On this episode, we talk deer tracking with Tony Hill from Find a Fred Deer Tracking. Tony's been running blood trails for seven years with over 400 recoveries under his belt. I also share my recent gut-shot buck story, 9 hours of hell wondering if I'd lost him. Spoiler, I did. We also cover: -The #1 mistake of tracking deer -Wait times for gut shots, liver hits, and muscle wounds during the rut -What info trackers need: arrow photos, deer reaction, and honest assessments -Blood basics: muscle vs. lung vs. arterial, and why fatal shots sometimes leave no trail Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Mid-October means bucks are moving and we're deep into whitetail season on The Fair Chase podcast. This week, we're back with repeat guest Todd Bumgardner from H uman Predator Pack Mule to dive into the physical and mental demands of mobile public land hunting. We cover: - Why whitetail hunting fitness is more than just "walking to your stand" - The reality of tracking wounded deer and dealing with hunting's hardest moments - How getting comfortable with discomfort in training translates to success in the field - Breaking down the physical demands: cardio for the approach, strength for the haul-out, mobility for tree comfort - Why presence and mental toughness might be your most important hunting skills Check out Todd's training programs at humanpredator.com and follow Pack Training Co on Instagram and TikTok for daily hunting fitness inspiration. Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Today, we bring on our cameraman Jordan to tell the Alaska story from behind the lens, and how it ended with his first-ever animal taken. We also cover: - Alder patch recovery on Joe’s black bear (and why it got spicy fast) - Starlink comms, 24-hour rule nuance, six-wheelers, and filming while trying not to break gear - Managing blown-out sun, puzzle-piece storytelling, and a GoPro mounted outside the airplane - Greasy hides, skull prep, tanning vs. rugs, timelines, and cost reality - What’s next, film release, plus a run of listener hunting stories! If you’re new here, hit Subscribe so you don’t miss the full film and upcoming episodes. This episode’s video will also be on WTA (Worldwide Trophy Adventures)—go subscribe there, too! Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Fall is in full swing, and Joe and I are back with an update on what’s been a whirlwind season so far. From Alaska bears to Colorado mule deer and Michigan hunts, we’ve been busy, and we’re just getting started with whitetail season around the corner. Today we talk about: -Four-bear Alaska adventure: black bears, a grizzly, and Jordan’s first animal -A close-range bow stalk with a black bear at 9 yards -Colorado mule deer & elk hunts -Michigan bear hunts, bobcat tags, and chasing squirrels for mojo -Trail cam setups, busted racks, and gearing up for October whitetails -Why we’re loading up on deer tags and upping our freezer protein this fall Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Summer’s winding down on The Fair Chase podcast, but we’re gearing up for fall with Codie Bhuyan from Tekton Tools. As Codie trains for a marathon to prep for the Ohio hills, we talk Tekton’s immigrant roots, activity-focused hand tools, and how they’re innovating for hunters like us. Codie shares a wild breakdown story where basic tools saved his whitetail hunt, proving why you can always use some pliers, wrenches, and zip ties. We also cover: - Tekton’s evolution: from buying cheap to crafting premium, USA-made gear - Hunt-saving tools - Learning how to hunt deer in the hill country - Codie’s marathon prep for whitetail in steep terrain Check out Tekton Tools: - Website: tekton.com - Instagram: @tektontools Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

The Fair Chase podcast catches up with Julie Chevrefils, President and CEO of Carbon TV (and newlywed!). From fashion modeling and pro poker to piloting, producing hunts, and now guiding hound pursuits in Arizona, Julie’s path is incredible. We tallk about her sunrise wedding, debunking hound hunting myths, and why mountain lion meat is so delicious. As Carbon TV evolves with Roku, affiliate tools, and new features, Julie shares how she’s streamlining the platform for both creators and viewers. We also cover: - Julie’s eclectic resume: modeling, poker wins, and filming hunts for decades - Hound hunting realities: GPS collars, dry ground challenges, and fair chase ethics - Carbon TV upgrades - Why lion meat shines in braises (and tastes like pork when done right) Check out Carbon TV: Website: carbontv.com Instagram: @carbontvmedia Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

