The Evolving Hunter Podcast

TEH Podcast Productions
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Wilderness

The Evolving Hunter Podcast explores what it really means to grow as a hunter in today’s world. Each episode features honest conversations with mentors, biologists, educators, and everyday hunters about skills, mindset, ethics, and belonging in hunting culture. Instead of glorifying once-in-a-lifetime trophies, the show focuses on learning, progress, and the personal journeys that shape us in the field. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, this podcast is about becoming a more capable, thoughtful, and connected hunter. Looking for a great way to get started? visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get certified to buy your hunting license!

Episodes

  1. Ep. 10: Building Communities in Hunting with NWTF

    May 20

    Ep. 10: Building Communities in Hunting with NWTF

    Show Notes: In this episode, we explore the multifaceted world of hunting, conservation, and community building with Morgan Evans from NWTF. We discuss the conservation success story of the wild turkey and how organizations like NWTF are fostering inclusive, impactful hunting communities. A huge thanks to Morgan for joining us for this episode! If you'd like to learn more about the good work NWTF is doing, check out their website at www.nwtf.org. Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

    1h 29m
  2. Ep. 9: Unlocking the Future of Hunting: Motivations, Education, and Engagement

    Apr 23

    Ep. 9: Unlocking the Future of Hunting: Motivations, Education, and Engagement

    Show Notes: In this episode, Jae interviews Carissa Daniels from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to explore the motivations behind new hunters, the importance of hunter education, and how agencies can better engage diverse audiences. They discuss practical steps for beginners, the evolving landscape of hunting participation, and the future of hunter outreach. A huge thanks to Carissa for being on the show! Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses. Resources from the show: Check out upcoming educational programs in North Carolina

    1h 9m
  3. Ep. 8: Guiding, Mentoring, and Chasing Maine Moose

    Apr 22

    Ep. 8: Guiding, Mentoring, and Chasing Maine Moose

    Show Notes: Join us as Ron Fournier from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shares his lifelong journey in hunting, guiding, and conservation. Discover insights into moose hunting, guiding experiences, and how to inspire the next generation of hunters. A huge thanks to Ron for being on the show! Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses. Resources from the show: Check out upcoming educational programs in Maine

    1h 40m
  4. Ep. 7: Money Talks: Funding Conservation in the U.S.

    Apr 16

    Ep. 7: Money Talks: Funding Conservation in the U.S.

    Show Notes: Funding Conservation in the US: Historical Roots, Modern Systems, and Personal Journeys. In this episode of the Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with James Burnham, a biologist at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to explore the intricate system of conservation funding in the United States. From early market hunting practices to modern excise taxes, they unravel how these mechanisms support wildlife and habitat management today. A huge thanks to James for being on the show! A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! If you're gearing up for spring turkey season, check out the Turkey Hunting Fundamentals course. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses. Resources from the show: Partner With a Payer - US Fish and Wildlife ServiceGeorgia DNR Learn to Hunt ProgramInternational Hunter Education Association - learnhunting.org

    1h 35m
  5. Episode 6: Trapping with Beavers Unlimited

    Apr 1

    Episode 6: Trapping with Beavers Unlimited

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison engages with the team from Beavers Unlimited, discussing their unique approach to wildlife management, trapping, and habitat improvement. The conversation covers the origins of Beavers Unlimited, the challenges of nuisance trapping, and the importance of social media in promoting their work. The guests share their personal journeys into trapping and hunting, emphasizing the skills learned and the passion developed along the way. The episode concludes with insights on the future of Beavers Unlimited and the importance of educating the next generation of hunters and trappers. A big thanks to the Beavers Unlimited crew for joining me on this podcast! If you'd like to check out their social media, click here to see their YouTube channel. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Huge announcement on this episode of the new turkey hunting course on CertifiedHunter called Turkey Hunting Fundamentals. It's a great course and will help you get started without all the guesswork! Check out the course at certifiedhunter.com/courses.

    58 min
  6. Episode 5: Belonging in Hunting

    Mar 20

    Episode 5: Belonging in Hunting

    Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Taniya Bethke, Director of Operations at the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, as she shares her journey into hunting, the importance of community, and strategies to grow and diversify the hunting community. Discover how curiosity, social support, and inclusive storytelling are shaping the future of hunting. If you'd like to learn more about the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports and the good work they are doing for our industry, visit www.cahss.org. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Keywords: hunting, R3, community building, diversity, conservation, hunting education, social support, wildlife, inclusion, future of hunting

