Best Cuttingthedistance Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 103: Mid-September Checkup 56:57

2h ago56:57

56:57

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…

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Ep. 102: Should I Call for Early Season Whitetails? 54:44

8d ago54:44

54:44

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…

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Ep. 101: Alaska Sheep Adventure 53:39

8d ago53:39

53:39

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 w…

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Ep. 100: Is Your Bow Ready for Elk Season? 1:19:07

23d ago1:19:07

1:19:07

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 b…

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Ep. 99: Elk Hunting with a Purpose 42:35

22d ago42:35

42:35

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 go…

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Ep. 98: How to Call an Elk - Lip Bawls, Grunts, Chuckles, and Barks 44:40

1M ago44:40

44:40

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 ca…

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Ep. 97: Ten Common Mistakes Made by Archery Elk Hunters 45:18

1M ago45:18

45:18

I would argue I've learned more from my mistakes than from my successes when it comes to elk hunting. In this episode, Jason gives his opinion on ten common mistakes that may be hindering success for you this fall. He touches on calling your way into elk, unwillingness to change the plan, calling to small as well as not spending enough time in the …

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Ep. 96: How to Call an Elk - Fundamentals First: Cow Calls and Bugles 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

31 days until September! Are you ready? Want to learn how to become a more proficient elk caller? In this episode, Dirk dives deep into making elk vocalizations. He starts with fundamental sounds, then shifts into turning those sounds into cow calls and bugles. Link to see videos of Dirk making these calls: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmts0q…

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Ep. 95: Success in the Elk Woods 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

Jason dives into some of his past archery hunts and talks about what he feels were the key factors that led to success. Successful elk hunters usually don't limit themselves to one tactic or one game plan. They are able to evaluate the elk, the pressure, and the sign to formulate a plan that gives them the best chance for success. Connect with Jaso…

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Ep. 94: Non-Typical Elk Calling 53:34

2M ago53:34

53:34

We've all heard that classic three-note bugle, which is typically a go-to for most folks while calling elk. This week, Dirk talks about non-typical elk vocalizations and how he uses them while calling to bull elk each September. Dirk also answers "Pendleton Whisky's Listener Questions" about topics ranging from fall bear hunting tactics while hunti…

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Ep. 93: The Killing End of the Stick! 1:01:26

2M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Bill Vanderheyden returns to the podcast to discuss new findings from the University of Colorado study, which looked at accuracy, stability, drag, wind drift, spin up, and sound. He offers tips for improving flight with broadheads. We also talk about the new heads he has coming out at Iron Will. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatE…

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Ep. 92: Four World-Champ Elk Callers: Team America 1:14:40

3M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Dirk and three other world-champion elk callers, Tony Gilbertson, Jermaine Hodge, and Erik Berglund, discuss the 2024 RMEF World Elk Calling Championships. They also talk about the elk hunt the three guests shared last fall, which is on YouTube now, and the process of designing their new signature elk diaphragms that are included in the new All-Ame…

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Ep. 91: Building the Perfect Elk Arrow 51:44

3M ago51:44

51:44

Sorting through internet jargon and opinions to figure out what's the best arrow set up for hunting elk is a daunting task. In this episode, Dirk sits down with long time friend and arrow expert, Cory Miller of Darton Archery, at Total Archery Challenge in Big Sky, Montana. They talk pros and cons of today's popular arrow setups. Connect with Jason…

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Ep. 90: You Want to be a Hound Hunter? 1:06:40

3M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Who wants to be a houndsman? There is a lot that goes into training a pack of hound dogs. Jason and Bradley Dammerman dive deep into what it takes to start your own pack of dogs from scratch in the pursuit of mountain lions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.c…

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Ep. 89: Pack Dump 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

We get a lot of questions every year about what we like to carry in our back packs during the hunt each fall. Dirk and Jason break down their equipment lists of what goes in their packs and why. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

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Ep. 88: Elk Addicts Q&A 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

Elk season is right around the corner and everyone is starting to think about it. On this episode, Jason fields questions from the Elk Addicts Facebook page. Cold calling, gutless method, what you can get away with when an elk is in range, and how often Jason calls are just some of the topics covered on this episode. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and P…

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Ep. 87: 2024 Hunting Season Plans and Elk Hunting Q&A 59:54

4M ago59:54

59:54

Spring is over and it's time to start getting ready for fall, if you haven't already started! Dirk and Jason go over their exciting hunting plans for 2024 and answer more listener elk hunting questions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