On this episode, James and Joe talk black bear baiting. Joe's hunted bears in the UP since his teens and has learned a lot. As fall approaches, we break down our 2025 plans, from scouting natural food sources to camera strategies and avoiding bait pitfalls. Joe shares trial-and-error lessons on keeping baits hot, outsmarting wary boars, and why consistency trumps fancy setups. Whether you’re a newbie or vet, this episode packs practical tips for stacking the odds in your favor. We also cover: - Why bait near mass crops like berries or corn beats dark swamps - Bait basics: granola binders, sticky treats, and avoiding empty stations - Camera intel: cell cams for real-time hits without endless checks - Bear smarts: how they sniff human swaps and ditch baits for acorns Follow us here: - https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ - https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ - https://x.com/TheFairChase1 SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Welcome to another episode of The Fair Chase Podcast! Today, Joe and I are diving deep into his upcoming grizzly hunt in Alaska, now less than two months away. As summer heats up, the excitement is building for this unique adventure.   Joe shares all the details about his return to a favorite Alaskan hunting ground, a place he considers his top spot with no close second. This is a dream hunt for Joe (and most other hunters!). We're talking about the pressure, the anticipation, and the unique challenges of hunting these incredible animals.   In this episode, we also cover: - The unique characteristics of interior grizzlies and how their diet influences their size and temperament. - The diverse hunting strategies that will be used, including baiting, calling, and spot-and-stalk techniques, adapting to what the Alaskan wilderness throws at them. - Essential gear and calibers - The fascinating personalities of bears compared to other big game, and how their upbringing shapes their hunting behaviors. - Why bear hunting has become Joe's favorite pursuit - The importance of staying hunt-ready and avoiding that "winter fat" to tackle demanding backcountry hunts. - The impact of current Alaskan wildfires on the hunting conditions and what that means for bear behavior.   Follow Us Here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1   SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Today we talk with Gary Cornum, Easton Archery’s marketing director since 1993. As summer is getting started up in Utah and Michigan, we’re planning grizzly hunts and sneaking in some smallmouth fishing. But today's discussion is all about arrows.   Gary tells us about Easton’s 100-year legacy, starting with handcrafted longbows to now cutting-edge carbon shafts. We talk about new arrow trends, a heart-pounding deer miss, and why tinkering with gear keeps archery fun all year.   We also cover:  - How Easton’s stayed family-owned and USA-made for 100+ years  - The pendulum swing from light-and-fast to heavy-hitting arrows  - Why confidence in your gear makes you a deadlier archer  - Gary’s hog and whitetail hunts and reliving first-time thrills    Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

The Fair Chase podcast is back, and we’re diving into our wild bison hunt with Jordan Parham, our ace videographer. Fresh off releasing Frozen Arrow, we unpack the chaos of bowhunting bison in brutal -30°F South Dakota winds. Jordan talks about filming in frostbite conditions, juggling cameras, and capturing a rare pass-through shot that stunned our guide. We break down the hunt’s highs, lows, and why bison are tougher than nails.   As we plan a grizzly hunt, Jordan shares how we balance epic adventures with creative storytelling for brands like Kifaru. If you love behind-the-scenes banter and gear talk, this one’s a must-listen.   We also cover:  - The bison that shrugged off heart shots like it was nothing  - Freezing cameras, numb fingers, and fighting mental fog  - Packing smarter for grizzly hunts (zip-off pants, anyone?)  - The art of filming hunts without spooking the quarry   Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Turkey season’s wrapped in Michigan, and Joe’s off chasing bears, but The Fair Chase podcast is back with Mark Naida, editor of Michigan Enjoyer—a fresh outlet hyping the Mitten State’s lifestyle and politics. Mark’s a first-time hunter, and we took him on a wild turkey chase in Northern Michigan, trading his laptop for a shotgun. From the city to the woods, he got a crash course in calling, freezing in a teepee, and why turkeys are the smartest (and dumbest) critters we hunt.   We break down our hunt—near misses, deer blowing our cover, and morel hunters stealing spots—while Mark shares how a city guy fell for Michigan’s wild side. If you’re new to hunting or love a good campfire chat, this one’s for you.   We also cover:  - Why turkey hunting feels like outsmarting a feathered computer  - The beauty of a Kifaru's floorless tipi - How Michigan’s public land makes hunting accessible for newbies  - Mark’s one big tip for April Mark: “Don’t move!”   Check out Michigan Enjoyer: Website: michiganenjoyer.com Instagram: @michiganenjoyer    Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

