Live to Hunt and Fish Podcast

On this episode I talk to Troy Fowler, also known as the Ranch Fairy.  He has a Youtube channel where he shoots pigs, catches fish, and has a lot of fun.  In that fun there is serious analysis happening.  He works on improving his arrow system to make it more lethal on the tough wild pigs that have taken over much of Texas.  He shoots some huge broadheads and heavy arrows with super light bows.  Crazy setups by current archery standards but he proves them on live animals and examines everything.  Lots of great information presented in a realistic and entertaining way.  In an increasingly fake and misrepresented outdoor industry the Ranch Fairy is as real as it gets.  Showing real hunts, kills, and examinations of how the arrow performed. Check out his channel on Youtube and follow him on Instagram.  

Recently I was able to go back to Alaska to hunt Black Bear on Prince of Wales Island.  This podcast is a solo episode where I recap the hunts and give you my perspective on why we were successful on our trip.  For this hunt a good friend and I each drew nonresident spring Black Bear tags.  This was a return trip for us since we have each done this hunt a few times.  Having previous experience hunting the island and where to hunt helped shorten the learning curve.  In the podcast I cover what areas we were looking for and why some areas will hold bears and some will not.  There is no better way to hunt these spring giants than spot and stalk, and for me that is with a bow in my hand.  Enjoy the podcast.

Sitka Blacktailed Deer are not as well known as some of the other species of deer, but they are just as magnificent.  They are native to the dense rainforests of Southeast Alaska and Northern BC.  I was first introduced to them when I spent time on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.  After some research I heard about Jim Baichtal.  Jim has spent a lot of years pursuing these magnificent deer as a hunter but he has also been involved in researching them as a scientist.  Very few people know more about Sitka Blacktailed Deer than Jim.  He shares some of that knowledge with us on this podcast.  

Today we talk to Steven Dahn about his experience chasing big Black Bears in SW Oregon.  Steven lives in an area that has a strong population of bears.  The steep landscape and thick forest makes for a tough hunt, but also very rewarding.  Black Bear are a unique and fun species to hunt.  Keeping their numbers down protects deer/elk numbers as well as provides great hunting opportunity during times of the year where there may not be many other options. Plus they make great bear tacos!

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Ed Ashby and Garrett Schlief of Grizzly Stik.  Dr. Ashby is a wealth of knowledge on terminal ballistics of arrows and bullets.  We continue talking about his life as he left Africa and moved on to Australia to continue his research.  I do have to say my audio has a hard echo which makes me sound like a robot.  I wasn't going to release this podcast but there is just too much good information and Dr. Ashby's time is too valuable to not publish it.  Hopefully the echo isn't too annoying for you and you are able to get some of the great information he reveals as we talk. 

Dr Ed Ashby has dedicated his life to researching terminal arrow performance. If you have done any research on arrow performance you have likely come across some of his work. His extensive research on the terminal performance of archery equipment has helped define lethal arrow systems.  He breaks downs what factors make an arrow most effective.  Structural integrity, broadhead shape, broadhead bevel, broadhead tip design, arrow shaft profile, arrow mass, and FOC are some of those factors.  His research is extensive, thorough, and by shear volume….impressive.  Dr Ashby also spent 4 years researching the terminal performance of the Barnes X bullet during its' development.  He knows what it takes to make an ethical shot on any animal.

On this episode we talk to David Johnson and Ty Wyatt about our NW fisheries, Salmon and Steelhead primarily. We talk about where our Chinook Salmon go when they leave local rivers and where they are being caught during the years they spend in the ocean.  We talk fisheries management policy and some of the politics involved we well.  Of course we go down a few tangents but all of this podcast has good information.  

Bead fishing....it almost seems too simple.  Yet there are some nuances that can make a big difference in your success rate.  Today we talk to guides David Johnson and Ty Wyatt about how they approach this popular technique.  We cover bead and hook size, rod/reel setup, and color.......kind of. Some secrets are still held close to the vest.   