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Ep. 86: Elk Scouting, Bow Setups, and Shot Placement with Jason and Dirk 1:03:55

4M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

With turkey season in the tail lights, Jason and Dirk answer listener elk hunting questions. They dive deep into scouting, bow and arrow setups, and shot placement. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Ep. 85: Whitetail Strategy and Tactics with Brock Shelton 1:00:40

4M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Some of the best hunters are those you've never heard of. Brock Shelton doesn't have social media, and nobody aside from his close friends has ever seen a deer that he has killed, but his wall is testament to how effective he is in the whitetail stand. Jason and Brock discuss the whitetail deer hunter's calendar and how successful deer hunters are …

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Ep. 84: Dirk and Jason Answer Listener Elk Hunting Questions 1:16:33

4M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

This episode Dirk and Jason play listener questions from the call-in number. Questions about hunting a full moon, hunting elk that move from public to private land, hunting elk in the jungles of North Idaho, and several more. If you have a question that you would like answered on the air, call in and leave a message. Please note, your question can'…

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Ep. 83: Spring Bear Hunting in the Backcountry with Josh Boyd 1:09:15

5M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Spot and stalk bear hunting can be tough, but also rewarding. Dirk and Josh Boyd share a conversation about spring bear hunting in the backcountry. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Ep. 82: Turkeys, Ticks and Tactics 1:04:33

5M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Turkey season is here! The birds are gobbling, so we wanted to touch on turkey tactics one last time. Jason and Dirk discuss everything that they carry in their vest, their approach on different subspecies, how to call to birds in when henned up, and much more. Jason then throws some real-life hunting scenarios at Dirk that steers the conversations…

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Ep. 81: Bulls, Gobblers, and Wolves with Ron Hewitt 1:17:00

5M ago1:17:00

1:17:00

Time spent in the woods each spring is so imortant to resetting our mental state after being cooped up all winter, especially when you share that time with friends or family. Dirk recaps his Oregon turkey hunt with his good friend, Ron Hewitt, and they dive into a couple rabbit holes of Idaho elk hunting and the effect wolves have had on the landsc…

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Ep. 80: Baiting Spring Black Bears with Cody Wilson and Corey Paulsen 35:15

5M ago35:15

35:15

Some people may say, "Baiting is the lazy man's way to hunt bears." Dirk dives in deep about the work and details that goes into bear baiting while on a bear hunt last spring in Wyoming with long time friends Cody Wilson and Corey Paulsen. After listening to this, you may walk away with a new found respect for those gritty hunters who take the "laz…

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Ep. 79: Mountain Lion Hunting with Hound Dogs 51:32

6M ago51:32

51:32

Hound hunting can stir strong emotions in both hunters and non-hunters. Jason and his good friend and hunting outfitter, Bradley Dammerman, reflect on Jason's recent Mountain Lion hunt and discuss what hound hunting is all about. As any group of people today, a couple bad actors can make the whole group look bad. Bradley explains his take on hounds…

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Ep. 78: So You Want to Backpack Hunt? 1:10:17

6M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Backpack hunting is becoming more popular as time goes by. People are venturing further and farther from the roads to find game and just get away from it all. Jason and Dirk sit down to talk about the specialty gear required, when they make the decision to backpack hunt, as well as a list of other best practices. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelp…

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Ep. 77: Bo Nickal - The Wrestler, The Fighter, The Hunter 1:22:04

6M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

Bo Nickal is known by almost every wrestling and UFC fan out there. He is one of the most dominant wrestlers of all time, winning three NCAA championships for Penn State and carrying that success into the octagon where he now has a 5-0 record to start his career. Bo started hunting later in life, once his collegiate career was over. We talk about h…

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Ep. 76: Small Batch Turkey Calls 51:19

6M ago51:19

51:19

If Phelps "Small Batch" turkey calls are made in Washington, why are they referred to as "small batch" when the guys behind them live in Missouri? Dirk made the trip out to Missouri from Idaho to capture video content around Steve Morgenstern's new pot calls and James Harrison's triple locator. They discuss manufacturing, features, and best practic…

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Ep. 75: The ElkMaster, Josh Boyd 1:16:19

7M ago1:16:19

1:16:19

Ever met someone who is so easy to talk to and shares the same passions as you? Someone who you can talk to for hours and it seems like time stands still? Dirk's longtime friend, Josh Boyd, from north-western Montana is just that kind of guy. Josh has taken many public land bulls and bucks in his life and loves to share his adventures with fellow s…

