Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls
I have been an ambassador with them going on 7 years and they are my go to calls. This is an an amazing company that produces the only calls I rely on year after year. They make the best sounding mouth calls on the market. They have calls from elk, turkey, predator, deer and moose. These are the easiest mouth calls I have ever used as well as there is such a variety that you can find the right call for you individually. Currently I run with the Black Magic, Reaper, VooDoo, Mistress, Raging Bull and Mellow Yellow in combination with the Wapati Whacker tube. Also the new strutter box and Captain Hook have me ready for some gobbling in the spring. It has hands down changed how effective my calling has been for more encounters. Since using these calls my encounters and confidence have never been higher. Adding the calls with my decoys makes for a deadly combo. There isn’t enough thanks for what Rockie and everyone in this company has done and it is an honor to be able to contribute in anyway possible.
ONXHUNT
The best way to figure out where you are at and easiest way to access public land. It was difficult in the past to know exactly where boundaries were at. Now with a chip or app. from onXHunt you can access those small pockets of public ground you have always wanted to hunt as well as figure out who the land owner surrounding public ground is and attempt to gain access through permission. Also the app has revolutionized the industry and they even have an elite membership which gives access to every state with multiple layers and links up with the new computer mapping software which allows you to effectively scout from home like never before. A small tool that helps me be more successful and go farther than I was able to in the past. I have been on the promotional staff for them as well for the last 7 years and am very happy to be apart of one of the best teams in the industry. It has been fun to watch the continued growth of this MT company over the years.
Earned Media
I was recently selected to join the staff or Earned Media and eHUNTr. If you are a DIY hunter this is information you need. Lots of great articles and information to help you be more successful. Looking forward to getting involved and putting together some articles for them.
Talltine Bowstrings
I was in need of a new bow string in 2017 for my Halon32 and was informed by a good friend Ed Gramza about these strings. Phillip does an amazing job and I still can’t get over having no peep twist and the quality of these strings. I have had the privilege of being on their staff for the last couple of years and with the new Traverse this will be my third set of strings from Tall Tine and I couldn’t be more pleased.
Bohning Archery
I have shot Bohning products since I began shooting bows. I rely on them year after year and they continually produce results. As of last year I was placed on their shooting staff and couldn’t be prouder to be backed by such a great company.
Element Arrows
The Storm proved to be a great arrow last year and will be in my quiver again this coming spring and fall. Don’t let a new brand fool you these are a top of the line arrow and worth every penny. This will be my 3rd year on the Element Archery Pro Staff team. I'm excited for the future and getting the opportunity of getting some arrows in the hands of others that I rely on.
Grim Reaper Broadheads
I am currently shooting the Hades Pro 125 Gr. heads. They are a fixed blade broadhead and the entire blade is sharpened as well as the tip of it will impress you by simply dropping it onto a 2x4 and watching it stick. I ended up using a heavier head for more FOC and my bow also seems to shoot more accurate with the heavier broadhead as well. This will also be my 2nd year on the pro staff team for Grim Reaper and after seeing success on my bull last year it will be quite some time before I switch broadheads.
MATTHEWS ARCHERY
For 2020 I will yet again be shooting my Traverse! I’m still blown away with this set up and don’t plan on a change this year. I did like the looks of the VXR, but still like the little longer ATA of the Traverse.
Montana Decoy
I cannot give a good enough recommendation for these decoys, as they have helped me out tremendously. I have had varied success with all of the decoys, but they have helped me in so many situations that I always pack them with me in the field. If you have any general questions about the decoys or would like advice on decoying techniques let me know and I will gladly point you in the right direction.
King's Camo
For 2020 I have made probably one of the biggest changes I have ever done. I have switched my clothing brand that I will be using to King's Camo. Anyone who knows me knows how much I truly enjoyed Sitka Gear. When I began years ago trying to decide which route to go in regard to the clothing I was going to wear I was torn between several companies. I went with Sitka for several years, but was also torn on wearing King's Camo. I have always been a fan of their patterns. In recent years they came out with their XKG line of clothing. I think if you get the chance to try this line of clothing you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of clothing and the price tag that comes with it. I have gotten to know some of the folks from King's and am blessed to say I could call them friends. Their saying consists of three P's; price, pattern, and performance. After getting my hands on some of their gear I made the switch and am excited to get it put to use in the field.
Mystery Ranch
For 2020 I again will be packing game out with my Metcalf. I’m excited to get some more weight on my back this year. 2019 put more miles on with lots of comfort. The new 2020 line has some great new upgrades, I’m just not ready for a switch yet.
