On Step Alaska

John Peterka runs Sagebrush Dry in Kake, Alaska. Not exactly the hub of outdoor gear, so in this episode John and I talk business dynamics and small town life in southeast Alaska. We talk about how he arrived in Kake, how he became accepted by the community, why his latest float plane flight got turned around and of course, what makes Sagebrush Dry so special. Originally aired 12/4/19.

Travis and Mark are co-founders of Uncharted Alaska Distillery in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about opening a business during COVID, creating a welcoming environment, making quality products, their new location and the importance of being part of the community to make it through winter. 

Abby and I recap the blacktail rut season so far. We tell the stories of our three bucks, break down some tactics and review our hunting pants and hot tent. 

Tyler Freel is a staff writer for Outdoor Life and hosts the Tundra Talk podcast. In this episode we discuss why you may or may not need to upgrade your rifle, choosing a quality cartridge, shooting groups, moose camp, getting through winter and podcast merchandise. 

Jessica Rostad was born and raised in Fairbanks and now is an owner of Big Ray's, the family business that opened in 1947. We talk about the history of the store, challenges that come with running a business in Alaska, competing with online websites, the tenacity that comes with growing up in Alaska, 30-inch rainbow trout and the upcoming Black Friday specials at the Big Ray's stores. Learn more a...

One of the most popular podcasts I've done was how to call blacktail deer with the Drop Shot Calls guys at their place in Craig. So here it is, everything you want to know about making calls and calling deer in Southeast Alaska. Episode 68 (Nov. 25, 2018) - I visited the Drop Shot Calls workbench to talk about how they got started, what makes a good call, when you should call, how long you should...

Jen Loofbourrow is back to talk more about her award-winning, Alaska-owned business Alpine Fit. We discuss outdoor technology, entrepreneurial issues involving obtaining start-up money, outdoor recreation pairings, the importance of living the lifestyle rather than just running a business, why it's important to stay Alaskan rather than move to an industry hub and upcoming events. Learn more about...

Emily Thompson recaps her grizzly bear and elk hunts. We also discuss getting started in hunting, mentorship, the Alaska lifestyle and pushing yourself. Emily lives in Anchorage and is a member of the Anchorage Fire Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Wilkinson and I recap his summer guiding season in the Mat-Su Valley. We discuss reading rivers, fishing effectively, losing flies and reading clients. Then we recap his moose hunt that had him counting brow tines at 30 yards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Fifield tells the story of his last minute moose opportunity. Brandon is a member of Alaska Wild Project and a resident of Anchorage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casey McConnell and I recap his sheep and moose hunt. We also talk about blacktail plans, pre-rut, rut, dates, tactics and observations from previous seasons. Casey is a resident of Hoonah and probably the most intense e-scouter I know. Purchase my book Beyond the Hunt at OnStepAlaska.com or on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abby and I talk about our favorite game and fish meals - from mountain goat tenderloin and blacktail heart tacos to Vietnamese mule deer sausage, halibut tacos to miso and sesame garlic salmon. Purchase my latest book Beyond the Hunt at OnStepAlaska.com or on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan, Abby and I recap last week's caribou hunt. We tell the story, talk gear, weather, caribou habits, hunting pace, adhering to shooting caps and shuttling meat. Purchase my latest book Beyond the Hunt at OnStepAlaska.com or on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abby, Ryan and I talk food, calories per ounce, gear, weather and field judging caribou as we preview the caribou hunt we will be on when this episode releases. Purchase my latest book Beyond the Hunt at OnStepAlaska.com or on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abby and I recap the mountain goat hunt I was sure would end in failure. We discuss the downs of the alpine season, impacts of weather, goat and deer habitat overlap, fog, stalks, frustration and the rugged nature of mountain goats. Purchase my latest book Beyond the Hunt at OnStepAlaska.com or on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ketchikan residents Jake Rodgers and Ryan John recap their memorably miserable pack out after taking two big blacktail bucks in mid-August. We discuss best time of day to find bucks, how Jake keeps finding big bucks, the willingness to return to brutal areas and hitting weather windows. .5 episodes are bonus Thursday episodes meant to keep the release closer to the event and provide a better sense...

Casey McConnell and I recap the first weeks of blacktail season and preview his sheep hunt. We discuss deer tactics, gear and how they are similar and dissimilar in a sheep hunting program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Andrew McKean and I discuss a survey that found worrisome trends regarding public approval of hunting. We also discuss mentorship, influence and how a shift in hunting terminology from "trophy hunting" to "organic meat procurement" has not really had the expected effect on public approval. McKean is the hunting and conservation editor at Outdoor Life. His article about the survey...

After a week of rain, it was so nice to see the mountains again and I tore off up one to hunt. It was a short weather window but I had a few chances. In this episode I recap two encounters with bucks and some simple things that help me cope when hunts turn miserable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Barney is the host of Eastmans' Elevated and the co-host of Life of a Bowhunter. In this episode we talk about breaking in bows, practice, pairing arrows, learning from mistakes, hunting a variety of species and the importance of a productive mindset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny and I recap his first ever deer hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Lehr is co-founder of Caffeine and Kilos a weightlifting/coffee lifestyle brand. In this episode we preview his first ever deer hunt. Danny and I have been friends since we taught high school together in California before I moved back to Alaska. This is his fourth trip to Alaska, but first hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke Dusenbury is an outdoor filmmaker who has worked with GoHunt, Leupold and others. In this episode we talk about the importance of growth, seeds of inspiration, music selection and how he almost became a teacher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ketchikan high school graduates Brayden (2019) and Degan (2022) Linne talk about growing up in Ketchikan, their first deer hunts, tennis shoes in the alpine, upgrading packs, figuring out deer habitat and habits, missed opportunities and shooting big bucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan John and I do an initial preview of our caribou hunt this September. We talk gear, expectations, weight, hot tents, picking up other tags (moose and sheep) just incase and me attempting my first hunting film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices