The Sportsmen’s Empire Western Big Game feed is a collection of outdoor hunting podcasts dedicated to the big game hunter. These podcasts cover hunting strategy, hunting gear, and hunting stories of big game species in North America. Topics include elk hunting, mule deer hunting, antelope hunting, and all things western big game.
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September 4, 202639 min
Hunting Gear Podcast - Nested Treestand Systems
Episode DescriptionThe best mobile hunting systems do one thing - they disappear into the hunt. Nested Tree Stand Systems is built around that idea, and Gabe Denzine explains why this brand was designed from the ground up for hunters who pack in, climb once, and want every piece of gear to work together. Gabe and Dan unpack how Nested grew out of a real problem: the clunky, cobbled-together setup so many hunters have been forced to live with. Instead of making another generic add-on to an existing line, the team built a true system - rails, stand, and pack engineered to nest together, carry weight better, and speed up setup in the field. You'll discover why Nested uses rails instead of traditional climbing sticks, how the dual-rail design helps prevent kick-out and improves foot placement, and why the pack-and-stand combo is modeled after a Western frame pack to move weight to your hips instead of your shoulders. Gabe also breaks down the 8.6-pound cast aluminum hang-on, the patented Z-shaped profile, the one-strap cam-over design, and the difference between the 15-liter and 35-liter packs. We also get into the practical details that matter when you're in the dark and under pressure - from rope attachments versus cam straps, to how many rails most hunters really need, to why the system is especially appealing for guys hunting big hill country or anyone trying to cut down on trips up and down the tree. If you've ever wished your mobile setup felt lighter, safer, and more intuitive, this conversation hits all the right notes. Gabe Denzine is the brand manager behind Nested Tree Stand Systems at Artisam, and he brings a hunter's perspective to product design, with firsthand experience using and refining the system in the field. Dan Johnson keeps the conversation focused on the real-world problems mobile hunters face and whether Nested actually solves them. Essential listening if you run a mobile tree stand setup, hunt public land, or want a more streamlined way to carry and hang your gear without the usual frustration. Learn more at nestedtreestands.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
September 3, 202641 min
Huntavore - If You Give Huntavore A Fish…
Nick opens with a personal update on the shift from summer chaos into early fall hunting season, then moves into two connected stories about wild game, generosity, and community. He reflects on being gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout, turning part of it into smoked jerky, and how that exchange strengthened a friendship. He also previews an upcoming New Jersey black bear hunt and a new venison donation project that uses hunters’ harvests to help feed others. Key Topics Balancing school, work, family, and hunting preparation as fall approaches Why Nick is keeping his current archery setup unchanged Repacking his kill kit and bringing a paperback book into the tree stand Preparing for an October black bear hunt in New Jersey with Mitchell Shirk Processing and preserving gifted Great Lakes salmon and lake trout Making smoked fish jerky using a brown sugar and salt cure Smoking fish with charcoal and black cherry wood The practical process of trimming fillets and removing pin bones How gifting wild game can create friendships and strengthen community Using salmon as part of a practical meal-prep routine The Doe Dash venison donation concept Turning donated venison into food for local food banks Using recipes to help families enjoy venison beyond burgers and chili Nick’s quick 30-minute meatballs and his wife’s grandfather’s gyoza recipe The role hunters can play in providing high-quality protein to people in need Episode Summary Preparing for Fall Hunting SeasonNick begins by describing the transition into September in Michigan. With school back in session, a nine-to-five job, children, and personal projects all competing for attention, he is learning to manage his time more intentionally.Fall is also the season when outdoor pursuits begin to accelerate. Nick talks about preparing for Michigan’s archery opener and getting his bow back out to start practicing. His equipment has been working well, so he is taking a simple approach: if something is not broken, there is no reason to fix it.One small change he is considering is bringing a paperback book into the tree stand. Rather than spending downtime scrolling on his phone, he wants to use that time to read and gain a different perspective while remaining immersed in the outdoors.A New Jersey Black Bear HuntNick