The Pack Out

In this episode Aaron is on the road at grouse camp, where he sits down with Ryan Potter and Steve Clements. They cover a few topics including weird cover names, camp differences, dogs, and a little North Dakota thrown in. This was a fun episode to record as it was filled with ribbing each other and several laughs along the way, we hope you enjoy. With that, this will also be our final episode. We both got a taste of podcasting and what it all entails, but would like to use our time towards other endeavors. Thank you to those who joined our podcast as guests, and thank you to all who listened. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Whatever your pack out is, may it be fulfilling in one way or another. Cheers!

This week we take a deep dive into broadheads, specifically Annihilator. Co-owner and Co-founder Micah Brown joins us to talk all about the head—from conception to awards at the ATA show. We both learned quite a bit about cutting surface, ballistics, flight, and what all goes in to making a high-quality head. You can find Annihilator Broadheads on Instagram, Facebook, and their website. Enjoy!

Beau Martonik is a well known name in the deer woods of PA—almost as well known as his mustache. Beau joins us this week to talk deer hunting. We cover how he goes about finding areas to set up trail cams, his trail camera strategy, why he loves scrapes, a special stick he carries, and we touch on avoiding hunting burn out. This was one of our favorite episodes as the conversation flowed from start to finish, and was full of great information that we all can take to the woods. Enjoy!

This week we sit down to discuss the ever changing landscape of the elk hunting game. We take a look at what is currently going on in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. To wrap things up, we finish on where we'd start if getting in the game today. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to like, share and subscribe!

Recently we asked YOU what questions you had—and y'all DELIVERED. We go through questions ranging from elk hunting and bedded bluegills to why we hunt and what we like to cook with our game. We had a great time with this one so pour yourself a beverage and enjoy!

This week we're back with the best dressed dude in the woods, Joe Schwenke. A Michigan hunter, husband, and father, Joe has a love for grouse, woodcock, and ducks, a passion for hunting literature, and knows his way around a proper camp lunch. We talk about his preferred attire, literature and past authors, and why hunting is in a phrase, an occasion. We also dive in to what he and the Michigan Upland Experience are doing to help make a difference in the upland woods. This was a fun conversation that we've wanted to have for some time, and we weren't disappointed. Enjoy! https://m.facebook.com/michiganuplandexperience/

Michigan turkey success! This week Cody is flying solo, sitting down with longtime turkey hunting partner and familiar face to the podcast, Jim Nichol. Going into this turkey season, Cody and Jim had been successful in taking a Michigan turkey off the roost within minutes of each other the past two seasons. This year was a little different, but this episode takes a dive into the good, the bad and the controlled chaos that made up a short turkey opener. Things finish up with a dive into tactics, and what it takes to be a successful turkey hunter consistently. As always, thanks for tuning in!

Nate Sellers of Average Jack Archery joins us this week for a great conversation centered around archery tech and his bow shop that will be opening in Summer of 2022 in Central PA. Nate has a large YouTube following, where he educates his viewers on all things archery and archery tech—the shop was simply the next step. Other topics in this episode include the lack of bow shops in our area, hunting trips, great pizza, things to look for if your bow is off, how to help out the bow tech, and more. Enjoy! If you want to know more about Average Jack Archery you can check them out on various platforms: Instagram @averagejackarchery Facebook, Average Jack Archery YouTube: Average Jack Archery Or their website at www.averagejackarchery.com

Cliff Enzor joins us for a great upland bird conversation. We get into how he dove further into upland bird hunting, and how that lead to him starting his Uplander Lifestyle brand, as well as what it means to be an “Uplander”. We then get into topics around hunting, including what you can do to prep your dog prior to longer hunting trips, what to expect when heading to a new state to hunt, and we finish with some grouse hunting chatter that will leave you with a couple ideas for seasons to come. Open a cold one and enjoy! If you want to know more about Uplander Lifestyle you can check them out on various platforms: Instagram @uplander_lifestyle Facebook, Uplander Or their website at www.uplanderlifestyle.com

Bob Smith and Don Rank join the pod to talk about their successful Quebec moose hunt they shared with their buddy Chris, and Don's father. We cover a lot of topics and tell several stories along the way. From moose hunting in Quebec and crossing the border, to night time navigation of a fishing boat, and the proper cherry for an old fashioned. Enjoy!

