Alberta Wildlife Stories

AWS is back with returning guest Kyle Short. In this episode, Kyle shares his story of finally achieving his goal of taking an infamous Big Horn Sheep after 13 years chasing them through our backcountry. We also caught up with events from the last year since the last AWS episode & touched on faith and perservearing through life both in and out of hunting. It is truly always a pleasure to catch up with Kyle both on and off the pod. Look forward to having him back! #albertawildlifestories

It was such a pleasure to have T.J. on & to hear some incredible stories from his life hunting around the globe. T.J. talks about how his passion started from an early age, falling asleep with binoculars in hand, to how he started writing, and inevitably hosting Outdoor Quest Tv.  This episode is jammed full of stories that will take you from unforgettable sheep hunts in Alberta, to African Kudu, hunts in Asia, and historic ground blinds in Eastern Europe. T.J. has some incredible trips lined up and I already can't wait to get him on again to hear all about it. If for some reason you haven't seen Outdoor Quest TV now is the time to check it out!! #albertawildlifestories #outdoorquesttv

It was awesome to have the guys from Apex Predator Hunting Co on the podcast. Steven, Trevor, and Joe got into detail about how they started hunting and what led them to experiencing some of the unforgettable encounters they share in this episode. Trevor tells us a few unique stories from being out with his kids to an unexpected white tail harvest. Steven and Joe go into detail about Stevens gorgeous blonde bear, & Joe talks about a picture perfect elk hunt. Be sure to check out @apexpredatorhunting.co on instagram and youtube to see more pictures and videos from their time in the backcountry. I can't wait to have the boys back on the pod to hear more as they truly have a ton of hilarious, exciting, and once in a lifetime stories.

It was an absolute pleasure to talk with Dan from @dc__outdoors . In this episode Dan talks about growing up in Alberta hunting & fishing and how he passes on the knowledge to his kids. He shares his inspiration and motivation behind his channel DC Outdoors and his passion for chasing game, bushcraft, camping, and cooking! Dan also goes into detail sharing the story of his son's first deer followed up by his buck shortly after in 2023. The story is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I look forward to talking to Dan again and hearing about what he and his family get up to this year! Be sure to check out DC Outdoors to keep up with all of his great content!

It was a pleasure to have Dr. Lee Foote on the podcast. Lee has spent his life working in the outdoors and teaching as a professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Foote was the director behind the UofA botanical gardens and has been on the board for the Alberta Conservation Association for over 18 years. In this conversation Lee talks about growing up in the south and how his life and career brought him to hunting, fishing, and educating here in the north. Interwoven through the chat Lee shares many meaningful memories and stories that are loaded with knowledge and appreciation for our wild world. I look forward to having Dr. Foote back to dive deeper into many of the topics we covered.

It was a pleasure to have Keith Ward on the podcast and get to know the man behind @the_outdooraddiction . Keith shared his upbringing in Northern Alberta and his roots of hunting with his father. We get into everything from family, to arrow builds, bear hunting, units, shed hunting, and so much more. And of course he shared his remarkable story of his 2023 Bull Elk and his buddies bull just 5 days prior! Keith has a large list of experience and success and we can't wait to have him back to hear what he gets into next! Be sure to give him a follow to see all the great game we talked about in this chat!

Luke & Aaron kick off the spring 2024 Bear Camp Podcast series with a preparation episode. In this episode we talk about how the Bear Camp Podcast series idea originated back in August 2023. They go into detail about learning about baiting, getting out and setting up bait sets, and the crew and everyone involved in this year's spring camp! We discuss our personal hunting goals for this trip and what we will be using to hopefully take our first black bears! We could not be more stoked to get out over the May long weekend and we look forward to episodes with everyone at camp! Stay tuned for more episodes in the series that will be sure to be filled with excitement, raw emotion, and everything that makes hunting black bears in Alberta so great!

It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with hosts Kaleb Diniz & Colton Melnyk from the "Just Wingn It" T.V. series! We talked about what got the guys into hunting and how the show came to fruition. Kaleb and Colton have no shortage of waterfowl and game bird knowledge that left us with a desire to get into a blind a.s.a.p.! We learned a ton from talking to these guys and they shared a couple unforgettable stories from their time in the field. Colton went into detail about getting up close with wolves while Kaleb reminessed on his first successful experience chasing waterfowl! We talked about their upcoming trade show and how  you can get involved by heading over to clippedwingstudios.org . Can't wait to have the guys back and pick their brains more about everything with wings.

Our conversation with Hutley Sheppard truly left us speechless. In this episode Hutley goes into detail about the AHA Shed Hunters Foundation. He speaks about who they help, the amazing things they contribute to those in need, and how you and other members of the community play a vital role in changing people's lives through the organization. Hutleys personal story shines through as he speaks about the motivation behind starting AHA. Just when we thought the conversation couldn't get any better he hit us with his recent wild boar harvest and how he escaped being charged multiple times while out with his son. Hutley further blew our minds with his 2023 elk story and then continued to tell us about a year in which his success was unmatched. Buckle up because this one will leave you jaw dropped and tearing up! We ask that everyone please take the time to check out the AHA Shed Hunters Foundation on Facebook and consider how you can help those in need.

