The First Gen Hunter Podcast

Ep. 66 Chafing, Giant Sheds, and String Slap

This is the kickoff to a new biweekly series here on The First Gen Hunter Podcast- The Campfire Chronicle Series (not to be confused with another fantastic podcast by a similar name that's out there on the podcast airwaves) where core characters of the podcast come together around the virtual campfire of a virtual hunting camp to laugh at each others' pain, tell each others' secrets, swap hunting yarns, and talk all things hunting. In this first installment me, Alex Gruin, and my brother Jake are joined by previous guest and friend of the show Alex Earhart who provides some helpful insight on gearing up during the hottest times of the year.
 
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Ep. 65 Run and Gun Hunting with Dan Johnson

Run and gun whitetail hunting is a widely used term in the hunting world, and I think a lot of people don’t quite understand what that hunting tactic looks like, or how to practically apply within their own approach. Thankfully Dan Johnson of Sportsman’s Nation is a subject matter expert who has been successfully using the run and gun method year after year to tag beautiful, mature deer in Iowa. There’s a lot of ground covered in this episode that includes scenario specific hunting strategies, sneaking up on bedded deer in standing corn fields, and how Dan ended up with nine fingers. Tune in to sop up loads of applicable run and gun hunting information and a whole bunch of laughs here on episode 65.
 
Follow Dan on Facebook & Instagram: @ninefingerchronicles and @sportsmensnation
 
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Ep. 64 Conservation Advocacy with Marissa Jensen

One of the greatest confrontational challenges to ever exist since the creation of currency is “Put your money where your mouth is.” Of course much of this has probably come down to betting and fantasy football, but the statement can certainly be used when discussing the reality of talking about conservation, compared to actually doing the work of a conservationist. Marissa Jensen of Pheasant's Forever has done just that. As the National Education and Outreach Manager, Marissa has done her best to reach new, and inexperienced hunters and outdoors people and help them find their place within the hunting community.
 
Follow Marissa on Instagram: @rosehips_and_turtles
Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:
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Ep 63 Validation à la Venison

On this episode I was joined by Nick Otto the host of The Huntavore Podcast. Nick and I talk a little hunting, but mostly about food. For many folks that are interested in trying to hunt, it is the food that provides the justification for finally purchasing a hunting license. Nick will join me in discussing this most important aspect of hunting as we explore topics ranging from shot placement to what Nick would choose for his last wild game meal. It’s a great interview that will inspire you to take a few more risks in nature’s kitchen.
 
 
Follow Nick on Instagram: @huntavore
Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:
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Ep. 62 The Legend of Douglas County: An Interview with Zach Polaske

When the term “legend” gets thrown into a conversation your brain may rabbit trail to thoughts of Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, or Abraham Lincoln- some pretty incredible folks from a public knowledge standpoint. But what about those every day legends who walk among us in the work place, church, school, or even deer camp. Who are those legends to you? Well, to the close friends of Zach Polaske, Zach is just that. What started as a nickname given to him for his incredible ability to locate deer, elk, and walleyes has evolved to include his legendary toughness to fight an extremely rare and aggressive form of bone cancer all while continuing to pursue his outdoor passion with his family and friends. Zach tells some of his favorite hunting stories, and shares some excellent early season archery deer tips. I was honored to have the opportunity to share Zach’s story, and we all are fortunate to be able to hear it.
Follow Zach on Instagram: @douglas_county_legend
Support Zach and His Family
Attend the Polaske Family Benefit
 
Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:
Camofire
Black Ovis
East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase
 
Special thanks to Matt Mackey, Jimmy Glaeser, Matt Fox, Brian Highland, Jamie Vee, Paul Polaske, Steve Amys and Brian Rusk for sharing their thoughts and stories about Zach. Great people are surrounded by great friends.