Matt Goehler of Lake Effect Lures is back to talk all things float fishing for steelhead! We cover everything from start to finish: Gear for a spinning rod set up, jigs, bait, where steelhead hide, how to effectively fish them, and new happenings at Lake Effect Lures. This was a great conversation with a few nuggets for all experience levels. Enjoy, and please rate, review, and subscribe!

James Hughes eats, sleeps, and breathes river smallmouth. You can tell when he talks that he has a true passion for chasing predatory strikes and subtle sips. He's also the head guide at Schultz Outfitters in Ypsilanti, MI. He was kind enough to join us to talk about where they live throughout the seasons, flies or baits to use, how to cast to them, varying retrieves, the guide life, and more. It was a great conversation that left us both with new things to try, multiple lit light bulbs, and eagerness to hit the water. Enjoy!

We're back with part two of our virtual deer camp this week, wrapping things up with a PA rifle success story, a relit passion on Michigan's firearm opener, and a Michigan archery hunt that came down to the wire. We hope you guys enjoy this one, and as always thanks for tuning in!

Now it's YOUR turn to tell some stories. We were lucky enough to have a few listeners, and even past guests, reach out wanting to tell their deer story. Due to length, this is a two parter. So grab a pop, sit next to a fire, maybe deal a hand of Euchre—it's time for a deer story.

We sit down and chat about social media and hunting, fishing, etc. We talk about the negatives, positives, and our perspectives. Some of the topics touched on include how we use social media in regards to the outdoors, how it impacts hunter numbers, people's idiotic fetish with deer selfies, public perception of our posts, and more. Please give it a listen, a download, and leave a review if you don't mind!

This week we have Keith Colonna on to talk about his hunting journey, and an obstacle he faced in becoming a better hunter: Himself. In this episode we discuss the term Yinzers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, self-realization, weight loss, exercise, how Aaron sleeps in, and more. This was such a good conversation and reminder that sometimes the first step in making a change is simply taking a step.

In this week's episode, we sit down to take a look back at the previous year of hunting, fishing and podcasting alike. We discuss all that went well, some that didn't, and everything in between. Appreciate the support from those that have tuned in for the first year of this venture!

Adam Wilson is back to recap his hound hunt for a Michigan black bear. This was a wild hunt that can only be described as organized chaos. We cover the process of getting the tag, hiring the guide, the hunt itself, and just so, so much more. By the end of the show, Aaron was ready to hire a houndsman for a hunt of his own. Enjoy!

Three bucks hit the ground and we're gonna tell you about them! Just the two of us on this one, where we chat about our 2021 archery bucks—All three were taken over a two week span. We talk the strategy, setup, how it went down, and all the feels before, during, and after. We also breakdown a future project that involves YOU! Yes you, the listener. We want to hear about your deer, and put the stories into a Deer Camp Stories podcast—so take a listen, reach out, and enjoy! E-mail: thepackoutpodcast@gmail.com IG: @thepackoutpodcast Aaron's IG: @twoheartedloon Cody's IG: @hoff1ck

In this episode we sit down with Kyle O'Mara and Matt Michalek and talk about a SUCCESSFUL elk hunt in Colorado's first rifle season. We talk about the ins and outs of a drop camp, how they hunted, what it's like to tag out early, meat care, CWD, gear, and everything in between. This was a fun episode that taught us a couple things about drop camps and western hunting during rifle season. Enjoy!

Aaron is joined by his brother, dad, and uncle as they have a great time talking about their bird camp. The Luneke bird camp has been going strong since 1990, with no end in sight. Listen along as they discuss how and why camp was started, how they kept it going, and PLENTY of stories from the field and the fire interjected along the way. We hope you enjoy a laughter and memory filled episode!

Aaron recaps his Idaho archery elk hunt, and all the struggles that entailed. From quiet bulls to ever changing weather. No flat tires or illnesses, but needless to say Idaho whipped their butt in terms of elk hunting. Enjoy!