shares exciting news about an upcoming trip to New Jersey to hunt black bear with Mitchell Shirk of the Pennsylvania Woodsman.The trip is already moving forward, with flights and lodging arranged. Mitchell has been handling much of the scouting, baiting, and stand preparation, while Nick plans to bring his saddle because it allows him to sit comfortably for longer periods.The hunt will be a completely new experience for Nick. In addition to pursuing a new species in unfamiliar country, he will also have to think through the logistics of processing, transporting, and preserving a bear while traveling by plane. He hopes to bring the hide home for a rug and expects to rely heavily on Mitchell’s knowledge of local processors and taxidermists. The Gift of Great Lakes FishThe central story begins with several fillets of Great Lakes king salmon and lake trout sitting in Nick’s freezer.The important part is not simply the fish. It is how the fish came to him. Nick received the fish from Jason and Britley, friends he met through their sons’ soccer team. Jason is an avid outdoorsman who spends much of his time waterfowl hunting and fishing on the Great Lakes. After Jason and his fishing team won a tournament, he found himself with more fish than his household could use because Britley has a serious fish allergy.Jason reached out to Nick, knowing that Nick enjoys both cooking and processing wild game. Nick offered to take some of the fish, prepare it, and turn part of it into jerky so Jason could continue enjoying the harvest without wasting it.Processing Lake Trout for Smoked Jerky Nick explains the practical work involved in preparing the fish. The fillets had already been scaled, so he focused on trimming them and removing the pin bones.He used needle-nose pliers to locate and pull the bones from the larger fillets. Some of the bones were substantial, especially in the bigger fish.Nick also discusses the differences between the fish. Lake trout has a richer, oilier character than king salmon, which gives it a stronger and more distinctive flavor. Instead of viewing that as a negative, Nick embraced the uniqueness of the fish and found that its higher fat content worked well for jerky.The Cure and Smoking ProcessFor the first batch, Nick followed a method inspired by Hank Shaw. The cure consisted primarily of brown sugar and salt. Because fish absorbs salt quickly, he allowed the fillets to cure for roughly six to eight hours before rinsing them and preparing them for the smoker.A problem arose when Nick discovered that his smoker had developed a rust issue. Rather than abandoning the project, he adapted by using cooling racks on his charcoal grill.He also used black cherry wood from a storm-damaged tree in his backyard. The combination of charcoal and homemade wood chunks created the smoke needed to transform the fish.Nick describes how the smoke changed the appearance of the bright red fish, giving it a warm, tan color while preserving the visual appeal of the meat. The result was not just flavorful; it was something that looked appetizing before it was even tasted. Sharing the Finished ProductAfter reducing the moisture and concentrating the flavor, Nick packaged the finished fish and gave it back to Jason.The amount was noticeably smaller than the original fresh fish because of the water loss during smoking, but the value of the gift had increased. Jason could now enjoy his catch in a preserved form, and he had a product that was easier to store and use.This created a meaningful exchange. Jason had gifted Nick the fish, and Nick returned part of that bounty in a new form. The interaction became more than food preservation. It became a way for two outdoorsmen to share skills, effort, and appreciation.The Community Built Through Wild GameNick connects this experience to the broader tradition of sharing wild game.Hunters and anglers often trade venison, duck breasts, fish, and other harvests with one another. Someone may have extra duck but no fish. Another person may have more fish than their family can use but would gladly trade for venison.These exchanges create relationships. They help people use more of the animals they harvest, reduce waste, and give friends an opportunity to experience food they may not otherwise have access to.Nick reflects on the familiar saying: Copy “If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.” For Nick, the saying leaves out something important. When you give someone a fish, you may also create gratitude, conversation, friendship, and a desire to share in return. Fish as Everyday Meal Preparation Not all of the gifted fish became jerky. Nick also used some of it for family meals and meal preparation.He describes preparing salmon with rice and avocado as a balanced lunch containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Having prepared meals available helped him avoid relying on fast food during a busy workday.This connects the gift of fish to another benefit: wild game and locally harvested food can become part of a practical everyday routine, not just a special occasion meal.From Friendship to OutreachThe conversation then expands beyond the exchange between Nick and Jason. Attribution Code "Slow Burn" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
