Baxter Bowman Podcast

In this episode we check-in with progress towards preparation towards the 2022 Archery Elk season. We go over gear, fitness, planing, and other thoughts around preparation towards the upcoming season. We’re getting close!

In this episode, we have Sam and Jake back on the podcast! In episode 51 last year, we got to talk to Sam and Jake after their first bowhunt out in Hawaii. Since then they’ve gotten to hunt whitetail deer in Nebraska with Identical Draw and also moved to Hawaii! Lots of ups and downs … Continue reading "77 | Lesson Learned from Sam and Jake’s First Successful Bowhunts"

In this episode, we cover important tips for the Colorado Draw this year, how the effect of the drought is going to change hunting strategy this fall, a gear check-in, and Josh’s thoughts on his upcoming trip to Hawaii for some bowhunting this Spring. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about Baxter’s late season archery mule deer hunt with his wife Margaret and the close call they had in the backcountry when the hunt went south. It’s a sobering and important episode, hope you enjoy.

In this episode, we review the 2022 bows yet again and Baxter goes over his decision making process in choosing the right bow for him. We also talk about questions that would help you find the right bow and a process to do so.

In this episode we kick off out monthly check-ins in preparation for the fall season! Today we talk about tag strategy, new gear that we’re testing out, Josh’s new bow set up and new set of arrows built.

In this episode we review thoughts on the new line of bows that came out for 2022. We review aspects such as weight, IBO, brace height, axle-to-axle, sound, and many more features to pay attention to when looking for a new bow. We geek out a bit here, hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we talk about the top lessons we learned from the archery elk season. After reflecting on the lessons from the 2020 season, we were more effective last year in 2021. Even so, this year there were many new lessons learned as the journey of improvement continues.

In this episode we continue to relive the story of Josh’s first elk from this past 2021 archery elk season. If you like the stories, lessons, and play-by-plays, this episode is for you!

In this episode we relive the story of Josh’s first elk from this past 2021 archery elk season. If you like the stories, lessons, and play-by-plays, this episode is for you!

In this episode we retell the story of Baxter’s bull from the 2021 archery elk season. If you like the stories, lessons, and play-by-plays, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we cover a few last minute questions from some of our listeners as well as a few Josh has on the way to elk camp. Topics we cover include making sure your pack is fitted, how to load meat, decisions around how much food/water to take with you, clothing and weather, and … Continue reading "67 | Last Minute Questions on the Way to Elk Camp"

In this episode we cover the last major step in preparation before heading out to your elk spot. Broadhead tuning is essential to make sure your arrow is flying straight to maximize penetration and set you up for success. In the episode we referenced Gold Tip Paper Tuning and Bow tuning make easy: 7 steps … Continue reading "66 | Why Broadhead Tuning is Critical Before Season"

In this episode we interview Hank Shaw! Hank is best known for his food blog Hunter, Gardner, Angler, Cook which won the James Beard Award in 2013! We cover various recipes and cooking methods for deer/elk, how to properly handle game meat in the field, thoughts on gamey meat, cuts people shouldn’t leave in the … Continue reading "65 | Wild Game Cooking with Hank Shaw"

In this episode we go over how to build great arrows for elk hunting from start to finish. There are a few small steps that a lot of people look over that truly can put your arrows at the top one percent in terms of quality, fit, accuracy compared to those you buy pre-built. Check-out … Continue reading "64 | Arrow Building 101"

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins as we get closer to September. Topics covered include last minute gear updates, how we’re training one month out from season, and most importantly our plans for September and decisions that are critical to make ahead of time.

In this episode we interview Nate and Tom from Identical Draw who are twin brothers who have taken the new hunter recruitment problem into their own hands. We talk about the new hunters they took out for Turkey this past Spring, plans for the fall, and their new website newhunter.org that matches new hunters with mentors. … Continue reading "62 | How to Find a Hunting Mentor with Identical Draw"

In this episode we got a chance to talk to Dan from Elkshape. Dan is known as “the fitness man” and shared a lot of great advice on training for elk hunting, nutrition, mentorship, and what his journey has been like as he continues to master the craft of bowhunting. You can follow Dan on … Continue reading "61 | Fitness, Mentorship, and the Bowhunting Learning Curve with Dan from Elkshape"

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins as we get closer to September. Topics covered include getting your vehicle and rig properly set up, which is often overlooked. Baxter shares a hilarious rough story that sparked this topic in particular, and we kick it off with Josh’s terrible elk calling.

