Long Range Shooting has gained a ton of popularity over the last twenty years, but is it for the best? Jon Pynch joins Jason on the show to have a conversation to discuss if long range hunting is effecting seasons and quotas, what it takes to become an efficient shooter, rifle builds, bullets, and more. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 16 min
With the recent buzz about releasing wolves into the state of Colorado, wolf management is on a lot of people's minds. In this episode, Dirk talks with Justin Webb, Executive Director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management . They discuss the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho and what the landscape looks like for ungulates 28 years later. Justin describes what elements go into trapping wolves and why it's so important to manage predator numbers through hunting and trapping endeavors. Connect w...
Jan 04, 2024•56 min
Whitetails are the topic of conversation between Jason and Jeff Sturgis . The discussion is rooted in how habitat affects deer movement and how you can capitalize while hunting. They dive deep into bedding and feeding and the relationship between the two as well as what the ideal stand placement is. Jeff also hints on how he can use the understanding of the movement to capitalize on public land tracts to find success. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebo...
Dec 28, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Division in America seems to be everywhere we look, including among hunters. Dirk and Jim discuss common points of division among hunters and why it's so important to lay down our proverbial "swords" and focus on the real issues we're facing. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Jason sits down to catch up with Ryan Lampers to go over some listener questions such as; off season preparation, training and nutrition, how he consistently finds success when targeting mature animals, how his elk hunting tactics have changed over the years amongst others. They then turn the discussion to Ryan's 2023 season and what worked and didn't work for him on this years hunts. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Dirk interviews seasoned outfitter and hunting guide Bradley Dammerman, of Idaho Whitetail Guides. Bradley shares many of the common mistakes that hunters have made that he's guided over the years. Bradley also shares important questions to ask the outfitter before booking a guided hunt. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 20 min
Jason doesn't like a lot of change year to year when it comes to his gear. Once he finds gear that works he tends to stick with it. On this episode Jason answers listener questions on light poundage archery setups for elk and hunting multiple days out of a pack. He then turns to what gear he used on this year hunts and why; Oregon archery elk, Western Washington muzzleloader elk, Montana Rifle Mule Deer and Kansas Archery Whitetail. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Ins...
Nov 30, 2023•46 min
Kansas is known for it's giant whitetail bucks. Dirk and Jason had the pleasure of archery hunting on their good friend Randy Milligan's farm. They discuss the highs and lows of the hunt. From less than ideal warm temperatures to lower deer numbers, things had changed from their 2022 hunt there. Connect with Jason , Dirk , and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 23, 2023•43 min
Jason and Tyson just returned from their "almost annual" Montana mule deer hunt and discuss what they encountered. They talk about the decline in the deer numbers in the area they hunted and what it could be the cause. They dive into multiple drought years, harsh winters coupled with predator problems, as well as some hunter and management issues that could be effecting the populations. They also talk about some proposals that may have a positive effect on numbers. Connect with Jason and Phelps ...
Nov 16, 2023•52 min
After being out in the field the last couple months, Dirk and Jason answer listener questions from the "call in hot line". They talk about everything from setting up properly while calling elk in, to finding November bulls in rifle season. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 09, 2023•59 min
Often times when we see hunter's success, the hard work behind the scenes isn't always apparent. Jon Gabrio talks about the ups, downs and hard work from this last September, and the success that followed. Dirk recaps his 2023 archery elk season and his theory on the "Year of the Huckleberry". Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 02, 2023•2 hr 30 min
Elk season is over and mule deer are almost as awesome! On today's episode Jason dives into mule deer with Duke Wasteney. Duke is one heck of a mule deer hunter and we could all learn a few things from him on finding consistent success. The conversation touches on scouting, patterning, glassing, characteristics of big bucks, what to do when they get pressure amongst a list of other topics. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See...