It was a pleasure to get to know Jered Jarvis and have him on the podcast. In this episode Jered contrasts what it was like to grow up in Newfoundland enjoying the outdoors and moving to Alberta and taking on western big game. Jered shares many stories and accomplishments and goes into detail highlighting his 2023 white tail and his unforgettable mule deer story. Amongst the tales he tells he also weaves in many little known facts and conservation ideologies that reveal his true passion and knowledge for the outdoors. We can't wait to see what he gets into next and to have him back on to dive deeper into his outlook and experiences!

It is always a pleasure to catch up with Spencer Miller! Spencer first hopped on the podcast back in episode #7 where he shared the story of his brother and him taking a black bear & Spencer's first solo archery bull elk hunt. In this episode Spencer shares his unique 2023/24 successes that started with a velvet mule deer during opening weekend of bow season and ended in the deep freeze of the late cow elk season. The stories and contrasts from both hunts are a great example of everything you can experience while hunting Alberta and the variety of skills one needs to be able to find success throughout the year. Looking forward to what Spencer gets into next and hearing from the man again! Be sure to give him a follow to get inspired @spencermilla25

Very thankful that Geoff Dorward reached out months ago with the idea to interview myself (Aaron) for the 50th episode of the podcast. Geoff was one of the first guests on the podcast back in Episode #8 and I can hardly wait to have him back to turn the tables back around! Check out www.albertawildlifestories.com for more!

It was an honor to have Ed Tetley on the podcast! Ed is an Albertan resident that has bought tags and held a hunting license here for the past 41 years. In this episode, Ed shares his upbringing in a large family, getting into hunting, skiing in the Olympics, and passing on all of life's most important lessons to his children and grandchildren. He went into detail about his success bowhunting, his first ever harvest, and what he lives for in the outdoors today. It feels like we only scratched the surface of all of the knowledge and stories Ed has and we can't wait to talk to him again!

It was a blast to join Hunter at his booth at the Yeg Boat & Sportsman show this past weekend. This episode was recorded the Saturday evening after being at the event. Hunter, Luke, and Aaron go into detail with some of their favorite parts of the show, and we hear about Hunters incredible 2023 season. Hunter shares his first archery buck story along with his successful Elk harvest. We can't thank the guy enough for everything over the weekend, and we are already looking forward to seeing what he has in store for his 2025 booth!

Ever wonder what it took to start @wild_tv ?? In this episode, Ryan Kohler, co-founder and president of Wild TV, goes into all the amazing details of how the network came to be. From its first time being plugged into the broadcasting networks to creating the WildTV+ streaming platform, we covered it all! Ryan also shares stories from his upbringing in Alberta and what created the desire to launch Wild TV as Canada's first nationwide hunting, fishing, and outdoor network. During the conversation, Ryan also shared 2 unforgettable stories that include a once and a lifetime Caribou hunt and a near death experience on the side of a mountain! We also talked about the Bowzone Live series, hunting the Edmonton bow zone and his work on his "How To Hunt" show. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Ryan, and I learned a ton from him. I already can't wait to talk to him again! If you want to see more from the stories shared or more amazing content from Canadians and outdoors men and women from around the world, be sure to download and subscribe to the WildTV+ streaming app! The app is incredibly well laid out and customizable to make it easy to find exactly what you're after!

It was an absolute pleasure to have had Christ Felt, owner and operator of The Archery Box pro shop, on the podcast ( @theatcheryboxinc ). In this episode, Chris shares his upbringing in Alberta and how his dreams of one day running an archery shop of his own came to fruition. He drops some big news coming in the spring of 2024 at The Archery Box that you don't want to miss. Chris also took the time to tell the story of his unforgettable first buck with a bow back in the 90s. Throughout the conversation, it is clear that this family man and family run business has the communities best interest in mind as they strive to create a unique and supportive atmosphere. A place all are welcome to share knowledge and enjoy the world of archery. I can't wait to have Chris back on the show and get down to the shop to see their new additions to the place unfold. Be sure to keep up with Chris & The Archery Box at @theatcheryboxinc & at thearcherybox.ca

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 We are stoked to bring you the Alberta Wildlife Stories Website and the launch of the E-Magazine & Audio Magazine!! We would like to give a BIG THANKS to all writers and advertisers that contributed to the first issue of the magazine as well as all listeners and supporters of A.W.S. We hope you enjoy everything we have coming to the website! www.albertawildlifestories.com

It was awesome to sit down and have Casey share some stories from his time in the field. From his upbringing to his current endeavors outdoors with friends and family, Casey has no shortage of remarkable encounters. In this episode, he talks about many of his unforgettable hunts and goes into detail about his double header during deer season this past fall, and his recent late season elk hunt in the frigid cold. Casey is well versed in his knowledge of the woods, and I learned a ton from just listening to him talk. I can't wait to catch up with the man again in a future episode. Until then be sure to check out his content @huntin_the_pines and follow him on his journey in our Albertan wilderness.