    1h 21m
  7. Episode 4: Inside Regulated Trapping

    Mar 19

    Episode 4: Inside Regulated Trapping

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Bill Seybold, the trapping education coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game. They discuss the intricacies of trapping, including the importance of best management practices (BMPs), the regulations surrounding trapping, and the misconceptions that non-trappers often have. Bill shares insights on how to get started in trapping, the significance of trapper education, and the ethical considerations that come with the practice. The conversation emphasizes the detail-oriented nature of trapping and its role in wildlife management and conservation. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Keywords trapping, best management practices, trapping education, wildlife conservation, Idaho Fish and Game, novice trappers, trapping regulations, humane trapping, outdoor skills, fur bearers

    59 min
  8. Episode 3: Prepare for Spring Turkey Hunting

    Feb 27

    Episode 3: Prepare for Spring Turkey Hunting

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison speaks with Mitchell Shirk, the host of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast. They discuss Mitchell's lifelong passion for hunting, particularly turkey hunting, and share insights on how to get started as a novice hunter. The conversation covers essential tips for spring turkey season, including calling strategies, the importance of patience, safety considerations, and navigating public land. Mitchell emphasizes the significance of understanding turkey behavior and the environment, as well as the gear needed for a successful hunt. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Keywords hunting, turkey hunting, Pennsylvania Woodsman, novice hunters, spring turkey season, hunting safety, turkey calls, hunting gear, public land hunting, hunting strategies

    1h 1m

  9. Feb 25

    Episode 2: Connection Matters

    Show Notes: In this engaging conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted world of hunting, touching on personal experiences, the evolution of a hunter, and the importance of community and skills in the hunting journey. Francis shares his background growing up in Montana, the challenges of hunting in grizzly country, and the shift in mindset from focusing solely on the kill to appreciating the adventure and camaraderie that hunting brings. They discuss the essential skills for novice hunters and what keeps individuals engaged in the sport over time, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and shared experiences in the hunting community. In this conversation, Jae Ellison and Francis Reishus explore the multifaceted aspects of hunting, emphasizing the importance of community, belonging, and mentorship in fostering a new generation of hunters. They discuss the alarming decline in youth participation in hunting and the challenges posed by technology and changing societal norms. The conversation highlights the need for parents to engage their children in outdoor activities and the transformative experiences that nature can provide. Additionally, they touch on the role of trapping as a means to enhance hunting skills and the future of hunting as it adapts to modern challenges. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Keywords hunting, personal stories, grizzly bears, novice hunters, hunting community, hunting skills, hunting success, outdoor adventures, family traditions, hunting experiences hunting, community, belonging, mentorship, youth participation, future of hunting, skill development, trapping, technology, conservation

    1h 25m

  10. Feb 24

    Episode 1: Origin Stories

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Evolving Hunter podcast, host Jae Ellison welcomes his first guest, Ryan Orgitano, who played a pivotal role in Jae's hunting journey. The conversation dives into Ryan's early experiences with hunting, influenced by his family, and how those experiences shaped his passion for the outdoors. Ryan shares memorable moments from his childhood, including his first successful hunt at age 11 and the excitement of waiting for his father to return from hunting trips. As they reminisce about their shared hunting experiences, they explore the evolution of Ryan's perspective on hunting as he transitions from being mentored to mentoring his own children. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship in hunting, the challenges faced by new hunters, and the misconceptions experienced hunters may have about beginners. Ryan emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when introducing new hunters to the sport, highlighting the joy of sharing the outdoors with others. The episode concludes with insights on the significance of conservation and the hope for future generations of hunters to continue enjoying and protecting public lands. A big thanks to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started! Keywords hunting, mentorship, outdoor education, conservation, beginner hunters, hunting stories, Evolving Hunter podcast, hunting experiences Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:44 Ryan's Early Hunting Experiences 05:04 Evolving Perspectives on Hunting 07:39 Lessons Learned in the Woods 12:21 Advice for Beginner Hunters 16:35 The Joy of Mentoring New Hunters 23:56 Why Hunting Still Matters 26:40 Fishing Memories and Hunting Beginnings 28:10 Getting Started in Hunting: Tips for Beginners 30:00 Common Mistakes New Hunters Make 31:32 Building Good Hunting Habits 33:59 Processing Your Harvest: Planning Ahead 34:52 The Concept of the Evolving Hunter 36:46 Hunting for Future Generations 39:03 The Role of Hunters in Conservation 39:59 Excitement for Upcoming Hunts and Closing Thoughts

    53 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Evolving Hunter Podcast explores what it really means to grow as a hunter in today’s world. Each episode features honest conversations with mentors, biologists, educators, and everyday hunters about skills, mindset, ethics, and belonging in hunting culture. Instead of glorifying once-in-a-lifetime trophies, the show focuses on learning, progress, and the personal journeys that shape us in the field. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, this podcast is about becoming a more capable, thoughtful, and connected hunter. Looking for a great way to get started? visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get certified to buy your hunting license!

Information

  • Creator
    TEH Podcast Productions
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TEH Podcast Productions