September 3, 20261 hr 9 min
Western Rookie - Mule Deer Foundation: State Of The Union
Mule deer are still the vanishing icon of the West, and if you care about public land hunting, this conversation explains exactly why. Greg Sheehan, CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation, lays out the hard truth behind the decline, what changed after the mule deer heyday, and what hunters and conservation groups are doing right now to turn it around. Greg brings a rare perspective to the problem. He’s spent decades on both sides of wildlife management, from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and now he’s focused on one species and one mission - restoring mule deer and their habitat. We break down the forces reshaping mule deer numbers across the West, including habitat loss, winter severity, drought, wildfire, migration barriers, invasive grasses, disease, and competition from other deer species. Greg also explains why modern mule deer management is so different from the 1960s boom years, why the old “good old days” are gone, and why today’s hunters are seeing fewer mature bucks on the landscape. You’ll discover: Why mule deer populations surged in the early 1900s and peaked mid-century How severe winters in the early 1990s reshaped deer herds across the West The “menacing seven” threats hurting mule deer today Why fence removal, sagebrush planting, guzzlers, and habitat work matter so much How access on National Wildlife Refuges expanded and why that was a major win for hunters We also get into the bigger conservation picture - how state agencies, federal land managers, and groups like the Mule Deer Foundation fund real on-the-ground projects, why membership matters, and what it takes to keep mule deer from becoming a rare opportunity instead of a mainstream hunt.Essential listening if you hunt mule deer, care about western habitat, or want to understand what’s really happening behind the numbers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
September 2, 202634 min
Hound Dog Network - The Morning Of The Switch
Sometimes a race doesn’t go according to plan—and sometimes it's an even bigger surprise at the end. In this episode, we take a look back on a race when the hounds made a switch in mid-race, something we never knew about until just before dark when we corralled a giant in the rocks. It’s the kind of chase that reminds you why these moments stick with you: the chase, the instincts, the adrenaline, and the surprise waiting at the end. What started as one race quickly turned into a story worth telling—and a memory that takes you right back to being there. IG - heathhyatt147 FB Heath Hyatt Youtube - Heath Hyatt Send your stories or questions to: creeksidechroniclespodcast@gmail.com Follow our Sponsors: Inukshuk Double U Hunting Supply Muddy River Transport Darkenergy OnX Inukshuk: Inukshukpro.com Corey.ca Darkenergy: best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4 darkenergy.com Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses Polarized No questions asked replacement Charitable Donation with every pair Free shipping Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4 https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy Subscribe to: Full Cry Magazine Bear Hunting Magazine American Bear Foundation Virginia Bear Hunters Association For the best lights in the business Check out: Cajunlights.com Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com We would like to thank those who support this podcast. Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode. www.dusupply.com https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 27, 20261 hr 26 min
Deep In The Hunt Of Texas - Ballistics Podcast
This episode is a high-energy college football and Cowboys roundtable, with the group arguing through Big 12 and SEC team projections, hot-seat coaches, Heisman/National Championship picks, and the Cowboys’ outlook for the season. The conversation is funny, opinionated, and heavily Texas-focused, with lots of rivalry banter and bold predictions. Timestamps (00:00) Hunters Extravaganza recap and the audio meltdown (01:18) Introducing the panel and resetting after Jeff’s connection issues (03:06) Why the Hunters Extravaganza felt more like a shopping mall than a hunting show (06:14) Football season is here, and the show shifts to college previews (07:12) Texas: Arch Manning, brutal schedule, and playoff expectations (13:49) Oklahoma: defense, offense, and whether Venables is on the clock (25:19) Texas A&M: Marcel Reed, schedule trouble, and the Aggies’ ceiling (33:08) Texas Tech: Will Hammond, defensive regression, and playoff-or-bust talk (43:43) SMU: Kevin Jennings’ boom-or-bust profile (48:05) Houston: Conor Weigman, Willie Fritz, and a schedule with room to win (54:21) TCU: Sonny Dykes, uncertainty, and a brutal opening stretch (57:49) Baylor: DJ Lagway speculation and Dave Aranda’s seat (63:38) Big-name coach hot-seat predictions (65:15) National title and Heisman picks (69:20) Cowboys: roster strengths, weak spots, and playoff expectations (82:50) Trevor Lawrence, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, and other NFL quarterback takes (85:07) Wrap-up and closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 27, 20261 hr 7 min