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Ep. 74: Rapid-Fire Turkey with John Weik 51:30

7M ago51:30

51:30

Turkey season is right around the corner! If I were a betting man, I would place my bet on the fact: "There is nobody that spends more time chasing mountain birds around than John Weik." Jason jumps into conversation with John on the best times of day to be hunting, what calls should be in your kit, and locating birds in the mountains. Jason then s…

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Ep. 73: Idaho's "Good Old Days" of Elk Hunting 1:02:59

7M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

When I hear the phrase "good old days," I want to know exactly how good it was. Dirk sits down with outdoor writer and lifelong Sportsman advocate, George Bettas, to chat about elk hunting in Idaho's famed Clearwater region back in the 70's and 80's. George transports us from back in time to elk hunting massive herds of elk in a place void of hunte…

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Ep. 72: North Country Ghost Bulls 1:13:37

7M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

We just released a new elk hunting film on the Phelps Game Calls channel titled- "Ghost Bulls of the North". Dirk and videographer, Dusty Rupe, discuss the challenges of filming elk hunts in the Boreal Forest, and then take a deep dive into elk hunting tactics that were used in the film. If you want a little peak behind the curtains of this film pr…

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Ep. 71: Make Sure You Have a Tag in Your Pocket 1:02:34

8M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

With elk season 2024 planning in full effect and state deadlines approaching, Jason brings Dirk on this episode to talk about their strategies when applying for tags. They briefly go over preference points, bonus points, lotteries, and OTC opportunities. Jason also goes on a little rant on a new "US Hunting Pact" that would alleviate the supply and…

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Ep. 70: Report Card Time! Listener Call-Ins with Dirk 1:25:15

8M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

With elk season 2023 in the tail lights, Dirk reflects on what his elk hunting report card looks like, and plays listener questions and comments about their season from our Call-In Hot Line as well. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…

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Ep. 69: Just Go Turkey Hunting - Listener Q&A 35:30

8M ago35:30

35:30

Have you been on the fence about jumping in on hunting turkeys? Today it's easier than ever before to pursue turkeys. Jason breaks down what it takes to get started turkey hunting by answering listener questions. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener …

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Ep. 68: Hunting Fitness from the Aging Hunter, Bob Terwilliger 53:35

8M ago53:35

53:35

No doubt there's a lot of buzz about getting fit to pursue big game in the backcountry. Dirk sits down with good friend Bob Terwilliger. Bob is what some might call an "Aging Hunter", yet he keeps himself fit enough to enjoy one of his favorite past times - backcountry elk hunting. Listen in to hear about Bob's age-defying secrets that keep him you…

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Ep. 67: Long Range Hunting with Jon Pynch 1:15:34

8M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

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 Cal…

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Ep. 66: Trapping Wolves with Justin Webb 55:41

9M ago55:41

55:41

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 d…

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Ep. 65: Whitetail Habitat and Hunting with Jeff Sturgis 1:08:48

9M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

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 understandin…

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Ep. 64: United We Stand, Divided We Fall with Jim Huntsman 1:03:36

9M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

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 Merc…

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Ep. 63: Ryan Lampers Q&A and 2023 Season Recap of What Worked 1:11:47

9M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

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 did…

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Ep. 62: An Outfitter's Take on Common Hunter Mistakes 1:19:54

10M ago1:19:54

1:19:54

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 Ins…

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Ep. 61: Jason's Gear in 2023 46:29

10M ago46:29

46:29

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, West…

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Ep. 60: Kansas Archery Whitetails with Dirk and Jason 43:05

10M ago43:05

43:05

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 Phelp…

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Ep. 59: State of Montana Mule Deer and Hunt Recap with Tyson Drevniak 51:34

10M ago51:34

51:34

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 t…

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Ep 58: Listener Q & A with Dirk and Jason 58:30

11M ago58:30

58:30

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 omnys…

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Ep 57: 2023 Archery Elk Season Recap with Jon Gabrio 1:29:56

11M ago1:29:56

1:29:56

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 Insta…

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Ep. 56: Jason and Duke Discuss Steve's Epic Mule Deer Hunt 56:42

11M ago56:42

56:42

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 ge…

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Ep. 55: Muzzleloader Hunt Recap and Hoof Rot 42:48

11M ago42:48

42:48

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 …

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Ep. 54: DIY Elk Hunting Series: Rifle Elk Hunting PT2 1:11:00

11M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

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.…

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