<![CDATA[The Evolving Hunter Podcast]]>The Evolving Hunter Podcast explores what it really means to grow as a hunter in today’s world. Each episode features honest conversations with mentors, biologists, educators, and everyday hunters about skills, mindset, ethics, and belonging in hunting culture. Instead of glorifying once-in-a-lifetime trophies, the show focuses on learning, progress, and the personal journeys that shape us in the field. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, this podcast is about becoming a more capable, thoughtful, and connected hunter.

Looking for a great way to get started? visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get certified to buy your hunting license!

]]>https://evolvinghunter.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:13:04 GMTTue, 24 Feb 2026 20:05:25 GMT60TEH Podcast Productions<p><b>The Evolving Hunter Podcast</b> explores what it really means to grow as a hunter in today’s world. Each episode features honest conversations with mentors, biologists, educators, and everyday hunters about skills, mindset, ethics, and belonging in hunting culture. Instead of glorifying once-in-a-lifetime trophies, the show focuses on learning, progress, and the personal journeys that shape us in the field. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, this podcast is about becoming a more capable, thoughtful, and connected hunter.</p><p></p><p>Looking for a great way to get started? visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get certified to buy your hunting license!</p>episodicTEH Podcast Productionsjaeellison11@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Ep. 19: Keep Hunting Fun: Jesse Holt on Gear, Safety, Bears, and Starting Small]]>What if the fastest way to fall out of love with hunting is to make your first hunts too hard?

Jesse Holt grew up in Arizona in a house where hunting was simply where food came from. His dad hunted, his mom worked as a meat processor, and Jesse took his hunter education at 10 years old. He later drifted away from hunting for a career in tournament fishing, then came back to it for the same reason he started: better food, and more fun.

This year, Jesse did something that surprised him. Offered the kind of invitations many hunters dream about, including a hosted trip to Africa and remote bear hunts, he turned most of them down. He had burned himself out chasing hunts that were too hard, and it clarified the message he now wants to pass to new hunters: start with fun, high probability hunts you actually enjoy, learn the basics properly, and do not let social media or the gear industry set your expectations.

Jesse is also a board member of the American Bear Foundation, and he and Jae, both South Carolinians, get into bear management, working with state agencies, and why the practical, unglamorous work, like bear proof trash cans, does more for bears than almost anything else.

In this episode:

  • Jesse's path: Arizona roots, food first hunting, tournament fishing, and coming back
  • Why he turned down dream hunts, and what burnout taught him about helping beginners
  • Why you do not need a thousand yard rifle, a wall of gear, or a trophy to be a real hunter
  • Mentoring without forcing: meet kids and new hunters at their level (bluegill before marlin), and South Carolina DNR's Take One Make One program as Jesse describes it
  • Social media's two sides: unrealistic trophy expectations on one hand, real help and connection on the other
  • The honest side of killing: Jesse's Florida alligator hunt, and a new hunter who was not prepared for what taking an animal actually looks like
  • The processing gap: why new hunters ask for field dressing and processing help more than almost anything, and how Jesse teaches it hands on
  • Outdoor skills are hunting skills: first aid training before bear gun debates, wool after a fall in an Idaho river, dehydration on a winter wolf hunt, and why judgment is the first thing hypothermia takes
  • Why a delayed care emergency can start a hundred yards from your truck, or in your own backyard
  • The American Bear Foundation: bears first, bear proof trash cans, electric fences, identifying boars and sows, and the flaw Jesse sees in sow quota systems
  • Working with state agencies: show up with clear evidence instead of yelling, state versus federal management, the wild turkey comeback, and trapping and quail in South Carolina
  • Jesse's roadmap for a brand new hunter: hunter education first, a low hanging fruit first hunt, find out whether you actually like the killing and processing part, then pick one style of hunting and go all in on it

Have a question for the show? Email community@evolvinghunter.com and it may be answered in a future episode, with our guests weighing in.

Check out Jesse on Instagram: @chasing_dinner

Learn more about the American Bear Foundation

Follow along: https://linktr.ee/evolvinghunter
Instagram and YouTube: @evolvinghunterpodcast

Interested in getting into hunting? Start your journey with our show partner, CertifiedHunter.com

