Episodes

  • Ep. 253 | Hunting Media and Crowded Units with Dakota Johnson
    Mar 3 2026

    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!

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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Ep 252: Alone Contestant Timber Cleghorn
    Feb 26 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Quick Shots with Jim: Unique Elk Calling Tips
    Feb 23 2026

    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/

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    17 mins
  • Quick Shots with Jim: Etiquette versus Ethics
    Feb 18 2026

    In this episode, I break down the difference between etiquette and ethics and why they're equally as important as each other.

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Ep. 251 | Blood Trails with Jordan Sillars
    Feb 17 2026

    Jordan Sillars is a writer and journalist, he also hosts the Blood Trails Podcast. Blood Trails is a sort of true crime, investigative show with a focus on mysteries that happen in the outdoors.

    Jordan returns to the show to talk about his podcast and the work that goes into it. His show is wildly popular and Jordan does a fantastic job hosting it. We discuss some of the cases, the relevance they have to hunting, the difference between these stories leaving us without answers versus the ones with some finality to them, and what to expect on the new season coming out. It's a great conversation!

    Jordan on Instagram

    Email Jordan: bloodtrails@meateater.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/

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Ep. 250 | Tattoos and Bowhunting with Nate Davenport
    Feb 10 2026

    Nate Davenport is a well-known tattoo artist, archery expert, and a solid hunter. I'm proud to call him a friend!

    In his third appearance on the show, Nate comes all the way to my place in Montana to do some tattoo work for me, and it just made sense to jump on and record an episode! We talk about archery stuff, bowhunting, his work with Backwoods Composites, the Bison Shoot event coming up, and hostile vegans mistaking themselves as morally superior humans. As always with Nate, it's a great conversation and I always love having him on the show!

    Nate on Instagram

    The Bison Shoot Info

    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

    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/

    Hit me up at jim@thewesternhuntsman.com

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ep. 240 | Rifle Season with Pat Kelly
    Feb 3 2026

    My new friend, Pat Kelly, is a Hollywood screenwriter, family man, fisherman, hunter, Colorado land owner, and now, a novelist.

    In this episode, Pat joins me to discuss his new book, Rifle Season. I just finished reading it and it's the kind of thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially if you love to hunt like I do! We talk about the book, the characters, his experience in the mountains of Colorado, the debate between hunters and anti-hunters, and lots more! Pat does a great job with the book and this interview, I would highly recommend you order your copy today… It's a great read!

    Order the book here

    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

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Quick Shots with Jim: Hunter Instincts
    Jan 29 2026

    Do you have sharp instincts as a hunter? Nobody starts out with them. In this Quick Shot episode, we discuss what hunting instincts are and how to develop them.

    Have a Quick Shot topic idea? email jim.huntsman@eastmans.com

    Jim on Instagram

    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

    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/

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    15 mins