Quick Shots with Jim this week is my list of twelve things that consistently successful elk hunters have in common, and why they matter to you!

jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!

Dan Pickar is back and brings the thunder again! In this episode, we discuss the ludicrous IP 28 proposal that came out of Oregon, we talk about how animal activists are the symptom, but liberalism is the disease. We go back and forth on the decay that is eating our American society and offer up some insights and ideas as to how we rectify the broken path we are on.

Listeners beware, soft feelings won't jive well with this episode. Dan doesn't scare easy when it comes to sharing his thoughts, so getting us both fired up could lead to some hurt feelers for some of you.

Dan on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!

Hit me up at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

Return guest Steve Johnson joins me this week for a wild conversation. Steve is one of the top elk callers and bear hunters that I know of, and as usual, he doesn't disappoint with his authentic and fearless honesty.

In this episode, we go deep into bear baiting, scent control, elk calls, and even some culture stuff that's always fun to cover on the show. We talk about how technology has this tipping point when it comes to fair chase hunting, and the conundrum of who decides what that tipping point is. It's a solid conversation from a couple dudes who like to ponder the unanswerable questions. Don't miss this one!

Steve on Instagram

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!

It's that time of year!!!

The official School of September has launched for 2026 and we couldn't be more excited. In this episode, I start us out with some basic behavior and fundamental gear stuff to get us rolling as we inch closer to archery elk season. We have some fantastic guests lined up for this years SOS, the top names and some people you haven't heard of… Don't discount them!

Submit your School of September questions to jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Precision Pay- Leave those leftist, woke companies behind and don't worry about being deplatformed or de-banked for your values again! Join the only pay-by-bank payment network that respects and protects your rights as a firearms owner and outdoorsman! Their mission is to provide you with a safe and easy way for you to pursue your passion while safeguarding your privacy. Forget liberal run commie companies like Venmo, replace it with like-minded Americans with Precision Pay! Visit www.myprecisionpay.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have!

Dakota Johnson is a hunter, contractor, and family man in North Idaho. In this episode, Dakota and I discuss what connections exist between hunting media and crowded hunt units. We also get into hunting technology and how it affects the fair chase doctrine. It's a great conversation and I really enjoyed having Dakota on the show!

Follow the show on Instagram

Email: jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT- From tomahawks to pocket knives, every hunter should visit https://bit.ly/ColumbiaRiverKnifeAndTool-Eastmans and poke around for your next hunt. I've given my Chogan T-Hawk a real workout on the homestead and in camp. The hunting knife line-up has something for everyone, who doesn't love shopping for knives??

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/https://bit.ly/PhelpsGameCalls-Eastmans -Use Promo Code "Huntsman10" for 10% off!

Timber Cleghorn is a survivalist, family man, hunter, Christian, humanitarian aid worker, and the runner up contestant on the hit television series Alone, season 11.

In this episode, Timber shares the process of being selected for the show, he talks about his childhood and what motivated him to apply. We discuss the hardships of his time spent alone in the Arctic Circle, what he did to survive for 83 days, and some of the behind the scenes details that typical viewership never gets to hear. I'm always fascinated with Alone and the people who take on the challenge to go on it. It takes extreme mental fortitude and skillsets that are outside most of our wheelhouses, which I think is why the show does so well. Timber is an authentic guy and does an incredible job on the show. I was really excited to get him on the pod and hear his story!

Timber on Instagram

Memoir of a Wildman link

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! Whether looking for bugle tubes, deer calls, predator calls, reeds, anything, Phelps Game Calls is a one stop shop of quality, American made game calls. Use promo code Huntsman10 for 10% off at checkout. Visit Phelpsgamecalls.com

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT- From tomahawks to pocket knives, every hunter should visit https://bit.ly/ColumbiaRiverKnifeAndTool-Eastmans and poke around for your next hunt. I've given my Chogan T-Hawk a real workout on the homestead and in camp. The hunting knife line-up has something for everyone, who doesn't love shopping for knives??

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com

If you love calling elk, don't miss this episode. I share the four unique calling techniques I use when traditional calling isn't working. We've all been there, the standard bugle or cow calls are just not working that day. Maybe it's the weather or whatever various factor has changed, but the elk that were bugling here yesterday are not bugling today.

Try these calls, they have all worked for me in some way either for myself or while guiding. Practice these techniques before season so they are solid when you get there. Let me know what you think at jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

Show Sponsors!

Phelps Game Calls - The game call company of The Western Huntsman! https://bit.ly/PhelpsGameCalls-Eastmans -Use Promo Code "Huntsman10" for 10% off!

Leupold Optics- Over 100 years of American-made optics such as scopes, binos, spotters, range finders and more. Leupold sets the standard for innovation and quality without selling out. Leupold not only makes excellent products for any hunt, but they work hard for the future of hunting through their incredible support of many different conservation organizations. Support the companies that support you, check out Leupold here: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

Browning X-Bolt 2 - Browning is perhaps one of the top brands in American hunting. We all know this company, and they've once again moved the bar to a higher standard with the X-Bolt 2 rifle. Available in multiple cartridges, this rifle is designed for maximum, Total Accuracy, right out of the box. The Vari-Tech Stock allows this rifle to fit any person of any size. The DLX Trigger with adjustable weights is smooth as ice, and hunters can take advantage of the Plus Magazine System when maximum rounds are needed. With too many features to list here, this rifle is a no-brainer. Check it out at https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans

Mystery Ranch Packs- These packs have a long tradition of quality and durability. Their new hunting pack line-up has everything from solid daypacks to backcountry sizes and women's sizes. This is huge! I've never been able to find a good pack for my wife and girls that actually fit them right until I found the women's Sawtooth. Impressive load capacities, great organization, tough, lightweight, and carried on the improved Mysterium frame. Link: https://bit.ly/MysteryRanch-Eastmans

Easton Archery- Perhaps the most world renowned arrow manufacturer on the planet, these American-Made products range from hunting to target arrows to a complete accessory lineup. The Western Huntsman is proud to partner with a leader in this industry, especially since we've been a customer of theirs for many years. Feel confident going into the field with the best arrows available, there is no reason to go with lesser products on something as important as your next hunt. https://eastonarchery.com/

Eastmans Hunting Journals - What Western Hunter doesn't know Eastmans Hunting Journals?? I've been a fan and subscriber to the magazine since I was a kid, and you should too. Between the magazine, Eastmans TagHub, and the new Mule Deer eCourse, Eastmans has something for everyone and the tools every Western Hunter should have! Check it out at https://www.eastmans.com/