Alaska is an unforgiving place to hunt.  Sheep hunting is one of the most extreme hunts available in North America.  Combine the two and you have a hunting experience that breaks many men and creates fanatics out of others.  In 2017 Ed drew the coveted Tok Management Area Dall Sheep tag and tackled it head on.  He tells us how he pushed himself to get back into a the most remote part he could access.  Crossing streams and climbing rocky hillsides he pushed himself further than he ever had before.  With months of preparation, miles carrying a heavy pack, thousands of feet of elevation gained and lost, it can all come down to one moment.  Ed tells us what happened when the moment came and his chance at a trophy Dall Sheep presented itself.  

Captain James Nash and I talk about predator hunting and how important it is for him as a cattle rancher/outfitter, but also important for all us who want deer and elk available to hunt. We talk about how the hunting landscape is changing with the reintroduction of wolves.  The magnitude of that change is something most people haven't realized yet. Predator and game management will forever be changed when wolves arrive in your hunting area. Coyotes, Black Bear, and Cougars are all predator species we are very familiar with. With all of that we now have wolves expanding their range and pushing into areas that haven't seen a wolf in over 70 years.  James and I have a frank discussion on predators, hunters, and where that leaves the deer and elk populations. 

On today's episode we talk about hunting Kodiak Island for Sitka Blacktail Deer.  Heath Segeberg hunted Kodiak Island for the the first time this year and did well.  Many of us have wanted to do this hunt so I was excited to hear his stories.  We also compare Kodiak to Prince of Wales Island, which I am very familiar. We talk about logistics of getting to the island.  We talk about how they used a transporter to get around the island. Taking advantage of the rugged public land that has little access.   

On today's episode we talk EXO Packs, Death Hikes, and Toe Socks with Mark Huelsing of EXO Mountain Gear. Mark has been with EXO from the beginning and he also hosts their Hunt Backcountry Podcast.  He is a dedicated backcountry hunter and a fellow gear junky so this podcast was a lot of fun for me.  We talk about his favorite EXO Pack, pack weight, assorted gear, and the origin of the Death Hike.

Each year we as anglers are confronted with changing regulations to manage our fisheries. Dwindling runs and reduced harvest seem to be the norm.  We are always willing to do what is needed to maintain healthy fish runs but sometimes we feel shorted by those regulations or policies which don't seem to make sense to us. These topics can be a major hot button for people on both sides. If we could put agendas aside we all want to do what is right for our fish runs. No one has all the answers but part of why I wanted to do this podcast is to continue that discussion.  My belief is that if we all had the same information we would more likely come to a similar conclusion.  Today we talk with David Johnson and Ty Wyatt who are very involved in what is happening in our fisheries.  They have first hand experience in the hatchery world and decades of time on the rivers themselves.  This podcast was recorded while also doing a live feed on NW Steelhead Junkies.  Nothing has been removed or edited from that original recording.  Enjoy the podcast.

On today's episode we talk Elk Hunting with Capt James Nash of 6 Ranch Outfitters. For this podcast, and in life, I always take time to listen to someone who has more experience doing something than I have.  A hunting guide gets to see decades worth of hunts in just a few years.  They see all the things that go right, and what can go wrong, and they learn a lot in less time than the average hunter.  I have also found that people who are good at their craft are critical of their own methods and gear.  Constantly looking to improve over last season and last year.  James Nash is definitely one of those people. Using his guiding experience to improve his methods and gear, James has some good recommendation to help his clients, and you, become better hunters. We talk about rifle caliber, archery setups, and lots more. Enjoy the podcast.  

When hunting in the backcountry having stock animals to carry the load of camp or game meat is a huge advantage.  As I get older I appreciate the assistance these animals offer.  For several hunts I have had the opportunity to pack in using Llamas and I can say I was surprised how easy they are to handle.  They are surprisingly trail worthy, low maintenance, and mild mannered.  Yes they can be crotchety at times but in general they are a great option for packing in gear.  Really all you do is walk holding the lead rope and they follow you all over the mountains.  It is quite impressive.  Today we go over the basics of using llamas and tell a few lessons learned stories as well. 

When you get that trophy of a lifetime you want to make sure you take good care of the hide, cape, and antlers.  Your taxidermist can fix a lot of mistakes but if you do a good job in the field your mount will look better when it is finished.  Today I talk to Cory Wright of Cory Wright Taxidermy about how to cape out and skin your trophy properly.  When to salt and when not to.  How to best ship your trophy if you are hunting out of state or out of the country.  There is a lot of assorted advice out there but listen to your taxidermist.