I was stoked to have Justin Mathieson ( @rackncast ) on the pod & in this episode, he shared some unforgettable stories. If you don't already know this local Albertan, Justin is an avid hunter, angler, shed hunter, and outdoorsman. We talked about his love for shed hunting, being charged by a grizzly, and taking 2 sparring bucks with his father. Justin has been going through some health related difficulties that people would never know about as his personal strength and outlook on life are far better than many. His attributes contribute to his well-rounded perspective of life and the outdoors. All of his achievements may make him look like he's lucky. However, those who know him know every piece of his success is earned through dedication and miles put on in the field. I always look forward to catching up with him and am already stoked to have him back again. To see & hear more about Justin be sure to check out @rackncast Also be sure to check out @grizztargetsarchery @slayercalls @canddarchery @precision_edge_taxidermy

For those that remember, Megan joined me on episode #17, where she shared her first bear hunt and an unforgettable moose story with her kids by her side. She also got her start in archery in a very unique way. Once I saw her take a bull moose this past fall, followed by her first buck with a bow, I knew we needed to tall again! In this episode, she goes into immense detail about what both success stories were like and what she took from them. We also finally talked about her love for shed hunting and some of her once in a lifetime finds. I can't wait to see what Megan gets into next with her bow and to have her back to hear the story! To see more of her great content be sure to head over to @meg.s.outdoors Also be sure to check out https://www.grizztargetsarchery.ca/ https://www.slayercalls.com/ https://www.instagram.com/canddarchery?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/precision_edge_taxidermy?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I was stoked to have Zack on and hear about his life both on the rink and in the outdoors! We talked about Zacks hockey career from being born in Calgary Alberta to present, including his time in the NHL playing for The Vegas Golden Knights, multiple AHL teams, WHL, & currently playing in the Europen league "Liiga" for Vaasan Sport in Finland. Zack also runs Hayz Outdoors and provides the outdoor community with exceptional writing and apparel stemming from his love for hunting, fishing, and conservation. During the conversation, Zack told his most memorable hockey and hunting stories and shared what his experience of both has been like in Europe. We also touched on topics including the Great Grizzly Debate and the recent eradication of the invasive Fallow deer from Sidney Island. This conversation is jam-packed as Zack does an incredible job of relating the 2 worlds of hockey and hunting, and I already can't wait to have him back on and hear more. To see more of Zacks great content, be sure to check out www.zackhayes.com , @hayesie24 , & @Hayzoutdoors)

Whether it's running his restaurant Chartier, hunting, photography, or journalism, Darren always brings a ton to the plate! In this episode, we discussed what motivated him to open up shop in the dining world while simultaneously diving into hunting. We chatted about his upbringing on the east coast and his journey to Alberta. Darren shared his wild "against all odds" story of his 2023 buck dubbed "Megaladon" and it's one you don't want to miss. After talking to him I knew we just started to scratch the surface of all the incredible things he does and is a part of. I can't wait to have Darren back to hear more stories and insight from his authentic perspective.

Alex returns to the podcast after joing me in Ep#2! I always look forward to talking and catching up with Alex. He is always down to share stories, help a guy out, and talk about the passion for the outdoors. He had a great 2023 season, and in this episode, we went over all of the highlights! He went into detail about some of his most unique moments, including a Sandhill Crane, a unicorn of a Snowgoose banded in Alaska, hunter hosting the @slayercalls crew, his opening day buck, and the buck his daughter took very shortly after. Alex's stories and the moments he shared make for a perfect season! Alex is headed north on an endeavor for Bison this week, and with everything he has lined up after, I already can't wait to talk to him again!

*Live From the Ice Tent* w/ Andy Henderson & Sam Robertson ( @as.outdoors @samantha.getsoutdoors ). In this episode, we set up some mics inside their insulated Otter tent and caught up on their 2023 hunting season and their unreal start to the hardwater season while catching some swimmers ourselves! They told stories from some of their most recent unforgettable catches and from years past. We talked about their approach to winter fishing tactics and their go-to gear from rigs, set ups, and clothing. It's always such a pleasure to catch up with these two, and I already can't wait to getagain!

