ElkShape

Dan sits down for a full, unfiltered debrief of his 2025 elk season — every win, every mistake, and every hard-earned lesson from weeks in the mountains. This episode is a raw, day-by-day breakdown of what went right, what went wrong, and what he’ll do differently next year. From close encounters and blown stalks to pack-outs, weather, mindset, and the grind that defines September — it’s all here. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the camera, this is Dan’s most transparent recap yet. Whether you tagged out or came home empty-handed, this one’s f...

Dan sits down with MFJJ for a laid-back, wide-ranging conversation. The two talk shop on all things archery, swap hunting stories, and dive into what’s going on in their personal lives. They even wade into some real talk about today’s world and what keeps them grounded through it all. It’s an unfiltered, authentic chat between two longtime friends who’ve spent decades in the bowhunting trenches.   💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% O...

Dan sits down with his former videographer and editor, Tim, for a long-overdue reunion. The two catch up on life, answer a handful of internet questions, and take some good-natured jabs at cameraman Jake. Along the way, they swap stories, laugh about behind-the-scenes moments, and relive some of the memories that shaped the early ElkShape grind. This episode is equal parts throwback and fresh perspective—a reminder of how far the journey has come.   💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<...

September is winding down, but there’s still time to punch a tag. In this solo episode, Dan lays out his buzzer-beater tactics for the final days of elk season. He covers how to adapt when elk are worn down from weeks of pressure, where to find bulls when calling activity slows, and the mental edge it takes to keep grinding until the very end. If you’re staring at the clock and looking for a way to make the most of the season’s closing moments, this episode is your playbook. 💢 Discount Codes 💢   ...

Dan dives solo into one of the most exciting times of elk season—the Peak Rut. In this episode, he breaks down proven tactics for calling in bulls when the woods are alive with bugles. From understanding bull behavior and timing your setups, to reading the herd dynamic and adjusting to hunting pressure, Dan shares practical strategies that hunters can put to use immediately. Whether you’re a seasoned elk hunter or chasing bugles for the first time, this episode gives you a sharper edge for those intense September days. 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN...

In this short and tactical episode, Dan breaks down the art of elk bugling—when to bugle, how to bugle, and why timing matters more than volume. From locating bulls to provoking a response, you’ll learn how to read the situation and apply the right call at the right moment. Whether you’re a new elk caller or sharpening your skill set, this quick-hit episode will give you proven strategies to help turn bugles into opportunities. 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠...

September has finally arrived, and with it comes the start of elk season. In this solo episode, Dan kicks off the September Series by breaking down his approach to hunting elk in the early season. From understanding elk behavior in the first days of September, to locating herds before peak rut activity, to strategies for calling, glassing, and moving through the mountains—this episode is all about stacking the odds in your favor when the season is fresh. Dan also shares the mindset and preparation that separates hunters who just show up from those who notch tags. <br...

In this solo episode, Dan breaks down his full elk hunt game plan for the season. From how he’s preparing physically and mentally to the strategy he’ll deploy once boots hit the dirt, Dan walks through the details that make or break an elk hunt. He also shares how he intends to capture the entire experience on film—what gear he’ll bring, how he’ll balance hunting and filming in the backcountry, and why documenting the journey matters. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, discipline, and focus required to chase elk at a high level...

Chris Adams is a flight nurse who knows what it means to be ready when seconds count. In this conversation, Dan and Chris dig into what hunters often overlook when it comes to backcountry safety and medical preparedness. Chris shares the story behind developing a field-ready med kit built for hunters, the essential skills you should have before heading into the mountains, and why preparation is just as important as fitness and gear. This episode blends practical backcountry advice with life-saving insights from someone who’s been on the front lines when everything is on the line. <br...

In this episode, we tackle the question: “Does elk hunting etiquette still exist?” From trailhead behavior and camp courtesy to calling tactics and respecting other hunters' space, we dive deep into the unwritten rules that once defined ethical elk hunting. Have we lost touch with the code of the backcountry? Or are these values still alive in the modern hunter? Tune in for a raw, honest discussion about the ethics, respect, and integrity that should guide every hunt—and why some of those traditions may be slipping away. 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PR...

🎥 ELKSHAPE PODCAST: Sam Has a HOLE is his heart Meet Sam Fernandez: A Story of Faith, Family, and Resilience 🙏🏹 Sam Fernandez is a husband, a father of four, a full-time pastor, and a part-time bow technician at Straight 6 Archery. He’s the kind of man who puts his heart into everything he does — and right now, that heart needs healing. Watch and share as we walk alongside Sam through this chapter of his life. 💛 #FaithOverFear #SamFernandez #HeartOfAGiant #Straight6Archery #PrayerWarrior #MayoClinicJourney 💢 Discount Codes 💢   BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠ PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ELKSHAPE⁠⁠⁠⁠<...