]]>77e245ec-7c72-411d-9489-b0c32bf4623fWed, 28 Oct 2026 01:41:35 GMT<p>What if the fastest way to fall out of love with hunting is to make your first hunts too hard?</p><p>Jesse Holt grew up in Arizona in a house where hunting was simply where food came from. His dad hunted, his mom worked as a meat processor, and Jesse took his hunter education at 10 years old. He later drifted away from hunting for a career in tournament fishing, then came back to it for the same reason he started: better food, and more fun.</p><p>This year, Jesse did something that surprised him. Offered the kind of invitations many hunters dream about, including a hosted trip to Africa and remote bear hunts, he turned most of them down. He had burned himself out chasing hunts that were too hard, and it clarified the message he now wants to pass to new hunters: start with fun, high probability hunts you actually enjoy, learn the basics properly, and do not let social media or the gear industry set your expectations.</p><p>Jesse is also a board member of the American Bear Foundation, and he and Jae, both South Carolinians, get into bear management, working with state agencies, and why the practical, unglamorous work, like bear proof trash cans, does more for bears than almost anything else.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Jesse's path: Arizona roots, food first hunting, tournament fishing, and coming back</li><li>Why he turned down dream hunts, and what burnout taught him about helping beginners</li><li>Why you do not need a thousand yard rifle, a wall of gear, or a trophy to be a real hunter</li><li>Mentoring without forcing: meet kids and new hunters at their level (bluegill before marlin), and South Carolina DNR's Take One Make One program as Jesse describes it</li><li>Social media's two sides: unrealistic trophy expectations on one hand, real help and connection on the other</li><li>The honest side of killing: Jesse's Florida alligator hunt, and a new hunter who was not prepared for what taking an animal actually looks like</li><li>The processing gap: why new hunters ask for field dressing and processing help more than almost anything, and how Jesse teaches it hands on</li><li>Outdoor skills are hunting skills: first aid training before bear gun debates, wool after a fall in an Idaho river, dehydration on a winter wolf hunt, and why judgment is the first thing hypothermia takes</li><li>Why a delayed care emergency can start a hundred yards from your truck, or in your own backyard</li><li>The American Bear Foundation: bears first, bear proof trash cans, electric fences, identifying boars and sows, and the flaw Jesse sees in sow quota systems</li><li>Working with state agencies: show up with clear evidence instead of yelling, state versus federal management, the wild turkey comeback, and trapping and quail in South Carolina</li><li>Jesse's roadmap for a brand new hunter: hunter education first, a low hanging fruit first hunt, find out whether you actually like the killing and processing part, then pick one style of hunting and go all in on it</li></ul><p>Have a question for the show? Email <a href="mailto:community@evolvinghunter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">community@evolvinghunter.com</a> and it may be answered in a future episode, with our guests weighing in.</p><p>Check out Jesse on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chasing_dinner/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">@chasing_dinner</a></p><p>Learn more about the <a href="https://americanbearfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">American Bear Foundation</a></p><p>Follow along: <a href="https://linktr.ee/evolvinghunter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://linktr.ee/evolvinghunter</a><br />Instagram and YouTube: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evolvinghunterpodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">@evolvinghunterpodcast</a></p><p>Interested in getting into hunting? Start your journey with our show partner, <a href="https://certifiedhunter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CertifiedHunter.com</a></p>no01:26:21119Ep. 19: Keep Hunting Fun: Jesse Holt on Gear, Safety, Bears, and Starting Smallfull<![CDATA[Ep. 18: The Hunter Q&A ]]>This week, we’re switching things up with a listener Q&A episode. Francis returns to The Evolving Hunter to help me tackle questions sent in by hunters from across the country.

We get into everything from the practical to the philosophical: what new hunters spend too much time worrying about, the skills they should actually be developing, ethical shot decisions, hunting the wind, turkey calling, choosing a rifle, moon phases, Western hunting, and what it really means to move beyond being a “beginner.”

We also dig into some bigger questions surrounding hunting and conservation, including what declining hunter participation could mean for wildlife funding, why Hunter Education doesn’t necessarily teach you how to hunt, and the challenge of helping someone move from completing Hunter Ed to actually feeling confident in the field.

Along the way, we talk about bad gear purchases, lessons learned the hard way, hunting mistakes we still make, backpacks and boots, DIY elk hunts, wilderness skills, mentorship, and why sometimes the best thing a new hunter can do is stop watching YouTube and start connecting with real people.

This one is less interview and more two hunters sitting down and working through the questions a lot of us have probably asked at one point or another.

Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Send it to community@evolvinghunter.com.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube, and if you enjoy the episode, share it with someone you’d like to get into the woods with.

]]>61c91165-6bae-47b2-82cc-c8286dcd0c2bTue, 06 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>This week, we’re switching things up with a listener Q&amp;A episode. Francis returns to The Evolving Hunter to help me tackle questions sent in by hunters from across the country.</p><p>We get into everything from the practical to the philosophical: what new hunters spend too much time worrying about, the skills they should actually be developing, ethical shot decisions, hunting the wind, turkey calling, choosing a rifle, moon phases, Western hunting, and what it really means to move beyond being a “beginner.”</p><p>We also dig into some bigger questions surrounding hunting and conservation, including what declining hunter participation could mean for wildlife funding, why Hunter Education doesn’t necessarily teach you how to hunt, and the challenge of helping someone move from completing Hunter Ed to actually feeling confident in the field.</p><p>Along the way, we talk about bad gear purchases, lessons learned the hard way, hunting mistakes we still make, backpacks and boots, DIY elk hunts, wilderness skills, mentorship, and why sometimes the best thing a new hunter can do is stop watching YouTube and start connecting with real people.</p><p>This one is less interview and more two hunters sitting down and working through the questions a lot of us have probably asked at one point or another.</p><p>Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Send it to <a href="mailto:community@evolvinghunter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">community@evolvinghunter.com</a>.</p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</strong></b></a> to get started!</p><p>Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube, and if you enjoy the episode, share it with someone you’d like to get into the woods with.</p>no02:02:26118Ep. 18: The Hunter Q&A full<![CDATA[Ep 17: The Next Step for New Hunters with Bryan Posthumus]]>Passing hunter education is an important first step. But what happens after that?