My favorite way to catch Fall Chinook is from a driftboat floating the coastal streams.  Smaller water and being direct to the bite are some of the things that make fishing from a driftboat so much fun.  Any salmon fisherman knows that backbouncing bait directly to a big Fall Chinook is hard to beat.  Along with backbouncing there are several other methods that are common on our coastal streams.  We talk about all those techniques and how to use them on this episode with guide Chris Vertopoulos.  

In September Coho Salmon enter rivers all along the Pacific Coast.  Coho are known for their aggressive takes and being powerful fighters.  There are a lot of ways to catch Coho in the rivers.  Throwing spinners, twitching jigs, bobber and bait, or bobber dogging are all effective.  Today we talk to Josiah Darr about his preferred methods and how he applies them so his clients can catch more fish.

On todays episode we talk about Deschutes River Steelhead on the fly with Rob Crandall of Watertime Outfitters. The Deschutes river draws anglers from all over the world seeking to catch Summer Steelhead on a swung fly.  The river is also known for fish that can be taken at or near the surface on most days so a spey rod and floating line can be very effective.  Add to that the variety of fish that make their way up the river and you have an ideal destination for catching Summer Steelhead.  Today we talk to one of the top guides for that fishery, Rob Crandall.  He took time out of his busy schedule to talk about techniques, flies, sun angle, and those little intangibles that make us all better anglers.   He share some great knowledge that will help you catch more Deschutes Summer Steelhead.

In almost all of the western states the archery elk opening week is warm and the rut has not gotten into full swing.  Mike Jenkins has spent time in the NW, Alaska, and the SW states of NV and AZ.  His experience in the SW states fine tuned his expertise for locating elk in warm weather.  Many people wait until later in the season to chase elk when the weather cools and the rut is in full swing.  He has found that you if you choose to do that you may miss a time when the elk are concentrated in smaller areas due to the warm weather.  That makes them easier to locate and many have not been pressured yet so they are still going about their relaxed daily routine.  Mike spends a lot time working to locate these areas and then closes in on the elk when the season starts.  We talk about his tactics to consistently harvest elk in the tough conditions so you can hunt regardless of what the weather is at the start of the season.

On today's episode we break down sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River with guide Chris Vertopoulos. Anglers in Oregon and Washington are spoiled with an abundance of species to pursue.  Salmon, Steelhead, trout, walleye, bass, rockfish, halibut, tuna…… but one fishery that gets overlooked a lot is Sturgeon fishing.  Here in the Pacific Northwest we have the best sturgeon fishing in North America and possibly the world.  The fishing is fairly straight forward and the setup is basic and effective.  With fish ranging in size from 3 feet up to 12 feet in length, you never know what you will hook when you drop your bait to the bottom. Today Chris goes through his setup and how to determines where to fish.

If you have ever been to Southeast Alaska you know that float planes are a way of life there.  They are used to transport people and good all over the area.  Most are commercial planes  but living in Alaska with your own floatplane to explore the wilderness, that is a sportsman's dream! To be able to fly to a remote lake and fish for salmon, steelhead, or trout. Fish that may not have seen an angler for weeks, or months....  From that same lake you could hunt for big bucks on a remote mountain that rarely sees boot tracks. Flying over bears on the beach, moose in a valley, or mountain goats on a rocky ridge. You would get to see the wild areas and animals that make Alaska special. The possibilities would be endless.....

On today's episode we talk about Trolling 360 Flashers for Salmon with professional guide Josiah Darr.  Buoy 10 is where it all kicks off but that fishery is only open for Chinook Salmon retention for a few weeks. When Chinook retention closes at buoy 10 many people move upriver to follow the Chinook where they can still be taken home. Josiah prefers to run a certain type of flasher and spinner combination in that part of the river.  He uses 360 style flashers that run different than a standard spinning flasher and bait.  We break down his setup and all of the reasons why he chooses to set up that way.  Josiah shares his knowledge with us so you can catch more fish. Once you get your setup and speed right this method can be extremely effective and will likely by your go-to method. 

