ElkShape

Today we’re dissecting mountain whitetail bucks on public land with Troy Pottenger—a legendary whitetail subject-matter expert with decades of hard-earned experience. Troy breaks down how he prospects for big, cagey mountain bucks, the role trail cameras actually play in his system, and how he identifies and hunts community scrapes in rugged terrain.We dive deep into the topography he looks for, how mature bucks travel through mountainous country, and how to read the landscape to stay one step ahead. Troy also shares an incredible story that highlights just how tough whitetails truly are, along with practical shot-placement advi...

Dan jumps on the mic for a quick bonus episode with a timely reminder you don’t want to miss.Elk draw deadlines are creeping up fast, and if you’re serious about hunting elk every year, you need more than luck — you need a system.Dan breaks down how to track deadlines, plan your states, and stack the odds in your favor so you’re not sitting on the sidelines each fall wondering what went wrong.Then the conversation shifts.He dives into the world of “influencing”… how ElkShape got started, what this platform has grown into, and what he actual...

Live from deer camp in South Texas, the fellas break down real-world observations after putting multiple flagship broadheads through a dozen bucks over the course of the week. What worked, what surprised them, and what matters when it counts. As a bonus, Dan puts his buddy Cody in the hot seat to uncover how a Texas resident somehow manages to have an elk tag in his pocket year after year. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://glnk.io/p9vpq/21r PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10...

Join Dan of ElkShape and MFJJ of Podium Archer as they break down all the details for the 2026 Elk Immersion.This annual event is built for hunters who want to dedicate multiple days to sharpening their archery skills and elevating their elk-hunting craft. The fellas dive into what makes Elk Immersion different—live elk butchering, Joel Turner’s ShotIQ course, and Mark Livesay of Treeline Academy teaching the skills and art of e-scouting—plus much more. ELK IMMERSION REGISTRATION:https://elkshape.com/products/elk-immersion-2025?_pos=1&_psq=elk+imme&_ss=e&_v=1.0 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - h...

Join Dan as he breaks down next-level strategies for planning your first elk hunt. From how to properly vet outfitters—and separate the good ones from the bad—to cutting through the noise and confusion that overwhelms most first-timers, this episode gives you clear, practical guidance so you can plan with confidence and hunt with purpose. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://glnk.io/p9vpq/21r PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/MobileElkHunting VORTEX WEAR | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - http://b...

Join Dan on today’s episode as he announces several big updates heading into 2026. This marks Year 9 of the ElkShape Podcast, and Dan dives into what’s next—breaking down his newest project, Legacy Built, outlining plans for the 2026 Elk Immersion, and sharing which Total Archery Challenge (TAC) events he’ll be attending this season. He also announces an exciting new partnership with Ollin and what it means moving forward. If you’ve been following the journey or just tuning in, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead and where ElkShape is headed next. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR...

Today, Dan sits down with fellow passionate bowhunter Zach from western Oregon to break down his pursuit of a high-country public-land blacktail. The conversation goes beyond tactics and terrain, diving into the often unspoken reality of hunting as a selfish pursuit—and how it can evolve into something deeper and more spiritual. Together, they unpack the balance between work, family, and time in the mountains, and challenge listeners to examine the why behind their hunt. This episode is an honest reflection on purpose, discipline, and what the pursuit truly gives back. https://podcasts.apple.co...

Dan sits down with Cody Rich, founder of Bridger Watch, and puts him on the hot seat. They dive straight into the hard questions—when this watch will actually be ready for market, what separates it from every other smartwatch on the shelf, and why it matters for serious backcountry users.Cody breaks down what Bridger Watch can do for fitness, from performance tracking to real-world durability, and how it’s being built with hunters and mountain athletes in mind—not office desks. They also get into mapping and navigation in the backcountry, including how the watch is designed to fun...

Today we’re sitting down with Scott Engles, manager of All Sport Powersports and an avid bowhunter. The guys break down the ongoing shenanigans unfolding in Washington State involving Fish and Game and the Wildlife Commission—where state politics collide head-on with wildlife management and hunter access. They then switch gears and talk gear, as Dan explains how he went from hating all SxS and UTVs to now relying almost exclusively on his Polaris Ranger 1500 for out-west DIY elk hunts in 2025. This episode blends policy, perspective, and practical hunting logistics from the field. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code...

Today Dan sits down with Carl Jocumsen—Australia’s most accomplished bass angler and a relentless example of chasing a dream against the odds. Carl grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, where his passion for fishing took hold early. He entered his first bass tournaments at just 14 and went on to dominate the Australian circuit for more than a decade, earning multiple ABT victories, three Angler of the Year titles, a televised AFC Series win, and the prestigious Grand Final Championship. In 2010, Carl made the bold decision to leave Australia and pursue the Bassmaster Elite Series in the Unit...