In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Bryan Posthumus, Statewide Hunter Outreach Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to talk about what it actually takes to help new hunters move from the classroom into the field.

The conversation starts with listener questions from Colorado. Evan wants to jump straight into elk hunting but is not sure where to begin. Maya wants to hunt because she wants a closer connection to her food, but she is trying to help a non-hunting family understand that decision. Trevor wants to hunt but lives in an apartment, drives a small car, and has no freezer, leaving him wondering what happens if he is actually successful.

Those questions lead to a much larger conversation about the challenges facing new hunters.

Bryan and Jae talk about scouting, building skills before the season, starting with small game, learning to process an animal, finding hunting opportunities, and using resources like the Colorado Hunting Atlas. They also discuss something that may be even more important than gear or hunting knowledge: finding a community.

Bryan shares his own hunting story, from growing up waterfowl hunting with his dad and helping with hunter education classes to spending two decades working in natural resource management before eventually finding his way into hunter outreach with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The conversation also explores the difference between hunter education and hunter outreach, why mentored hunts and hands-on programs matter, and why experienced hunters do not have to be experts before they can help someone else get started.

Jae and Bryan also dig into R3, the effort to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters, and why participation in hunting is closely connected to wildlife conservation, habitat management, and the future of hunting opportunities.

And maybe most importantly, they challenge the idea that a successful hunt has to end with an animal on the ground. Every trip adds another piece to the puzzle. Skills improve. Knowledge grows. Stories accumulate. Sometimes you even almost get run over by a skunk.

For a new hunter wondering, "What do I do after hunter education?" this episode is a great place to start.

Have a question, story, or comment for the show? Send it to community@evolvinghunter.com.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube at @EvolvingHunterPodcast.

Get outside, keep learning, and keep evolving.

]]>754564de-19ad-4fae-8cfb-3ae0fac9a34eTue, 29 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>Passing hunter education is an important first step. But what happens after that?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Bryan Posthumus, Statewide Hunter Outreach Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to talk about what it actually takes to help new hunters move from the classroom into the field.</p><p></p><p>The conversation starts with listener questions from Colorado. Evan wants to jump straight into elk hunting but is not sure where to begin. Maya wants to hunt because she wants a closer connection to her food, but she is trying to help a non-hunting family understand that decision. Trevor wants to hunt but lives in an apartment, drives a small car, and has no freezer, leaving him wondering what happens if he is actually successful.</p><p></p><p>Those questions lead to a much larger conversation about the challenges facing new hunters.</p><p></p><p>Bryan and Jae talk about scouting, building skills before the season, starting with small game, learning to process an animal, finding hunting opportunities, and using resources like the Colorado Hunting Atlas. They also discuss something that may be even more important than gear or hunting knowledge: finding a community.</p><p></p><p>Bryan shares his own hunting story, from growing up waterfowl hunting with his dad and helping with hunter education classes to spending two decades working in natural resource management before eventually finding his way into hunter outreach with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.</p><p>The conversation also explores the difference between hunter education and hunter outreach, why mentored hunts and hands-on programs matter, and why experienced hunters do not have to be experts before they can help someone else get started.</p><p></p><p>Jae and Bryan also dig into R3, the effort to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters, and why participation in hunting is closely connected to wildlife conservation, habitat management, and the future of hunting opportunities.</p><p></p><p>And maybe most importantly, they challenge the idea that a successful hunt has to end with an animal on the ground. Every trip adds another piece to the puzzle. Skills improve. Knowledge grows. Stories accumulate. Sometimes you even almost get run over by a skunk.</p><p>For a new hunter wondering, "What do I do after hunter education?" this episode is a great place to start.</p><p></p><p>Have a question, story, or comment for the show? Send it to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:community@evolvinghunter.com" target="_blank">community@evolvinghunter.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank"><b>certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</b></a> to get started!</p><p></p><p>Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube at @EvolvingHunterPodcast.</p><p></p><p>Get outside, keep learning, and keep evolving.</p>no01:25:33117Ep 17: The Next Step for New Hunters with Bryan Posthumusfull<![CDATA[Ep. 16: Black Bears of the Carolina Coast with Chase Luker]]>Black bears probably are not the first thing that come to mind when you picture the coast of North Carolina, but maybe they should be.

In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Chase Luker of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for a deep dive into black bears, bear hunting, and the hunting culture of eastern North Carolina.

Chase shares how growing up hunting in rural Alabama eventually led to a career in conservation and outdoor education, along with the experiences that turned bear and waterfowl hunting into two of his biggest passions.

From there, the conversation gets into the bears themselves. Why does eastern North Carolina produce such massive black bears? What are they eating? How do their seasonal habits differ from bears in colder parts of the country? And what should a hunter actually look for when scouting bear country?

Jae and Chase also talk about the long tradition of hunting bears with hounds, stand hunting and spot-and-stalk opportunities, identifying boars and sows in the field, choosing hunting areas, reading bear sign, managing human pressure, and some of the mistakes new bear hunters can make.

For someone interested in trying bear hunting, Chase offers a simple starting point: do your research, find a mentor or experienced guide, learn the country, and spend time watching bears before worrying about harvesting one.

They also swap a few memorable bear stories, talk about just how good bear meat can be, and somehow finish the conversation discussing handmade duck decoys and why creating something yourself can add another layer to the hunting experience.

