The Fair Chase Podcast

Welcome back to The Fair Chase podcast! This week, we’re pumped to chat with Tom Schneider from Stuck N The Rut, hailing from Idaho’s wilds. Tom’s part of a hunting family that’s been killing it, literally, for decades, and their YouTube channel’s stacked with over 300 videos of raw, DIY public land hunts. From awesome elk chases to grizzly showdowns, they’ve built a huge following by keeping it r...

In this episode of The Fair Chase podcast, we’re stoked to sit down with Jared Scheffler, the mastermind behind Whitetail Adrenaline. For 18 years, Jared’s been creating raw, sponsor-free, DVD-style hunting films that capture real hunts. Big wins, big fails, and everything in between. From his all-public-land roots to the latest “Uncuffed” season (with a bit of door-knocking permission hunts), Jar...

In this episode of The Fair Chase podcast, we are talking spring bear hunting with Kolby Morehead from Bear Hunting Magazine. With warmer weather hitting Michigan, we're thinking about turkey and bear season. Kolby joins us to talk about why bear hunting is such a unique and fun hunt, whether you’re spot-and-stalking out West, running hounds, or deep in the backcountry.   Kolby shares his journey...

In this episode of The Fair Chase Podcast, we sit down with Nick DeCastro, founder of LandTrust, to discuss his attempt to change the land access game. Think Airbnb, but for things like DIY hunting, fishing and camping on exclusive private land. Nick shares how LandTrust is tackling the growing challenge of land access, offering a fresh alternative to crowded public lands and expensive leases.   W...

This episode comes from an interview we did with Dr. Shawn Riley in preparation for a mountain lion hunt. Dr. Riley is a wildlife ecologist and management expert with over 45 years of boots-on-the-ground experience. From his early days tracking coyote-deer dynamics in Montana’s Missouri River Breaks to leading the charge in the human dimensions of wildlife management, Dr. Riley brings a ton of kno...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Young, a wildlife biologist and professor at Utah State University, to discuss the complex world of mountain lion research, hunting, and conservation. With recent changes in (and attempts to change) hunting regulations and growing debates about predator management in mind, we talk about what science, and real-world experience, tell us about these elusive...

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Vistisen, host of the Deer Hunter Podcast, to dive into DIY hunting, Michigan’s evolving hunting culture and the strategies behind mock scrapes and synthetic deer scents.   We also cover: - Why Kevin is ditching the public land/private land label for “DIY deer hunting” - The ethics of sharing hunting spots (or not) - The strategy behind synthetic scents and...

In this episode, we sit down with Father Stephen Gadberry, a Catholic priest, hunter, knife maker and all-around cool guy. We dive into the intersection of faith & hunting, the lessons we can learn about life & mortality while we're in the woods, and why stewardship is so important.   We also cover: Hunting as a way to live life fully Why death is an essential part of creation The role of stewards...

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Human Predator Packmule, to talk about the physical demands of hunting and how to train effectively for the backcountry. Todd shares why most hunters fail in their fitness goals, the difference between training for hunting versus other sports, and how a strong aerobic base is the key to recovery and endurance in the field.   We also cov...

This week we talk with Kenneth Thrall from Kifaru. Last year, the guys from the Fair Chase and Kenny headed to Wisconsin during the whitetail rut. Coming from the West, this was Kenny's first time hunting out of a tree stand. The guys spent the week island hopping and looking for cruising bucks. Listen as we recap 2024, talk about the trip to Wisconsin, and talk about our hunting plans for 2025.  ...

In this first episode of 2025, we’re joined by Cody Butler to kick off the new year. Cody shares the story of his incredible 207-inch Kansas buck, talks about his experience transitioning to traditional archery, and dives into how he’s been managing and hunting land along the Kansas-Nebraska border. We also discuss Henry’s game-changing Supreme lever-action rifle and how it’s shaking up the world...

Watch the full GOATLAND film here: https://youtu.be/o62dWBTrM8I?si=WkyemwcynMkM5bXF   In the final part of our Recapping GOATLAND series, Joe describes the highs, lows, and ultimate success of a trophy mountain goat hunt in British Columbia. With limited water and some of the toughest terrain, every step was a challenge, but the reward was well worth it. After an intense pursuit, we connected with...