In this episode, Dan sits down with longtime friend and podcast legend Cody Rich, host of The Rich Outdoors. What starts as a conversation about elk hunting, business, and the grit it takes to live a purpose-driven life quickly turns into something much bigger. We dive into the lessons Cody has learned as an entrepreneur in the hunting industry, share some unforgettable hunting stories, and then peel back the curtain on a revolutionary new piece of technology that could change the way we all hunt. This isn’t your average gadget—it’s a tool built by hunter...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake Nations, a seasoned Naval veteran, and Nick, a fellow archer and passionate outdoorsman, for a full-length conversation about life, discipline, and the mindset it takes to stay dialed in — both in the mountains and in everyday life. Blake shares powerful insights from his time in the Navy, and how that foundation of service, structure, and sacrifice has shaped the way he approaches training, bowhunting, and being a man of purpose. Alongside him, Nick brings a grounded and relatable voice to the table as they explore topics like motivation, showing up...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Drew Rouse, the outspoken and passionate founder of Reel Game Calls. Known for his bold confidence and his no-filter approach to calling elk, Drew brings the heat in a conversation that covers way more than just bugles and chuckles. They dive into: 🗣️ What makes a truly effective elk caller — and why most hunters are doing it wrong 🏹 The mindset it takes to be aggressive and decisive during archery season 🔥 The origins of Reel Game Calls and why Drew believes his system works 🎯 The drama, the feedback, and the pushback that comes with stand...

In this episode, Dan and Josh sit down with the newest addition to the ElkShape Training team: Sage Gardner, a Colorado-based strength and conditioning coach and the mastermind behind our evolving fitness programming. We dive into:🏋️ Sage’s journey through college athletics, coaching, and how he found his way to ElkShape📚 His background in sports performance and what that brings to the table for hunters🧠 The philosophy behind training for the backcountry—not just for aesthetics, but for grit, endurance, and resilience🦌 His plans for the 2025 elk season and how he’s preparing to hit the mountains...

In this episode, Dan and Riley recap their recent multi-state elk scouting trip that was all about long-term strategy, boots-on-the-ground intel, and putting in the work now to increase success later. They break down:🧭 How to build a smart e-scouting plan before you ever leave home🥾 What to look for during in-person scouting (sign, pressure, access, water, and more)📍 Why some of the best places to scout aren’t for this year — but for future seasons🧠 How to combine mapping tools, trail cams, and instinct to refine your elk game plan Whether you're a...

In this in-depth episode, Dan sits down with Mark Livesay, founder of Treeline Academy and one of the most respected digital scouting minds in western hunting. This is more than just elk tactics. It’s a full-on masterclass in how to find elk, how to prepare for success, and how to defend the future of public land hunting. They cover:🏹 Advanced strategies for archery elk hunting🗺️ Why e-scouting is no longer optional—and how Treeline Academy gives public land hunters the edge🔥 Honest takes on OTC tag sales, changing state policies, and how to adapt<br...

**BONUS POD** In this special and emotional episode, Dan sits down with Tyler Denim—firefighter, bowhunter, and close friend of ElkShape—for a raw debrief following the recent Coeur d’Alene fire tragedy, where two firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. After filming a light-hearted episode together, Tyler was one of the first on scene responding to that devastating call. This conversation goes beyond hunting—it’s about the weight of the job, the impact of loss, and the role of faith, family, and purpose when life suddenly hits harder than expected. We a...

Whether you're heading out for your first elk hunt or looking to sharpen your system before the season opens, this episode is your go-to guide. Dan and Riley are joined by Josh Crawford of ElkShape Training to dive deep into all things elk hunting—from tactics to terrain, and scouting to pack-outs. We break down: • Solo vs. partner hunting tactics – and when to use each • How to scout effectively and locate elk consistently • Tips on camp setup, choosing a location, and staying mobile • Meat care in the field – especially when you're deep and far f...

In this episode, we sit down with Levi and Matt, the minds behind QuivAR, to talk all things bowhunting, business, and the changes rocking the hunting scene in Colorado. Spoiler: it’s not all good news for non-residents. We dive into their journey building the QuivAR app, a tool designed to help archers get the most out of their practice and performance, and how their passion for bowhunting shaped the brand from the ground up. We also cover some bigger topics—faith, family, fitness, and what it looks like to pursue your purpose in a worl...