It’s all hands on deck in Michigan for turkey season on The Fair Chase podcast, but we’re hitting pause to talk boots with Mike Edwards from Schnee’s in Bozeman, Montana.   Mike’s been steeped in boots and big game hunting since he was a kid, taking over the family business that’s been crafting legendary pack boots and mountain boots since the ‘80s. From chasing mule deer to obsessing over bow hunting, he knows what keeps your feet happy on the mountain.   We nerd out on what makes a killer hunting boot, why pack boots deserve more love, and how to avoid blisters that’ll tank your hunt. Whether you’re a Midwest deer slayer or planning a Western elk adventure, Mike’s got the lowdown on picking the perfect pair.   We also cover:  - Why a good outsole and polyurethane midsole are non-negotiable  - Stiff vs. soft boots: when to go quiet or dig into sidehills like a pro  - The biggest mistake hunters make (hint: don’t expect boots to “stretch out”)  - How to break in boots right, without shrinking them by a campfire   Follow us here: 🔹 https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Spring is heating up on The Fair Chase podcast as we gear up for Michigan turkey chases and bear hunts! This week, we’re pumped to have Dylan Dawson from OnX, a decade-long veteran of the ultimate hunting app. Dylan’s a Montana native who’s been hunting since he was tagging along for a 190-inch mule deer at age 5, and now he’s driving OnX’s Western big game marketing.   We dive into how OnX evolved from GPS chips to a phone app that’s a hunter’s best friend, plus Dylan’s excitement for drawing a killer New Mexico aoudad tag and his wife’s epic Montana elk tag. From corner crossing controversies to underused map tools, this episode is packed with insights for leveling up your hunts.   We also cover:  - Why the slope angle layer is a game-changer for Western hunting  - The wild Wyoming corner crossing case and what it means for public land access  - How OnX’s two-finger tap and 3D exaggeration make scouting a breeze  - Dylan’s favorite hunts (archery elk or rifle mule deer?) and his addiction to new species   Check out OnX: App Store: Search “OnX Hunt” for a 7-day free trial Instagram: @onxmaps   Follow Dylan: @dylanhunterdawson  Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

Welcome back to The Fair Chase podcast! This week, we’re pumped to chat with Tom Schneider from Stuck N The Rut, hailing from Idaho’s wilds. Tom’s part of a hunting family that’s been killing it, literally, for decades, and their YouTube channel’s stacked with over 300 videos of raw, DIY public land hunts. From awesome elk chases to grizzly showdowns, they’ve built a huge following by keeping it real.   In this episode, Tom covers how Stuck N The Rut went from local legends to YouTube heavyweights, all while dodging trail cam stalkers. We dig into the messy truth of predator management; wolves wiping out drainages, grizzly cover-ups, and why hunting claws and fangs is key to keeping ecosystems legit.   We also cover:  - How wolves turned thriving moose zones into ghost towns in just two years  - The insane grind of filming and editing hunts (half-hour sheep vids, anyone?)  - Why locals don’t buy the “official” story on grizzlies and wolves  - Turning logged land into a deer and elk paradise with smart predator control   Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL  

In this episode of The Fair Chase podcast, we’re stoked to sit down with Jared Scheffler, the mastermind behind Whitetail Adrenaline. For 18 years, Jared’s been creating raw, sponsor-free, DVD-style hunting films that capture real hunts. Big wins, big fails, and everything in between. From his all-public-land roots to the latest “Uncuffed” season (with a bit of door-knocking permission hunts), Jared’s all about keeping it accessible and wild for the everyday hunter.   We dive into his unique, ground-and-pound hunting style (aggressive moves, instinct-driven chaos, and flinging arrows like a Middle Eastern warrior). Jared breaks down how he went from scraping by on buttered noodles to building a one-of-a-kind brand, plus why even the “tease-fests” make for great content.   We also cover:  - How syncing your instincts can (sometimes) bag big bucks  - The grind of producing unfiltered, high-octane hunting films  - Why Jared shoots an 80+ pound bow in a way no coach would ever teach  - The hustle it took to turn a passion into a living     Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

