Eastmans' Journal Podcast Edition

Ike Eastman

Come along for the brand new Eastmans' Journal Podcast edition hosted by Ike Eastman! Listen and watch some of the most unique and exciting stories, business tips, and life inspiration we have found in our travels around Wyoming, the West, and the rest of the world!

  1. 4D AGO

    #92 | Inside Leupold: 120 Years of Optics Innovation | Tim Lesser

    In this episode of the Eastmans Journal Podcast Edition, Ike Eastman sits down with Tim Lesser of Leupold at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City to talk about optics, innovation, and the technology behind the gear serious hunters rely on. Leupold has been building optics for more than 120 years, and their reputation for durability and trust in the field didn't happen by accident. Ike and Tim dive into what makes a high-performance rifle scope, how optics are engineered, and why reliability matters when you're miles deep in the mountains chasing a once-in-a-lifetime tag. Tim breaks down the science behind modern optics—including light transmission, magnification ratios, and the surprising complexity inside a rifle scope. They also discuss how Leupold stress-tests their gear to survive extreme recoil, harsh environments, and real-world hunting conditions. The conversation also covers Leupold's newest technology, including the NEW BX-6 Range HD binoculars, advanced ballistic features, and how integrated mapping and pin-drop technology can help hunters track animals and navigate the field with precision. Beyond gear, Ike and Tim explore a bigger topic: where technology meets hunting ethics. As innovations like thermals and drones change the landscape of modern hunting, they discuss where the line should be drawn and how companies like Leupold think about responsible innovation. If you've ever wondered what really separates high-end optics from the rest—or what goes on inside the engineering labs of one of America's most trusted optics brands—this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_  👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans  Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans  Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans  Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

    45 min
  2. FEB 27

    #91 | How to Hunt Out West Consistently (Even as a Nonresident)

    If you've ever looked at hunting out West and thought, "I wouldn't even know where to start," this one's for you. In this episode, Scott and Luke sit down for a real, boots-on-the-ground conversation about building a Western hunt strategy from scratch. From four-state application plans and understanding point creep to breaking down DIY vs outfitted hunts, they cover what actually matters when you're trying to draw tags and hunt consistently out West. Luke shares the story of drawing a Wyoming sheep tag with 0.08% odds — and what it really takes to capitalize on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Scott dives deep into opportunity states, trophy potential, public land realities, wilderness rules, and how to avoid common mistakes first-time Western hunters make. They also unpack misconceptions like "Western hunting is a rich man's game," explain how to approach conservation and age class selection, and give practical advice for Eastern hunters looking to gain experience without wasting years or money. Whether you're sitting on double-digit points or just applying for the first time, this episode will help you build a realistic, long-term strategy — and actually get into the mountains. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans  Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans  Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans  Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

    1h 5m
  3. FEB 6

    #90 | Inside the Hunting Industry with onX Hunt | Dylan Dowson

    In this episode, host Ike Eastman sits down with Dylan Dowson of onX Hunt for an honest, down-to-earth conversation that runs the full spectrum of the Western hunting lifestyle. Dylan shares his roots growing up in small-town eastern Montana, early memories of hunting with his dad, and the unlikely path that led him from rock-crushing crews and water treatment jobs into a dream career inside the hunting industry with onX. The discussion dives into the evolution of onX from physical GPS chips to today's powerful mobile apps, how authentic field experience shaped Dylan's role in Western big-game marketing, and why relationships and timing can change the trajectory of a career. Ike and Dylan also swap stories from trade shows, early industry days, and the culture behind one of the most influential tools in modern hunting. Capping it off, they break down a memorable Colorado mule deer hunt—covering preparation, research, decision-making in the field, and the strategy behind targeting mature bucks. It's a mix of career insight, hunting heritage, technology evolution, and classic campfire storytelling that will resonate with both seasoned hunters and the next generation coming up. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_  👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