Ep. 61 Build Your Gun And Shoot It Too: An Interview With Antique Weapons Builder Daniel Casey

Of the many lost arts of worlds nearly forgotten, blacksmithing is possibly the most interesting. Of course there are a few talented folks out there who carry on some of these traditions, but few are better and more thoroughly devoted to using their art for the betterment of hunting than Mr. Daniel Casey of Casey Arms. Stationed in Romance, Arkansas, Daniel uses his God-given gift for forging iron into incredible antique pistols, rifles, shotguns, swords, knives and many other weapons that will drop your jaw and compel you to take a hammer to your piggy bank. Daniel was kind enough to join Brandon and me on this episode to discuss the weapons he makes, and what goes into making them. He also provides an expert’s survey of the hunting opportunities that his unique and beautiful state has to offer.
Visit The Casey Arms Website
Follow Casey Arms on Facebook and Instagram: @caseyxarms
First Gen Hunter Partners
Support First Gen Hunter By Shopping:
Camofire
Black Ovis
East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase

Ep. 60 Archery Gear and Adventures with John Lusk

In this episode John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures joins the show to talk about a wide range of archery hunting topics. These topics include testing archery equipment, the overseas trophy hunting debate, John’s hunting plans for 2021 and a lot more. Hunting season is coming soon, let the excitement build as you tune into episode 60!
 
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel
Follow John on Facebook & Instagram: @luskarcheryadventures
 
First Gen Hunter Partners
Camofire Link: https://www.camofire.com/?avad=296077_f214c5e01
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Ep. 59 Taking It To The Next Level (and other rabbit trails)

This is a First Gen Hunter archives special- recorded 9 months ago and finally releasing today- Brandon and I had a great time talking about how hunting has changed for each of us through time, and what we continue to look forward to as we develop as hunters. The conversation also includes plenty of encouragement and tips for other hunters who are looking how to improve their own hunting skills and experiences as they continue to hunt into the future.
 
First Gen Hunter Partners
Camofire Link: https://www.camofire.com/?avad=296077_f214c5e01
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East2West Hunts: https://www.alexgruin.com/- promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase

Ep. 58 Hunting Bruins On The Last Frontier with Brian Hallberg

The title for the episode pretty much explains it- this episode is all about the adventure of a lifetime. Brian is a bear hunter, and a bear hunting guide. He’s killed black bear in the lower 48, but spends 40 days every year guiding hunts in the Brooks Range of Northern Alaska, and many of those hunts are for Grizzly and Brown Bear (yes, I know same species, but considered different animals by those who are shaking hands with them on a regular basis). Brian tells us how he got into hunting, stories of his bear hunting adventures, and plenty of tips, tactics and tricks all throughout this one.
 
Give Brian a Follow:
Instagram: @brian_hallberg and @contactoutdoors
Check out Brian’s Website:
https://contactoutdoorsmedia.com/
 
 
First Gen Hunter Partners
Camofire Link: https://www.camofire.com/?avad=296077_f214c5e01
Black Ovis Link:  https://www.blackovis.com/?avad=296077_b2167fab1
East2West Hunts: https://www.alexgruin.com/- promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase
 

Ep. 57 Group Therapy

This is the most fun we’ve ever had on the show, we are all over the place. And by we I mean Brandon, Alex, Jake and Yours Truly. A million laughs and a super diverse conversation that includes a rating of our spring outdoor activities, Alex’s social media hater, tag acquisition bailouts in Montana, my poor fishing abilities and solstice/equinox blunder, Brandon’s old age, wolves in Idaho, tag application updates, and of course Jake forgetting to put powder in his muzzleloader. All of these topics and a whole lot more. We hope you enjoy the therapeutic effects of this episode as much as we did.
 
First Gen Hunter Partners
Camofire Link: https://www.camofire.com/?avad=296077_f214c5e01
Black Ovis Link:  https://www.blackovis.com/?avad=296077_b2167fab1
East2West Hunts: https://www.alexgruin.com/- promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase