If you haven’t guessed, I’m a big fan of podcasts. There seems to be a show dedicated to every niche you could imagine in the outdoors, and both the endless entertainment and information you find in these episodes are invaluable. I subscribe to 20+ podcasts and tend to pick and choose my way through various episodes that pique my interest. However, there are several that I frequently find constitute the bulk of my listening time. So, I decided to share a handful of the top Western Hunting podcasts that I’ll be listening to throughout this year to prepare and get inspired for my 2021 season. What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments.
#1 The Wild Initiative
Hosted by Samuel Ayres
Did you really think I was going to write this article without mentioning my own podcast? Call me a bit biased, but 4.9 out of 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and overwhelmingly positive reviews speak for themselves. While the focus is primarily on Western Big Game hunting, I touch on anything and everything in the outdoors. It doesn’t matter whether it’s fly fishing, fitness, waterfowling, upland game or just a group of buddies sitting around the campfire sharing hunting stories. I authentically recount my successes and, more often, failures in the field, discussing what I learn from each hunt, and sit down with some of the most successful and inspiring men and women in the outdoors. It doesn’t get better than the likes of Jim Shockey, Remi Warren, Donnie Vincent, Laura Zerra, Kristy Titus and Corey Jacobsen. Regardless of my knowledge of a topic, I make my best effort to approach it with the fresh eyes of someone new to the outdoors. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re heading out on your first hunt or your fiftieth. The Wild Initiative is part of the Waypoint Outdoor Collective podcast network.
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#2 The Rich Outdoors
Hosted by Cody Rich
The Rich Outdoors was one of the very first podcasts I started listening to, and to this day, remains one of my favorites. Cody is a die-hard Western Hunter who shares my passion (if not obsession) for elk. But one of my favorite things about Cody’s podcast is that he’s always open and excited to learn about and from all his guests. And let’s talk about content… Cody has released a MASSIVE amount of episodes covering all aspects of Western Hunting, including specialized Tag Tuesday, Muley Monday and Wapiti Wednesday episodes. While many of these specialized episodes are now only available on his Patreon page (for a nominal fee), you can still access plenty of incredible episodes for free.
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#3 Eastmans’ Elevated Podcast
Hosted by Brian Barney
The Eastmans’ Elevated Podcast is hosted by easily one of the most successful bowhunters in the West, Brian Barney. Not only is Brian’s Knowledge of Western Big Game hunting second to none, but he surrounds himself with some of the best and brightest like-minded individuals. On the podcast, Brian shares tips and tactics to make you a better hunter while his guests walk you through their hunts and break down exactly how they found success. Eastmans’ Elevated is also one of the podcasts I’ve had the honor of joining as a guest.
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#4 The MeatEater Podcast
Hosted by Steven Rinella
You may be more familiar with Steve Rinella and the MeatEater name from the show on Netflix. However, I first discovered Steven Rinella from The MeatEater Podcast, yet another one of the very first I listened to. There’s no other way around it… Rinella is one of the best storytellers around. The MeatEater podcast seamlessly integrates entertainment, education and philosophy, all centered around the outdoors. And Rinella has a way of drawing you in and making you feel like you’re sitting around the campfire with him and his co-hosts. The MeatEater Podcast is part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.
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#5 Elk Talk Podcast
Hosted by Corey Jacobsen & Randy Newberg
If you’re looking for authorities on backcountry elk hunting, you need to go no further than Corey Jacobsen and Randy Newberg. I can’t think of two individuals who have worked harder to make elk hunting more accessible to those who weren’t brought up with a rifle or bow in hand. This podcast is all-elk and only elk, all the time. Corey and Randy use their combined decades of elk hunting experience to lower the hurdles for aspiring elk hunters.
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Honorable Mentions
There is a countless number of Western Hunting podcasts that can be found with a simple search. In my time running The Wild Initiative, I’ve become acquainted with the hosts of countless other podcasts… and I know that I’ll likely get some perturbed text messages for not including everyone on this list. If there’s a good problem to have, it’s that there’s too much exceptional (and FREE) hunting content out there. I’ve also included some quick notes about several other favorites that find themselves in my frequent rotation.
Blood Origins Podcast
Robbie Kroger brings storytelling and conservation together in his own unique way to change the way hunting is perceived by the public. Part of the Waypoint Outdoor Collective podcast network.
Cal’s Week in Review
Ryan “Cal” Callaghan shares the outdoor news of the week in his own unique style. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.
Cutting the Distance
Remi Warren, one of the most successful hunters around, shares his experience to give you all the tools you need to become a better hunter. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.
Days in the Wild Podcast
John Stallone interviews hunters and industry leaders on anything and everything big game hunting to bring you the tips and tactics that will improve your hunting success.
Gritty Podcast
Brian Call, host of Gritty (formerly Gritty Bowmen), mixes entertainment with tips and tactics in a variety of episodes featuring everything from hunt recaps to gear dumps to expert interviews. #StayGritty
Hunt Harvest Health
StHealthy Hunter, Ryan Lampers, and his wife, Dr. Hillary Lampers, share their lifestyle of backcountry hunting, gardening, natural health and more. Part of the Waypoint Outdoor Collective podcast network.
Hunt Talk Radio
Randy Newberg offers his unfiltered views on hunting politics, conservation, public lands and more.
Jay Scott Outdoors
Based out of Arizona, Jay Scott gives some of the most in-depth and tactical information regarding Western Big Game Hunting. This podcast goes deep and is definitely not for newbies.
Originally posted 2/16/21 and updated January 2022.
