Western Rookie - Remote Scouting
Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting
Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network
4.8 • 615 Ratings
🗓️ 21 May 2026
⏱️ 59 minutes
🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Unlock the secrets of successful western hunting with a service that could change your entire season. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Colorado's vast public lands or wondered how to get insider intel without the endless scout trips, this episode is your game-changer.Josh Sears, a Colorado-based scouting expert and founder of Boots on the Ground, shares how his personalized service helps hunters cut through the noise. From navigating Colorado’s intricate road systems to identifying key sign like game trails, rubs, and perennial elk hotspots, Josh reveals practical strategies that dramatically improve your odds. You’ll discover how to leverage e-scouting tools like OnX effectively, interpret trail-camera data with real hunting seasons in mind, and avoid the common pitfall of putting too many eggs in one basket.We break down specific tactics like choosing the right access points, understanding hunter pressure patterns, and timing your hunts to avoid peak crowds.
 Plus, Josh discusses how his service tailors scouting operations based on hunter goals—from deep backcountry bivy hunts to quick day trips—saving you time, effort, and disappointment. His insights into managing expectations around trophy size and the realities of elk behavior help set you up for success, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time western adventurer.In this conversation, you'll grasp why scouting and local knowledge matter more than ever in today’s crowded public lands. The opportunity to hunt smarter—not harder—can lead to memorable encounters and a more meaningful outdoor experience. If you're planning a trip to Colorado or any western state, or simply want to understand how to approach western hunting with confidence, this episode is your essential guide.Josh Sears is passionate about helping hunters avoid rookie mistakes through personalized scouting services that maximize success and memories. His approach blends seasoned expertise with a genuine desire to give back to the hunting community.Perfect for DIY hunters, gear-savvy adventurers, and anyone eager to turn their Colorado scouting dreams into reality—without wasting valuable time and resources. Hit play now and get ahead of the herd!
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This episode of the sportsman's empire is brought to you by Interstate Batteries. |
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| 0:28.4 | Interstate batteries outrageously dependable. |
| 0:33.5 | All right, everybody, welcome to the Western Rookie Podcast. |
| 0:36.9 | My name is Dan Johnson. I am your host. And today we are joined by Josh Sears. Josh, how are we doing, man? Doing well. Thanks for having me. This is, it's cool to be here. Yeah. And you live in Colorado. Correct. Yep. Okay. All right. Dude, I love Colorado. |
| 0:55.1 | Yeah, that's great. |
| 0:56.1 | It is hard, especially when you're in the mountains. |
| 0:59.2 | If you're having a bad day, just look out the window, dude. |
| 1:03.1 | Like, I can't necessarily say that here in Iowa. |
| 1:06.2 | But whenever I'm in Colorado, I feel, especially Western Colorado, Central Colorado, if you are having a bad day, man, that's your own fault. Like, you know what I mean? Like, just the vibe of Colorado is pretty sweet. I agree. It's wonderful. And we, we're located like right in some pretty good elk country. So like you said, you just got to go outside, |
| 1:29.3 | maybe go on a short drive, and you get shirt up pretty fast. Absolutely, absolutely. How long |
| 1:35.2 | have you lived in Colorado? Born and raised. I lived here my whole life, except for like a short, |
| 1:41.7 | three-year stint. I went to Southern California for some work and then came back. |
| 1:47.4 | Okay. So what, what's it like living, growing up in Colorado and then leaving to go to like a completely different environment like Southern California for three years? |
| 1:58.9 | And then coming back. |
| 2:00.3 | She's, um, well, for me, it was. like Southern California for three years. And then coming back. Jeez. |
| 2:07.6 | Well, for me, it was, I had a better appreciation coming back to Colorado. |
| 2:13.0 | I think it was one of those cases where you didn't really know how good you had it until you leave. |
... |
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