It was such a pleasure to have had Doug Moisey, owner and operator of C&D Archery shop in Mallaig Alberta, on the podcast ( @canddarchery ). In this episode, Doug goes back to his roots and what the hunting world was like in his youth. He nostalgiacally tells stories from his life and shares what made his favorite moments so meaningful. It is always a breath of fresh air talking to Doug, and he always has wisdom to share. I can't wait to have him on again as the man has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to bow tuning & hunting that I could listen to for hours. Doug is always supporting the Albertan community alongside co-owner of C&D Archery Cory Lohr ( @lohrzy88 ). Whether it's bringing in local products or teaching bow hunting to the next generation, they always have others in mind. C&D is run by two exampliatory individuals that I can not say enough good things about!

The 2023 Holiday Special with returning guest Luke Squires ( @squiresoutside ) is a doozy!! For those that don't know, this past season, Luke folded a tag on what may be the biggest buck he may ever take in his life. Luke is a big-time gear head, so we decided to format this episode a touch differently. Instead of just hearing Luke's story, he went heavily into the gear and the rig he used to seal the deal. Simultaneously, we thought people may want to hear about the archery setup I ran to take my 2023 opening day White Tail. So I dropped all the specs of everything I run as well. This special is jam-packed with knowledge, personal preferences, finite detail, and of course some good laughs and good stories. It's always a pleasure to catch up with the man, and I hope you enjoy hearing about why we choose to use what we do. Feel free to message either one of us with any questions or rig related comments from this episode! We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season! DISCLAIMER: We are not sponsored or paid to talk about any of the products in this episode.

It was unreal to hear some of Levi Whitney's ( @leviwhit ) multi-species success stories from 2023 and years prior. In this episode, we covered a lot of ground. We talk about what got Levi into the harder back country hunts and what it took to get big game out. Levi shares his 2023 recap with successfully folded tags on a spot and stalk blackbear and his first archery white tail buck. I was also eager to hear the story of his first ram and his success calling in a P&Y bull for a friend. This may be the most species covered in an episode yet! Woven within the conversation is talk about the human experience, our connection to the outdoors, connection to our past through hunting, and close encounters with wilderness. I'm looking forward to catching up with Levi in the future to hear more about the incredible things he gets into in our Albertan backyard.

I was stoked to have Travis Bower ( @tbower21 ) on the podcast to hear about his most recent success taking a Ram with his Longbow. I've been itching to have a traditional hunter on the pod since returning to recurve in recent months. In this episode, we cover a ton of Travis's personal preferences with traditional and what gear he favors. He shared stories from growing up hunting sheep with his father, his journey with stickbows, and how it all started. It was incredible to hear him talk about the 21-year wait to draw the coveted tag and the 18-year trad journey that brought him to the top of a mountain both physically and mentally to harvest this bighorn. I learned a ton talking with Travis and can't wait to have him back to pick his brain more on primitive hunting.

It was unreal to have and hear some of Josh Murphys ( @j0shingar0und ) stories on the pod. Josh grew up on the Virgin Islands salt water fishing with his father. His family was back and forth between there and Alberta for many years until they finally called this province home. In this episode, Josh shares many memories growing up fishing and the contrast to chasing fresh water fish here. We talk about his deep dive into fly fishing and the gear and flys he uses to make magic happen. Josh goes into detail with the 50" pike he caught on the fly this year and the unforgettable moments that truly made it a once in a lifetime experience. We then drift into discussion about the amazing trips Josh has planned for 2024. Looking forward to seeing what he gets into and having him on again to share future endeavors! Be sure to check out all of Josh's incredible content through @j0shingar0und

It was awesome to have had Eric Wolstenholme-Schmidt from @paleoalberta on the podcast. As a paleontologist, Eric takes part in another form of hunting that involves digging up the puzzle pieces of our past to paint a picture of how we came to be and what was before us. In our conversation, we talked about his work with the Royal Tyrrell Museum, his recent finds, and how incredible Alberta is with over 70 million years of history in its formations. We touched the many correlations between reading the land as a hunter & as a fossil hunter. Eric also shares his great aspirations for Paleo Alberta. Hearing all of Erics knowledge will inspire you to look at our land through another lense when out in nature. I can't wait to see what he unearths next and to have him back to share future findings.

I couldn't wait for Jonathan Lehman ( @jlehman05 ) to come on the pod and share stories from his unforgettable 2023 season. In this episode, we recapped the incredible moments Jon experienced this year, including the story of him & Lucas Shaver ( @shaver.lucas ) taking down 2 amazing bull Elk right next to each other with their bows. We covered his entire season from sheep, elk, & mule deer to waterfowl, fly fishing, and staying on the trap line. Of course, I had to ask about his newfound love for E-bikes and the benefits they bring to hunting! I can't wait to hear from Jon again and to see what he gets into next!