With the 2021 elk season in the rearview mirror, we're back! Bugles were chased, a few grouse were shot, and tires were changed. Cody and Jimmy sit down to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly surrounding their trip to Montana.

Michigan grouse opener pod! This week we're joined by Ryan Potter, a dedicated dog man and ruffed grouse hunter, as we dive into what he looks for in grouse covers, what he wants in a dog, and just good chatter about all things bird hunting. This was a fun episode with a lot of good nuggets of info and a few fun stories as well. Download, subscribe, and enjoy!

Travis Mather and Aaron have known each other for roughly 20 years, and hunted together for just as long. In 2020, he became a landowner for the first time. This week we dive in to property management, and what his plans are for his new acreage. We talk about the steps he's taken so far, changing his plans when he added a lease, and what he wants to accomplish with this property for both deer hunting and family enjoyment. There's also a few nuggets that any deer hunter, public or private lands, will gain from this episode.

In this week's episode we're joined by Jake Jourdonnais of Fish Hunt Fight Gear to talk about hunting with grizzlies, and how to best protect yourself. Jake is a Montana resident and native, hunting amongst grizzly bears his entire life in multiple settings and states. Jake is also both a pistol and rifle instructor, with a wide range of defense pistol courses that include bear defense. We talk about how to treat different types of bear encounters, the use of spray or pistol, instinctual shooting, how to prepare, and even dive into the type of pistol and caliber. This is one where we both learned a lot, and are better prepared to hunting among grizzly bears. Helpful Links: Fish Hunt Fight Gear: www.fhfgear.com JJ Outdoors: www.jjoutdoorsmt.com Bear Defense Video: https://youtu.be/FDGM7QgxuWw

This week we had a great conversation with Michigan's Deer, Elk, and Moose Management Specialist, Chad Stewart. Chad is a Pennsylvania native and loves to hunt and fish as much as the next Michigander. We talked about his hunting and biology background, antler point restrictions (APRs), a statewide look at the health of the deer herd, chronic wasting disease, and how to be effective in making your voice heard as a Michigan hunter.

We're both back this week along with Amber Casey! Amber is from Michigan, but her mind is always out west. We talk with Amber about her 2020 Montana elk hunt, the emotions that accompanied that hunt, and the article she wrote for Eastman's Hunting Journal. You can also find the article on Allen Crater's blog on allenoutside.com. We wrap up the podcast going over her bow setup, what we're all doing to get ready for this year's hunts, and her bourbon of choice. Enjoy! Helpful Links: My Why article: https://www.allenoutside.com/post/my-why

This week we were fortunate to sit down with Jeff Ford, better known as "The Wolverine Guy". After a wolverine was ran by coyote hunters in Michigan's Thumb on February 24th, 2004, he set out with Steve Noble to locate the wolverine himself. Once they cut the wolverine's track soon after, Ford would embark on a six year journey documenting the wolverine. We discussed his passion for wolverines, the importance of his support system during his mission, and theories about where the wolverine originated from. We also relive his lone encounter with the wolverine at his research site. This is a unique story you won't want to miss!

This week we have Heather Shaw and Sarah Topp joining us to talk about their paths, progress, and ascension as leading women in the outdoors and conservation spaces. We discuss their work in conservation and in advocacy, tell some stories, and what we can do to help progress further as a community and as individuals.

In Episode 7, we have Trail Kreitzer from goHUNT on to talk about the state of elk and western hunting landscapes. It's a great discussion on where things are heading with western hunting, with a good portion of the episode talking specifically about elk. We cover a lot of topics revolving around the future of western hunting, including: Point draws and how they work, understanding a state's point and draw systems, where elk hunting is going in the next 5-10 years, underrated states and hunts to apply for, what you should be doing to ensure a western hunt is in your future, and why antelope should be on everyone's list. Helpful links: http://www.gohunt.com/insider https://www.youtube.com/c/goHUNT