Watch the full GOATLAND film here: https://youtu.be/o62dWBTrM8I?si=WkyemwcynMkM5bXF   In part 2 of our special GOATLAND recap series, Joe tells us about the challenges and intense moments from his recent mountain goat hunt in British Columbia. With water scarcity pushing them to the limits, each decision was critical as they navigated Canadian terrain, close encounters with wildlife, and a test of...

Watch the full GOATLAND film here: https://youtu.be/o62dWBTrM8I?si=WkyemwcynMkM5bXF   In this special recap episode, we reflect on Joe's recent British Columbia mountain goat hunt. After months of planning and prepping, the adventure was filled with highs, lows, and unexpected moments that tested us both physically and mentally. From difficult terrain and unpredictable weather to dealing with limi...

We were having so much fun that we decided to tack another few episodes onto our Whitetail Series.   We hate being cold so we decided to bring Aaron Ambur, president of TUO Gear, on this episode to talk about their new cold weather line, Nivor, and how deer hunters can stay warm when the temps drop.   We talk gear testing, layering, camo patterns and a ton of other whitetail stuff. Hope you enjoy!...

In the final episode of our series, we reflect on the journey of becoming a better hunter. We’ve talked about everything from picking locations and strategies to gear and scouting, but now we shift to reflection. Whether or not you tag a deer, what can you learn from your time in the woods? We explore how to take lessons from every trip—successful or not—and use them to grow as a hunter.   We also...

Now that you're on the ground, what should you be looking for? This is what we'll be discussing in episode five of this series. We discuss how to find fresh sign, food sources, and funnels to narrow down your hunting zone. We also touch on key tips for different phases of the season, from the early season to the rut and late season, with strategies to keep you flexible and adaptable.   Listen in f...

In the fourth episode of our series, we cover packing.   What do you need to bring to ensure your hunt goes smoothly? From base layers and essential gear to packing for hot and cold weather, we dive into the must-haves and the things we wish we hadn’t forgotten in the past.   Check out our socials: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.link...

In this third episode of our series, we dive into the critical process of scouting. Once you’ve picked your area and a few potential hunting spots, what should you do next?   Listen in as we discuss how to scout, whether it be in-person prior to your trip or virtually with tools like OnX.   Check our our socials: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ h...

In this second episode of our whitetail hunting series, we dive deeper into the process of narrowing down your hunting area after you've picked a state.   Using examples from hunts in states like Kentucky and Wisconsin, we explore key strategies such as analyzing public land, considering hunting pressure, and utilizing tools like onX maps and forums to make the best decisions. Flexibility and prep...

How do you take your whitetail skills to a new state and find success?   This is the first episode in a series about how to take the skills you've honed in your whitetail woods and apply them to out-of-state hunts. We discuss everything from choosing the right terrain and state, to planning based on deer population, hunting pressure, and price. Whether you're hunting close to home or heading to ne...

You have a year under your belt. Maybe you filled your tag, maybe you didn’t. Either way, you now have critical experience. Here are some of our thoughts on how to build on what you've learned for the future.   Welcome to the 8th and final episode of Western Elk with Joe and James from The Fair Chase.   Learn more on our website at: https://www.thefairchase.com/   Or check us out on your favorite...

You filled your tag! Now you’ve got one of the largest deer species on the ground and it’s time to go to work.   Welcome to the 7th of 8 episodes on Western Elk with Joe and James from The Fair Chase.   In this episode, we will give you the knowledge to do so with confidence. Everything from gear, travel tips and practices to make sure you get your elk meat to the freezer safely.   Learn more on o...

Like many other species, how you hunt them changes as the year progresses. A late-season elk hunt could not be more different than during the pre-rut and rut.   They are a completely different animal and this requires a completely different tactic. Weather is king here.   Welcome to the 6th of 8 episodes on Western Elk with Joe and James from The Fair Chase.   Learn more on our website at: https:/...

Calling elk is one of the most dynamic and exciting experiences a hunter can have. However, it is often overcomplicated and misunderstood.   Welcome to the 5th of 8 episodes on Western Elk with Joe and James from The Fair Chase.   In this episode, we discuss how the setup is just as important as the calls. Learn to read your audience, the elk. “How you say it is almost more important than what you...