Advertise on podcast: Harvest Your Own Podcast

When it comes to turning a successful harvest into high-quality wild game, proper preparation in the field and at the butcher station makes all the difference. Bernie and Rudy Krause of Krause Custom Processing join the podcast to share essential techniques for preserving game meat, preparing cuts for processing, and upholding the high quality standards every hunter should bring to their harvest. In this episode: Proper field preparation and clean handling techniques are essential for preventing meat spoilage long before your game reaches the processing table.Bringing in clean, well-cared-for meat makes the butcher's job much easier, prevents unnecessary waste, and ensures the final product is something you look forward to eating.Wrapping methods matter when storing wild game, and choosing the right materials protects cuts from freezer burn to extend the shelf life of your harvest.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

While government guidelines advise against consuming meat from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) positive animals, no human cases have been recorded to date. To help hunters navigate testing periods safely and cost-effectively, Brad walks through practical field care, processing strategies, and decontamination steps for managing game meat while awaiting lab results. In this episode: Learn about using the gutless method and boning out meat in the field to help contain CWD prions to the harvest site.Understand how separating cuts into labelled game bags and keeping meat off the bone allows for a low freezer footprint while waiting for results.Brad recommends thoroughly sterilizing knives, work surfaces, and meat grinders after processing, which is essential for preventing cross-contamination—a practice that also applies to parasites like trichinosis in bear and cougar.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

For Alberta angler, mother, and outdoor enthusiast Amber Serbin, every day on the water is an amazing day to make memories. Amber shares why autumn is the ultimate season for chasing trophy fish, how to increase your odds, and how her passion has grown from landing her own fish to helping others catch their very first one. In this episode: Fall brings large, aggressively feeding fish to the surface as water temperatures cool, making it one of the best times of year to be on the water.Amber shares practical advice on selecting specific baits and lures to effectively target different species throughout the season.Hosting community mentorship events evolved her passion from simply catching fish to experiencing the unmatched reward of helping a beginner land their very first one.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

From learning the ropes alongside her dad and grandfather to forging her own path in the outdoors, Erika Gorgichuk views hunting as much more than just the harvest. It is about shared adventures, hard-earned lessons, and supporting others in the field. Erika shares her passion for the unpredictable world of elk hunting, the art of conversing with wild game, and her experience mentoring other women to step into the outdoors with confidence. In this episode: Erika explains why she finds elk hunting so addictive, from mastering diaphragm reed calls to having back-and-forth "conversations" with bulls in the field.Learn tactics for hunting elk—which change behaviour daily—including the critical importance of monitoring wind direction.Listen to Erika’s philosophy on why hunting is an experience, and the crucial role family support plays in getting outdoors.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Fall brings a massive lineup of choices for outdoor enthusiasts, but anglers shouldn't put their rods away just yet—it might actually be the most wonderful time of the year to go fishing.  In this episode: Brad explains how shifting thermoclines and pre-winter bulking drive larger, bottom-dwelling fish toward the surface—making trophy fish a possibility.Learn why fall fishing requires location flexibility as fish migrate away from their usual summer haunts.Discover why mooneye and goldeye may be an underrated species for Alberta anglers.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Pheasants have been a fixture of the Alberta landscape for over a century, serving as a staple of upland bird hunting across the province. In this episode, Jeff Coyle—director of the documentary A Pheasant’s Journey—and ACA Biologist Jalen Hulit go behind the scenes of the film and explore what it takes to support ring-necked pheasants in Alberta. In this episode: Discover why pheasants are an indicator of overall habitat health, and how release sites across Alberta—from Lethbridge up to Peace River—benefit hunters, birdwatchers, and landowners alike.Learn about the hidden challenges of raising game birds, including their aggressive behaviour, specific habitat needs, and how different pheasant breeds behave in the field.Hunting ethics and safety considerations on release sites.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

