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Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Western Rookie - Public Land Elk & Alaskan Grizzly Bear

Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network

Hobbies, Leisure, Technology, Sports, Wilderness

4.8615 Ratings

🗓️ 11 December 2025

⏱️ 97 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Kurt Belding discuss their experiences and challenges in elk hunting, particularly focusing on the transition from flatland to mountainous terrain. They share insights on training, mental toughness, and the importance of understanding elk behavior. The conversation covers various strategies for hunting, including the differences between targeting herd bulls and raghorns, the role of calling, and the significance of location and timing. Kurt emphasizes the lessons learned from mistakes in the field and the value of guided hunts for new hunters. In this engaging conversation, Dan Johnson and Kurt discuss various aspects of elk hunting, including strategies, preferences, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. They delve into the nuances of elk movement patterns and the thrill of grizzly bear hunting, sharing personal experiences and insights. The discussion also touches on the ethical considerations of hunting and the harsh realities of nature, emphasizing the need for responsible wildlife management. He prefers to burn points for elk hunting rather than save them. Elk hunting requires understanding their movement patterns and habitat needs. Setting realistic expectations is crucial for a successful hunting experience. Kurt emphasizes the importance of enjoying the hunting experience, regardless of the outcome. Grizzly bear hunting presents unique challenges and dangers. The wilderness of Alaska offers unparalleled beauty and adventure. Hunters play a vital role in wildlife management and conservation. Nature is often brutal, and hunting is part of that reality. Kurt's experiences highlight the thrill and risks of hunting in remote areas. Our Sponsors: * Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code SE for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com * Check out Troll Co Clothing and use my code EMPIRE25 for a great deal: https://www.trollco.com/hunting Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcript

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0:00.0

You're listening to the Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network, and this episode is brought to you by Interstate Batteries.

0:07.2

For all of your battery needs, visit your local Interstate Batteries retail store.

0:12.6

Interstate Batteries, outrageously dependable.

0:16.7

This episode of the Sportsman's Empire is brought to you by Interstate Batteries.

0:21.3

Since 1952, Interstate Batteries has been evoking compassion and a trustworthy spirit into the surrounding communities.

0:29.1

Interstate Batteries is a mission-driven company fueled by purpose and guided by their values.

0:34.6

If you need help locating a specific battery, stop into your local

0:37.6

interstate batteries retail store and speak with a battery specialist. They even offer cell phone

0:43.9

repairs. Interstate batteries outrageously dependable. All right, everybody, welcome back to another

0:52.2

episode of the Western Rookie Podcast.

0:55.8

I'm your host, Ann Johnson, and even though I've been on a couple hunts out West,

1:00.4

I still feel like I am a rookie to the Western game.

1:05.3

I am what they call a Flatlander, Kurt.

1:08.3

I'm a Flatlander.

1:09.2

I live in Iowa where it's all flat, and every once in a while, I'll muster up enough guts to go out west and hike in the hills or mountains and then just get my ass beat forever, how long I'm there, basically.

1:23.6

So Kurt Belding, welcome to the show, man.

1:26.0

Hey, Dan, thanks for having me on, man. I appreciate it.

1:28.0

Yeah.

1:28.7

Hey, man, I used to be a flat lander. I grew up in Nebraska. That's real flat. Nebraska. It's super flat, right? Just cornfields and creek lines and came out here to Colorado about 25 years ago and had to figure things out. And it was not easy. the lack of oxygen is something you've got to get used to pretty quick, right?

1:46.4

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I got a funny to figure things out and it was not easy. The lack of oxygen is something you got to get used to pretty quick, right?

1:46.4

Oh, yeah.

1:47.1

Oh, yeah.

...

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