Cutting The Distance - podcast cover

Cutting The Distance

MeatEaterthemeateater.com

Jason Phelps and Dirk “The Bugler” Durham from Phelps Game Calls leverage their experiences as badass competition callers, call makers, and dedicated hunters to bring you the tips and tricks they use all season long that make them successful in the field. From turkey to elk and beyond, join Jason and Dirk every Thursday as they host the very best experts when it comes to hunting and calling. Tune in now so you too can get ’em close.

Episodes

Ep. 127: Ryan Carter Guiding Limited Entry Utah Elk

Dirk and Ryan Carter from DC Outfitters discuss guiding and scouting limited entry units in Utah. They cover trail camera seasons, shed antler hunting seasons, and the new requirement for Idaho non-resident shed hunters to purchase an Idaho hunting license. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop  Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener ...

Mar 06, 202551 min

Ep. 126: High BC Ashley Stuckless

Jason sits down with Ashley Stuckless to discuss his journey. Ashley is an aspiring film producer and recently caught Jason's eye with a pair of stone sheep hunting films. The series of films takes you from the Lows to the Highs of sheep hunting. They discuss getting into backpack hunting, the approach you should take, Ashley's favorite adventures and the future of High BC. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Y...

Feb 27, 202550 min

Ep. 125: The Misadventures of Randy Wise

Dirk's best friend and brother-in-law Randy Wise joins the show today. Besides being jokesters, Randy and Dirk have had some big adventures over the years. From Randy getting impaled on an elk hunt, to falling over 30 feet from a treestand breaking his body, their first elk hunt, and schoolboy shenanigans, they share some of their favorite moments. Connect with  Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscri...

Feb 20, 20252 hr 30 min

Ep. 124: Drawing a Line on Technology

Jason and Dirk discuss how the advancements in technology may push the boundaries of ethics, fair chase, and how it is shaping the future of hunting. They tackle subjects like thermal, smart scopes/sights, cell cams, drones and AI. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop  Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 13, 20251 hr 6 min

Ep. 123: Working in the Hunting Industry

This week's Pendlton Whisky Q&A took us down a rabbit hole! "How do I get into the hunting industry?" Dirk has a great conversation with hunter, entrepreneur, and good friend, Jon Gabrio. They recap Jon's black bear and elk hunt from last year, then take a deep dive into working in the hunting industry. Connect with  Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on You...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 13 min

Ep. 122: Chasing Dreams with Tucker Stanley

Just a normal guy doing everything he can to chase his dreams. Tucker Stanley got a late start on hunting after playing college football as well as in europe but he's dead set on making up for lost time. In the last 6 years Tucker has killed a 200" muley, 170" mountain whitetail, some great bulls and we wanted to jump into the stories and how he has made it happen. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Cl...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 7 min

Ep. 121: Must Be Nice Hunting Out of State with Jeff Bynum

New year, new me! Ever felt like "It Must Be Nice" when you see other hunters take to the field out of state? Dirk has a great conversation with financial adviser Jeff Bynum about how to afford those out of state hunts that you feel like they are just out of reach.  Financial Outfitters Group: https://www.finoutfitters.com/ Jeff Bynum and Financial Outfitters Group offers Investment Advisory Services through Coho Advisory Services, LLC (CAS), a registered investment adviser. Insurance produ...

Jan 23, 202559 min

Ep. 120: World Record Elk

So you may have heard about the potential world record elk that recently was killed in Washington? It was everywhere on social media!!! You may have also saw others try to discredit the accomplishment. Jason and Dirk sit down to discuss the topic through their point of view. They discuss the legality, circumstances, finances required as well as public perception and give their opinion on what may have eased the negative attention the hunter received. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  P...

