The Western Huntsman Podcast

James Nash is a return guest on the show. He's the host of the 6 Ranch Podcast, an outfitter, a Marine veteran, generational rancher, writer, and without a doubt, one of the most intellectually well-rounded humans I've ever met.   I knew James would be a great School of September guest, but I didn't know how great until I hit the record button. In this episode, James discusses some deeper elk beha...

I promised you guys I would find some unique School of September guests that offer some fresh perspective… Meet my buddy, Bob Capka, AKA Bugling Bob! Bob is one of the longest serving guides at Elk Creek Outfitters, and without question, the most successful guide in the history of the outfitter for archery elk hunting. He is an archery expert at Archers Afield in Tigard, OR when he's not guiding....

Tamie Fitchett is one of the owners of Elk Creek Outfitting, she runs the Big Sky Packer and Guide School where her passion is. She's a former game warden, hunter, and competes as a Mounted Shooter throughout the Northwest. In short, she's one helluva great person!                  Tamie and I get into details about the Big Sky Packer and Guide School. Anyone interested in getting into making a li...

This installment of the School of September features Rob Yoder. Join us for a conversation that will have you counting the days to September 1.

As luck would have it, I met Bobby Collins on a plane ride to Maui. I was on a family vacation, Bobby was heading home. I'm so glad we crossed trails! Bobby shares his background as firefighter, growing up in Oregon, moving to Maui over a decade ago, and the hunt life he lives within the Hawaiian Islands. He is a survivor of the Lahaina wildfire, the most devastating wildfire in Maui history. He s...

This installment of the School of September features Jon Gabrio. Jon is someone I knew several years ago was going to make a huge impact on the hunting space, and he definetely has! In this episode, Jon and I dicsuss his process for locating elk. From eScouting to boots on the ground, you can't kill what you can't find. We also dive into different strategies for different types of terrain; hunting...

Editor in Chief at Eastmans, Todd Helms, joins me this week to offer some insight as to what's at stake in this recent public land disposal bill. This is basically something being added to the so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill" by Utah Senator Mike Lee, a familiar proponent of public land thievery and in my book, someone who needs to be removed from public office because of it.  Todd and I delve into...

Thank you all for bearing with me the last few weeks. I haven't put out an episode due to a health issue that popped up out of the blue and almost took my life.  This episode tells the story, and I hope it provides some insight as to how you can avoid the same issue. I should be back to 100% soon, and I'm officially back in the saddle as of now.  I am blessed, and very thankful to all of you who t...

We've got another special episode of the Western Huntsman podcast this week! Guest hosts Todd Helms and Scott Reekers from Eastmans' sit down to tackle some of the hottest current topics impacting hunters today while Jim is out. From grizzly bear management to potential public land sell-offs, they dive into the issues that matter. Tune in and stay informed—this is one you won't want to miss! Show...

Today's episode of The Western Huntsman is a special one! In a unique twist, the tables are turned as Ike Eastman, host of the Eastmans' Journal Podcast Edition , takes over the mic to interview our very own Jim Huntsman. Recently, Jim faced some unexpected health challenges — but the great news is, he's on the mend and doing well. This heartfelt conversation dives into the origin of the podcast,...

Dirk returns as requested for an in-depth discussion on September archery elk! We talk about some new calling strategies, lessons learned from last season, we cover early, mid, and late September elk sounds/strategies. As always, nobody delivers like Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls!!! Phelps Game Calls - Use promo code Huntsman10 Dirk on  Instagram Show Sponsors Phelps Game Calls - The game call...

Kevin Hardman is the Treasurer of the Idaho Panhandle Chapter for NWTF, a new chapter for the renowned National Wild Turkey Federation. He brings a lot to the table as we have a great conversation about his goal to hunt and kill something all twelve months of the year. So far, so good for 2025!  We also discuss the upcoming NWTF banquet in Coeur d'Alene, ID in a few weeks, and why it's a great eve...

One of my favorite hunting buddies, Kevin Estela, has knocked it out of the park again with another book, Beyond the Field. He joins me this week to discuss what people can expect in the book, some hunting adventures from last season, upcoming hunts and wilderness survival courses coming up, and lots more.  It's always a great chat with Kevin. He is one of the top survival experts in the country a...