It was an absolute pleasure to have had Tyler Slager from @slageroutdoors & @onthebloodtrail on the pod. Tyler and his family need little introduction as their show Slager Outdoors has graced screens for over a decade! Over the years, they have gone above and beyond when it comes to displaying the world class hunting bur province has to offer. Tyler and I got to talking about how it all started. He shared stories from the beginning when him, his father Josh, and brother Ryan were first recording hunts in some of the most remarkable places. We talked about social media's impact on hunting content and the community, and of course, we got into some stories! We went over the wild successes that the Slager family has had in 2023, and Tyler talks about his personal journey with his velvet buck that re-lit the fire for bowhunting after being in the slumps for years. I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes that come out from these guys and their 2023 season. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with Tyler and @slageroutdoors as they continue to share great content from the Albertan backcountry and their time hunting around the world.

It was a blessing to chat with Kevin McNeil, owner and operator of @aylmer_lake_lodge & @canadianwildlifeadventures in the NWT. Kevin and his wife Patti also run 5 other lodges, including one in McLennan Alberta. Kevin is an Albertan legend with 24 years of guiding experience and 13 years taking people to some of the most remote locations in the world. During our conversation, he touches on his upbringing and everything and everyone that led him to where he is today. The chat is woven together with some incredible stories from Kevin's life, his families experiences, and lifelong memories he's created for clients and those dear to him. Kevin and his team offer a variety of experiences from hunting big game, fishing for incredible Lakers, canoeing through untouched environments, and gazing northern lights that illuminate entire buildings in the midst of the night. I can't wait to share this episode at the end of the week!! For more info and content on everything they offer, check out their IG @aylmer_lake_lodge , their YouTube channel, and their website that is undergoing changes to display everything they'll be offering in 2024. I can't wait to catch up with Kevin again as he is an encyclopedia of the outdoors.

Ben Brochu ( @hinterland_outdoors ) came on the pod and floored me with stories from his life trapping, hunting, fishing, sailing, hiking, and paddling through some of the most remote places there is in the world and in our province. Ben is a guide and an outdoorsman with more experience than one episode can handle. We talked about his upbringing trapping, sailing the oceans with his kids, exploring uncharted locations with a packraft, and facing fear, uncertainty, and death head-on. He shares one of his most memorable moments from his youth in -50° weather, making 1 match count while out trapping, to stay alive with a lurking wolverine. I consider Ben to be a modern-day mountain man in which exploration is his main goal, and foraging & hunting follow to provide sustenance. I can't wait to have Ben back on the podcast. Be sure to check out his remarkable content on IG & on YouTube @ Hinterland Outdoors.

I was stoked to have Cory Lohr ( @lohrzy88 ), one of the owners of C&D Archery ( @canddarchery )on the pod! lt's always so nice to catch up with Cory, and I've been itching to get him to share some of his stories on the show. We got to talking about how Doug & Cory started C&D, some of the unique products they carry, and why he uses what he uses on his bow set up. We talked about his busy life being a father of 3 and how he takes every chance he can to have his boys out hunting with him. He shares his 2023 antelope story, 2023 mule deer, 2023 sheep hunt, and a few others from the past including a bull elk he got with his 5 year old and 3 year old right by his side. Cory has no shortage of absolutely remarkable stories I just couldn't wait to put out. This episode is loaded with technical talk & memories that will surely last a lifetime. I'm very thankful for everything Cory & Doug do for the archery and hunting community and for the podcast A. Those who know them can agree that they are a foundation and inspiration to many in the province. I can't wait to have Cory back on in the future to squeeze out more of his incredible moments and stories from in the field.

Had an awesome conversation with Derek White & Mat Ponto, owners and operators of @grizztargetsarchery . Many already know Grizz for their many contributions to the archery community. Whether its building outstanding targets or putting on shoots, they are a staple here in Alberta. We covered a lot of ground in this talk. The guys share how they got into archery and bow hunting and the journey into owning Grizz Targets & Archery together. We talk about their products, their passions, their families, and everything behind the name. Derek got into detail sharing his first archery bull moose story and everything that needed to finally come together in order for it to go down. Mat in turn shared a hilarious story of an unconventional pack out and a multi-species day that would blow anyone away. We finish by talking about what's in store for Grizz and what they've got coming up for the company and the remainder of their hunting seasons. I can't thank Mat & Derek enough for their time and everything they do to support the Albertan community and the podcast. They are constantly hard at work to provide people with a quality product. They live life by example and inspire many to get out and enjoy everything this province has to offer. If you aren't already aware of @grizztargetsarchery now is a great time to check out their page and their website to learn more about everything they do and their entire team.

It was refreshing to have Brandon Brown ( @fish_on_with_brando ) on the podcast. His energy and excitement about the outdoors is what drives us all to enjoy the wild. In our conversation, we talked about his move from Alberta to Vancouver Island and back again. We talk about some of the differences between hunting and fishing the island and the eastern side of the rockies. He shares the remarkable story of how he ended up on a blackbear this fall in Alberta and the heck of a journey it was to get out of the bush in the middle of the night. We also talked about his work on the mines in B.C. and how he gets to experience fishing some world-class waterways between his time spent in both provinces. I brought up registering as a volunteer for Alberta Conservation Association, and we talked about what we can all do to ensure land access and healthy populations for future generations to experience. Can't wait to have Brandon on again and wish him the best in the remainder of the season!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope a new episode makes returning from a long weekend a bit easier! 🔗Link to pod in bio!