Jan 16, 202555 min

Ep. 119: Elk, Deer, and Antelope with Josh Boyd

Dirk catches up with Josh Boyd every year, just exchanging hunting stories and expressing opinions and ideas from our experiences while hunting. This episode Josh recaps his amazing hunting season and then takes us down memory lane with the story of his giant whitetail buck from years ago. We also talk a little about the diseases that whitetail deer face and what game managers are doing about it. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Tw...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 9 min

Ep. 118: Phelps 2024 Recap, Highlights, and Gear Used

Jason recaps his dream 2024 season, shares highlights from each of the hunts, as well as discusses some of the new gear he tried out and what will stay in the rotation. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop  Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 02, 202539 min

Ep. 117: Overcome and Motivate with Sidney Smith

We all face adversity everyday, and some days have some huge set backs. This week Dirk talks with motivational speaker and hunter, Sidney Smith. Sidney is a double amputee who has overcome loosing both legs, only to go on and lead an extraordinary life. Sidney still enjoys hiking in the mountains and hunting, not to mention competing in Iron Man, and Bodybuilding competitions. His story is uplifting and motivating to say the least. Connect with  Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Ca...

Dec 27, 202452 min

Ep. 116: Spending Money to be a Better Shot with a Bow?

Will the latest and greatest archery products help you shoot better? Jason sits down with Cory Miller and discusses what really matters when it comes to being a better archer. Cory gives his opinion on the bows, rests, sights, stabilizers, arrows, broad-heads and what affect they have on the accuracy. Jason also sprinkles in his own opinions on what matters to him when it comes to hunting and being effective. Connect with Jason , Dirk ,  and  Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , ...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 7 min

Ep. 115: Blood Tracking Dogs

Ever had your heart broken by shooting an animal and then not being able to retrieve it due to various circumstances? Dirk has a great conversation with filmmaker Matt Gagnon about his latest film, "Tracking: A K9 Film," where he takes you into the world of blood-tracking dogs where they work hard to recover big game. Matt answers questions regarding getting started training your dog and many best practices while working with your loyal pooch. You can watch the film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/...

Dec 12, 202452 min

Ep. 114: Unpacking the Trophy vs. Meat Hunting Controversy

Jason and Dirk sit down to discuss trophy hunting. The conversation starts with the two struggling even to define what it is. They then make a strong case for what people consider trophy hunting. They discuss the value that hunting brings to the animals, they talk about the selective management taking place because of self-imposed maturity, as well as the amount of meat you "put in the freezer" because of harvesting more mature animals. The two also made sure to talk about where they feel trophy...

Dec 05, 202453 min

Ep. 113: Hunting Idaho Whitetails

Dirk takes you on a walk down "memory lane" this week as he shares his journey of whitetail deer hunting in his home state of Idaho. Not hunting from a tree is the go-to tactic for Dirk and many other hunters in that region. Listen in on his take of Idaho whitetail deer hunting. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/liste...

Nov 28, 202420 min

Ep. 112: Whitetail Rut with Randy Milligan and Brock Shelton

The crew is back in Kansas hunting whitetails during the peak of the rut. Jason sits down with Randy and Brock to recap the hunt and talk about the state of whitetails in the midwest. They dive into topics like "the first good moisture year after the drought", the unseasonably warm weather, and south winds as well as setting and hunting stands specific to the rut. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe...

Nov 21, 202447 min

Ep. 111: Dirk's Oregon Blues Elk Hunt Recap

Dirk and Derek Miller from Eastern Oregon Outfitters recap Dirk's Mt. Emily hunt. Dirk quizzes Derek about being an outfitter with Pendleton Whisky's Q&A. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 14, 202444 min

Ep. 110: High Performance Muzzleloaders with Arrowhead Rifles

Jason sits down with Luke Horak, the owner of Arrowhead Rifles. They discuss the recent advancements in muzzleloaders and what’s required to get them to shoot and perform. They go over everything from ignition systems, bullet selection, powders, performance and what one should expect from their modern day muzzleloader. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube S...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 15 min

Ep. 109: Backcountry Mule Deer Hunting with Tom Schneider

Finding mature mule deer can be a huge challenge to say the least. This week Dirk picks mule deer hunting expert Tom Schneider from "Stuck N The Rut" on finding and hunting big mule deer. Check out Tom's Mule Deer Masterclass here: https://www.stuckntherutmuledeermasterclass.com/md Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/li...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 18 min

Ep. 108: September Recap and Listener Q&A

With September being a not-so-distant memory, Jason and Dirk talk about how their hunts finished up, Washington State hoof rot elk, and October rifle season plans. They also take "Pendleton Whisky Q&A" calls and answer them. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 24, 20241 hr 20 min