In this episode of The Fair Chase podcast, we are talking spring bear hunting with Kolby Morehead from Bear Hunting Magazine. With warmer weather hitting Michigan, we're thinking about turkey and bear season. Kolby joins us to talk about why bear hunting is such a unique and fun hunt, whether you’re spot-and-stalking out West, running hounds, or deep in the backcountry.   Kolby shares his journey from behind-the-scenes guy to taking the reins at Bear Hunting Magazine, the only publication dedicated entirely to bear hunting. We unpack the versatility of bear hunts, from road-based glassing to rugged Alaska boat trips, and why bears are so important.   We also cover:  - The many ways to hunt bears and what makes each method special  - Why bears are thriving (and spreading) across the U.S., from Louisiana to Connecticut  - The adaptability of bears and what their scat tells us about their diet  - Tips for rendering bear fat, cooking up killer bear tacos, and even the science behind bear oil for baldness     Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

In this episode of The Fair Chase Podcast, we sit down with Nick DeCastro, founder of LandTrust, to discuss his attempt to change the land access game. Think Airbnb, but for things like DIY hunting, fishing and camping on exclusive private land. Nick shares how LandTrust is tackling the growing challenge of land access, offering a fresh alternative to crowded public lands and expensive leases.   We also cover: - searching for properties and connecting with landowners  - the story behind the idea: from Nick’s Airbnb hosting days to solving the private land puzzle in Montana  - why private land access matters in today’s shrinking hunting landscape  - tips for first-timers booking a DIY hunt     This is a deep dive into another approach for getting outdoors and away from the crowds that you'll love.    Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1    SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL  

This episode comes from an interview we did with Dr. Shawn Riley in preparation for a mountain lion hunt. Dr. Riley is a wildlife ecologist and management expert with over 45 years of boots-on-the-ground experience. From his early days tracking coyote-deer dynamics in Montana’s Missouri River Breaks to leading the charge in the human dimensions of wildlife management, Dr. Riley brings a ton of knowledge and experience to the table. He breaks down the science and the human side of hunting one of North America’s most elusive predators: mountain lions.   We also cover: - How human values and perceptions shape mountain lion management - The practical role of houndsmen and hunters in understanding big cats - What top predators like cougars mean for ecosystems—and why balance matters - The myths and realities of lion behavior in the wild   Follow us here: 🔹 https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://x.com/TheFairChase1   SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Young, a wildlife biologist and professor at Utah State University, to discuss the complex world of mountain lion research, hunting, and conservation. With recent changes in (and attempts to change) hunting regulations and growing debates about predator management in mind, we talk about what science, and real-world experience, tell us about these elusive big cats.   We also cover:   - How hunting (or banning it) impacts cougar populations - The role of houndsmen in mountain lion research - Why balance—not total protection or elimination—is key - What happens when predators disappear from an ecosystem - The biggest misconceptions about cougars and hunting - This is a deep dive into the science, policy, and boots-on-the-ground reality of managing one of North America’s top predators—tune in for an eye-opening conversation.   Follow us here: 🔹 https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ 🔹 https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ 🔹 https://x.com/TheFairChase1   SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Vistisen, host of the Deer Hunter Podcast, to dive into DIY hunting, Michigan’s evolving hunting culture and the strategies behind mock scrapes and synthetic deer scents.   We also cover: - Why Kevin is ditching the public land/private land label for “DIY deer hunting” - The ethics of sharing hunting spots (or not) - The strategy behind synthetic scents and why scrapes are key - Michigan’s hunting regulations, license costs and what needs to change - Why hunting films deserve a big screen—and where you can watch ours on March 19   This one’s packed with some great stuff.   Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thefairchase/ https://www.facebook.com/fairchaseofficial/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefairchase/ https://x.com/TheFairChase1   SAVE 30% on TUO Gear! Promo code: TFC30 🔗 https://bit.ly/40yj1gL