On today's episode we talk about Korkers traction footwear with  CEO Brian Chaney. We talk wading boots, traction, and innovation.  I wanted to go over the different reasons why Korkers boots perform so well and why they last. Brian is constantly pushing to make the boots better.  As a gear junky Korkers boots are a natural fit for me.  Lot of sole options on a quality product.  Don't take my word for it.  Listen, check them out, and decide for yourself.  I will be doing more episodes covering different products and I want to make something clear…..  I did this podcast to let you know about a product I feel is better than many and is worth a look.  Just like when you go to the Sportman Show to get information on all the new products.  My podcast will cover some products that I feel are good but you don't have to take my word for it.  I want to explain to you why I feel they are worth a look and you can decide from there.  My belief is that the right information can save us all a lot of time and money.  It seems that over time we all end up with similar gear and we have all tried similar products that failed to make the cut.  I am just trying to shorten that learning curve.  Leave a comment if you have any questions.  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for future episodes.  Thanks again and we will see you next time. 

Alaskan Dall Sheep hunt gear review. On this episode we review all of the gear we put to the test on this hunt.  The Alaskan mountains are the least forgiving place I have hunted.  I learned a lot about my gear on the his hunt.  It took a lot of research to finalize what I was going to take on this trip.  In the end the research paid off and most of the gear worked very well. I hope this podcast is helpful for you when selecting gear to use on your next hunt.  I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to us.  Your time is valuable and I appreciate that you chose to spend it with us. 

Buoy 10 Salmon fishing with David Johnson of David Johnson's Guide Service.  Welcome to the Live to Hunt and Fish podcast. Where we seek out the experts in the Hunting and Fishing world, and bring their knowledge to you. Each fall upwards of half a million Salmon will return to the Columbia River making their way up to the streams of their birth.  If you are into Salmon fishing you will want to be at Buoy 10 come August.  But there is a learning curve and dangers that need to considered before you leave the dock.  The area is immense with the Columbia River being over 3.5 miles wide here so safety is paramount.  The tides and wind are major factors in how you will be fishing this area and how safe it will be out on the water.  You will hear how David plans out his day based on the conditions.  We also discuss the gear he uses, setups, techniques, and even his preferred bait for this fishery.  We had technical difficulties on this one so there will not be a video version but there is just too much good info here to not post this episode.  I want to thank David for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit down, in less than ideal conditions, to share his knowledge with us.  So get ready to take notes because this podcast is shorter than most of our other episodes but we hammer through a lot of good info. Enjoy the podcast…..

Bone breaking arrow performance with Garrett Schlief of Grizzly Stik. Every archery hunter will eventually send an arrow that doesn't penetrate or deflects and ends up not landing a lethal blow.  For a long time this was just an accepted part of being an archery hunter.  Sometimes it just happens….. That doesn't have to be the case.  Through years of research and advancements in arrow technology we now have great options that can deliver an arrow with bone breaking performance.  One of the leaders in that movement is Grizzly Stik who sells arrows and broadheads to make a complete system.  Their company began with that same disappointment of hitting a moose shoulder blade with a traditional arrow setup.  That scenario drove the search for a more dependable arrow delivery system.  The goal was a broadhead built to break bone and keep going…..an arrow strong enough to stay together and keeping delivering that force through the animal.  From that need Grizzly Stik was born. If you are looking for a more dependable arrow system check  outgrizzlystik.com.  There is a lot of information there about Ashby's research, videos from independent reviews, and charts to help you choose which setup will work best for you.  If you would like to see more testimonials follow them on social media.  You will see a feed full of happy clients and impressive animals taken with their arrow system.  If you have any questions about Grizzly Stik's product give them a call.  Garrett knows his stuff and is always very helpful over the phone.  He loves archery and will help you on your search for a better arrow system.  In the end it may be his product and it may not.  He just wants to make sure that all hunters have an effective arrow system that works well for them.  I can't say whether Grizzly Stik is where your search for a bulletproof arrow system ends but, I do know they are well made and are very tough.  I look forward to testing them this year and seeing how well they work on my upcoming hunts.  I will keep you updated.