Todd Helmes is the Editor in Chief at Eastmans, host of the Wingmen Podcast, hunter, writer, family man and more! In this episode, Todd and I jump into Spring turkey hunting out West. We talk some access issues, calling in gobblers, deer hunting, elk hunting, outfitters versus DIY, and much more! Todd is a return guest to the show and just like last time, he doesn't disappoint! The Wingmen Podcast...

Guy Duplantier is back! He is the host of the Western Contours Podcast, founder of Western Fly Covers and Western Hunt Fest, coach for ElkBros, and someone I consider a good friend.  In this School of September installment, we go back to the gear series and discuss everything from bow setups to snacks in our packs. Guy has forgotten more about hunting gear than I'll ever know, so his insight into...

The March installment of School of September is a must listen. My buddy, Jon Palmquist reached out to me and suggested I get his elk hunting mentor and friend, Rob Gonzales, on. He didn't disappoint.  In this episode, Rob goes into some calling strategies never discussed before on the show. Things like how to call a bull back in after you maybe buggered him off, how he calls moving through the woo...

Many of you asked, we listened.  In this episode, as the first installment of the School of September Gear Series, I open up my daypack and walk you through the contents. I'm very much a minimalist when it comes to what I carry on the mountain, but there may be a few surprises in my pack that will be of interest to you.  We are looking for more gear ideas to cover, specific to September archery el...

Josh Merschat is an outfitter, hunter, houndsman, husband, father, and former bull rider. He owns Waypoint Outfitters in Northwest Montana.  In this episode, Josh and I try to make sense of how social media has impacted hunting. We discuss some outfitting and hunting topics. Josh tells some insane stories about how a wolf stole a pistol out of his hands and how he basically wrestled a mountain lio...

Jason Montagna is a hunter, custom rifle builder, and long range shooting instructor for Elk Creek Outfiftting in Northwest Montana. Article 4 Rifleworks is based out of North Idaho, check out the Instagram ! Jason and I dig into what he considers long-range for hunters, where many hunters get it wrong, rifle and ammo types, ethics, and so much more. Jason is super insightful and I really enjoyed...

Sam Westfall is an Army veteran, serial entrepreneur, and competitive archer with a passion for community building and innovation. Leveraging decades of experience in hunting and shooting sports, Sam uses archery as a tool for therapy, empowerment, and connection, particularly within the military and veteran communities. Sam is also serving as an IVMF Bunker Labs Ambassador for 2025. Sam joins me...

Jim Webley is a husband, dad, hunting guide, and Pastor of Baptist Mountain Church in Noxon, MT. In fact, he's my Pastor! Jim joins me in The Broken Tines Studio this week for a deep conversation centered around the profound connection to God that hunting offers us. We discuss the state of our modern society, and what leads a man's soul to emptiness in a world full of convenience. We walk down a f...

Thats right folks, School of September is back to kick the 2025 season off right! The legendary Joe Giglia joins me in this one. Joe is the foundational member of Elk Bros, hunting guide, educator, husband, father, coach, passionate elk hunter and best of all... A guy who's always willing to step up and share his 40 plus years of elk hunting experience to anyone wise enough to listen!  We give it...

Rob Yoder is a family man, builder, hunter, managing guide and outfitter with Elk Creek Outfitting. He's also one of the most talented all-around hunters I know.  Tune in to a broad conversation about Rob's journey to mastering the Western hunt, how we maintain hunting for future generations, how hunting ties in to real wildlife management and conservation, and a few things you should know should...

Steve Johnson is a return podcast guest and host of the Trapping, Hunting, Fishing (THF) Podcast. He's also a friend and hunting buddy of mine, and one of the better elk callers in September! In this episode, Steve and I dig deep into hunting strategies for elk, bear, and deer. We cover a ton of ground and even do some elk calling demos! Steve also shares his new venture as a podcast host and some...

Return guest, Adam Grenda, joins me this week in person here at the studio. Adam is a member of the Stuck N The Rut crew, a hunter, a pilot, family man, and spends most of his time cruising the backcountry of Alaska where he calls home.  In this episode, we talk about all things Alaskan hunting, flying, leftist propaganda, dickbones, marriage, anti-hunters, and how YOU can enter for a chance to wi...