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PODCAST

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast

Sportsmen"s Empire

The Western Rookie Hunting Podcast is dedicated to those who are interested in becoming better western hunters. Elk hunting, mule deer hunting, antelope hunting and other western big game species will all be up for discussion in this educational and entertaining podcast. The guys will also discuss the logistics of western hunting along with the gear that you will need in order to be successful.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

00:51:44

Long Time Antelope Tags

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/10/02

Dan and Ken sit down to tackle the nuances of Alberta antelope hunting, from pre-hunt prep to field execution. After tagging out early this season, Ken shifts his focus to helping his niece harvest a buck. He shares insights from his trip—including setting up his SUV as a mobile base camp, using the iHunter app to scout and secure land permissions, and adjusting his size expectations on the ground. The pair also explore critical hunting tactics, including navigating the rut, understanding antelope

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00:54:44

20 Years Of Elk Hunting

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/09/17

Elk hunting is not about luck—it is about putting yourself in the right 200-yard bubble at the right time, with enough days left to make the moment count. Tim Kent breaks down nearly two decades of hard-earned lessons chasing elk from the East, including the mistakes that cost him bulls, the calling mistake that instantly blew up a setup, and why his biggest breakthrough came from learning where elk actually live instead of where he hoped they would.Dan Johnson and Tim dig into the obsession that

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00:57:57

Elk Success In Harsh Conditions

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/09/11

Colorado just changed the elk hunting game—and the next round of regulations could reshape how residents and non-residents chase tags, points, and opportunity. If you hunt the West, this is the kind of episode that can save you years of confusion and help you make smarter decisions before the 2028 changes take effect.Dan Johnson sits down with Colorado hunter Adam Parr to break down what is really happening with the state’s draw system, why archery tags went from over-the-counter to draw for

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01:09:37

Mule Deer Foundation: State Of The Union

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/09/03

Mule deer are still the vanishing icon of the West, and if you care about public land hunting, this conversation explains exactly why. Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, lays out the hard truth behind the decline, what changed after the mule deer heyday, and what hunters and conservation groups are doing right now to turn it around.Greg brings a rare perspective to the problem. He’s spent decades on both sides of wildlife management, from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the

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01:07:40

Crossover: Mule Deer & Whitetails

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/08/27

Western Kansas can make you a better hunter - or break your ego fast. Travis Glassman reveals how he consistently patterns mature whitetails and mule deer in one of the toughest, flattest, most overlooked deer countries in the West.Dan Johnson and Travis catch up after years apart, and the conversation quickly turns into a sharp, practical breakdown of what it really takes to hunt a landscape where deer numbers are down, cover is limited, and every move matters. From chronic wasting disease and

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00:53:22

Mule Deer Hunting Tips For Your Best Season

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/08/21

Antelope and mule deer don’t just test your shooting. They expose every mistake in your glassing, rangefinding, wind reading, patience, and ability to disappear into terrain without blowing the whole stalk.Dan Johnson and Kurt Belding trade hard-earned stories from the field and break down what actually works when you’re chasing pronghorn and mule deer with a bow. From 80-yard antelope shot windows to the brutal reality of crawling across open country only to watch deer melt into the next drainage,

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01:06:14

Elk Hunting Tips For Your Best Season

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/08/13

Most elk hunters make one costly mistake: they move too much, call too much, and blow out the very bulls they’re trying to hunt. Kurt from Western Obsession breaks down the smarter, harder way to hunt elk, and why staying put, reading wind, and letting the glass do the work can change everything.Returning guest Kurt joins Dan Johnson to unpack the exact mindset and field strategy behind successful western elk hunting, from archery season in the rut to late-season rifle hunts. He explains why the

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00:56:25

Locating Elk: Next Level Scouting

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/07/29

Are you tired of unproductive hunts and wondering where the elk are hiding? Discover the game-changing strategies that seasoned elk hunter and expert scout Josh Sears uses to find elk year-round—no matter where you hunt, east or west. Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned pro, this episode reveals how to interpret maps, identify key terrain features, and use satellite imagery to pinpoint the best spots before you even leave home.Josh Sears, founder of Boots on the Ground Services, shares his

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00:39:55

Mule Deer Hunting Advice From Bad Hunter

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/07/24

Most mule deer hunters overlook one of the most critical aspects of success: understanding the prairie ecosystem like a local. In this episode, Dan Johnson shares raw, real-world insights from years of hunting mule deer across South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and beyond—all on public lands and walk-in spots. Discover how cattle, water, terrain, and deer movement patterns influence every move you make in the field, without relying on fancy gadgets or guesswork.Dan’s experience reveals the unspoken