Western Rookie - Crossover: Mule Deer & Whitetails
Western Kansas can make you a better hunter - or break your ego fast. Travis Glassman reveals how he consistently patterns mature whitetails and mule deer in one of the toughest, flattest, most overlooked deer countries in the West. Dan Johnson and Travis catch up after years apart, and the conversation quickly turns into a sharp, practical breakdown of what it really takes to hunt a landscape where deer numbers are down, cover is limited, and every move matters. From chronic wasting disease and drought to shifting deer behavior, Travis explains why success out here depends less on luck and more on reading water, terrain, and pressure with precision. You'll discover: How CWD and drought have changed mule deer and whitetail numbers in western Kansas Why Travis now starts with trail cameras, then narrows in with glassing and ambush planning The difference between how mule deer and whitetails behave, especially during the rut Why he often chooses a doe decoy over a buck decoy for mule deer How he uses terrain, crop edges, drainages, and even observation setups to create shot opportunities in flat country Travis also shares how fatherhood has changed his hunting priorities, from chasing antler inches to valuing time, experience, and passing the obsession on to his kids. If you've ever hunted open-country deer, struggled to locate mature bucks, or wondered how to adapt when numbers drop and the conditions get harder, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons you can use right away. Perfect for deer hunters who love tactics, western ground, and real-world strategy over theory - especially if you're trying to outthink mature bucks in country that gives you very few second chances. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 26, 202639 min
Hound Dog Network - When To Call It A Day: Enough Is Enough
How do you know when it’s time to call it a day? After multiple dumps, long hours in the woods, and one blown track after another ending without success, every hound hunter eventually faces that decision. In this episode, we talk about the reality of tough hunts—the frustration, the exhaustion, and the temptation to keep pushing when the woods just aren’t giving it up. Sometimes the best decision isn’t another drop; it’s loading the dogs, heading home, and living to hunt another night. IG - heathhyatt147 FB Heath Hyatt Youtube - Heath Hyatt Send your stories or questions to: creeksidechroniclespodcast@gmail.com Follow our Sponsors: Inukshuk Double U Hunting Supply Muddy River Transport Darkenergy OnX Inukshuk: Inukshukpro.com Corey.ca Darkenergy: best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4 darkenergy.com Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses Polarized No questions asked replacement Charitable Donation with every pair Free shipping Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4 https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy Subscribe to: Full Cry Magazine Bear Hunting Magazine American Bear Foundation Virginia Bear Hunters Association For the best lights in the business Check out: Cajunlights.com Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com We would like to thank those who support this podcast. Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode. www.dusupply.com https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 21, 202645 min
Hunting Gear Podcast - Reloading & Western Hunting Gear
Western hunts get a lot easier when your gear, sleep setup, and ammo are dialed in before you leave home. Dan Johnson sits down with Wisconsin hunter Nick Brewer to break down the real-world system he uses to chase mule deer and pronghorn in Montana and Wyoming without wasting time, money, or energy. Nick has spent roughly 15 years hunting out West, and he shares the hard-earned details that only come from doing it over and over: how he chooses between a lightweight rifle and a heavier custom build, why he handloads his own 7mm-08 ammo, and what actually matters when you're choosing optics for late-season hunts. If you travel east to hunt or you're trying to make your first Western trip less expensive and more efficient, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. You’ll discover: How Nick stretches tags and preference points to