Whether you are thinking about hunting black bears for the first time or simply want to better understand one of North America's most fascinating game animals, there is a lot to take away from this conversation.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Have a question for the show? Send it to community@evolvinghunter.com.

Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube at @EvolvingHunterPodcast.

Stay safe, stay curious, and keep evolving.

]]>07648505-2704-46c7-874b-189e17c9632eTue, 22 Sep 2026 15:27:17 GMT<p>Black bears probably are not the first thing that come to mind when you picture the coast of North Carolina, but maybe they should be.</p><p>In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Chase Luker of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for a deep dive into black bears, bear hunting, and the hunting culture of eastern North Carolina.</p><p></p><p>Chase shares how growing up hunting in rural Alabama eventually led to a career in conservation and outdoor education, along with the experiences that turned bear and waterfowl hunting into two of his biggest passions.</p><p></p><p>From there, the conversation gets into the bears themselves. Why does eastern North Carolina produce such massive black bears? What are they eating? How do their seasonal habits differ from bears in colder parts of the country? And what should a hunter actually look for when scouting bear country?</p><p></p><p>Jae and Chase also talk about the long tradition of hunting bears with hounds, stand hunting and spot-and-stalk opportunities, identifying boars and sows in the field, choosing hunting areas, reading bear sign, managing human pressure, and some of the mistakes new bear hunters can make.</p><p>For someone interested in trying bear hunting, Chase offers a simple starting point: do your research, find a mentor or experienced guide, learn the country, and spend time watching bears before worrying about harvesting one.</p><p></p><p>They also swap a few memorable bear stories, talk about just how good bear meat can be, and somehow finish the conversation discussing handmade duck decoys and why creating something yourself can add another layer to the hunting experience.</p><p></p><p>Whether you are thinking about hunting black bears for the first time or simply want to better understand one of North America's most fascinating game animals, there is a lot to take away from this conversation.</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank"><b>certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</b></a> to get started!</p><p></p><p></p><p>Have a question for the show? Send it to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:community@evolvinghunter.com" target="_blank">community@evolvinghunter.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube at @EvolvingHunterPodcast.</p><p>Stay safe, stay curious, and keep evolving.</p>no00:58:37116Ep. 16: Black Bears of the Carolina Coast with Chase Lukerfull<![CDATA[Ep. 15: Building Better Hunters with Jordan Likes]]>In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Jordan Likes, Hunter and Angler Program Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to talk about what it really takes to become a hunter.

Jordan shares his own path from growing up in a Colorado hunting family, to working as a wildlife officer, to eventually helping lead hunter education and outreach efforts across the state. Along the way, Jae and Jordan explore the role hunter education plays in creating safe, ethical hunters and, just as importantly, what hunter education cannot teach you in a weekend.

They dig into one of the biggest challenges facing new hunters: what comes next?

How do you find a mentor when you don't come from a hunting family? How can parents support a child who suddenly wants to hunt? What skills should a new hunter focus on first? And how do you avoid comparing your first season to the elk hunts and mountaintop success stories you see online?

Jordan and Jae talk about mentorship, preparation, managing expectations, starting with small game, building outdoor skills one piece at a time, and why becoming a hunter is less about reaching some imaginary finish line and more about continuing to learn.

Whether you're trying to figure out how to start hunting in Colorado or you're several seasons into your own journey, this conversation is a reminder that nobody has hunting completely figured out. And that's part of what makes it worth pursuing.

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Send it to community@evolvinghunter.com.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube @EvolvingHunterPodcast.

Stay safe. Stay curious. Keep evolving.

]]>8d54bd49-9c71-4f4b-975b-074f22be9714Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:42:32 GMT<p>In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Jordan Likes, Hunter and Angler Program Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to talk about what it really takes to become a hunter.</p><p>Jordan shares his own path from growing up in a Colorado hunting family, to working as a wildlife officer, to eventually helping lead hunter education and outreach efforts across the state. Along the way, Jae and Jordan explore the role hunter education plays in creating safe, ethical hunters and, just as importantly, what hunter education cannot teach you in a weekend.</p><p></p><p>They dig into one of the biggest challenges facing new hunters: what comes next?</p><p></p><p>How do you find a mentor when you don't come from a hunting family? How can parents support a child who suddenly wants to hunt? What skills should a new hunter focus on first? And how do you avoid comparing your first season to the elk hunts and mountaintop success stories you see online?</p><p></p><p>Jordan and Jae talk about mentorship, preparation, managing expectations, starting with small game, building outdoor skills one piece at a time, and why becoming a hunter is less about reaching some imaginary finish line and more about continuing to learn.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're trying to figure out how to start hunting in Colorado or you're several seasons into your own journey, this conversation is a reminder that nobody has hunting completely figured out. And that's part of what makes it worth pursuing.</p><p></p><p>Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Send it to <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:community@evolvinghunter.com" target="_blank">community@evolvinghunter.com</a>.</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank"><b>certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</b></a> to get started!</p><p></p><p>Follow The Evolving Hunter Podcast on Instagram and YouTube @EvolvingHunterPodcast.</p><p></p><p>Stay safe. Stay curious. Keep evolving.</p>no01:17:03115Ep. 15: Building Better Hunters with Jordan Likesfull<![CDATA[Ep. 14: Getting Involved in South Dakota’s Hunting Community]]>In this episode, Jae Ellison interviews Brandon Maahs from South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks about hunting, hunter education, and community building. They discuss shot decision-making, public land etiquette, essential gear for beginners, and how to get involved in hunting in South Dakota.

