Sportsmen's Empire - Western Big Game Hunting

Unlock the secrets of successful western hunting with a service that could change your entire season. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Colorado's vast public lands or wondered how to get insider intel without the endless scout trips, this episode is your game-changer.Josh Sears, a Colorado-based scouting expert and founder of Boots on the Ground, shares how his personalized service helps hunters cut through the noise. From navigating Colorado’s intricate road systems to identifying key sign like game trails, rubs, and perennial elk hotspots, Josh reveals practical strategies that dramatically improve your odds. You’ll discover how to leverage e-scouting tools like OnX effectively, interpret trail-camera data with real hunting seasons in mind, and avoid the common pitfall of putting too many eggs in one basket.We break down specific tactics like choosing the right access points, understanding hunter pressure patterns, and timing your hunts to avoid peak crowds.

 Plus, Josh discusses how his service tailors scouting operations based on hunter goals—from deep backcountry bivy hunts to quick day trips—saving you time, effort, and disappointment. His insights into managing expectations around trophy size and the realities of elk behavior help set you up for success, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time western adventurer.In this conversation, you'll grasp why scouting and local knowledge matter more than ever in today’s crowded public lands. The opportunity to hunt smarter—not harder—can lead to memorable encounters and a more meaningful outdoor experience. If you're planning a trip to Colorado or any western state, or simply want to understand how to approach western hunting with confidence, this episode is your essential guide.Josh Sears is passionate about helping hunters avoid rookie mistakes through personalized scouting services that maximize success and memories. His approach blends seasoned expertise with a genuine desire to give back to the hunting community.Perfect for DIY hunters, gear-savvy adventurers, and anyone eager to turn their Colorado scouting dreams into reality—without wasting valuable time and resources. Hit play now and get ahead of the herd!

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This week on Creekside Chronicles, I’m telling the story of how spending every free minute chasing fish on the river finally caught up with me.

After running the same line upriver I’d been running all summer, one bad hit on a hidden rock left me with a hole in my boat and a whole lot of time to think. What started as a rough day on the water turned into a reminder about balance, priorities, and why sometimes God has a way of slowing us down when we need it most. We touch on that dog that won’t hunt and how the changing seasons keep us going. Don’t let the title fool you, there's plenty of dog talk going on. 

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Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  

www.dusupply.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

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Most Western hunters underestimate how critical simple logistics—like fuel, access, and gear—are to their success. Dan Johnson reveals the hard lessons he's learned from close calls with gas tanks, private roads, and hidden property boundaries—lessons that could save your hunt from disaster. If you're planning your first backcountry adventure or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode will change how you prepare.

You’ll discover the overlooked importance of knowing your vehicle’s fuel range and the secret to avoiding last-minute breakdowns in remote areas. Dan shares stories about private land tricks and border crossings that can make or break your hunt if you’re not aware. Learn how to interpret maps, navigate private roads, and handle landlocked properties without running afoul of landowners or law enforcement. These tactics aren’t just about access—they’re about staying in the game and hunting smarter.

We break down essential lessons in gear selection and physical conditioning for backcountry hunts. Dan discusses the mistakes that made him suffer through cold nights, dehydration, and exhaustion—details that will help you avoid their pitfalls. Discover how investing in quality gear, proper water management, and training can turn a grueling adventure into a success story. Plus, tips on maximizing your energy, food, and water intake to keep you on your feet for those epic all-day glassing sessions.

Why does this matter? Because ignorance can turn a trophy opportunity into a nightmare—lost miles, wasted time, or worse. The opportunity cost of unpreparedness is steep in the remote wild, but the knowledge shared here can give you a critical edge. Whether you're chasing mule deer, elk, or pronghorn, mastering these fundamentals will make your hunt more enjoyable and productive.

Perfect for new and seasoned Western hunters alike, this episode is packed with actionable insights and stories to keep you safe, efficient, and in the field longer. The difference between a hunt remembered for success and one remembered for regret can hinge on these small, often overlooked lessons. Are you ready to hunt smarter and avoid costly mistakes? Hit play now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we break down the difference between visually stimulated hounds and those that rely on their nose to work out a track. We look at  what it really means when a young pup doesn’t bark at live game but shows no fear—and instead chooses to trail what’s left behind.

We talk about how different dogs process game, common mistakes handlers make (especially trying to force excitement), and why that quiet, thinking pup might actually have more long-term potential than you think.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your pup is behind—or just wired different—this episode will help you see it in a whole new light.

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Send your stories or questions to: 

[email protected]

Follow our Sponsors:

Inukshuk 

Darkenergy

OnX 

Double U Hunting Supply

Quick-track.com

Muddy River Transport 

Inukshuk:

Inukshukpro.com

Corey.ca

Darkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4

darkenergy.com

Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses

Polarized

No questions asked replacement

Charitable Donation with every pair

Free shipping

Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4

https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy

Subscribe to: 

Full Cry Magazine

Bear Hunting Magazine

American Bear Foundation

For the best lights in the business

Check out: Cajunlights.com 

Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  

www.dusupply.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Not every good hound comes out of the gate bold. Some take time, patience, and the right kind of handling to find their confidence—and if you push too hard, you can set them back just as fast as you move them forward.

In this episode, we break down what a timid or hesitant hound really needs. We talk about reading your dog, knowing when to step in and when to step back, and how to build confidence without creating pressure. From controlled exposure to the woods, to letting them learn at their own pace, this one’s about bringing the best out of a dog that might not show it right away.

Because sometimes the quiet ones turn into the most dependable dogs you’ll ever follow.

 

IG - heathhyatt147

FB Heath Hyatt

Youtube - Heath Hyatt 

 

Send your stories or questions to: 

[email protected]

 

Follow our Sponsors:

Inukshuk 

Darkenergy

OnX 

Double U Hunting Supply

Quick-track.com

Muddy River Transport 

 

Inukshuk:

Inukshukpro.com

Corey.ca

 

Darkenergy:  best-charging banks on market. Discount code is CODE4

darkenergy.com

 

Frontline Optics- Duty sunglasses

Polarized

No questions asked replacement

Charitable Donation with every pair

Free shipping

Frontline-Optics.com use promo code - CODE4

https://frontline-optics.com?sca_ref=5672409.03I05MEwyy

 

 

Subscribe to: 

Full Cry Magazine

Bear Hunting Magazine

American Bear Foundation

 

For the best lights in the business

Check out: Cajunlights.com 

 

Double U Hunting Supply: Get all your hound hunting gear at Double U. Products every hound hunter trusts to keep up with their pack. Double U Hunting Supply.com

We would like to thank those who support this podcast.  Special thanks to Double U Hunting Supply for sponsoring this episode.  

www.dusupply.com

https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleUHuntingSupply/podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.