FOCUS HUNTING PODCAST

Kevin Toye

Focus Hunting Podcast with Kevin Toye is a Canadian western hunting and bowhunting podcast for men who want to get better in the field and in life. Elk, mule deer, whitetails, black bear and moose, DIY and public‑land tactics, e‑scouting, archery setups, shot execution, target panic, focus, discipline, and conservation in western Canada.d. Hunt hard. Keep getting better.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 270 The Mystery of a Missing Vermont Deer: An Archery Pro’s Story with Isaac Sullivan

    Indoor National Champion and Vermont bowhunter Isaac Sullivan joins host Kevin Toye to talk about the side of archery you rarely see target panic, slumps, missed shots, tough blood trails, and the mystery of a missing Vermont deer. From his beginnings to a national title, Isaac explains how coaching, daily practice, and a one-arrow-at-a-time mindset shape both his tournament performance and his bowhunting decisions, and why ethical hunters should share the lows as honestly as the highlight-reel kills. Chapters 00:00 Meet Vermont champion Isaac Sullivan 01:20 First deer hunt and early archery beginnings 04:05 From JOAD classes to daily practice 08:25 The coaches who shaped his competitive game 12:12 Troubleshooting slumps, timing, and bow setup 18:16 Work ethic, ambition, and representing Vermont 23:05 Youth score milestones and the pressure of perfection 27:19 Why he wants his bow ready from the first arrow 30:18 A tournament loss, inside-out Xs, and small goals 35:36 Resetting after setbacks and building a short memory 39:26 How overtraining led to target panic 42:05 Admitting the problem and rebuilding confidence 45:19 Managing target panic through wind and team rounds 49:09 The Pan Am bronze and renewed belief 53:15 Hunting bow balance and broadhead testing 58:03 Broadhead performance, blood trails, and close shots 01:01:26 A challenging Kentucky buck shot 01:01:54 A missed first shot and the pressure of a mature buck 01:04:37 Why hunters should share the imperfect moments 01:07:57 Isaac’s dream hunt and the 200-inch whitetail goal 01:11:21 A ducked arrow, missed windows, and the grind 01:15:23 What makes mature whitetails so challenging 01:18:18 Public land, trail cameras, and hunting the sign 01:22:25 Baiting routines, scent control, and electronic devices 01:25:24 The Vermont eight-pointer and a hard-earned harvest 01:33:08 Ethics, memorable hunts, and the doubt after a shot 01:39:09 Tracking stories, lost deer, and the uncertainty of recovery 01:47:44 A puzzling Vermont recovery and hunting’s hard lessons 01:53:43 The legacy Isaac hopes to leave for the next generation https://www.instagram.com/isaac.sullivan/ https://www.facebook.com/isaac.sullivan.9883 www.kevintoye.com

  2. Oct 19

    Ep. 266 From Broken Neck to Bull Elk: Cody Rich's Journey and the Bridger Watch

    From a life-changing neck injury to becoming one of the most respected voices in elk hunting and outdoor entrepreneurship, Cody Rich has lived a “war of attrition” mindset in real time. In this episode, Cody shares how a devastating accident reshaped his life, the mental models that carried him through recovery, and how persistence, both in the mountains and in business, became his superpower. We dive into elk hunting in British Columbia, from tough access and rugged canyons to silent bulls, decommissioned roads, and reading timber and terrain to find elk in big country. Cody also breaks down the journey from launching The Rich Outdoors podcast to building Bridger, a purpose-built smartwatch designed specifically for hunters. We explore how specialized gear can improve your odds, why redefining what “winning” means matters, and how to turn failures into fuel for long-term success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cody Rich's background 00:19 Introduction to elk habitat and access strategies 01:53 Cody's injury and recovery story 02:32 The importance of canyons and roads in elk hunting 05:07 Using timber and terrain features to locate elk 06:07 The accident details and initial shock 08:05 The role of experience and network in finding elk 10:00 The journey of rehabilitation and resilience 11:57 Mental models: War of attrition and persistence 15:11 Starting the Rich Outdoors podcast 15:29 The analogy of steelhead fishing and elk calling 20:12 Cody's transition into entrepreneurship 20:37 The importance of consistent effort and patience 25:04 Getting into elk hunting and early experiences 25:30 Building a specialized smartwatch for hunters 29:57 Challenges of BC elk hunting terrain and silent bulls 30:04 Features and design considerations for hunting gear 34:55 Strategies for hunting in BC's rugged landscape 35:09 The entrepreneurial journey and overcoming obstacles 39:48 Lessons learned and future plans in hunting and gear 45:00 The mindset of successful hunters and entrepreneurs https://www.therichoutdoors.net/ https://www.therichoutdoors.net/the-elk-nut-episode/ https://www.bridgerwatch.com/ www.kevintoye.com