In this episode we interview the ElkNut himself, Paul Medel. He has 30+ years of elk hunting experience and truly knows how to speak elk. We go over specific scenarios you’ll encounter during the season, how elk behave and communicate, and all the strategies and tactics you can learn and use this fall. Checkout the … Continue reading "59 | Everything Elk Calling w/ the ElkNut Paul Medel"

In this episode, we took a look at footage from two game cameras that were active from last September till this June. Comparing this footage to the three or four years of footage from previous years revealed interesting patterns in elk behavior during season and after season. Hope you enjoy as much as we did! … Continue reading "58 | Lessons from 9 months of camera footage"

In this episode we finish our series of condensing the 22 part hunt elk series we did last year. We cover the final stages of the elk hunt, strategies and tactics to get close, make the shot happen, and a few tips once the arrow leaves your bow. Hope you enjoy! Blog posts mentioned: Where … Continue reading "57 | Elk Crash Course Pt. 4 – Strategies & Tactics to Close the Deal"

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins as we get closer to September. Topics covered include selecting and building arrows, what Baxter decided on for his new pack, , how the draw is so personal, and of course physical fitness. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

In this episode we continue our series of condensing the 22 part hunt elk series we did last year into a handful of episodes. It’s meant to cover the main points to give you a good overview of what you need to know to prepare for this season. Hope you enjoy! Blog posts mentioned: Elk … Continue reading "55 | Elk Crash Course Pt. 3 – Gear Overview"

In this episode we continue our series of condensing the 22 part hunt elk series we did last year into a handful of episodes. It’s meant to cover the main points to give you a good overview of what you need to know to prepare for this season. Hope you enjoy! Blog posts mentioned: Guide … Continue reading "54 | Elk Hunting Crash Course Part 2"

In this episode we kick off a new series where we condense the 22 part hunt elk series we did last year into a handful of episodes. It’s meant to cover the main points to give you a good overview of what you need to know to prepare for this season. Hope you enjoy! Blog … Continue reading "53 | Elk Hunting Crash Course Part 1"

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins as we get closer to September. Topics covered include selecting and building arrows, Baxter’s thoughts on upgrading packs, how the draw is so personal, and of course physical fitness. Here’s the article on the best arrow for elk hunting that we referenced. Hope you enjoy it as … Continue reading "52 | Monthly check in: May – arrows, packs, the draw"

This episode is a first of its kind here on the podcast! Sam and Jake are two new hunters who listen to the podcast and reached out to us with kind words about the show. We wanted to get them on the show to hear about their journey, answer questions, and promote more mentorship within … Continue reading "51 | Sam and Jake’s first bow hunt recap + Q&A"

In this episode, we recap Josh’s Axis Deer hunt in Hawaii last week. We cover the details of all the stories, lessons, mistakes, ups and downs of the trip and everything in between. If you’re interested in learning more about the guide Josh went with, email us at baxterhunting@gmail.com or hit the contact form on … Continue reading "50 | Josh’s first successful bow hunt"

In this episode, we reflect our absolute lowest points during last year’s elk season. Some were scary, some were frustrating, and some were downright depressing. Bowhunting is tough and we dig into our darkest moments and the lessons we learned from them. Our goal is to prep you so next season so you know more … Continue reading "49 | Lessons learned from our worst moments last season"

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins as we get closer to September. Topics covered include archery and bow setup, camping, buying gear, physical fitness and a bowhunting trip Josh has planned this April. Here’s the article on bow tuning made easy that we referenced. Hope you enjoy it as much as … Continue reading "48 | Monthly check-in: April"

In this episode, we look back on last season and reflect on each close encounter we had with elk, what went wrong, what went well, and most importantly, what we learned. Our goal is to prep you so next season you can close the deal when you get close. If you real life stories and … Continue reading "47 | Close encounters with elk from last season"

In this episode, we look back on last season and reflect on the most important critical decisions we made. We talk high level elk hunting strategy and hope you can learn a few important lessons to take with you next season. If you real life stories and lessons, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we go cover optics for elk hunting from start to finish. By the end of the episode you’ll know everything you need for rangefinders, binoculars, and spotting scopes to help you make the right decision when purchasing optics for elk hunting. If you’re gearing up for next season, this episode is for … Continue reading "45 | Optics – Rangefinders, Binos, Spotting Scopes and more"

In this episode, we go over clothing systems from start to finish. We cover topics like wool vs synthetic, how to layer properly, what to look for in each layer, and some of our favorite pieces of gear we wear. If you’re gearing up for next season, this episode is for you.