It was a blast to have Carson Lisowski ( @_carsoncity_ ) on the pod. This past September, Carson finally sealed the deal on an archery antelope tag that took 14 years to draw. The "buzzer beater" story he shares of how he got it done is truly remarkable. In this episode, he also shares how he got into all elements of hunting and angling in Alberta. We talk about winter fly fishing and trying to convince the ladies in our lives to let us bring our taxidermy upstairs. I carry on the conversation too long by sharing a couple very embarrassing stories from my time in the woods as well 🤣😅. Can't wait to have Carson on again in the future to hear more of the stories from his previous successes!

Sat down to talk with Garret Reber, owner and operator of @rebersrigs premium plastics. We talked about his times fishing and hunting Alberta and how his lures came to fruition. Garret also dropped some heavy stories from the outdoors that serve as a sobering reminder to never become complacent. He goes into detail about being lost during a snowstorm ice fishing & a close encounter with a Grizz. Both things that can happen all too quickly it we let our guard down. If you haven't already seen his incredible soft baits or the amazing creatures he gets into, then head over to @rebersrigs page and check it out! It's settled. Next time Garret and I chat, we will be in the middle of a lake and recording the pod. Can't wait! Be sure to check out his Instagram and @alberta.wildlife.stories for previews of episodes to come!

Had a great time talking with Duncan Grainger ( @hoghookerfishing )! In this episode, he shares a few unique and incredible stories and manages to squeeze out my opening day white tail story. The conversation is encompassed with ethics and morals as Duncan carries a solid code of conduct with him in the outdoors. This man is as humble as it gets. He has an amalgamation of amazing success both on the water and in the field, and he chose to share stories like this one where his team saved a couple great bucks and was eager to put me on the spot to hear my story. If you don't follow Duncan already be sure to check out his page to find more content about the stories he shared and to see just how incredible the Alberta outdoors can be! Can't wait to talk to him again in the future as the guy is chalked full of great stories!

Thoroughly enjoyed the chat with Tyrell Stoney ( @92tstone ) this week! Some of the topics we covered included his upbringing, processing big game, homesteading, his most recent moose hunt, his experiece off shore fishing with his wife, his partnership with @straight_shootin_outdoors , and ethics and responsibilities in the field! Tyrell shares his stories with passion and emmense knowledge from the years of experience he has in the outdoors. As a father, Tyrell is passing his knowledge down to his daughter every chance he gets and sets a great example teaching about connecting to nature and the relationship with food. I can't wait to see what him and his family get into this year and to talk to the man again! Make sure to follow his page to see more great content and to follow along with someone who truly has a well-rounded perspective of ethics & land.

Dmytro from @djboutdoors, came on the podcast and shared some absolutely incredible stories from him and his families' times hunting and fishing Alberta's greatest game. We talked about his favorite memories in the field involving how each of his family members found their way into hunting and the unforgettable moments they shared. He also shares some of his favorite solo stories, and we get into some archery talk. Dmytro somehow stays humble even with his myriad of success and accomplishments. It was truly a pleasure to get to know Dmytro and cover many topics throughout the conversation. I can't wait to have him on again as the man is full of knowledge and experience, and I could listen to him tell stories for hours! Many videos of the stories shared in this chat can be found on his YouTube channel DJB Outdoors! Be sure to subscribe to his channel if you want to see some amazing feats in this province! You can also view many pictures from his successes on his IG @djboutdoors_. Give him a follow if you don't already! I can't wait to see what he puts out this season!!

It was wild to hear Corey Burke ( @corey_burke6 ) share his most unforgettable stories on the podcast. We talk about his life growing up in Nova Scotia, moving to Alberta, teaming up with Adrian & @straight_shootin_outdoors , his time living and hunting here, and his families move to BC. He shares the story of his first deer with the bow in southern Alberta and how his perseverance got him through the hunt. He also goes into detail with some seriously up close and personal encounters with Elk in the wallows. We touched on his families big news with a baby on the way, Elk calling, and some bow tuning. It was so nice to get to know the man more and what fuels him to get outside. It was great talking to another one of the @straight_shootin_outdoors members and learning more about what a great crew of guys they are. Be sure to give both Corey & Straight Shootin a follow to see some more incredible pictures and moments in the field! I can't wait to talk to Corey again as we could get into so many more topics, and it sounds like he is in for one heck of a season!!