keep getting back out West Why a heavy rifle can shoot better, but a lighter rifle can save your hunt when the miles add up What makes Sierra Game King and Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets his go-to choices The budget-friendly reloading setup that gets him started for about $250 to $500 Why low-light performance and eye relief matter more than flashy scope specs How he built a truck sleeping system that keeps him warm without a hotel The Freedom Camper setup he just added to upgrade his backcountry truck camping Nick also shares the simple food strategy that keeps him fed on the road, the boot and clothing choices that help him handle cold, mobile hunts, and the one piece of gear he says is a total game changer for staying warm in the truck: an electric blanket powered by a lithium battery and inverter. This episode is especially useful if you hunt from a vehicle, want to cut down on expensive trip logistics, or are looking for realistic gear advice instead of hype. Dan and Nick keep it practical, honest, and full of ideas you can actually use on your next Western hunt.Perfect for hunters planning a Western trip, gear tinkerers, reloaders, and anyone trying to stay comfortable and effective in tough conditions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 21, 202653 min
Western Rookie - Mule Deer Hunting Tips For Your Best Season
Antelope and mule deer don’t just test your shooting. They expose every mistake in your glassing, rangefinding, wind reading, patience, and ability to disappear into terrain without blowing the whole stalk. Dan Johnson and Kurt Belding trade hard-earned stories from the field and break down what actually works when you’re chasing pronghorn and mule deer with a bow. From 80-yard antelope shot windows to the brutal reality of crawling across open country only to watch deer melt into the next drainage, this conversation is packed with the kind of details western hunters usually learn the hard way. You’ll discover: Why antelope hunting can be more mentally frustrating than elk hunting How Kurt decides whether a stalk is even worth starting Why mule deer success often comes down to patience, glassing, and staying with an animal long enough to make a smart move The importance of OnX waypoints, accurate rangefinding, and knowing exactly how terrain changes your approach Why bucks bed the way they do, how other deer ruin stalks, and when freezing in place beats trying to sneak away Dan and Kurt also compare prairie hunts to mountain hunts, talk water, shade, bedding behavior, and explain why mule deer can seem impossible until everything finally lines up. Kurt shares the mindset that keeps him effective in the bubble, including the value of backing out, relocating, and waiting for the right moment instead of forcing a shot. If you hunt the West, want to hunt the West, or just love the chess match behind a successful stalk, this one is essential listening. It’s a real-world masterclass in reading animals, reading country, and staying disciplined when the whole hunt is trying to make you panic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
August 20, 202639 min
Hound Dog Network - Heat, Hustle & No Hunting
This episode is all about the reality of trying to balance work, the summer heat, and the hunting season you’ve been looking forward to all year. Sometimes the grind doesn’t just make hunting harder—it takes opportunities completely off the table. We talk about how work schedules and brutal heat can keep you out of the woods, the frustration that comes with missing opportunities, and why you have to make the most of the time you actually do get. Then we shift gears to a little dog training. We talk about one of the most important commands you can teach any dog: the recall (“come”) command. Join us every week on Creekside Chronicles and get your weekly dose of hunting with hounds. IG - heathhyatt147 FB Heath Hyatt Youtube - Heath Hyatt Send your stories or questions to: creeksidechroniclespodcast@gmail.com Follow our Sponsors: Inukshuk Double U Hunting Supply Muddy River Transport Darkenergy OnX Inukshuk: Inukshukpro.com Corey.ca Darkenergy: best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4 darkenergy.com Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses Polarized No questions asked replacement Charitable Donation with every pair Free shipping Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4 https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy Subscribe to: Full Cry Magazine Bear Hunting Magazine American Bear Foundation Virginia Bear Hunters Association For the best lights in the business Check out: Cajunlights.com Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com We would like to thank those who support this podcast. Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode. www.dusupply.com https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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