  3. Oct 17

    Ep. 264 Unpredictable Bulls W/ Traivs O'shea

    In this episode, Kevin Toye and Travis O'Shea discuss the challenges of elk hunting in 2026, including low elk numbers, weather impacts, and hunting strategies. They share insights on how elk behavior has changed and offer tactical advice for hunters facing these conditions. In this episode, Travis and Kevin discuss elk hunting strategies, the impact of weather and predators on elk behavior, and the importance of adaptable calling techniques. They share insights on elk movement, calling tactics, and how to improve success in challenging conditions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elk Hunting Challenges in 2023 00:02 Introduction and episode overview 02:12 Impact of Weather and Forest Fires on Elk Populations 02:22 Elk movement and habitat patterns 05:00 Changes in Elk Behavior and Herd Dynamics 09:55 Strategies for Hunting Low-Density Elk Areas 10:06 Impact of weather, forest fires, and drought 14:54 Using Sign and Sign Sign to Find Elk 20:00 The Role of Wind, Scent, and Stealth 20:44 Predator effects and elk behavior 24:57 Observations from Trail Cameras and Sign 30:01 Behavior During Rut and Non-Rut Periods 30:28 Calling techniques and call selection 34:56 Adapting Tactics to Changing Elk Activity 39:55 The Importance of Patience and Observation 44:57 Reflections on a Difficult Hunting Year 45:21 Using trail cameras and maps for scouting 55:21 Timing, seasonality, and elk activity 01:04:57 Adapting strategies to elk behavior changes 01:15:27 The importance of studying sign and behavior 01:29:49 Future plans, new calls, and hunting tips www.wapitiriveroutdoors.com www.kevintoye.com

  4. Oct 17

    Ep. 263 F@cK You Fridays. $800 Oil Change, CWD & Selfies

    **Rated M for Mature** This is the very first episode of F@cK You Fridays. Kevin and Lando dive into a wide range of topics, from oil changes, archery gear, broadheads, and bow tuning to hunting gear, vehicle stories, and personal anecdotes. They share insights on equipment choices, hunting strategies, and personal experiences that matter to outdoor enthusiasts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:01 Introduction to Episode Topics 01:47 Kevin and Landen discuss bow tuning and limb shift technology 02:16 Kevin's Gear and Investment Stories 04:32 Hunting and Gear Impulses 05:05 Insights on broadhead performance and speed tests 06:56 Vehicle Maintenance Costs and Insurance 08:49 Truck and Gear Discussions 10:03 Gear preferences for hunting and archery equipment 11:00 Hunting Gear and Canopy Choices 12:55 Alberta Politics and Separation Vote 15:00 Vehicle stories: Ford Sport Track and modifications 16:12 CWD Testing and Deer Management 19:52 Personal anecdotes about hunting gear and experiences 22:38 Hunter Behavior and Animal Size 24:58 Discussion on gear prices and affordability 26:57 Hunting Ethics and Trophy Deer 30:04 Bear Hunting and Animal Size Considerations 30:06 Personal stories about vehicle adventures and repairs 34:01 Hunting Success and Sharing Stories 34:59 Final thoughts on gear, hunting, and lifestyle https://www.instagram.com/thefuckinshow https://www.instagram.com/p/Dee9MHrBeWn/

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Focus Hunting Podcast with Kevin Toye is a Canadian western hunting and bowhunting podcast for men who want to get better in the field and in life. Elk, mule deer, whitetails, black bear and moose, DIY and public‑land tactics, e‑scouting, archery setups, shot execution, target panic, focus, discipline, and conservation in western Canada.d. Hunt hard. Keep getting better.

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