In Episode 6 we have Jimmy back to talk about the Total Archery Challenge. We also take a deep dive into tuning your arrows to the bow with bare shaft paper tuning, vs picking an arrow and making adjustments to your bow. We go over what the Total Archery Challenge is, our setups for the shoot, how we prepare, and why it's a great thing for any hunter or shooter to experience. Helpful links: https://totalarcherychallenge.com/ https://www.lancasterarchery.com/blog/paper-tuning-101/ https://bulldogtargets.com/collections/lifetime-warranty-target-series/products/doghouse-xp-archery-target

Episode 5 is all about your next BOW. We recap Cody's turkey opener and then go deep into the process and what we think about when purchasing a NEW or a USED bow—everything from budget to draw cycle to specs to test shooting. We also go over the components that you'll put on that bow by way of sights, rests, etc. and then finish up with a mini-dive into the set-up process if you're your own bow tech, or if you rely on a bow shop. As always, we appreciate you taking the time to download and listen! Helpful Links: Nock On Archery, Joe Rogan Build Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMamxygRbbA goHUNT 3rd Axis Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_01BdmNUB7I&t=167s Hamskea Archery 3rd Axis Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clvz_pj4so8

Who doesn't love turkey nuggets? Episode 4 we are joined by Adam Wilson to talk all things turkeys. We cover everything from preseason scouting, looking for THAT bird vs birds, what to do at fly down, those magical mid-morning hours, and so much more. Cody, who's annually a successful turkey hunter, and Aaron, who's the exact opposite of that, both learned quite a bit from talking to Adam. As always, please give it a listen, hit that subscribe button, and leave a review!

On this episode we're joined by Aaron's long-time friend and trout junkie, Matt Goehler. Matt has been fishing his entire life, and has specifically targeted trout, salmon, and steelhead for the past 15 years. Matt also is the co-owner of RBM Jigs/Lake Effect Lures, and runs the Michigan Trout Addicts website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. Matt has a passion for trout fishing that many only could dream of having. We talk about how he got his start fishing at a young age, how he learned the trout game, where he sees Lake Effect Lures and Michigan Trout Addicts heading, the work-life-hustle balance, The Opener Tournament, and how to find and fish those trout hidey holes that all of us want to find. This was a fun podcast to record as we learned quite a bit about trout behavior, where to find trout, how to fish trout waters, and how Matt is using his trout fishing passion to make a difference on and off the waters of the Great Lakes. Remember, all proceeds from Michigan Trout Addicts gear, and 20% of The Opener Tournament registration, goes straight to helping the cause and is donated to helping children with chromosomal abnormalities! Helpful links: Lake Effect Lures: www.lakeeffectlures.com RBM Jigs/Lake Effect Lures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RBMJIGSLLC RBM Jigs/Lake Effect Lures Instagram: @rbm_jigs Michigan Trout Addicts: www.michigantroutaddicts.com Michigan Trout Addicts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michigantroutaddicts Michigan Trout Addicts Instagram: @michigan_trout_addicts MI DNR Trout Streams Maps: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_82436_95051---,00.html

In episode 2 we talk with our buddy, and Cody's lifelong friend, Jim Nichol. It's a round table of sorts where we discuss what we're doing to prepare for the 2021 elk season. We go over everything from workouts to shooting to calling, etc. We also take time to reflect on our 2019 elk season preparation, lessons learned, and what we're doing differently this year. As a small spoiler, consistency is a common theme you'll hear throughout this podcast. We finish it off with the three big game hunts we would go on if given the opportunity. Enjoy! Helpful links: https://mtntough.com/ https://elkshape.com/ https://phelpsgamecalls.com/ https://www.treelineacademy.net/ https://theelkcollective.com/

In our first episode, we go over why we decided to do a podcast, the background behind The Pack Out and a little about ourselves. We then take a deep dive into breaking down our western gear. We cover boots, clothing, sleep systems, first aid kits, kill kits, water kits, cooking and the food we take. We don't sugarcoat our review or why we use or don't use something. We aren't sponsored nor do we have any deals with anyone. We pay for everything we use, so you can rest assured our review is coming from real world experience and purpose. To send off our inaugural podcast, we discuss three things that we never leave from our packs.  Helpful links: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/ https://www.archerytalk.com/forums/classified-ads.8/ https://www.blackovis.com/ goHUNT lacing video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8FqzGCz234