The Blacktail Coach Podcast
We're here to share tips, strategies, and stories of hunting the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, we'll help you turn preparation into achievement and passion into results. So gear up and get ready, because SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT!
Episodes
A record is a number; a trophy is a feeling. That line sets the pace as we sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the mindset, effort, and odd twists of fate behind a lifetime of tags—from a rare, double-shovel caribou taken on the first morning to a hilariously gnarly velvet bull chosen for pure character the next day. We explore how to decide what you’re hunting for, how to hold out when it matters, and when to shoot ...
Meet Smokey Crews, a living legend in the bowhunting world whose journey from self-taught hunter to record book champion offers profound lessons for archers of all skill levels. Known as "Mr. Roosevelt" for his exceptional success with trophy elk, Smokey's story begins with a seven-year-old boy hunting squirrels alone with a .22 rifle, never having a mentor to guide him.
Smokey takes us back to...
Venturing into the wilderness alone creates a unique set of challenges that even experienced hunters must carefully navigate. In this practical episode, Aaron and Dave tackle listener Brian's questions about solo hunting strategies and venison preparation techniques that can transform how your family enjoys wild game.
The hosts share a counterintuitive secret that completely eliminated gaminess from thei...
Decoys have long been a staple in whitetail and turkey hunting, but their potential for blacktail hunting remains largely untapped. Why leave such an effective tool out of your hunting arsenal? Aaron and Dave break down everything you need to know to successfully deploy decoys for blacktail deer this season.
The positioning of your decoy isn't just important—it's absolutely critical. Dave shares his...
The dream of hunting your own land captivates many outdoorsmen, but what happens when your property is only 22 acres? Can you truly create a thriving deer habitat that supports quality hunting opportunities?
Responding to an email from Keith in Northern California, we dive deep into the science of deer behavior and habitat management for small properties. The secret lies in understanding the three critical c...
The silent language of the forest speaks volumes to those who understand it. Join Aaron and Dave as they decode the secret messages left behind by blacktail deer and reveal how these subtle signs can transform your hunting strategy.
The hosts dive deep into track identification, explaining how to distinguish between doe and buck prints based on subtle differences in shape and size. A mature buck's track ...
What happens when your meticulously planned hunting season suddenly falls apart? When that trophy buck you've been patterning all summer becomes inaccessible because someone dumped garbage on the access road? Or when predators take over your carefully cultivated mineral site?
Dave shares his fresh wound—losing access to "The Locker Room," a honey hole with three Pope and Young qualifiers, incl...
The whitetail hunting industry has conditioned us to believe that spraying a little doe estrus will magically bring in monster bucks within 30 minutes. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially when hunting the elusive blacktail deer. Aaron and Dave tackle the complex world of deer scents, pheromones, and attractants - explaining what actually works and the science behind why.
The podcast dives deep...
We break down the five key factors that significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt when combined. These natural indicators compound to create optimal hunting conditions when your target buck is most likely to be on its feet during daylight hours.
• Barometric pressure of 30.2 and rising creates increased deer movement
• Moon phases, especially "red moon weeks," trigger feeding due ...
The difference between consistently successful hunters and those who struggle isn't luck – it's preparation. In this detailed conversation, we break down our proven pre-season routine that consistently puts us in position for trophy blacktails.
The journey begins with strategic planning. We discuss the critical importance of understanding "Red Moon" phases – periods when the moon's ma...
The hunting season approaches, and the Blacktail Coach team is back with essential preparation guidance. This episode addresses the questions hunters are asking right now – from gear priorities on limited budgets to the effectiveness of their system for rifle hunters. The answers reveal a practical approach focused on what genuinely improves success rates rather than marketing hype.
Dave and Aaron share excit...
What sets apart a dedicated bear hunter from someone just hoping to get lucky? The answer lies in understanding the intricate chess match between predator and prey.
Diving into part four of our bear hunting series with expert Heather Aldrich, we unpack the strategic mindset required for consistent success. Heather shares her preference for being an "ambush predator," carefully selecting locations ba...
The secret to successful bear hunting isn't just understanding where bears live—it's knowing how they move through their habitat as seasons change. In this revealing conversation with experienced bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we dive deep into how black bears shift their patterns throughout the year and how savvy hunters can capitalize on these predictable changes.
Aldrich shares her hard-earned know...
Unlocking the secrets of successful bear hunting requires more than just good gear and patience – it demands a deep understanding of black bear behavior, particularly their feeding patterns. In this illuminating conversation with bear hunting expert Heather Aldrich, we dive into the core principles that transform occasional luck into consistent success.
The foundation of Heather's approach centers on a s...
The North American black bear remains one of our continent's most fascinating and misunderstood predators. In this revealing conversation with expert bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we explore the complex world of bear hunting, conservation ethics, and the science behind sustainable wildlife management.
Heather shares her remarkable journey from hesitant hunting companion to passionate predator specialist, ...
The adventure of hunting new terrain in unfamiliar states offers a special kind of challenge and reward that many hunters find irresistible. In this episode, Aaron and Dave break down the essential components of planning a successful DIY out-of-state hunt, drawing from years of personal experience across multiple species and states.
Planning emerges as the cornerstone of a successful DIY venture, with both ho...
The legends of blacktail hunting have left an indelible mark on how we pursue these elusive deer, yet many hunters remain unfamiliar with the masters who developed the techniques we use today. From deep in the high Cascades to the dense coastal forests, these pioneering hunters have unlocked secrets that transformed blacktail success rates for those willing to learn.
Steve Isdahl's relentless 365-day app...
Discovering why seemingly perfect deer habitat sometimes holds no deer is the mystery every serious blacktail hunter eventually confronts. This episode dives deep into the subtle factors that make or break prime buck territory beyond the obvious "thick cover" most hunters seek.
Dave and Aaron explore how darkness might be even more important than thickness alone, with bucks gravitating to areas so d...
Unlock the secret advantage that consistently successful hunters rarely talk about – the strategic use of data. Aaron and Dave pull back the curtain on how scientific information, personal observations, and community knowledge can transform your hunting success while most hunters leave these resources completely untapped.
The conversation reveals how state wildlife biologists are an underutilized gold mine of...
Trophy hunting takes on new meaning when you understand the distinct difference between your personal definition of a trophy and what actually qualifies for record books. This fascinating exploration of blacktail deer hunting breaks down how hunters often misidentify so-called "mature" bucks, revealing the dramatic body size differences between a 3½-year-old and a truly mature 4½-year-old blacktail.
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