In this episode we continue our series of monthly check-ins to talk about what most people should be thinking about in their preparation for September. Then Josh and I share what we’ve been spending our time focused on. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Here’s the gear checklist Baxter put together.

In this episode, we try to end the debate on whether to go with 3 or 4 fletchings when building your arrows for next season. We dive deep into what fletchings are for in the first place, the debate between three or four, and touch on how to prioritize what’s important when thinking about building … Continue reading "042 | The big debate on fletchings: 3 or 4?"

In this episode we interview Nate and Tom from Identical Draw. Nate and Tom took my on my first archery public land hunt as well as a bunch of new hunters out for their first big game hunts last fall. They are twin brothers who are some of the most selfless guys out there. We … Continue reading "41 | Nebraska Mule Deer and the future of the industry with Identical Draw"

In this episode we talk about the upcoming draw(s), break it down state-by-state, go over pros and cons and talk about whether it’s worth entering depending on your unique situation. It goes deep, hope you enjoy!

In this episode we kick off a new series of monthly check-ins to talk about what most people should be thinking about in their preparation for September. Then Josh and I share what we’ve been spending our time focused on. Themes for this episode: gear, fitness, archery, and the draw. Hope you enjoy it as … Continue reading "39 | Monthly check-in: February"

Wayne is the owner of Archery Only, the Pro Shop in Newark, CA. He has 45+ years of archery related experience. He’s won Retailer of the Year, California Bow Hunter of the Year, and the fourth person to complete the “California Grand Slam” along with many other awards and accomplishments. In this episode he shares … Continue reading "38 | Advice, stories, and lessons from industry legend Wayne Piersol"

In this episode we continue our new series called “Off-season Opportunities” where we cover great ways to train, stay motivated, and have fun in the off-season that will make you a better elk hunter come September. Today we cover the adventure that comes with hunting in New Zealand.

Roger Brown has participated in the Olympic Trials, coaches archery, and shares wisdom from his 20+ years of experience in the sport. In this episode we talk about what shapes and influences elite athletes, the unique challenges of shooting sports, the equipment vs shooter problem, common errors in archers and much more. You can find … Continue reading "36 | Wise words on archery mastery with Roger Brown"

In this episode we continue our new series called “Off-season Opportunities” where we cover great ways to train, stay motivated, and have fun in the off-season that will make you a better elk hunter come September. Today we cover the magic of hunting in Hawaii.

Christian Williams is an archer and bowhunter with over seven years of experience working in the field of Sports Performance/Injury. He is also a Strength and Conditioning Coach, Certified Movement and Corrective Exercise Specialist, and USA Weightlifting Coach. In this episode we talk about conditioning for Archery and best practices to keep you shooting injury … Continue reading "34 | How to get Archery Strong with Christian Williams"

In this episode we kick off a new series called “Off-season Opportunities” where we cover great ways to train, stay motivated, and have fun in the off-season that will make you a better elk hunter come September. Today we cover the unexpected learnings from Chukar hunting.

In this episode the tables are turned and Dan “The Fitness Man” interviews us. We cover the journey of mentorship, our September elk hunting season, and the lessons learned along the way. Hope you enjoy as much as we did!

In this episode we wrap up the Stories from September series with a big one: the top 3-5 lessons we learned from the entire season. Whether you’re brand new (like Josh) or slightly more experienced (like me), this is a can’t miss summary of a full month+ of learnings during elk season. Hope you enjoy … Continue reading "31 | September Stories: Our biggest lessons"

In this episode we go over all the gear we used for the 2020 Elk season and how it performed. We’ll break down the new favorites, the failures, and the pieces of gear that have been consistently impressive year after year. If you’re a great nut, or just want to perfect your setup for next … Continue reading "30 | 2020 Gear Retrospective"

This episode wraps up the story of my elk and the last part of the September season for Josh. If you want to learn about packing out, hunting the late season, and different hunting styles, this episode is for you.

In this episode Josh and I discuss our September elk hunt including several close encounters and the moment of truth on a big bull… make sure to listen until the end!