A huge thanks to Brandon for joining us for this episode!

Check out the SD agency website: Click Here

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

]]>f39d7340-64dc-42c7-888d-58b4826e5105Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:41:19 GMT<p>In this episode, Jae Ellison interviews Brandon Maahs from South Dakota Game, Fish, &amp; Parks about hunting, hunter education, and community building. They discuss shot decision-making, public land etiquette, essential gear for beginners, and how to get involved in hunting in South Dakota.</p><p></p><p>A huge thanks to Brandon for joining us for this episode!</p><p></p><p>Check out the SD agency website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gfp.sd.gov/" target="_blank">Click Here</a></p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!</p><p></p>no01:28:09114Ep. 14: Getting Involved in South Dakota’s Hunting Communityfull<![CDATA[Ep. 13: Building Kentucky’s Next Generation of Hunters]]>In this episode, Rachel Crume from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shares insights on hunter education, mentorship, and programs like NASP to encourage novice hunters. We explore strategies for building confidence, access, and community engagement in hunting.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

]]>547195e6-5a57-47a6-9dbb-afcc7ba4d3e5Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:48:36 GMT<p>In this episode, Rachel Crume from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shares insights on hunter education, mentorship, and programs like NASP to encourage novice hunters. We explore strategies for building confidence, access, and community engagement in hunting.</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!</p><p></p><p></p>no01:06:05Ep. 13: Building Kentucky’s Next Generation of Huntersfull<![CDATA[Ep. 12: Building Hunters Through Mentorship with Pass It On-Outdoor Mentors ]]>In this episode, Scott Petrie, CEO of Pass It On Outdoor Mentors, shares insights on expanding hunting mentorship programs, overcoming barriers for new hunters, and the importance of conservation education. Discover how mentorship can scale and impact the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.

Pass It On Outdoor Mentors - Click Here

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

]]>d42947f3-163c-4a58-936d-06ea2fffdf7dWed, 24 Jun 2026 00:55:50 GMT<p>In this episode, Scott Petrie, CEO of Pass It On Outdoor Mentors, shares insights on expanding hunting mentorship programs, overcoming barriers for new hunters, and the importance of conservation education. Discover how mentorship can scale and impact the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.</p><p></p><p>Pass It On Outdoor Mentors - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://outdoormentors.org/" target="_blank">Click Here</a></p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!</p><p></p><p></p>no01:18:49112Ep. 12: Building Hunters Through Mentorship with Pass It On-Outdoor Mentors full<![CDATA[Ep. 11: Almost Live From the Arctic: A Story of Exploration, Grit, and Community with Jim Welsh]]>Join us as Jim Welsh, Yukon conservation officer, hunter education coordinator, and Canadian Ranger, shares insights from his epic 3,100 mile snow machine expedition across Canada's Arctic. Discover lessons on survival, community, and the parallels to hunting and outdoor skills.

Check out this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm_HeJSgGzY

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

]]>3b0b81b2-315c-43c5-96fc-652dc0d4a59dWed, 10 Jun 2026 20:31:22 GMT<p>Join us as Jim Welsh, Yukon conservation officer, hunter education coordinator, and Canadian Ranger, shares insights from his epic 3,100 mile snow machine expedition across Canada's Arctic. Discover lessons on survival, community, and the parallels to hunting and outdoor skills.</p><p></p><p>Check out this episode on YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm_HeJSgGzY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm_HeJSgGzY</a></p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p>no01:09:07111Ep. 11: Almost Live From the Arctic: A Story of Exploration, Grit, and Community with Jim Welshfull<![CDATA[Ep. 10: Building Communities in Hunting with NWTF]]>Show Notes:

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of hunting, conservation, and community building with Morgan Evans from NWTF. We discuss the conservation success story of the wild turkey and how organizations like NWTF are fostering inclusive, impactful hunting communities.

A huge thanks to Morgan for joining us for this episode! If you'd like to learn more about the good work NWTF is doing, check out their website at www.nwtf.org.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

]]>ab11b2d4-b699-4a4c-95d3-dc6cf6526a02Wed, 20 May 2026 17:08:20 GMT<p>Show Notes:</p><p></p><p>In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of hunting, conservation, and community building with Morgan Evans from NWTF. We discuss the conservation success story of the wild turkey and how organizations like NWTF are fostering inclusive, impactful hunting communities.</p><p></p><p>A huge thanks to Morgan for joining us for this episode! If you'd like to learn more about the good work NWTF is doing, check out their website at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.nwtf.org" target="_blank">www.nwtf.org</a>.</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p><p></p>no01:28:45110Ep. 10: Building Communities in Hunting with NWTFfull<![CDATA[Ep. 9: Unlocking the Future of Hunting: Motivations, Education, and Engagement]]>Show Notes:

In this episode, Jae interviews Carissa Daniels from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to explore the motivations behind new hunters, the importance of hunter education, and how agencies can better engage diverse audiences. They discuss practical steps for beginners, the evolving landscape of hunting participation, and the future of hunter outreach.