Orion Coolers
I have been contemplating on getting a high end cooler and have always been a fan of Randy Newberg and what he has done for hunting. I ended up deciding on the Orion 85. This is the largest cooler they make and the ability to add all of the attachments and accessories my mind was made up. I always thought it was crazy what they want for these coolers but after seeing some of the abilities and how long we now have ice in camp I decided it was time for my own. The reason for the largest one was easy and that was the ability to keep large amounts of meat cold. Now that I have the cooler it’s time to start filling it.
Leupold Optics
This year again I will be carrying Leupold. So far Im still set up with the Full Draw 3 for a rangefinder and BX-4 10x42 for binoculars. Im hoping to add a spotter and was lucky enough to get my hand on a new set of performance eyewear this winter in the Join the Hunt event they did. I’m extremely excited to see how they work out and continue to back a company that has done so much for conservation.
SPOT-HOGG
After looking at all options for my archery sight and some help from others I narrowed it down to Spot-Hogg. I ended up going with the 5 pin Hunter. With so many options and speaking with others I'm extremely satisfied with my decision and ready to put my bow together. I also went with the new Keeton release and quickly fell in love with this new release.
Tightspot Quivers
The only quiver I will ever put on a bow again. I read about Tightspot quivers quite a bit and took the plunge and picked one up. One of the best decisions I have made and love. I went with the Gore Optifade Subalpine which matches with the new Traverse. For 2020 I will again be shooting with the 7 arrow.
FHF Bino HarNess
I ran the Sitka Bino Bivy for awhile and ended up getting my hands on an FHF. I can't get over all of the features it has and the ease of use and making sure I have essential items available quickly. It fits my Leupold 10x42 perfectly.
RAPID RIFLE COVERS
I haven't been a huge rifle hunter as of late, but for those times I'm out with my rifle I rely on Rapid Rifle Covers to help keep my rifle safe from the elements. They cover your barrel and optics and there isn't a time in the field mine isn't on. They also have other accessories don make sure and give them a look.
Caribou Game Bags
I recently added these game bags to my equipment list. Very happy with them so far. They are washable and re-usable and come in many sets for the game you are pursuing. I currently run the Muley pack, which can fit a boned out elk. The money you will save with the re-usable feature is worth more than you can imagine. I have also picked up a couple of larger bags I pack along for elk quarters and also got to use them on a moose hunt last year.
Podcasts and Forums
If you're looking for some places to gain more knowledge about hunting in general I would look into podcasts and forums.
I enjoy spending some of my free time listening to podcasts and reading on a couple of forums. The knowledge that can be gained is invaluable and they are all very much likeminded when it comes to hunting.
HuntTalk has a great forum and Randy Newberg has a lot of great content over several platforms to include his podcast, Fresh Tracks show on Amazon and YouTube channel. If you are into everything elk look into elk101 and you will find the most comprehensive information around and covers everything elk. Also just recently out is Elk Talk podcast featuring two of the most knowledgeable elk hunters around, Corey Jacobsen and Randy Newberg. I’m excited to see how this one turns out and the amount of valuable information from it.
I also spend time listening to Shoot’n the Bull podcast with Josh Keller and Ty Stubblefield, The MeatEater podcast, Rich Outdoors, The Hunt Backcountry podcast, and Gritty Bowmen podcast. Most recently I began listening to Urban to Country podcast featuring a new hunter, Marcus Strange. Follow him in his journey of becoming first and foremost a great conservationist but also a hunter. I sometimes take for granted growing up in a hunting family and it is great to see those getting out there later than some but having and showing a great passion for the outdoors.
Check them all out and see what you've been missing. There is always more to learn.
I enjoy spending some of my free time listening to podcasts and reading on a couple of forums. The knowledge that can be gained is invaluable and they are all very much likeminded when it comes to hunting.
HuntTalk has a great forum and Randy Newberg has a lot of great content over several platforms to include his podcast, Fresh Tracks show on Amazon and YouTube channel. If you are into everything elk look into elk101 and you will find the most comprehensive information around and covers everything elk. Also just recently out is Elk Talk podcast featuring two of the most knowledgeable elk hunters around, Corey Jacobsen and Randy Newberg. I’m excited to see how this one turns out and the amount of valuable information from it.
I also spend time listening to Shoot’n the Bull podcast with Josh Keller and Ty Stubblefield, The MeatEater podcast, Rich Outdoors, The Hunt Backcountry podcast, and Gritty Bowmen podcast. Most recently I began listening to Urban to Country podcast featuring a new hunter, Marcus Strange. Follow him in his journey of becoming first and foremost a great conservationist but also a hunter. I sometimes take for granted growing up in a hunting family and it is great to see those getting out there later than some but having and showing a great passion for the outdoors.
Check them all out and see what you've been missing. There is always more to learn.
Conservation Groups