    1h 16m
  4. JAN 6

    #89 | Winning the 2025 Eastmans Montana Mule Deer Hunt | Jake Pashuta

    What happens when a lifelong whitetail hunter from Pennsylvania finally gets his first crack at the West? In this episode of the Eastmans' Journal Podcast, Ike Eastman sits down with Jake Pashuta, the 2025 Eastmans mule deer hunt winner, alongside Eastmans own Brandon Mason, who was there to film and experience the hunt firsthand. From the moment Jake gets "the call" to the long drive across eastern Montana—and even a close encounter with a rattlesnake before he ever reaches camp—this conversation captures the nerves, humor, and raw excitement of a first-ever Western hunt. Jake shares his journey from growing up in a blue-collar Pennsylvania deer camp to dreaming about wide-open country, learning how to glass big country, and adapting to a completely different style of hunting in the Missouri Breaks of Montana. The guys break down camp life, the realities of wind-blown days, missed opportunities, and the steep learning curve that comes with chasing mule deer in open terrain. They also dive into the moment everything finally comes together—when preparation, patience, and a little luck collide—and Jake capitalizes on his opportunity to take a great Montana mule deer. Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, camp stories, gear talk, and perspective on what makes these Eastmans hunt winner experiences so special. If you've ever dreamed about hunting out West, wondered what it's really like for a first-timer, or just enjoy honest hunting stories told around a virtual campfire, this is an episode you won't want to miss.   👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_  👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans  Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans  Forever Barnwood: https://bit.ly/ForeverBarnwood-Eastmans  Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

    1h 23m
  5. 11/26/2025

    #88 | The Untold Origin of Buckmasters | Jackie Bushman

    In this special episode of the Ike Eastman Podcast, host Ike Eastman sits down with the living legend Jackie Bushman — founder of Buckmasters, pioneer of modern hunting television, and the man who brought whitetail deer hunting to millions of living rooms. Recorded live from the Buckmasters studio in Montgomery, Alabama, during the scorching August heat of the 2025 Buckmasters Expo, Ike and Jackie pull no punches as they dive deep into the incredible origin story of one of hunting's most iconic brands. From Jackie's days as a professional tennis player ranked as high as No. 125 in the world, to sitting in an Alabama soybean field with Ray Scott (founder of BASS Masters) and getting the spark to create something similar for deer hunters, to launching the very first major cable hunting show on TNN in 1988 — this conversation is packed with never-before-heard details about how Buckmasters exploded onto the scene with celebrity-packed events, Bo Jackson, Dale Earnhardt, groundbreaking gross scoring, trail-camera revolutions, and a relentless focus on fun, family, and conservation. Jackie reflects on nearly 40 years of television, the evolution of the hunting industry, why he still loves saltwater fishing as much as chasing monster whitetails, his upcoming bowhunt for a coastal brown bear, and the one piece of deer-hunting advice he'll never forget: "If I ever teach you anything… it's the wind." Whether you grew up watching Buckmasters, Shotgun Red, and rattlesnake pranks, or you're part of the new generation discovering the outdoors on social media, this episode is pure hunting history gold. Grab a cold drink, kick back, and join two multi-generational hunting icons as they celebrate the past, present, and future of America's greatest lifestyle. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans  Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans  Forever Barnwood: https://bit.ly/ForeverBarnwood-Eastmans  Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

    49 min
  6. 11/20/2025

    #87 | Built to Buck: The Bloodlines Behind Burch Rodeo | Matt Burch

    In Episode 87, Ike Eastman sits down for a genuine conversation with Matt Burch of Burch Rodeo and Four Horse Outfitters — a fifth-generation Wyoming rancher, stock contractor, elk steward, and one of the most interesting characters in the rodeo. From managing 300,000+ acres of prime elk, mule deer, and antelope habitat to raising some of the most respected bucking horses and bulls in the PRCA, Matt gives a rare look behind the gates of ranch life, rodeo culture, and wildlife management. Ike and Matt cover everything from the explosive growth of elk herds on their ground, to the realities of running one of the country's premier bucking-horse programs, to hauling stock across the West, to the legendary New Year's Eve Bucking Ball in Gillette. They also dig into the conservation mindset that keeps this landscape healthy — selective harvest, habitat stewardship, letting young bulls grow, and why ranchers are the backbone of Wyoming wildlife. If you love hunting, rodeo, ranch stories, Western grit, or just honest conversations with real people, Episode 87 is a must-listen. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_  👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans  Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans  Forever Barnwood: https://bit.ly/ForeverBarnwood-Eastmans  Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans  Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans

    39 min
5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Come along for the brand new Eastmans' Journal Podcast edition hosted by Ike Eastman! Listen and watch some of the most unique and exciting stories, business tips, and life inspiration we have found in our travels around Wyoming, the West, and the rest of the world!

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