Ep. 107: Face to Face with Wyoming Grizzly Bears

If you came face-to-face with a grizzly bear, how would you react? With the ever-growing presence of grizzly bears in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, folks in the outdoors are having more encounters each fall. Dirk catches up longtime friend Ron Niziolek and talks elk hunting with grizzlies in Wyoming's backcountry. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Ph...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 1 min

Ep. 106: Luke Combs' New Mexico Elk Hunt

This week, we're coming to you live from Elk Camp in New Mexico's Gila Forrest with none other than country artist Luke Combs, Jeremy Romero, and Tyler Carlson. We break down the hunt so far with one day to go. This episode is available to watch on YouTube and, be on the lookout for this hunt film on MeatEater in 2025! Get 20% off using code COMBS through October 20th at phelpsgamecalls.com Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , ...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 21 min

Ep. 105: Monster Mountain Whitetail

It's Whitetail Week! Who better to have on the show than North Idaho resident and accomplished whitetail hunter, Troy Pottenger. Jason and Troy dive into some listener questions and then discuss the importance of licking branches and scrapes to scouting, finding, and hunting mountain bucks. They also touch on being mobile versus having some annual stands, giving the bucks almost too much wind, as well as how his strategies stay the same and differ as the rut is on. Connect with Jason , Dirk , an...

Oct 03, 202447 min

Ep. 104: Elk Season Check-In

Dirk is elk hunting in Idaho with a couple good friends, Cody Wilson and Bradley Dammerman. They break down their hunt so far this September and make a game plan for the remaining days. They also answer the Pendleton Whisky "Listener Question" about tight-lipped bulls. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Sep 26, 202438 min

Ep. 103: Mid-September Checkup

2024 archery elk season update! Jason and Dirk catch up on how the season has gone so far this September, Pendleton Whisky Q&A, and then go on a little tangent about product development. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 19, 202457 min

Ep. 102: Should I Call for Early Season Whitetails?

Archery elk season may be going strong in the west, but early whitetail hunters are also hitting the woods. Dirk has Tony Peterson on the podcast to discuss the efficacy of calling early season deer. They also talk about getting comfortable shooting from a tree stand, and Tony's favorite period of the rut to hunt big bucks. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , Youtube , and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouT...

Sep 12, 202455 min

Ep. 101: Alaska Sheep Adventure

Jason sits down and talks with Matt Snyder in Alaska. Matt has been in the Tok area hunting sheep for most of his life. They dive into the history of Matt's time in the surrounding mountains and his successes. They also talk about the current state of Dall Sheep and what may be causing the decline; from predators to harsh winters to disease. They wrap up the conversation with a recap of Jason's Dall Sheep hunt and what went into it. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on ...

Sep 05, 202454 min

Ep. 100: Is Your Bow Ready for Elk Season?

As we embark on our elk hunting trips to the backcountry mountains and lonesome plains, the thought of having an equiptment failure is at top of mind. From loose bolts to stretched strings, "Murphys Law" can sideline an elk hunt at any time. Today, Dirk talks about bullet proofing your bow with Cory Miller from Darton Archery and Blackagle arrows before you take to the field, so you can hunt with piece of mind. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram , Facebook ,...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 19 min

Ep. 99: Elk Hunting with a Purpose

Every hunter should define a goal or have a purpose on every elk hunt. For Jason, the goal on every hunt varies depending on the tag, who he's hunting with, etc. On some hunts he may be after a certain bull, while others may be to kill any legal elk, and sometimes it's just to make sure his family and friends have a great time. Regardless of the goal, he talks about planning and executing throughout the hunt and maintaining focus. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on In...

Aug 22, 202443 min

Ep. 98: How to Call an Elk - Lip Bawls, Grunts, Chuckles, and Barks

In the last episode of our two-part "How to Call an Elk" series, Dirk dives deep into coaching you how to make advanced elk calls: lip bawls, grunts, chuckles, and barks! His straight forward approach on how to make these elk sounds can be a game-changer whether you're new to elk calling or a seasoned vet. If you want to watch Dirk perform these calls check out his personal YouTube channel THE BUGLER playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmts0qLfo7ZzXMW-ssBUr7gful9S6cT1A Connect with ...

Aug 15, 202445 min