Hunter Friesen, owner and operator of @precision_edge_taxidermy , came on the pod and shared a handful of incredible stories from his time in the Alberta outdoors. During the conversation he got into detail about his black bear hunt with Cory from @canddarchery , which happens to be his first animal taken with a bow. He also talked about his first deer, him and his fathers infamous double band mallard, & their rare blue snowgeese. We also talked about his fathers successes he got to be there for. Hunter runs his taxidermy company out of Stettler AB and has a variety of mounts on display on his social media pages. Be sure to check out his quality work and attention to detail & get in contact with him this season when you connect with your trophy. @precision_edge_taxidermy is also one of the core sponsors of the podcast, and I can't thank Hunter enough for his support promoting and sharing the show

Had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with Andrew Henderson ( @as.outdoors ) about all things outdoors. It was awesome to hear a few stories from him and his wife Samantha's ( @samantha.getsoutdoors ) times hunting & fishing here in Alberta. Andrew gets into detail about a few of his biggest catches & his wife's first moose! Andy is no stranger to big fish and big critters from growing up hunting and fishing Ontario. We talk about how him and his wife ended up in Alberta and share their passion for the wilderness. We also get into many of the challenges currently facing hunting and angling. I can't wait to talk to Andrew again. His genuine storytelling and authenticity provide a refreshing outlook into our big backyard. Make sure to give both him and Sam a follow to get inspired to get outside!

It was awesome to have Megan Sharra ( @meg.s.outdoors ) share some of her most unforgettable moments in the Alberta Wild. We got to talk about her first black bear and the bull moose she got while with her kids. We also touched on her inspiration to live off the land that came from her grandmother and father. It was so cool to hear about what she does for the community and her kids to teach the youth important outdoor skills that so many go raised without. Be sure to check out her great content on Instagram to get inspired to get outside!

Nick Codi ( @nick__codi ) sat down to talk about his remarkable life changing story from being a part of a NASCAR pit crew and being over weight, to shaving the pounds, picking up a bow, and heading to Alberta to hunt a black bear as his first ever big game harvest. Nick is from New York and provides a refreshing perspective on our province as he crosses the border for a dream hunt with @twin.valley.outfitters . The fire he has inside is evident as he talks about perservearing through hardship and achieving his goals through pure work ethic. It was an honor to have him take the time to share his story on the pod as he speaks many words to live by. Nick is truly an admirable man who is constantly pursuing being the best version of himself for himself and those around him. To see more of Nick's story be sure to check out his Instagram @nick__codi . To learn more about all the great people behind Twin Valley Outfitters and to book your hunt visit https://www.twinvalleyoutfitters.com/ and @twin.valley.outfitters on IG.

It was so awesome to sit down in person with a few of the guys from @91_straight and hear them lay down some of their most incredible stories. Founders Matt & Chance came up with the idea to do a chat at their camp while we were at the Hoggin 3D Archery Challenge, and I couldn't be happier with how it all came together. Matt & Chance talk about the inspiration behind 91 Straight and the 3 months we have of general Alberta hunting season to make everything come together. They share some remarkable moments in the field, we get into some gear talk, and best of all, we got to get out shootin together. We shot the course with Jeff, another member of 91 Straight , and his 2 kids. At the end of the episode, we return from the shoot to recap the day with Chance, Matt, and Jeff. I can't say enough good things about these guys. It was a pleasure hanging out all day and getting to know them! Can't wait to catch up with them again! Cory and all the volunteers at Hoggin put on a great event, supporting veterans, and built a great course! See you there next year! @91_straight is: @bertabowhunter @chance_thola @jgaberel81 @dirtballs27

It was a pleasure to have Dustin ( @albertaflyandbow ) on the podcast to share some of his favorite stories from his long list of accomplishments in the backcountry. Dustin is Alberta born and raised, and has been fishing and hunting since his youth. His love for the outdoors can easily be noticed through the content he shares from some of the provinces' most remote locations. We got to talking about his passion for fly fishing, growing up spending countless days in the wilderness, and getting into hunting with his old man. Dustin shares two remarkable elk hunting stories that involve him being nearly in the herd himself. Be sure to check out his content to see more from his stories!

It was an honor to have had Lisa Roper ( @lisa.roper.outdoors ) as a guest on the pod. In th this episode, we talk about everything the outdoors can teach us no matter what age. Lisa shares some of her most memorable fishing stories & gets into detail about overcoming fears during her first bear hunt. In my opinion, Lisa is the most accomplished outdoors woman to have ever graced Alberta. She is most known her for her incredible magazine articles & T.V. series "Lisa Roper Outdoors" on World Fishing Network . She is always setting the bar higher, not only with her trophy catches and hunts, but also with everything she does to give back to the community, teaching the next generation, and advocating for women in the field. I hope you enjoy listening & be sure to check out everything she does to see some amazing outdoor content!

