Days In The Wild - Big game Hunting podcast

John Stallone
  • 4.9 (375)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

John Stallone Interviews Hunting Pros to get inside hunting tips and tactics western big game hunting, bowhunting, mule deer, elk, whitetail deer and predator hunting. Formerly Interviews With The Hunting Masters

  1. 11/24/2025

    The Sporting Chef Scott Leysath

    Guest: Scott Leysath — The Sporting Chef Episode: Field-to-Table Made Simple What’s inside (quick hits): The three biggest mistakes that make wild game “gamey”—and how to fix them Field care that actually matters (cooling, cleanliness, trim) Cut-to-method pairings for deer, elk, upland, and waterfowl Weeknight formulas: fast marinades, hot-and-fast sears, smart sides Gateway dishes that win over non-hunters (and why they work) Takeaway: Respect the animal, manage heat and fat, add acid and texture—great wild game is technique, not luck. Follow Scott: @thesportingchef Follow John: @johnstallone

    52 min

  2. 11/17/2025

    Layering systems, mule deer hunting Graylight Hunter

    Guest: Marlon Holden  Episode: Fall 2025 – Mule deer hunting, Camo, Boots, gear What we cover (quick hits): Hunting mule deer in South Dakota recap Layering systems, camo to wear Boots, socks AZ mule deer quota system Connect with Marlon: @graylighthunter Connect with the show: @johnstallone

    1h 20m

  3. 11/10/2025

    Rifle vs Archery Hunting Matt Rege

    Rifle vs. Archery — strengths, limits, and how to choose What we cover (quick hits): Why Matt hunts with both weapons—and what each teaches the other Ethical effective range: defining it for your skills, terrain, and conditions Fieldcraft vs. ballistics: closing inside 40 yards vs. building a rock-solid rifle position Calling, wind, and movement discipline—what changes with bow vs. rifle Practice plans: 4-week tune-ups for bowhunters and rifle hunters Gear that matters (and what’s overrated) for real-world hunts Links: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattrege/ If you enjoyed this one, share it with a hunting buddy and leave a quick rating—it helps a ton.

    1h 3m

  4. 11/03/2025

    Jordan Blisset Whitetail Rut Tactics + Buying Land

    Whitetail Rut Tactics + Buying Land John sits down with Jordan Blissett to break down practical rut strategies—how to read phases (seeking, chasing, lockdown), pick high-odds terrain, manage wind the smart way, and decide when to call or stay silent. Then they pivot to buying land for whitetails: access and neighborhood first, must-have habitat features, quick-win improvements, and rookie pitfalls to avoid. Highlights Rut stand selection: leeward edges, hub scrapes, ditch/creek crossings Calling & decoys: when they help—and when they burn a spot Pressure management on small tracts Land buying: access, cover diversity, neighbors, red flags First-year improvements that move the needle Follow Jordan IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanblissett/ Team page: https://openseasonproperties.com/our-team/jordan-blissett/

    1h 2m

  5. 10/27/2025

    Dan Cabela

    Legacy, Stewardship, and Straight Talk: A Conversation with Dan Cabela Summary John sits down with Dan Cabela—conservation advocate and scion of the Cabela family—to share a wild-game meal and talk honestly about why hunting matters, how funding and policy actually move the needle for wildlife conservation, and what it takes to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters. No dunking, no shouting—just good food and better questions. What you’ll hear Origin story: The moment Dan’s love for the outdoors turned into a commitment to stewardship. Conservation, not slogans: How regulated hunting, tags, and excise taxes fund habitat, research, and management. Ethics in practice: Fair chase, technology creep, and what “doing it right” looks like before, during, and after the shot. Bridging divides: How to talk to non-hunters with humility, data, and real stories. Global perspective: Wins and lessons from projects around the world—and what actually scales. Legacy & responsibility: Carrying a famous name without being trapped by it. Wild game on the table: Cooking notes, transparency, and why sharing a meal changes the conversation. Quick takeaways Stewardship > rhetoric: Policy + funding + local buy-in beat internet arguments. Many pathways to help: You don’t have to hunt to support wildlife—join, donate, volunteer, vote smart. Food is a bridge: A plate of honest wild game opens doors that debate can’t. Measure impact: If it doesn’t move habitat, populations, or community support, it’s just noise. Suggested chapter guide (drop in timestamps after publish) Cold open & wild-game dish Dan’s early field memories → stewardship pivot How conservation gets funded (and where it fails) Ethics & tech in modern hunting International lessons that apply at home Sharing wild food with skeptics Rapid-fire: favorite hunts, mentors, books Calls to action & ways to get involved About our guest Dan Cabela is a lifelong outdoorsman and conservation advocate whose work spans habitat projects, policy support, and community engagement. He focuses on pragmatic solutions that sustain wildlife and local economies. Links & resources Howl for Wildlife — Take action, learn more, and support science-based management: [howlforwildlife.org] Connect Guest: Dan Cabela — IG @dancabela Host: John Stallone — IG: @johnstallone

    49 min

  6. 10/20/2025

    406" Bull in NV "the Cardinal Bull"

    We sit down with Robert Cowan and   Michael Cardinal   Episode Summary John sits down with Michael Cardinal to unpack the hunt behind his latest bull—how he scouted, read sign, and made decisions when the plan fell apart.

