taking a risk never even trying the boot on prior to...

So I have a little time away from work due to the corona craziness and I'm trying to be as productive as I can, so I thought I'd put out a series of short podcasts that revolve around some of the products/gear/clothing that I used during my Colorado elk hunt in 2019. The theme of this "series" is that you shouldn't feel you have to "break the bank" to make it to your first elk or other big game we...

Ryan Strange is a native of the NW Pennsylvania NE Ohio area, His passion for bowhunting was instilled in him at an early age from his great grandfather. Ryan always dreamed of hunting Alaska, and chasing big bears with archery equipment, and after years of saving, he was finally able to realize his dream. This is his story from his own words. https://instagram.com/vahalla9?igshid=1otckxyex3y2p