Fishing for Albacore Tuna off the Oregon and Washington coast. Fishing for Albacore Tuna is a newer fishery for Northwest anglers, but it is growing every year.  For those that want to learn how to catch these tuna Del Stephens is your guy.  He has been very involved in the development of and all events related to the tuna fishery.  He has a TV show called Canyon Warriors and runs the website www.tunadogoffshore.com. He also share his knowledge in seminars and a book he wrote on Albacore Tune called "The Dark Side".  You can find a lot of information at his website including his blog, seminar calendar, and how to buy his book.  Del has spent a lot of time chasing tuna all over the world and is a wealth of knowledge so be thankful he is so willing to share his knowledge with the rest of us.  Enjoy the podcast.

On this episode I sit down with Shannon Mobbs and Cory Ford of Angry Spike Productions to talk about their recent Sitka Blacktail hunt in SE Alaska.  This was a true DIY adventure hunt, on public land with over the counter tags.  They picked a remote island in Tongass National Forest and tackled the Alaskan wilderness head on.  They worked through a few obstacles of course.  Things like steep mountains, rugged terrain, biting bugs, and one lost quiver of arrows.  But I'll let them tell the story…… Enjoy the podcast.

Fishing the Deschutes River in central Oregon with with Amy Hazel.  Amy and her husband John own Deschutes Angler Fly Shop in Maupin so they are located in the center of all the action the Deschutes has to offer.  The Deschutes cuts through the middle of the state and runs for 252 miles from its' headwaters in southern Oregon to the mouth where it flows into the Columbia River. The Deschutes has a strong population of Summer Steelhead and "redside" trout that make the Deschutes a jewel among the rivers out west.  There are a few rules involved in fishing the Deschutes but those rules are also how this amazing fishery stays available to anyone who may want to catch fish there.

On today's episode we talk to Wil Askew about hunting turkeys on public land. Recently I was lucky enough to join Wil on two hunts on public land in Washington.  After those hunts we sat down in the turkey woods to record this podcast.  We talk about how he got into turkey hunting years ago and how that has become one of his favorite species to pursue.  We also break down some of the calls he uses, what they mean, and when he uses them.  Along with the calls Wil keeps moving, working to find a responsive bird.  A technique often referred to as run and gun.  I enjoyed hunting with Wil, seeing how he gets it done in turkey country.  I learned a lot and I hope you do as well, enjoy the podcast.

On today's episode we talk about Summer Chinook on the Columbia River with professional fishing guide David Johnson.  This run of fish was once known as "June Hogs" and for some are still called that today.  Today's run and fish pail in comparison to their long ago namesakes but this is still a great fishery to take advantage of.  With recent restoration efforts by the tribes of the region the fishery has been growing and expanded the sport fishing opportunities.  I sat down with David in his boat after a day of fishing to talk about this unique fishery. 

On today's episode we will be talking about something that has been a concern of mine for some time.  We all take pride in bringing home clean meat to our families.  After an animal is taken we all take care to cut around the entry and exit holes, making sure we get rid of bloodshot, pieces of the bullet, and damaged meat.  But do we really get all the pieces of lead left by the bullet…….?  As I researched the topic I found that it is nearly impossible to remove all the fragments from a lead bullet.  Even the best bonded bullets on the market leave a trail of lead that can be seen on an xray.  Less expensive bullets that aren't bonded look like a grenade went off.  With the little research I did my concerns seemed valid and I made the switch to all copper bullets for my own peace of mind.  This year at the NW Sportsman Show and I ran across the booth of Leland Brown. He is the coordinator of the Non-Lead Hunting Education program at the Oregon Zoo.  I stood in front of it to take in the ballistic gel blocks and photo displays he had.  Being a little apprehensive about what his agenda may be I didn't say anything at first.  After a few awkward moments he asks me if he can answer any questions.  I respond "So what is the purpose of this whole thing?".  ……"Just education" he replies "just education"…  So we began to talk.  He answered a lot of the questions I had and as a fellow hunter he understands the concerns we have.  From that conversation I made plans to sit down with him for this podcast.  I think this is an important issue and needs to be part of the conversation when selecting bullets.  I hope you enjoy the podcast….. Check out the video version of this episode here. https://youtu.be/3G5aCBSf6eE