From growing up in a generational Northern Ontario hunting family to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable outdoor advocates, Amanda Lynn Mayhew—host of THAT Hunting Girl—has built a life around resilience, mentorship, and a deep connection to nature. In this episode, Amanda Lynn shares her inspiring personal journey, from overcoming health challenges through fitness to empowering the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. In this episode: Learn about the core philosophy that shaped her career—why reaching out and asking questions can completely transform your path. Explore her Take Me Hunting and Take Me Fishing programs, where hands-on education and equipment giveaways help create lasting outdoor memories for newcomers.Discover why learning never stops in the outdoors, how no question is ever a stupid one, and why mentors often learn just as much from their mentees as they teach.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a major topic of discussion for hunters and conservationists, and researchers are making steady progress on potential solutions. In this episode, Brad is joined by Dr. Scott Napper—Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and Research Scientist at VIDO—to explore the innovative science behind CWD vaccine research. From the unique hurdles of targeting prion diseases to the creative ways scientists are looking to vaccinate animals in the field, Dr. Napper offers a fascinating look into the future of wildlife vaccines. In this episode: Explore the unique challenges of developing a CWD vaccine, and why targeting prions requires such a specialized approach.Discover the creative delivery methods being tested in the field, from sticky syrups to dissolving oral strips, that ensure animals actually absorb the vaccine.Learn about the "wildlife apothecary" concept, which is looking to improve delivery methods to specific species and animals.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Late summer is one of the most exciting times of the year to be out in the field. Just like farmers are out checking their crops to time the upcoming harvest, hunters can use these weeks to take inventory of what's out there and get a major head start on the fall. In this episode of BrAdvice, Brad breaks down why late summer scouting is essential and how taking a few proactive steps now will set you up for success when opening day arrives. In this episode: Discover how setting up trail cameras early helps you map movements and learn where animals spend their time.Learn how to identify crops in local fields to anticipate where your quarry will be during harvest.Find out why it's important to approach landowners early to build relationships and secure hunting permission long before opening day.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Whether you are a seasoned angler or setting up your very first rig, choosing the right tackle can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. In this episode, we are joined by Jaren Baranyay and Rob Nichols from Korth Group as they expand into the world of fishing gear. Drawing on decades of industry experience, they break down the essentials of gear selection to help anglers make smart choices when building out their setup. In this episode: Explore the main types of reels—from spincasters and spinning reels to trolling and fly setups—and how to choose the right one for your target species.Learn how to evaluate rod materials and actions, and why investing slightly beyond an entry-level combo can dramatically improve your experience on the water.Understand the key differences between monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon lines so you can spool up with confidence.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Waterfowl season is just around the corner, bringing exciting potential updates for hunters across the province. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jason Caswell, Alberta’s provincial game bird specialist since 2008, to discuss all things waterfowl management. From the science of tracking bird populations to potential new hunting opportunities, Jason brings decades of research and hands-on hunting experience to the conversation. In this episode: Learn about the Continental Waterfowl Survey (formally known as the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey [WBPHS])—one of the longest-running and most comprehensive wildlife surveys in the world—and how shifting weather patterns shape bird populations.Discover how Canada's consistent waterfowl management system compares to the more reactive approach used in the US, allowing for more predictable regulations year to year.Explore the potential for a future tundra swan hunting season in Alberta.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Every hunter dreams of having their most successful season ever, but the foundation for that success isn't built in the fall—it starts months earlier. In this episode, Brad reflects on his own best hunting season and the single habit that made it possible: pushing himself to practice shooting every single month of the year. By keeping your firearms active year-round, you build a familiarity with your gear that simply cannot be replicated by a rushed trip to the range right before opening day. In this episode: Discover how year-round practice builds familiarity with your firearms, dramatically tightening your target groupings for cleaner, more ethical harvests.Learn the value of keeping detailed target notes to track how different ammunition changes your consistency and how varying weather conditions impact bullet trajectories.Find out how bringing a few friends along can boost your motivation and spark some healthy competition to sharpen everyone's skills.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Fish populations face increasing pressure from environmental changes, habitat loss, and invasive species, but a new, invisible threat is emerging in our waters. While most anglers are familiar with whirling disease, the recent confirmation of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) in Alberta has raised new concerns among fisheries managers and conservationists alike. In this episode, we dive into the history of fish diseases in North America, how these pathogens spread between water systems, and what the sudden discovery of this microscopic parasite means for the province's fisheries. We are joined by Dr. Emmanuel Pila, whose work detecting fish pathogens safeguards the health of our populations, and Dr. Trish Kelley, a fish health and aquatic animal disease specialist who leads the province's monitoring and public outreach. Together, they give us an insider look at the work being done, the critical balance between public concern and scientific reality, and highlighting the practical steps anglers can take to protect our aquatic ecosystems. In this episode: Explore the history of major fish diseases across North America and how environmental stressors like rising river temperatures, low stream flows, and drought make trout populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks.Learn exactly what PKD is, and why its detection in Alberta requires adaptive management rather than panic.Find out how anglers can act as the front line conservation stewards through "Clean, Drain, Dry" practices, proper fish handling to minimize catch-and-release stress, and reporting unusual fish behaviour to help tracking efforts.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Navigating the digital landscape as an outdoors person can be a tricky balancing act, especially when it comes to growing an online presence that highlights your passion while respecting platform guidelines. Born and raised in Edmonton, Darryl Dahl (@darrylhuntswest) brings over 16 years of marketing and digital strategy experience to the conversation, currently serving as the Marketing Director for the Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada (POMAC). In this episode, Darryl shares how hunters and anglers can successfully bridge the gap between traditional storytelling and digital media skills to build a compelling page. From practical advice on content creation to the critical nuances of community management, Darryl breaks down the exact strategies needed to elevate your outdoor brand. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your content strategy or expand your reach through smart tagging, Darryl offers insights into social media outlets. In this episode: Learn how to navigate tricky platform algorithms by avoiding specific flag words like guns, firearms, and rifles to keep your content from being restricted online.Discover the importance of a mindful content strategy, focusing on what and when to post, and why you should only publish content when you are in the right mindset to ensure your message is accurately conveyed.Find out how to streamline your writing process by using AI tools to take your general ideas and refine them into short, punchy, and succinct social media captions.Understand how to utilize targeted tag groups effectively to boost your visibility, expand your reach, and organically grow your online following.Explore how to manage specific sharing and viewing permissions to curate a safe, supportive space and protect your channel from individuals looking to tarnish the hunting lifestyle.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/

Sharing your love for the water with the next generation is incredibly rewarding, but taking kids fishing requires a complete shift in mindset. While you might be ready to stay on the lake and cast for hours, children don't possess that same deep-rooted passion just yet, they have to discover it on their own. The secret to building that lifelong excitement isn't actually about the number of fish caught; it’s about making the entire day an engaging, hands-on adventure. In this episode, Brad breaks down how to create a lakeside experience that kids will actually want to repeat. From stepping back and letting them pick their own favourite hooks to packing plenty of snacks and taking swim breaks, it's all about prioritizing their fun over your personal fishing time. Brad is even joined by a very special guest—his eight-year-old daughter, Adeline—to share a kid's perspective on what truly makes a day on the water exciting. In this episode: Involving kids in tasks like stringing the rod, launching the boat, and netting the fish creates ownership and excitement.The importance of letting kids cast for themselves and choosing their own favourite hooks, even if it means less are caught.Adeline shares her favourite parts about fishing.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fenson Find Harvest Your Own at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownaca X/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourown Website: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/