Advertise on podcast: Cutting The Distance

When I hear the phrase "good old days," I want to know exactly how good it was. Dirk sits down with outdoor writer and lifelong Sportsman advocate, George Bettas, to chat about elk hunting in Idaho's famed Clearwater region back in the 70's and 80's. George transports us from back in time to elk hunting massive herds of elk in a place void of hunters, to modern times where elk aren't as plentiful.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We just released a new elk hunting film on the Phelps Game Calls channel titled- "Ghost Bulls of the North". Dirk and videographer, Dusty Rupe, discuss the challenges of filming elk hunts in the Boreal Forest, and then take a deep dive into elk hunting tactics that were used in the film. If you want a little peak behind the curtains of this film production and the calling strategies used, you're not going to want to miss this episode!  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With elk season 2024 planning in full effect and state deadlines approaching, Jason brings Dirk on this episode to talk about their strategies when applying for tags. They briefly go over preference points, bonus points, lotteries, and OTC opportunities. Jason also goes on a little rant on a new "US Hunting Pact" that would alleviate the supply and demand issue we are currently facing out west. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With elk season 2023 in the tail lights, Dirk reflects on what his elk hunting report card looks like, and plays listener questions and comments about their season from our Call-In Hot Line as well. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you been on the fence about jumping in on hunting turkeys? Today it's easier than ever before to pursue turkeys. Jason breaks down what it takes to get started turkey hunting by answering listener questions.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No doubt there's a lot of buzz about getting fit to pursue big game in the backcountry. Dirk sits down with good friend Bob Terwilliger. Bob is what some might call an "Aging Hunter", yet he keeps himself fit enough to enjoy one of his favorite past times - backcountry elk hunting. Listen in to hear about Bob's age-defying secrets that keep him young enough to hike the mountains while chasing bugles.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long Range Shooting has gained a ton of popularity over the last twenty years, but is it for the best? Jon Pynch joins Jason on the show to have a conversation to discuss if long range hunting is effecting seasons and quotas, what it takes to become an efficient shooter, rifle builds, bullets, and more.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent buzz about releasing wolves into the state of Colorado, wolf management is on a lot of people's minds. In this episode, Dirk talks with Justin Webb, Executive Director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management. They discuss the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho and what the landscape looks like for ungulates 28 years later. Justin describes what elements go into trapping wolves and why it's so important to manage predator numbers through hunting and trapping endeavors.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitetails are the topic of conversation between Jason and Jeff Sturgis. The discussion is rooted in how habitat affects deer movement and how you can capitalize while hunting. They dive deep into bedding and feeding and the relationship between the two as well as what the ideal stand placement is. Jeff also hints on how he can use the understanding of the movement to capitalize on public land tracts to find success.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Division in America seems to be everywhere we look, including among hunters. Dirk and Jim discuss common points of division among hunters and why it's so important to lay down our proverbial "swords" and focus on the real issues we're facing.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason sits down to catch up with Ryan Lampers to go over some listener questions such as; off season preparation, training and nutrition, how he consistently finds success when targeting mature animals, how his elk hunting tactics have changed over the years amongst others. They then turn the discussion to Ryan's 2023 season and what worked and didn't work for him on this years hunts.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dirk interviews seasoned outfitter and hunting guide Bradley Dammerman, of Idaho Whitetail Guides. Bradley shares many of the common mistakes that hunters have made that he's guided over the years. Bradley also shares important questions to ask the outfitter before booking a guided hunt.  Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls Phelps on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.