On this episode I sit down with Shannon Mobbs and Cory Ford of Angry Spike Productions (ASP) for short.  We talk hunting Roosevelt Elk during the rut.  I have known Shannon for a few years now and he has always been willing to take a moment to answer my elk questions.  His advice is rarely indecisive and usually includes the mantra of "Keep pushing in on him, if you can get closer".   This was my first time meeting Cory and I see why they have become such a lethal pair.  Hunting Roosevelt Elk, is what they do. These guys are hardcore hunters.  Chasing monster elk in the coastal forests of Oregon and Washington.  Their methods are targeted to draw out the dominant herd bull.  These guys go after elk with a tenacity that is fun to watch.  Their hunt films are raw, real, and genuine just as these guys are in person.  Also their approach to hunting elk is unique and has a thoughtful perspective that is different from many in the industry.  If you can take a moment to view the video version of this on our Youtube channel.  We recorded this while sitting in Shannon's house surrounded by Roosevelt Elk mounts.  It is an impressive sight.  As you listen to the podcast you will understand why he has taken so many big bulls over the years. Check out the Youtube video as well.  https://youtu.be/kmWCRIK3B8c  

Trophy Steelhead are something that I have traveled far and wide to pursue.  They are elusive and are the thing of fishing legend.  Even so if you focus your time in certain rivers, at certain times of year, you can hook up with one of these monsters.  On this episode we talk to guide Chris Vertopoulos about how he targets these rare fish.  We go over our preferred hook size and line weights.  A few stories are told which explain why we choose that type of gear. We also tell a story from way back about how we first met and and how small this fishing community really is.  You can contact Chris on Instagram and Facebook, or on his website at www.northwestanglingexperience.com Thanks for listening!

If you wanted to develop your own line of camouflage who would you want to design it?   It would have to be someone who was good with colors and shapes…..someone who could make two dimensional look three dimensional.  Like those animators at Pixar do with their movies.  Well that is exactly who designed the Cross Cover Camouflage for Gulch Gear.  His name is Brian Tindall and he was an award winning animator for Pixar and now he is making one of the coolest new camos out there.  His knowledge of shapes and light is impressive and he used that knowledge to produce a very effective camouflage. gulchgear.com Check out the Youtube video.  https://youtu.be/wc8YoE36Ej8  

On this episode we sit down and talk Spring Chinook with fishing guide Chris Vertopoulos. He resides in Portland so he knows the Columbia and Willamette rivers extremely well. We go over his preferred techniques, bait, and gear.  We talk about trolling speed, moon phases, and a lot of things in between.  Chris is a genuine nice guy with a wealth of knowledge he is more than willing to share.  If you want to contact Chris check out his website at www.northwestanglingexperience.com He is also on Instagram and Facebook so give him a follow.  Thanks for listening Check out the Youtube video. https://youtu.be/0EvgxQXA9Zo

On today's podcast we speak to Joseph O'Neil who manages the Oregon Hatchery Research Center.  They are located on Fall Creek which is a tributary of the Alsea River on the central Oregon coast.  Joseph was nice enough to show me their facility and some of the research they are doing for salmon and steelhead hatcheries.  There was so much to take in I had trouble gathering my thoughts afterwards for the podcast.  They are conducting a lot of research to hopefully produce a better hatchery fish for the future.  This is an uphill battle with budgets having less funds and legal requirements put on hatcheries to produce, but something has to be done.  Some studies say hatchery fish are currently 10 times less likely to survive and return to spawn than their wild, or native, counterparts.  A staggering statistic!  We cover topics such as their research on how fish use magnetic fields to navigate in the ocean, or how the health of a hatchery smolt's fins can be effected by the feeding technique used by the hatchery.  There was a lot to take in and I will admit that I nerded out a bit with all the information.  I learned a lot on this one, I hope you do was well.

On this episode we speak to Sam Sawyer about Sitka Blacktail Deer on Prince of Wales Island, in Alaska. We talk about the techniques he uses to break down the landscape so he can focus his time targeting mature bucks during the rut. Prince of Wales Island is part of Tongass National Forest so most of the island is public land. We talk primarily about rifle hunting but archery hunting is an option for the avid hunter. With a little research and some work on the ground anyone can go there and have a successful hunt for this unique species of deer. https://youtu.be/-ASzXVGsMtI