A huge thanks to Carissa for being on the show!

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

Resources from the show:

Check out upcoming educational programs in North Carolina

]]>3cde9633-c7bf-4f51-9a79-4f8b121ab8c7Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p><b>Show Notes:</b></p><p></p><p>In this episode, Jae interviews Carissa Daniels from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to explore the motivations behind new hunters, the importance of hunter education, and how agencies can better engage diverse audiences. They discuss practical steps for beginners, the evolving landscape of hunting participation, and the future of hunter outreach.</p><p></p><p>A huge thanks to Carissa for being on the show!</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>Resources from the show:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ncwildlife.gov/education/classes-workshops-events" target="_blank"><b>Check out upcoming educational programs in North Carolina</b></a></p>no01:08:4819Ep. 9: Unlocking the Future of Hunting: Motivations, Education, and Engagementfull<![CDATA[Ep. 8: Guiding, Mentoring, and Chasing Maine Moose]]>Show Notes:

Join us as Ron Fournier from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shares his lifelong journey in hunting, guiding, and conservation. Discover insights into moose hunting, guiding experiences, and how to inspire the next generation of hunters.

A huge thanks to Ron for being on the show!

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

Resources from the show:

Check out upcoming educational programs in Maine

]]>43002f44-c6ea-45bb-9082-4c94a8773f4dWed, 22 Apr 2026 13:11:34 GMT<p><b>Show Notes: </b></p><p></p><p>Join us as Ron Fournier from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shares his lifelong journey in hunting, guiding, and conservation. Discover insights into moose hunting, guiding experiences, and how to inspire the next generation of hunters.</p><p></p><p>A huge thanks to Ron for being on the show!</p><p></p><p>Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>Resources from the show:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/educational-programs/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Check out upcoming educational programs in Maine</b></a></p>no01:40:1618Ep. 8: Guiding, Mentoring, and Chasing Maine Moosefull<![CDATA[Ep. 7: Money Talks: Funding Conservation in the U.S. ]]>Show Notes:

Funding Conservation in the US: Historical Roots, Modern Systems, and Personal Journeys.

In this episode of the Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with James Burnham, a biologist at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to explore the intricate system of conservation funding in the United States. From early market hunting practices to modern excise taxes, they unravel how these mechanisms support wildlife and habitat management today.

A huge thanks to James for being on the show!

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

Resources from the show:

]]>334e94ce-4ace-4ae0-b860-46fb4a5c7214Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:35:34 GMT<p><b>Show Notes:</b></p><p></p><p><b>Funding Conservation in the US: Historical Roots, Modern Systems, and Personal Journeys.</b></p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with James Burnham, a biologist at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to explore the intricate system of conservation funding in the United States. From early market hunting practices to modern excise taxes, they unravel how these mechanisms support wildlife and habitat management today.</p><p></p><p>A huge thanks to James for being on the show!</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>Resources from the show:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://partnerwithapayer.org/" target="_blank"><b>Partner With a Payer - US Fish and Wildlife Service</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://georgiawildlife.com/LearntoHuntFish" target="_blank"><b>Georgia DNR Learn to Hunt Program</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://learnhunting.org/" target="_blank"><b>International Hunter Education Association - </b></a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://learnhunting.org" target="_blank"><b>learnhunting.org</b></a></li></ul>no01:34:5017Ep. 7: Money Talks: Funding Conservation in the U.S. full<![CDATA[Episode 6: Trapping with Beavers Unlimited]]>Show Notes:

In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison engages with the team from Beavers Unlimited, discussing their unique approach to wildlife management, trapping, and habitat improvement. The conversation covers the origins of Beavers Unlimited, the challenges of nuisance trapping, and the importance of social media in promoting their work. The guests share their personal journeys into trapping and hunting, emphasizing the skills learned and the passion developed along the way. The episode concludes with insights on the future of Beavers Unlimited and the importance of educating the next generation of hunters and trappers.

A big thanks to the Beavers Unlimited crew for joining me on this podcast! If you'd like to check out their social media, click here to see their YouTube channel.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Huge announcement on this episode of the new turkey hunting course on CertifiedHunter called Turkey Hunting Fundamentals. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

]]>737738f0-dcc7-4212-ac61-5a489a20aa13Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:19:58 GMT<p><b>Show Notes:</b><br /></p><p>In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison engages with the team from Beavers Unlimited, discussing their unique approach to wildlife management, trapping, and habitat improvement. The conversation covers the origins of Beavers Unlimited, the challenges of nuisance trapping, and the importance of social media in promoting their work. The guests share their personal journeys into trapping and hunting, emphasizing the skills learned and the passion developed along the way. The episode concludes with insights on the future of Beavers Unlimited and the importance of educating the next generation of hunters and trappers.</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to the Beavers Unlimited crew for joining me on this podcast! If you'd like to check out their social media, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@beaversunlimited" target="_blank">click here to see their YouTube channel.</a></p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started!<br /><br />Huge announcement on this episode of the new turkey hunting course on CertifiedHunter called Turkey Hunting Fundamentals. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/courses" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/courses</a>.</p><p></p>no00:58:0416Episode 6: Trapping with Beavers Unlimitedfull<![CDATA[Episode 5: Belonging in Hunting]]>Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations at the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, as she shares her journey into hunting, the importance of community, and strategies to grow and diversify the hunting community. Discover how curiosity, social support, and inclusive storytelling are shaping the future of hunting.

