Held Accountable Podcast | Hunting

Almost Doesn’t Count | Moose Bellows & The Wind Three days. Three completely different encounters. And one heck of a reminder that almost doesn’t count. Day 1: The search finally pays off. The first bugle gives me a starting point, and I work to locate the herd. Cows start chirping, the herd begins closing the distance, and the bull comes in—raking less than 60 yards away. The problem? I never get...

Elk season has officially turned into a grind. We’ve travelled kilometres on kilometres , covering new country and searching for fresh sign, only to find very little. Minimal activity, quiet woods, and finding a bull that will actually talk has been a challenge. And from what we’re hearing, it’s not just us — 2026 has been a tough elk season across Alberta. But the season just took a turn. We’re o...

Sometimes elk hunting just sucks. We walked a ton , explored new country, called a lot, and covered as much ground as we could. We found areas that looked right and some good sign—but nothing fresh and not a sound from an elk. One thing that has changed: human presence is way up. More pressure, more people in the areas we’ve been hunting, and the elk we were into earlier seem to be gone. That’s el...

Elk Rut Update | Sept 5th — Season 3, Episode 12 The elk are quiet — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t responsive. Day 1 of our September elk hunt is in the books, and we’re breaking down exactly what we saw, heard and learned. The vocal activity wasn’t what we expected, but the elk were still responding in other ways. We talk about why you can’t rush your calling setups , what we’re seeing for ru...

Calling Elk | What is 101 or 201? This one is all about actually hearing the difference . We demonstrate the sounds elk make and give a simple breakdown of how they’re made, what they mean, and why you’d use them in a hunting situation. We start with 101 calling — the basic sounds every elk hunter should understand. Then we move into 201 , where calling meets purpose and becomes less about making...

This episode is in partnership with Riven Elk Calls & Scorpion Outdoors . Exclusive Elk Calling | The 101 We’re breaking elk calling down from the ground up. We start with the 101 basics —the sounds, when to use them, and what we’re trying to communicate to elk. From there, we get into some 201-level calling , including different calling sequences, how we read a situation, and why the same call do...

How do you earn the name Elk Magician ? Taking 30+ bulls over 20 years is probably a good place to start. In this episode, we get into the story behind the name and break down two decades of consistent elk success right here in Alberta. From quartering, backing out and repositioning , to understanding when, where and how to call, Elk Magician shares the little details that have helped put bulls in...

We sit down with Joe Giglia from Elk Bros to talk elk hunting — calling, locating bulls, reading elk behaviour, setups, strategy, and the little things that can make a heck of a difference when September rolls around. If you’re green when it comes to elk , like being inspired, or don’t even know who Joe is — come tune in. There’s something in this one for every elk hunter. This is a pivotal episod...

Summer scouting can make or break your elk season. In this episode, we break down the key pieces of the puzzle that consistently lead us to mature bulls before the rut ever begins. We cover how to identify subtle topography changes that naturally funnel elk movement, evaluate whether water is limited or abundant, pinpoint primary summer food sources, and strategically place trail cameras to gather...

Public land hunting brings out some of the biggest debates in the hunting world—and we’re diving straight into them. This episode covers trail camera placement, treestand locations, parking etiquette, checking someone else’s SD card, hunting pressure, and where the line is between legal and ethical on Crown land. Just because you can do something… should you? Whether you’re a die-hard public land...

What happens when you hand the microphone to a 7-year-old? In this special Daddy & Raphaella episode, the conversation wanders through deer, elk, food… and just about everything in between. It’s funny, unfiltered, and a reminder that kids see the world through a lens adults often lose. Some of the biggest truths aren’t found in polished speeches—they’re hidden in simple questions, endless curiosit...

Which trail camera truly comes out on top? In this episode, we kick off our 2026 Alberta Trail Camera Test, comparing some of today’s leading cellular cameras in real hunting conditions. Throughout the season, each camera will be evaluated in five key categories: 📸 Picture & Video Quality 🔋 Battery Life 📶 Functionality & Connectivity 📱 Phone App & Technology 💰 Overall Cost (including subscrip...

The Infamous Collar Bear Season 3 • Episode 3 Some hunts become legends long before they’re over. In this episode, Ryan Tomuschat of Doubled Down Outdoors joins us to tell the story behind The Infamous Collar Bear—a hunt filled with challenges, persistence, and lessons that extend far beyond the woods. We dive into the highs and lows of the pursuit, the countless hours of preparation, and why succ...