    1 hr

  7. 10/13/2025

    Missing Elk Hunters Get the Whole story

    Elk Hunter Missing in Colorado Episode title “Missing in the High Country: An Elk Hunter’s Story in Colorado” Summary Guest Dac Collins  In this episode, John unpacks the developing story of an elk hunter who went missing in Colorado—what’s known so far, how search-and-rescue operations unfold in the Rockies, and the practical steps backcountry hunters can take to reduce risk and help responders if something goes wrong. The conversation balances empathy for the family with actionable fieldcraft and preparedness. Note: Facts are evolving. We stick to verified information and avoid speculation. What you’ll hear Timeline & terrain: What’s known about the incident and the landscape factors at play (elevation, weather, access). SAR reality check: How mountain Search and Rescue is mobilized, what slows missions, and what information helps the most. Preparation that matters: Comms plans, weather/nowcasting, navigation backups, and “don’t split the party” rules. If you get turned around: Immediate steps that improve survival and make you easier to find. For hunting partners at home: How to structure check-in windows, map shares, and who to call if a teammate is overdue. Respect & responsibility: Keeping the focus on the missing hunter and supporting family and responders. Quick takeaways Tell two people your plan (route, camp, bail-out options, check-in times). Carry redundant comms: phone + battery, offline maps, PLB or satellite messenger (preset check-ins & SOS). Weather drives risk—nowcast every 30–60 minutes in the mountains. If lost: STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan), make yourself findable (bright panel, whistle, signal mirror), and stay put when it’s safer than wandering.   Safety checklist (copy/paste) Trip plan shared (route, alt routes, check-in times, who to call) Phone with offline maps + spare battery PLB or sat messenger with preset messages to a contact Paper map + compass (know a bearing to camp/trailhead) Weather layers (puffy, rain shell, hat/gloves) + headlamp Signal gear: whistle, bright panel, small mirror Fire kit, basic med kit, calories & water treatment Call to action

    43 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Solo vs. Social: The Psychology of the Hunt with Beau Martonik

    “Solo vs. Social: The Psychology of the Hunt with Beau Martonik” ✍️ Episode Description: In this compelling episode of Days in the Wild, I sit down with hunter, writer, and East Meets West podcast host Beau Martonik to dig into the mental side of hunting—specifically the contrast between solo and social hunting experiences. Beau opens up about how hunting alone in remote terrain builds resilience, sharpens instincts, and forces you to confront your inner world. We also explore the camaraderie of camp, the challenges of balancing solo ambition with shared experiences, and how both play a vital role in shaping today’s hunter. If you've ever questioned whether you're more effective—or more fulfilled—hunting alone or with others, this episode will speak directly to you. 📌 Topics We Cover: The mindset differences between solo and group hunts Why solo hunting builds personal growth and mental toughness How social hunting cultivates community and tradition Making space for solitude while still honoring shared camp culture Gear choices that support both independence and team hunting Learning to embrace discomfort and silence in the backcountry Lessons Beau’s learned through years of chasing whitetails and mountain bucks 💬 Notable Quotes: “Solo hunts strip away the noise and reveal what kind of hunter—and person—you really are.” “There’s power in both solitude and community; the key is knowing what you need in each season.” 🧠 Key Takeaways: Solo hunting demands higher levels of self-reliance, decision-making, and mental stamina Group hunting offers emotional support, shared knowledge, and deeper traditions The choice between the two is often less about success and more about personal evolution Understanding your psychological needs in the field can elevate your overall hunting experience 🔗 Connect with Beau Martonik: 🎧 Listen to his podcast: East Meets West 📸 Instagram: @beau.martonik 🌐 Website: www.eastmeetswesthunt.com 📣 Call to Action: Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate the show, and share with fellow hunters—whether they ride solo or run with a crew. Stay tuned for more deep dives into hunting, mindset, and the wild places we chase.

    56 min
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4.9
out of 5
375 Ratings

About

John Stallone Interviews Hunting Pros to get inside hunting tips and tactics western big game hunting, bowhunting, mule deer, elk, whitetail deer and predator hunting. Formerly Interviews With The Hunting Masters

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