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01:16:33

Intensive Care Nurse Goes Elk Hunting

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/07/16

Most nurses spend their careers avoiding the emotional toll of death — but Aaron Hepler has a different perspective. After 17 years in intensive care, he’s witnessed the unfiltered reality of tragedy, miracles, and faith, revealing stories that will challenge your understanding of life and death.In this gripping episode of the Hunting Gear Podcast, Aaron shares raw, behind-the-scenes insights from the hospital that will change how you view resilience, faith, and the human spirit. From the chaos of

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01:06:26

Western B.S. Session

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/07/09

Most Western hunters get their priorities wrong — they chase small windows of opportunity with limited time and underestimating how pressure has reshaped elk behavior. Bryan Broderick of Day Six Arrows lays bare why one week is no longer enough to hunt true success in the West, revealing the real secrets behind elk movement, pressure, and the relentless grind it takes to get close. If you're hunting public land and dreaming of a big bull, this episode is your must-listen for the reality check you

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00:54:16

Hunting Burns & Leftover Tags

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/07/02

Most of us overlook how wildfire and post-fire landscapes are prime hunting real estate—Jaden Bales reveals the surprising science behind how fires can actually boost your odds. If you’re a hunter wanting to outsmart the herd, understanding fire’s role in wildlife movement, browse regrowth, and habitat recovery can be your secret weapon. In this episode, Jaden shares how recent wildfires in the West reset ecosystems in just days—bringing game back with impressive speed. You'll discover how species

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01:07:51

From The Vault: Understanding Digital Mapping

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/06/26

This episode of The Western Rookie podcast focuses heavily on tactical e-scouting and mastering digital mapping techniques to maximize success in the field, specifically using the onX Hunt app. The conversation breaks down into a few core areas: Terrain and Topography: The hosts dive into how to properly read topography maps, understand complex terrain features, and use that layout to predict how big game moves through an area. Spotting Game Indicators: They discuss what specific visual markers and

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00:52:03

From The Vault: Colorado Elk

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/06/18

From The Vault: On this episode, Dan has a great conversation with his long time friend, Adam Parr, about hunting elk and mule deer in Colorado. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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00:55:20

Elk & Western Whitetails

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/06/11

It’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about western hunting — from deer behavior to elk scouting strategies, and even the realities of chasing big game at high altitude. Aaron Berg, a seasoned hunter who’s hunted across Montana, Utah, and Nebraska, pulls back the curtain on what truly works in the rugged terrain out west—and what pitfalls will leave you empty-handed.Imagine bagging your first mule deer in Nebraska after just a few days, or experiencing the adrenaline of an elk charge

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01:04:10

Lessons Learned From First Western Hunts

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/05/27

Discover the wild truth about chasing elk — not with perfect gear or endless time, but through overcoming mountain adversity and mental grit. If you're dreaming of your first Western hunt or feeling daunted by elevation, heavy packs, and steep hikes, this episode is your inspiration to take that leap.Join Dan Johnson as he speaks with Jake Ramsey, a Pennsylvania hunter who transformed his approach from novice to mountain-ready. Despite never hunting elk before, Jake recounts his honest

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00:56:41

Remote Scouting

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/05/21

Unlock the secrets of successful western hunting with a service that could change your entire season. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Colorado's vast public lands or wondered how to get insider intel without the endless scout trips, this episode is your game-changer.Josh Sears, a Colorado-based scouting expert and founder of Boots on the Ground, shares how his personalized service helps hunters cut through the noise. From navigating Colorado’s intricate road systems to identifying key sign like

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00:44:04

Western Lessons Learned, The Hard Way

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/05/15

Most Western hunters underestimate how critical simple logistics—like fuel, access, and gear—are to their success. Dan Johnson reveals the hard lessons he's learned from close calls with gas tanks, private roads, and hidden property boundaries—lessons that could save your hunt from disaster. If you're planning your first backcountry adventure or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode will change how you prepare.You’ll discover the overlooked importance of knowing your vehicle’s fuel range and

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00:54:44

Wyoming Wildlife Insights

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/05/07

Join us for an insightful discussion with Wyoming wildlife expert Justin Binfett, who sheds light on how droughts, weather fluctuations, and policy influence wildlife populations and hunting regulations in Wyoming. Whether you’re a hunter, conservation enthusiast, or interested in state-level wildlife management, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and behind-the-scenes insights.Key topics include the comparison of recent drought conditions in Wyoming with historical data, the

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00:28:28

My 5 to 7 Year Western Hunt Plans

The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast ·

2026/05/01

Planning My 5-7 Year Western Hunting Strategy and Goals In this episode, Dan Johnson shares his detailed hunting plan for the next five to seven years, covering everything from preference points and unit selections to physical preparation and gear. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting to plan your own adventure, get insights on long-term strategy, resource management, and hunting logistics.Key Topics: Dan's personal hunting goals for mule deer, elk, antelope, and whitetails

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