The HUNTXP Podcast

J.D. Larson

Two real hunting buddies. Real laughs. Real fails. Real faith. Welcome to the deer camp you can tune into every week.

  1. The Man & Story Behind Gobbler Ridge Turkey Calls

    16 ABR

    The Man & Story Behind Gobbler Ridge Turkey Calls

    Turkey season is here—and instead of just talking tactics, we sat down with a guy who lives and breathes it from a different angle. This episode features Josh Ermer, owner and call maker behind Gobbler Ridge Turkey Calls—a small-batch operation built from the ground up by a diehard hunter who learned the craft the hard way. We get into how he went from a kid getting his first bird called in by his grandpa… to building calls that are now killing birds across the country This one’s part storytelling, part craftsmanship, and part practical advice on what actually works in the woods. Josh’s story is about as real as it gets: Started turkey hunting at 12 Shot his first bird in 2003 with his grandpa Watched a box call pull birds from 600 yards That moment stuck—and turned into an obsession   That early experience didn’t just hook him on hunting—it hooked him on how sound influences birds. Like most guys in this space, it didn’t start as a business. Began experimenting with calls in high school Started with box calls first, then expanded Early production run: ~80 calls to test and learn   What stands out is how much of it was trial and error—not theory. One of the biggest takeaways from Josh: Grain direction in wood is critical The interaction between paddle and box creates the sound Small variations = completely different tones   That’s the difference between: A call that “makes noise” And one that kills birds consistently Josh dropped something interesting: His take: Box calls are the easiest to learn They offer better range for locating birds They’re one of the most effective tools—especially early And yet… tons of guys skip them entirely. If you strip it down to what works: Start with a box call for volume and distance Cover ground and strike birds from trails or high points   Transition to softer calls (pot or mouth) Close the distance and adjust based on response If you’re building a simple, effective kit: His Stage 5 Cleaner (current go-to) Slate → easiest to learn Ceramic → more durable, works in wet conditions   Split V or Batwing for versatility   Also worth noting: One of the best parts of the episode wasn’t about gear—it was about passing it on. Josh shared the story of his son’s first turkey: Long hours with no success the first year Came back the next season and did it right Bird worked off the roost, into decoys, and got it done That full-circle moment—from being the kid to being the mentor—is what sticks.   Calling matters more than most guys think Box calls are massively underutilized Sound quality comes down to craftsmanship details There’s no “one-size-fits-all” call—especially with diaphragms Teaching the next generation is as rewarding as killing birds There’s a difference between buying gear… and understanding it. Josh isn’t just building turkey calls—he’s building tools that reflect years of trial, failure, and figuring out what actually makes birds respond. And if you listen close in this episode, you’ll pick up a few things that might just help you kill one this spring. 🧠 How It All Started🔨 Getting Into Call Making🎯 What Actually Matters in a Turkey CallIt’s not just the call—it’s the details🦃 The Most Underrated Call in Turkey Hunting. A shocking number of hunters don’t even use a box call  🔊 Call Strategy (What He Actually Uses)Locating Birds Working Birds🧰 Recommended Call Setup (From Josh)Box CallPot CallMouth CallMouth calls are highly individual—what works for one hunter might not work for another.  🏹 The Moment That Makes It Worth It💡 Key Takeaways🔥 Quote From the Episode“I couldn’t believe that box call pulled those birds from 600 yards… that’s what stuck with me.”  🏁 Final Thought

    1 h 1 min
  2. Building a Hunting Legacy | Vaughn Stalker of Tamarak Hunting on Generational Passion

    26 MAR

    Building a Hunting Legacy | Vaughn Stalker of Tamarak Hunting on Generational Passion

    In this episode, we sit down with Vaughn Stalker of Tammarak Hunting to talk about his journey into the outdoors and the role family played in shaping him as a hunter. 🦌 In This Episode: TideWe Buy one - Chance to win your money back This is a real conversation about growing up around hunting, learning from the generation before you, and what it means to carry that forward today. Vaughn shares how his experiences in the woods turned into something bigger—and why preserving that tradition matters now more than ever. 🔥 Key Takeaway: Vaughn Stalker’s background and introduction to hunting How family and mentorship shaped his approach The importance of generational knowledge in the outdoors Building Tammarak Hunting Why passing hunting down matters Hunting isn’t just a skill—it’s something passed down. And if we don’t carry it forward, it doesn’t last. 📺 Follow & Support Nested Treestand System - 10% off with code “HUNT10” - https://nestedtreestands.com/HUNT10 TruDave Boots - 15% off  with “HXP15” https://www.trudavegear.com?bg_ref=4GUxaUtR1eTideWe - https://tidd.ly/4su63O9GardePro Trail Cameras - 10% off code “HUNTXP” https://gardepro.com?utm_source=Affiliate+&utm_medium=KOL&utm_campaign=UpPromote+&sca_ref=8123869.ZMJqdIjuk7 Subscribe for more HUNTXP episodes Follow along for hunting content, gear reviews, and real-world strategies 🎯 About HUNTXP: HUNTXP is built for everyday hunters chasing real experiences. No fluff. Just honest conversations, lessons learned, and time in the field.

    54 min

Acerca de

Two real hunting buddies. Real laughs. Real fails. Real faith. Welcome to the deer camp you can tune into every week.

También te podría interesar