Rookie Hunter

In this episode, Mike welcomes Adam Janke back to the podcast for a wide ranging conversation that looks back on more than a decade of hunting media, podcasting, and storytelling. Adam reflects on the early days of the Journal of Mountain Hunting and Beyond the Kill, how the podcast landscape has changed, and why long form conversations still matter. 
WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details.
The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com.
If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this field guide episode, Mike shares practical ways to stay motivated through the off season and use the slower months to set yourself up for success in the fall. From organizing and cleaning gear, sharpening knives, and taking advantage of sales, to reviewing what worked and what didn't last season, scouting new areas, and building a solid fitness baseline, this episode is all about preparation. Mike also talks partner dynamics, fixing nagging injuries, planning hunts early, and why the work you put in now pays off when the season comes fast.
WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details.
The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com.
If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Dana to talk about her brand new podcast, Ignite, and the path that led her there. From coming to hunting later in life and learning where your food comes from to first bears and first bucks, the conversation explores the learning curve, the community, and the moments that hook you for life.
WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details.
The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com.
If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this special episode, Mike runs an episode of The Outdoor Life Podcast titled "Our Senior Staff Writer Nearly Died on a Backcountry Hunt."
Episode Description:
As many Outdoor Life listeners and followers might have heard, our senior staff writer Tyler Freel was severely injured during a backcountry hunt in Idaho earlier this fall. 
Tyler was thrown from a horse during the ride back to the trailhead. He knew that he was hurt the instant he hit the ground, but nobody quite knew the extent of his injuries at the time, which turned out to be extremely severe. 
So today on the podcast Tyler is going to explain what exactly happened on that hunt. And our shooting editor, John B. Snow, who was there on the hunt with Tyler is going to outline what we've learned from the experience. 
Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

In this episode, Mike, Kelly, and Garrett close out the season with a few more stories, a look back at some highlights, and some potential hunts for 2026.
WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details.
The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com.
If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.