Oct 26, 2023•57 min
On today’s episode, Jason recaps his recent western Washington muzzleloader elk hunt. After a ten-year hiatus of hunting close to home, he returns to find a surprising lack of elk. He goes over the struggles he faced, what worked, his opinion on the hoof rot issue, and the huge increase in predator numbers. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 19, 2023•43 min
We're back for part two of Dirk 's conversation with "Stuck N the Rut" YouTuber Tom Schneider about Rifle Hunting elk. They dive deep into finding late season bulls and how to hunt them. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 11 min
On this episode, host Jason Phelps sits down at the notorious Pendleton Round-Up with three time world champion saddle bronc rider, Zeke Thurston. Jason and Zeke are able to dive into what it looks like to be a professional rodeo cowboy and how he’s able to fit in his incredible passion for hunting while being on the road for ten months a year. As an added bonus, Jason also sits down with Brian Sanders and David Frame to recap his recent hunt in Oregon. They talk about the state of the unit, the...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Dirk had the great opportunity to sit down with "Stuck N the Rut" YouTuber Tom Schneider and talk about hunting elk with a rifle. This is part one of two episodes. In this episode, they break down how to find elk and how to hunt them during the first part of October. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min
On todays episode Jason sits down with his cameraman and good friend David Frame. They answer listener questions about bulls hanging up, how long to hunt an area before moving on, amongst others. They then dive into their past hunts and what made them successful as well as what gave them some difficulty. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 2 min
There's a trend going on right now to film your hunting adventures. From the outside looking in it looks relatively easy, but there are a lot of steps done right that bring your film to life. Dirk chats with good friend and videographer Dusty Rupe about following the best practices for turning film clips into an unforgettable story. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch Dusty's website: https://dofproductions.com/ Dusty's Instagram...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 12 min
September is here! Jason sits down with Cory Calkins to talk about what they've seen so far this September. They then dive into Cory's guiding backstory and they talk about the differences in elk in wilderness areas versus private ranches as well as what is required to be successful in both locations. They also touch on the moon phase and the weather changes and how they think it affects how the elk will respond. Connect with Jason Phelps and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , an...
Sep 07, 2023•58 min
We’ve often said there are more ways than one to skin a cat when talking about archery elk hunting strategies. This week Dirk Durham sat down with “Alone” Season 8 TV Series winner and long-time traditional bowhunter, Clay Hays, to compare and contrast elk hunting tactics. Being that he is a traditional archer, and Dirk shoots a compound, their approach to bowhunting elk isn't always that different. We cover from pre-rut archery to post-rut traditional flintlock muzzleloader tactics and have a l...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 11 min
On this week's episode, Jason takes on a bunch of listener questions on elk hunting. He answers questions on what to do when elk shut down, how to determine what your next move should be, and how to deal with the excitement of a big bull getting within bow range amongst others. He then changes the discussion to other ways to hunt elk aside from calling and what the pros and cons of these options are. He discusses sitting wallows, ambushing, treestanding, baiting, and more. Connect with Jason Phe...
Aug 24, 2023•58 min
On this week's episode, host Dirk Durham talks about pre-season preparation with the host of the podcast "The Western Huntsman", Jim Huntsman. They discuss everything from making sure your bow and arrows are correct for elk hunting, to not letting the idea that you have to be an elite athlete to enjoy chasing bugles in the elk woods, be a barrier. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Jason sits down with Jeff Roberts of PNWILD to go over everything fall bear. The bulk of the conversation hinges around the food sources that the bears will be on, but they also dive into e-scouting, watching the receding snow lines, feet on the ground, and even using hiking websites to determine where you should be focusing your time in the fall when trying to turn up bears. Other topics discussed are hot weather field care, how long you should spend in an area, weather effects...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Ever wondered what it's like to archery elk hunt in New Mexico? Jason introduces new co-host Dirk "The Bugler" Durham on this week's show and the guys talk at length about how quirky the elk rut can really be, even in the famed state of New Mexico. Be sure to follow up and get your eyes on Dirk's "New Mexico Bulls" film, which he discusses in this episode. It's out on the Phelps Game Calls channel of The MeatEater network now. Connect with Dirk and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Faceboo...
Aug 03, 2023•48 min
Jason sits down with Bill Vanderheyden from Iron Will Outfitters to talk about the sharp end of the stick. They dive into arrows, efficiency, and ethics, discussing single bevel vs. double bevel, the optimum amount of offset and helical, as well as Bill's work on arrow flight with the University of Colorado. Connect with Jason Phelps Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Today on the show, Jason is joined by his buddy Brock for part two of their elk biology conversation. This time, they get deep into every elk hunter's favorite topic -- the rut. They talk on everything from elk estrus cycles to the reasons some elk are call shy and others aren't. Connect with Jason and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min
This week on the show, Jason comes to you from the field with biologist Paul Wik to talk elk mortality and recruitment. They discuss the effects of predation and environmental factors in relation to elk recruitment, and what that means for hunting opportunity. Connect with Jason and Phelps Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Today on the show, Jason is joined by his buddy Brock to talk all things elk biology in part one of this two part series. In this episode they cover everything from moon phase to who really controls the herd -- the herd bull or the lead cow? Connect with Jason and Phelps Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 15, 2023•46 min
Once you have found a spot to hunt, what is next? In this episode Jason covers the technical how to of: breaking down an area quickly to determine if elk are present, how to go about locating them, how to move in, what you should be looking for as you setup, and then how to go about calling. Connect with Jason and Phelps Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 01, 2023•55 min
This week on the show, Jason's mixed it up and gone solo as he answers your listener questions and discusses planning your elk hunt. From e-scouting and calling to mountain readiness and boot considerations, if you're considering an elk hunt this year, you won't want to miss this! Connect with Jason and Phelps Phelps on Instagram , Facebook , and Youtube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 18, 2023•37 min