If you'd like to learn more about the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports and the good work they are doing for our industry, visit www.cahss.org.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Keywords:

hunting, R3, community building, diversity, conservation, hunting education, social support, wildlife, inclusion, future of hunting

]]>98d6ef82-ccbd-43be-b0d4-da21061507b3Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:23:26 GMT<p>Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations at the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, as she shares her journey into hunting, the importance of community, and strategies to grow and diversify the hunting community. Discover how curiosity, social support, and inclusive storytelling are shaping the future of hunting.</p><p></p><p>If you'd like to learn more about the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports and the good work they are doing for our industry, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.cahss.org" target="_blank">www.cahss.org</a>. </p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started! </p><p></p><p>Keywords:</p><p>hunting, R3, community building, diversity, conservation, hunting education, social support, wildlife, inclusion, future of hunting</p><p></p>no01:21:0915Episode 5: Belonging in Huntingfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: Inside Regulated Trapping]]>Show Notes:

In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Bill Seybold, the trapping education coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game. They discuss the intricacies of trapping, including the importance of best management practices (BMPs), the regulations surrounding trapping, and the misconceptions that non-trappers often have. Bill shares insights on how to get started in trapping, the significance of trapper education, and the ethical considerations that come with the practice. The conversation emphasizes the detail-oriented nature of trapping and its role in wildlife management and conservation.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Keywords

trapping, best management practices, trapping education, wildlife conservation, Idaho Fish and Game, novice trappers, trapping regulations, humane trapping, outdoor skills, fur bearers

]]>c58a62d5-1a92-4e99-a9b1-560c8924e850Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:00:40 GMT<p>Show Notes:</p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Bill Seybold, the trapping education coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game. They discuss the intricacies of trapping, including the importance of best management practices (BMPs), the regulations surrounding trapping, and the misconceptions that non-trappers often have. Bill shares insights on how to get started in trapping, the significance of trapper education, and the ethical considerations that come with the practice. The conversation emphasizes the detail-oriented nature of trapping and its role in wildlife management and conservation.</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started! </p><p></p><p>Keywords</p><p>trapping, best management practices, trapping education, wildlife conservation, Idaho Fish and Game, novice trappers, trapping regulations, humane trapping, outdoor skills, fur bearers</p><p></p>no00:58:5614Episode 4: Inside Regulated Trappingfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Prepare for Spring Turkey Hunting]]>Show Notes:

In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Mitchell Shirk, the host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast. They discuss Mitchell's lifelong passion for hunting, particularly turkey hunting, and share insights on how to get started as a novice hunter. The conversation covers essential tips for spring turkey season, including calling strategies, the importance of patience, safety considerations, and navigating public land. Mitchell emphasizes the significance of understanding turkey behavior and the environment, as well as the gear needed for a successful hunt.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Keywords

hunting, turkey hunting, Pennsylvania Woodsman, novice hunters, spring turkey season, hunting safety, turkey calls, hunting gear, public land hunting, hunting strategies

]]>3a5c7d53-2347-4287-bd7a-6dce243a37ebFri, 27 Feb 2026 20:09:20 GMT<p><b>Show Notes:</b></p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Mitchell Shirk, the host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast. They discuss Mitchell's lifelong passion for hunting, particularly turkey hunting, and share insights on how to get started as a novice hunter. The conversation covers essential tips for spring turkey season, including calling strategies, the importance of patience, safety considerations, and navigating public land. Mitchell emphasizes the significance of understanding turkey behavior and the environment, as well as the gear needed for a successful hunt.</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started! </p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p></p><p>hunting, turkey hunting, Pennsylvania Woodsman, novice hunters, spring turkey season, hunting safety, turkey calls, hunting gear, public land hunting, hunting strategies</p><p></p>no01:00:3513Episode 3: Prepare for Spring Turkey Huntingfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Connection Matters]]>Show Notes:

In this engaging conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted world of hunting, touching on personal experiences, the evolution of a hunter, and the importance of community and skills in the hunting journey. Francis shares his background growing up in Montana, the challenges of hunting in grizzly country, and the shift in mindset from focusing solely on the kill to appreciating the adventure and camaraderie that hunting brings. They discuss the essential skills for novice hunters and what keeps individuals engaged in the sport over time, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and shared experiences in the hunting community. In this conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted aspects of hunting, emphasizing the importance of community, belonging, and mentorship in fostering a new generation of hunters. They discuss the alarming decline in youth participation in hunting and the challenges posed by technology and changing societal norms. The conversation highlights the need for parents to engage their children in outdoor activities and the transformative experiences that nature can provide. Additionally, they touch on the role of trapping as a means to enhance hunting skills and the future of hunting as it adapts to modern challenges.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Keywords

hunting, personal stories, grizzly bears, novice hunters, hunting community, hunting skills, hunting success, outdoor adventures, family traditions, hunting experiences hunting, community, belonging, mentorship, youth participation, future of hunting, skill development, trapping, technology, conservation