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Peters from @gettin_outdoors_with_s_and_a . We got to talk about his work with Alberta based @wild_tv and @canadahuntstv . He shared a few of his favorite stories, including some from his home in Saskatchewan that also graced the pages of @bigbuckmag . We also talked about the differences and similarities between hunting Saskatchewan & Alberta. Him and his family have some incredible outdoor accomplishments you'll definitely want to hear about! Be sure to check out their incredible episodes in the latest seasons of Canada Hunts!!

Kyle is an Albertan who has no shortage of incredible stories from his time in the backcountry. His admiration for his fathers excursions into the wilderness led him to discover his own path in the outdoors. Through fly fishing and hunting, his father and him create many remarkable memories. We get to talking about some of their most unforgettable hunts from Elk in Alberta to Caribou in the Yukon. Kyle now sets the same example for his daughters and continues to pass down his families bushcraft knowledge. He shares the story of his oldest daughters first deer and the significance of the rifle she used. There is a lot more jam-packed into the entire conversation. Be sure to follow Kyle to see more pictures from the stories shared and to get inspired to get outside!

It was a pleasure to have both Tanner & Jared from Cutthroat Cowboys on the pod. These two southern Albertans know how to have a great time enjoying the outdoors. They share 2 near death experiences along with many fly fishing stories and hunting excursions. The Cutthroat Cowboys had me laughing from beginning to end. I can't say enough good things about these men. Be sure to check out their incredible content on Instagram and see what all the hype is about @cutthroat_cowboys .

Luke Squires is known for his channel @squiresoutside , where he shares and documents his time in the Alberta wilderness. Luke shares his story and what he does to inspire others to get out and enjoy what this province has to offer. He also gives us the low down on 2 unforgettable hunts and what they taught him. He has been a big supporter of the pod, and I was stoked to chat and get to know the man more. Be sure to check out his content and his magazine worthy writing on Instagram, YouTube, & Facebook.

For those of you who don't already know, Geoff Dorward runs an Alberta based YouTube channel by the name of Dorward Outdoor Adventures, or D.O.A. for short. Geoffs content can be found on many social media platforms. However, I personally find his full-length videos the best. They are filled with his tactics, hard work, success, and hardship. Nothing gets left out. I was stoked when Geoff agreed to take some time to come and talk on the pod. We got into many topics, including his most recent 2023 spring bear video, his years of experience in the field, self filming hunts, and his most recent successful Elk stories. I highly recommend checking out his videos and online content to see his incredible wildlife interactions and excursion.

Spencer Miller is an avid fly fisherman & hunter. We got to talking about how he got into fly fishing, sharing the outdoors with his kids, and his return to hunting after a short hiatus. We also discussed our obsessive tendencies with the outdoors and the mental fortitude and perseverance it took for him to achieve his most recent goals. He shares the story of his brother and his most recent bear and the story of his first elk with a bow. I have nothing but great things to say about Spencer after getting to know him more. I hope you enjoy as he shares his outlook on life and the great outdoors.

Seth is the owner & operator of "Trust The Land" outfitters, guiding hunts for mountain lions and mule deer in Alberta. He trains and lives with his big pack of hounds year round to ensure success. Seth gets in-depth talking about what it truly takes to successfully tree big cats. We get into a few of his favorite stories along the way, why he does what he does, and how it all started. I personally learned so much from talking to Seth about cougar behavior and about the full-time job of living and working with all of the dogs. Seth lives an inspirational life caring for his pack and creating once in a lifetime opportunities for so many. I don't know how he stays calm and down to earth while chasing one of nature's scariest predators.

Kwade, also known as @bushleagueoutdoorsmen, is anything but bush league. He is outgoing, hard working, focused, and determined, and yet remains humble despite his many successes in some of the provinces' toughest hunts. We got on a lot of topics this episode from his most recent spring bears to being charged by a black bear. He also gets into bear grease, and him and his cousins bighorn hunt! Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking with Kwade!

Nick has been guiding in Alberta for 25 years. He has no shortage of incredible stories. In this episode we talk about his most recent successes. Getting his pilots license, Getting his kids on their first big game critters, and filling one of the most notorious tags you can in this province with a bow. He also gets into detail about both his lodges. Misty River where he guides for moose and bear & Gypsy Lake where you can fly in for some trophy pike fishing. He has a lot on his plate with all that and being a father. Glad he could take some time to share his life's work here with us!

Adrian Horvath is the owner of Straight Shooting Outdoors from Taber Alberta! We got to talking about the outdoor community in Southern Alberta, target panic, and he shares the stories of his and his ladies' first successful archery hunts.

Alex is the owner/operator of Antlerhill Outfitters here in Alberta. In this episode we get to talking about his year round work guiding for bears, waterfowl, big game, and predators. He also talks about the balance with a busy family and shares an incredible story of his daughters first buck.

Shawn is a humble hunter/gatherer that will probably consider himself green until he's retired. He is also an amazing storyteller. This episode we talk about his first solo elk hunt with a bow. Apologies for the lag in the audio during the first 15 minutes. We didn't want to remove any of Shawns story.