The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Dan Johnson and Aron Snyder reconnect after five years, reflecting on their personal growth, nostalgic childhood memories, and the impact of injuries on their lives. They discuss the challenges of substance use, the role of social media, and the importance of spirituality in finding true happiness. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of setting future goals and...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Stanley Lewandowski discuss the intricacies of mule deer hunting during the rut and late season. They explore strategies for finding and stalking deer, the impact of weather and cattle on deer populations, and the transition from archery to muzzleloader hunting. With insights on deer behavior and effective hunting tactics, t...

In this episode of the Western Rookie podcast, host Dan Johnson discusses the current state of hunting seasons across the Western United States. He highlights the winding down of big game seasons for species like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, while noting that opportunities still exist for hunting mule deer and antelope. Dan emphasizes the importance of planning for future hunts, particularly for...

The conversation delves into the dietary habits and behaviors of elk, contrasting them with other species like white-tailed deer and moose. It highlights the necessity for elk to access grassy areas for sustenance, especially during specific seasons, and discusses the implications for hunting strategies. Takeaways Elk are not browsers like white tails or moose. They consume a heavy grass diet, unl...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Jaden Bales discuss the intersection of wrestling and hunting, share insights on the current hunting season, and provide strategies for elk and mule deer hunting. They explore elk behavior in November, tips for hunting big bulls, and the importance of understanding winter ranges for mule deer. The conversation wraps up with...

On this episode of the Western Rookie, the topic of conversation revolves around a successful Wyoming Mule Deer hunt in early October.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dan Johnson and his guest Dan discuss their experiences and challenges in mule deer hunting. They share insights on finding hunting partners, learning from failures, understanding deer behavior, and the impact of environmental factors such as cattle and weather on deer movement. The conversation also covers strategies for hunting in different terrains, the importance of water sour...

In this episode, Dan and Ken discuss the intricacies of hunting antelope, including preparation, scouting, and the challenges faced during the hunt. Ken shares his experiences with drawing tags, managing expectations, and the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and terrain. The conversation also touches on the significance of gear and the strategies employed to successfully hunt antelope...

In this episode of the Western Rookie podcast, host Dan speaks with Bob Polanic about his journey from whitetail hunting in Michigan to becoming an experienced elk hunter over the past decade. They discuss the challenges of hunting, including the competitive tag application process, the importance of patience and strategy in the field, and how weather conditions affect elk behavior. Bob shares ins...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Jason Tibbadoe share their hunting experiences, focusing on a memorable elk hunting trip in Colorado and a proud moment of a father taking his son on his first hunt. They discuss the challenges faced during the elk hunt, including wildlife encounters, preparation, and the costs associated with such adventures. The conversation highlights the importance of bonding t...

In this engaging conversation, Dan shares his unique experience of elk hunting in Colorado, discussing the challenges and excitement of the hunt, the importance of communication with family, and the unexpected twists that come with outdoor adventures. He reflects on the strategies used, the thrill of calling in elk, and the camaraderie of hunting with friends and family. The conversation also touc...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, Dan and Stanley Lewandowski discuss the intricacies of mule deer hunting, particularly in September. They cover various aspects such as deer behavior, the importance of water sources, food identification, terrain navigation, effective glassing techniques, stocking strategies, and the impact of weather on deer activity. Stanley shares valuable tips for...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Nate Thomas discuss their experiences with elk hunting, including the challenges, strategies, and memorable moments from their trips. They delve into the dynamics of hunting in groups, the impact of weather and terrain, and the importance of having the right equipment. Nate shares his decision to stay home this year to prior...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan Johnson and CJ Davis discuss the excitement of the upcoming hunting season, focusing on antelope and elk hunting. CJ shares his experiences as the president of Montana Decoy, emphasizing the importance of quality gear and effective hunting strategies. The conversation covers various topics, including family dynamics in hunting, the use of dec...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Podcast, host Dan and guest Tim Kent discuss various aspects of hunting, including the impact of aging on physical capabilities, the importance of nutrition and preparation, and the challenges faced during hunts. They delve into long-term planning for hunting trips, the shift from over-the-counter tags to guided hunts, and the balance between family commitment...

On this episode,  conversation includes various e-scouting techniques, the importance of understanding terrain and topography, and how to identify game indicators. This epiosde also highlights the practical applications of OnX, such as navigating public and private land and utilizing collaborative scouting tools. The guys finish by emphasizing the value of preparation and adapting to pressure, clo...

In this episode of the Western Rookie Hunting Podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Jaden Bales discuss the complexities of hunting in the West, focusing on the impact of weather patterns, drought, and predator dynamics on wildlife. They explore the importance of understanding animal behavior, the differences between public and private land hunting, and the significance of setting realistic expectat...

In this episode, Dan Johnson introduces himself as the new host of the Western Rookie Podcast, sharing his background in hunting and podcasting. He converses with Adam Parr about the transition from hunting in Michigan to Colorado, discussing the challenges and learning curves associated with Western hunting. They delve into the importance of proper gear, physical preparation, and navigating acces...

In this episode, Brian Krebs and Dan Johnson discuss the transition of the Western Rookie podcast, with Dan taking over as host. They explore the evolution of Western hunting perspectives, the importance of learning through experience, and the launch of Dan's new podcast, Get Drawn West. The conversation highlights key takeaways from past guests, the significance of scouting and preparation, and t...

On this episode of the Western Rookie, Brian introduces Dan Johnson from the Sportsmen's Empire podcast network to catch up what their upcoming season looks like for western hunts as well as a big announcement with some changes coming to the Western Rookie Podcast.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adver...

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian shares a full rundown of backup options for hunters who haven’t drawn a tag yet, including leftover tags, OTC opportunities, and first-come-first-serve permits across the West. He also delivers timely updates on the public land sale victory, a Colorado wolf controversy, and why it’s still worth hitting the mountains even when plans...

In this episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian Krebs hosts a packed conversation featuring Dean Krebs, Tad Johnson, and Collin Fountain from the newly formed North American Pronghorn Foundation (NAPF). Together, they dive deep into why pronghorn needed their own conservation group, the unique challenges these animals face, and the exciting projects NAPF has planned to protect and enhance pro...

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian Krebs is joined by Tyler Notch to address an urgent and pressing issue: the potential sale of millions of acres of public lands. Tyler and Brian dive deep into the legislation proposed by Senator Mike Lee, the risks it poses to public land access, and why this battle matters deeply to every hunter and outdoor enthusiast. The convers...

In this episode of The Western Rookie Podcast, Brian welcomes Gideon and Danielle from Kansas Shed Dogs to explore the exciting world of shed hunting with trained dogs. They share their extensive experience using Labrador retrievers to find sheds, offering listeners practical tips on dog training, shed hunting strategies, and navigating challenges like rattlesnakes. Gideon and Danielle reveal thei...

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of The Western Rookie podcast, Brian shares a jam-packed update covering point deadlines, land access battles, and the latest in public land politics. Brian dives into time-sensitive applications, the ongoing corner crossing legal saga, and a brewing storm over a federal land sale. If you're a public land hunter or building points across the West, this episode is a mus...