ElkShape

Dan breaks down his Top Five Elk Hunting Zones in Idaho for archery season! With Idaho rolling out a brand-new application system for nonresident archery elk tags, things are changing fast. Gone are the days of swinging by the gas station to grab a tag on your way to camp — this new process is designed to be fairer and more structured, especially for those wanting to hunt as a group. In this video...

Today, Dan sits down with Nick James — a new bowhunter and team member at Montana Knife Company. Nick got his start in archery after attending a Total Archery Challenge event with MKC, which quickly led him down the path of archery elk hunting. Dan and Nick dive into his first-season learning curve, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he’s already picked up along the way. This episode is packed...

Today, Dan sits down with Ryan Fritz — personal trainer and strength coach. Dan and Ryan go way back, having met 20 years ago during their internship at Athletes’ Performance in Tempe, AZ. In this episode, they break down the blueprint for any flatlander looking to hunt out West — covering how to get physically and mentally ready for the grind of mountain hunting and the challenge of altitude accl...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Steven Laughter, a former 9-to-5 corporate employee who took a massive leap to become a full-time freelance photographer and videographer. Steven shares how he turned his passion for the outdoors into a career, his experience running his first 100-mile ultra-marathon, and the mindset that helped him crush gym PRs like a 450 lb deadlift and 300 lb bench. We also...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about backcountry safety and how to control bleeding in the field. Our guest shares a real-life story of accidentally stabbing himself in the leg while field dressing his archery elk. We break down what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and—most importantly—what every hunter should carry in their pack to be prepared for medical emergencies. Whethe...

In this episode, Dan breaks down why he decided not to hunt Colorado after burning 17 preference points for a 1st season rifle elk tag. He also recaps his October archery elk hunt in Montana—what went right, what went wrong, and what he learned along the way. To wrap it up, Dan and Tyler from ElkShape Gear dive into your listener questions about elk hunting tactics, gear setups, and strategies to...

In this episode, Dan opens up about the recent and unfortunate news of BlackOvis.com filing for bankruptcy. He shares his honest reaction to the announcement, what it means for the hunting industry, and how he personally plans to pivot moving forward. Dan also reflects on his six-year partnership with the BlackOvis team—expressing deep gratitude, respect, and sadness for the hardworking people beh...

Dan sits down with Michael Allman to swap stories from elk season and dig into everything from mountain adventures to target archery. The two talk about what went right, what tested them in the field, and how shooting discipline translates from the range to the backcountry. They also drop a few teasers about a new bow that’s been getting some serious attention. It’s a laid-back, insight-packed con...

Dan and Josh are joined by Dr. Kyle Gillett for a deep dive into what it really takes to be in your best health. They break down how to read and understand bloodwork, what key markers matter most for performance and longevity, and the everyday habits that drive long-term wellness. From hormones and sleep to nutrition and stress management, this episode is packed with practical insights for hunters...

Dan sits down for a full, unfiltered debrief of his 2025 elk season — every win, every mistake, and every hard-earned lesson from weeks in the mountains. This episode is a raw, day-by-day breakdown of what went right, what went wrong, and what he’ll do differently next year. From close encounters and blown stalks to pack-outs, weather, mindset, and the grind that defines September — it’s all here....

Dan sits down with MFJJ for a laid-back, wide-ranging conversation. The two talk shop on all things archery, swap hunting stories, and dive into what’s going on in their personal lives. They even wade into some real talk about today’s world and what keeps them grounded through it all. It’s an unfiltered, authentic chat between two longtime friends who’ve spent decades in the bowhunting trenches.  ...

Dan sits down with his former videographer and editor, Tim, for a long-overdue reunion. The two catch up on life, answer a handful of internet questions, and take some good-natured jabs at cameraman Jake. Along the way, they swap stories, laugh about behind-the-scenes moments, and relive some of the memories that shaped the early ElkShape grind. This episode is equal parts throwback and fresh pers...

September is winding down, but there’s still time to punch a tag. In this solo episode, Dan lays out his buzzer-beater tactics for the final days of elk season. He covers how to adapt when elk are worn down from weeks of pressure, where to find bulls when calling activity slows, and the mental edge it takes to keep grinding until the very end. If you’re staring at the clock and looking for a way t...

Dan dives solo into one of the most exciting times of elk season—the Peak Rut. In this episode, he breaks down proven tactics for calling in bulls when the woods are alive with bugles. From understanding bull behavior and timing your setups, to reading the herd dynamic and adjusting to hunting pressure, Dan shares practical strategies that hunters can put to use immediately. Whether you’re a seaso...

In this short and tactical episode, Dan breaks down the art of elk bugling—when to bugle, how to bugle, and why timing matters more than volume. From locating bulls to provoking a response, you’ll learn how to read the situation and apply the right call at the right moment. Whether you’re a new elk caller or sharpening your skill set, this quick-hit episode will give you proven strategies to help...

September has finally arrived, and with it comes the start of elk season. In this solo episode, Dan kicks off the September Series by breaking down his approach to hunting elk in the early season. From understanding elk behavior in the first days of September, to locating herds before peak rut activity, to strategies for calling, glassing, and moving through the mountains—this episode is all about...

In this solo episode, Dan breaks down his full elk hunt game plan for the season. From how he’s preparing physically and mentally to the strategy he’ll deploy once boots hit the dirt, Dan walks through the details that make or break an elk hunt. He also shares how he intends to capture the entire experience on film—what gear he’ll bring, how he’ll balance hunting and filming in the backcountry, an...

Chris Adams is a flight nurse who knows what it means to be ready when seconds count. In this conversation, Dan and Chris dig into what hunters often overlook when it comes to backcountry safety and medical preparedness. Chris shares the story behind developing a field-ready med kit built for hunters, the essential skills you should have before heading into the mountains, and why preparation is ju...

In this episode, we tackle the question: “Does elk hunting etiquette still exist?” From trailhead behavior and camp courtesy to calling tactics and respecting other hunters' space, we dive deep into the unwritten rules that once defined ethical elk hunting. Have we lost touch with the code of the backcountry? Or are these values still alive in the modern hunter? Tune in for a raw, honest discussio...

🎥 ELKSHAPE PODCAST: Sam Has a HOLE is his heart Meet Sam Fernandez: A Story of Faith, Family, and Resilience 🙏🏹 Sam Fernandez is a husband, a father of four, a full-time pastor, and a part-time bow technician at Straight 6 Archery. He’s the kind of man who puts his heart into everything he does — and right now, that heart needs healing. Watch and share as we walk alongside Sam through this chap...

In this episode, Dan sits down with longtime friend and podcast legend Cody Rich, host of The Rich Outdoors. What starts as a conversation about elk hunting, business, and the grit it takes to live a purpose-driven life quickly turns into something much bigger. We dive into the lessons Cody has learned as an entrepreneur in the hunting industry, share some unforgettable hunting stories, and then p...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake Nations, a seasoned Naval veteran, and Nick, a fellow archer and passionate outdoorsman, for a full-length conversation about life, discipline, and the mindset it takes to stay dialed in — both in the mountains and in everyday life. Blake shares powerful insights from his time in the Navy, and how that foundation of service, structure, and sacrifice has sh...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Drew Rouse, the outspoken and passionate founder of Reel Game Calls. Known for his bold confidence and his no-filter approach to calling elk, Drew brings the heat in a conversation that covers way more than just bugles and chuckles. They dive into: 🗣️ What makes a truly effective elk caller — and why most hunters are doing it wrong 🏹 The mindset it takes to be...

In this episode, Dan and Josh sit down with the newest addition to the ElkShape Training team: Sage Gardner, a Colorado-based strength and conditioning coach and the mastermind behind our evolving fitness programming. We dive into:🏋️ Sage’s journey through college athletics, coaching, and how he found his way to ElkShape📚 His background in sports performance and what that brings to the table for...

In this episode, Dan and Riley recap their recent multi-state elk scouting trip that was all about long-term strategy, boots-on-the-ground intel, and putting in the work now to increase success later. They break down:🧭 How to build a smart e-scouting plan before you ever leave home🥾 What to look for during in-person scouting (sign, pressure, access, water, and more)📍 Why some of the best places...