African safari dreams, horseback moose hunts, and changing mule deer regulations—this episode has it all. Join Travis Nemeth as he shares incredible hunting experiences and discusses the issues shaping the future of big game hunting. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, adventure, or simply love hearing great hunting stories, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Season 3: Episode 1 Join Mitch as he guides everyone through Brandon's 2025 Elk Season. There's no shortageof stories! Missed Bulls, Ample at bats & a missed opportunity at a true monarch! If you want to run the optics Held Accountable Chooses 👇🏽 Scorpion Optics Code: HeldAcc20 for 20% ALL Scorpion Products (Rifle Scopes, Binoculars, Rage Finders & Bow Strings)

Brandon and Mitch talk with Tyler about BUSH WHITETAILS WeDiscuss Tyler's Solo, Winter TeePee Hunting Adventure and His First Archery Buck! As well as Strategy and more.. Scorpion Outdoors & Optics: HELDACC20 20% OFF 💰 Telson Optics: HELDACC15 15% OFF 💰 Wapiti River Outdoors: Wapitifriends10 10% OFF 💰

This is a new series that is being introduced; quick 20-25 min episodes on VARIOUS topics. This topic? How about a sub 40" Bull Moose in Edmonton's Bowzone?! This is a story you don't want to miss out on!

Elk Season with a bow, is there anything better?! Nope.. Arguably. This is the "Pre Hunt" Episode that wasn't able to be uploaded due to time restraint. Mitch (Engle) takes the ropes and questions Tyler and I on our pre hunt thoughts, tactics etc. leading into the 2025 Hunt. I have this "moon theory" Part 2 to come... The Rut is not over until its over Wapiti River Outdoors - wapitifriends10 = 10%...

This is an episode you will want to listen to! Jarod from Scorpion Outdoors joins me for a LENGTHY discussion about the past, present and future of Scorpion Outdoors (Optics, Strings & Telson) Buckle Up for this one.. Scorpion Outdoors Code: HELDACC20 for 20% OFF

Newest Episode: It is Raw, its Uncut and spoke straight from the hip. In this one, there is some relatability and some deeper backstory to Brandon and the purpose of this.. Plus, it transitions into some elk talk! Season is approaching. Enjoy This One. No ads, no product talk - Just Uncut

This is a special episode! Come join the conversation as we navigate through the decision for Tyler to jump back into Bowhunting; the first target? Black Bear This is a solo baited, self filmed successful story you wont want to miss! Supporters: Scorpion Outdoors Save 20% w/ Code: HELDACC20 Wapiti River Outdoors Save 10% w/ Code: wapitiriverfriends10 Socials: West of the 3rd Outdoors Held Accounta...

On this Episode Engle and I catch up with some Spring Elk Scouting and then transition into Archery Tech Talk. We talk about tuning a bow, what that means and reach deeper into the hole that MANY new archers do not fully understand. Thanks to: Wapiti River Outdoors - wapitifriends10 for 10% Scorpion Outdoors - HeldAcc20 for 20% Held Accountable Socials: YouTube Instagram Co-Host Social: Instagram

In this episode we take a deep dive into a MONSTER Bull that Travis Nemeth took in recently! Have you ever been curious about what Southern Alberta can offer as far as Archery Elk Hunting? Come take a listen, you may or may not want to dive into this adventure! This Episode is Brought to you by: Wapiti River Outdoors Discount Code: wapitifriends10 Social Media: Travis Nemeth Instagram - @nemethtra...

Welcome to 2025! On the first episode of the year I decided to kick it off with the species that drives me bonkers! ELK Im joined with Tyler Heather & Engle as we talk about how we were introduced into the passion, mistakes we have made (and learned from) as well as our "what NOT to do" IF you love elk hunting, load up the headphones and enjoy the episode! Supporters: Wise Eye Tech Wapiti Rive...

Wow! What a story we have for you on this episode. The buck I was calling "BUZZ Next-Year" because, well, you will find out why soon enough. On this episode Engle and I recap our season, tell an incredible story & get thrown down a trail talking about rifle calibers (I just might become a gun hunter after all, sort of, maybe) I do hope everyone had an incredible season, I trust that we have al...