]]>7c42a645-19c5-47fe-87b8-0421f29c9e7cWed, 25 Feb 2026 20:12:59 GMT<p>Show Notes:</p><p></p><p>In this engaging conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted world of hunting, touching on personal experiences, the evolution of a hunter, and the importance of community and skills in the hunting journey. Francis shares his background growing up in Montana, the challenges of hunting in grizzly country, and the shift in mindset from focusing solely on the kill to appreciating the adventure and camaraderie that hunting brings. They discuss the essential skills for novice hunters and what keeps individuals engaged in the sport over time, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and shared experiences in the hunting community. In this conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted aspects of hunting, emphasizing the importance of community, belonging, and mentorship in fostering a new generation of hunters. They discuss the alarming decline in youth participation in hunting and the challenges posed by technology and changing societal norms. The conversation highlights the need for parents to engage their children in outdoor activities and the transformative experiences that nature can provide. Additionally, they touch on the role of trapping as a means to enhance hunting skills and the future of hunting as it adapts to modern challenges.</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started! </p><p></p><p>Keywords</p><p>hunting, personal stories, grizzly bears, novice hunters, hunting community, hunting skills, hunting success, outdoor adventures, family traditions, hunting experiences hunting, community, belonging, mentorship, youth participation, future of hunting, skill development, trapping, technology, conservation</p><p></p>no01:24:5612Episode 2: Connection Mattersfull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Origin Stories]]>Show Notes:

In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison welcomes his first guest, Ryan Orgitano, who played a pivotal role in Jae's hunting journey. The conversation dives into Ryan's early experiences with hunting, influenced by his family, and how those experiences shaped his passion for the outdoors. Ryan shares memorable moments from his childhood, including his first successful hunt at age 11 and the excitement of waiting for his father to return from hunting trips. As they reminisce about their shared hunting experiences, they explore the evolution of Ryan's perspective on hunting as he transitions from being mentored to mentoring his own children.

The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship in hunting, the challenges faced by new hunters, and the misconceptions experienced hunters may have about beginners. Ryan emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when introducing new hunters to the sport, highlighting the joy of sharing the outdoors with others. The episode concludes with insights on the significance of conservation and the hope for future generations of hunters to continue enjoying and protecting public lands.

A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

Keywords

hunting, mentorship, outdoor education, conservation, beginner hunters, hunting stories, Evolving Hunter podcast, hunting experiences

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:44 Ryan's Early Hunting Experiences

05:04 Evolving Perspectives on Hunting

07:39 Lessons Learned in the Woods

12:21 Advice for Beginner Hunters

16:35 The Joy of Mentoring New Hunters

23:56 Why Hunting Still Matters

26:40 Fishing Memories and Hunting Beginnings

28:10 Getting Started in Hunting: Tips for Beginners

30:00 Common Mistakes New Hunters Make

31:32 Building Good Hunting Habits

33:59 Processing Your Harvest: Planning Ahead

34:52 The Concept of the Evolving Hunter

36:46 Hunting for Future Generations

39:03 The Role of Hunters in Conservation

39:59 Excitement for Upcoming Hunts and Closing Thoughts

]]>854fb34e-5678-4139-8b05-64c9461a9197Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:33:40 GMT<p><b>Show Notes: </b></p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison welcomes his first guest, Ryan Orgitano, who played a pivotal role in Jae's hunting journey. The conversation dives into Ryan's early experiences with hunting, influenced by his family, and how those experiences shaped his passion for the outdoors. Ryan shares memorable moments from his childhood, including his first successful hunt at age 11 and the excitement of waiting for his father to return from hunting trips. As they reminisce about their shared hunting experiences, they explore the evolution of Ryan's perspective on hunting as he transitions from being mentored to mentoring his own children.</p><p>The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship in hunting, the challenges faced by new hunters, and the misconceptions experienced hunters may have about beginners. Ryan emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when introducing new hunters to the sport, highlighting the joy of sharing the outdoors with others. The episode concludes with insights on the significance of conservation and the hope for future generations of hunters to continue enjoying and protecting public lands.</p><p></p><p>A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter" target="_blank">certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter</a> to get started! </p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>hunting, mentorship, outdoor education, conservation, beginner hunters, hunting stories, Evolving Hunter podcast, hunting experiences</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction</p><p>01:44 Ryan's Early Hunting Experiences</p><p>05:04 Evolving Perspectives on Hunting</p><p>07:39 Lessons Learned in the Woods</p><p>12:21 Advice for Beginner Hunters</p><p>16:35 The Joy of Mentoring New Hunters</p><p>23:56 Why Hunting Still Matters</p><p>26:40 Fishing Memories and Hunting Beginnings</p><p>28:10 Getting Started in Hunting: Tips for Beginners</p><p>30:00 Common Mistakes New Hunters Make</p><p>31:32 Building Good Hunting Habits</p><p>33:59 Processing Your Harvest: Planning Ahead</p><p>34:52 The Concept of the Evolving Hunter</p><p>36:46 Hunting for Future Generations</p><p>39:03 The Role of Hunters in Conservation</p><p>39:59 Excitement for Upcoming Hunts and Closing Thoughts</p><p></p>no00:53:1411Episode 1: Origin Storiesfull