Today’s guest is Dayton from Cranbrook, British Columbia — a law enforcement officer and accomplished bowhunter with firsthand experience in the realities of grizzly country. Dayton has responded to multiple grizzly bear attacks, including one tragically close to home where a hunter later died from his injuries. He’s also been charged by bears while hunting, and in one incident, his colleagues were forced to shoot a grizzly that was actively attacking them. In this episode, we dive into why the grizzly bear hunting ban was enacted, the consequences of nearly a decade without a hunt, and the hard truth...

Dan breaks down his Top Five Elk Hunting Zones in Idaho for archery season! With Idaho rolling out a brand-new application system for nonresident archery elk tags, things are changing fast. Gone are the days of swinging by the gas station to grab a tag on your way to camp — this new process is designed to be fairer and more structured, especially for those wanting to hunt as a group. In this video, Dan covers: 🦌 His top five Idaho elk zones for archery hunters 📍 What makes each zone stand out 🎯 An overview of how the nonresident tag application system works 👥 Why...

Today, Dan sits down with Nick James — a new bowhunter and team member at Montana Knife Company. Nick got his start in archery after attending a Total Archery Challenge event with MKC, which quickly led him down the path of archery elk hunting. Dan and Nick dive into his first-season learning curve, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he’s already picked up along the way. This episode is packed with insights for both beginners and seasoned elk hunters alike. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://glnk.io/p9vpq/21r PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off...

Today, Dan sits down with Ryan Fritz — personal trainer and strength coach. Dan and Ryan go way back, having met 20 years ago during their internship at Athletes’ Performance in Tempe, AZ. In this episode, they break down the blueprint for any flatlander looking to hunt out West — covering how to get physically and mentally ready for the grind of mountain hunting and the challenge of altitude acclimation. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://glnk.io/p9vpq/21r PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: E...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Steven Laughter, a former 9-to-5 corporate employee who took a massive leap to become a full-time freelance photographer and videographer. Steven shares how he turned his passion for the outdoors into a career, his experience running his first 100-mile ultra-marathon, and the mindset that helped him crush gym PRs like a 450 lb deadlift and 300 lb bench. We also dive into his time in Northern British Columbia, where he spent the fall capturing epic content and living out his dream behind the camera.  ⁨@way-up-west-outdoors⁩  💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off C...

In today’s episode, we’re talking about backcountry safety and how to control bleeding in the field. Our guest shares a real-life story of accidentally stabbing himself in the leg while field dressing his archery elk. We break down what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and—most importantly—what every hunter should carry in their pack to be prepared for medical emergencies. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode covers essential first aid skills, bleeding control techniques, and the gear that could save your life when help is far away. 💢 Discount Code...

In this episode, Dan breaks down why he decided not to hunt Colorado after burning 17 preference points for a 1st season rifle elk tag. He also recaps his October archery elk hunt in Montana—what went right, what went wrong, and what he learned along the way. To wrap it up, Dan and Tyler from ElkShape Gear dive into your listener questions about elk hunting tactics, gear setups, and strategies to help you level up for next season. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://glnk.io/p9vpq/21r PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE...

In this episode, Dan opens up about the recent and unfortunate news of BlackOvis.com filing for bankruptcy. He shares his honest reaction to the announcement, what it means for the hunting industry, and how he personally plans to pivot moving forward. Dan also reflects on his six-year partnership with the BlackOvis team—expressing deep gratitude, respect, and sadness for the hardworking people behind the brand who poured everything into building it. This one’s a raw and real conversation about change, loyalty, and finding a way forward when the unexpected happens. 💢 Discount Codes 💢  </p...

Dan sits down with Michael Allman to swap stories from elk season and dig into everything from mountain adventures to target archery. The two talk about what went right, what tested them in the field, and how shooting discipline translates from the range to the backcountry. They also drop a few teasers about a new bow that’s been getting some serious attention. It’s a laid-back, insight-packed conversation between two guys who live and breathe archery and adventure. @michaelallman_archer 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Dan and Josh are joined by Dr. Kyle Gillett for a deep dive into what it really takes to be in your best health. They break down how to read and understand bloodwork, what key markers matter most for performance and longevity, and the everyday habits that drive long-term wellness. From hormones and sleep to nutrition and stress management, this episode is packed with practical insights for hunters and athletes who want to feel and perform at their peak—both in the mountains and at home. Ig: @kylegillettmd Pod: The Gillett Health Podcast <br...