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The Guide Sessions

50 Episodes
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On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast Jim Aiken @theguidesessions sits down with Kurt Malenchak @bushedproductions of Munroe Lake Lodge @munroelakelodge, an outfitter in Manitoba Canada. They discuss Kurt’s start in guiding, caribou hunting, moose hunting, trophy fishing and so much more! Instagram:@theguidesessions @bushedproductions @munroelakelodgeFacebook:The Guide Sessions, Munroe Lake LodgeWebsite:www.theguidesessions.comwww.munroelakelodge.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast Jim Aiken @theguidesessions sits down with Travis Bullock of Mile High Outfitters @mile_high_outfitters, an outfitter in Challis Idaho. They discuss Travis’s 40 years of guiding experience, horses in the back country, mountain lion hunting, elk stories and so much more! Instagram:@theguidesessions @mile_high_outfittersFacebook:The Guide Sessions, Mile High OutfittersWebsite:www.theguidesessions.comwww.milehighoutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast Jim Aiken @theguidesessions sits down with Adam Korman of Journey on the Fly @journey_onthe_fly, a fly fishing guide in western/central Pennsylvania. They discuss Adam’s journey into becoming a guide, fishing mindset, fly selection, a few fish stories and so much more!
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @journey_onthe_fly
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Journey on the Fly Guide Service
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.journeyonthefly.fish
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast Jim Aiken @theguidesessions sits down with returning guest Jordan Liske of True North Trophy Outfitters @_jordanliske @theguideside, an outfitter in Manitoba Canada. They discuss Jordan’s heroing adventures in the back country, hunting whitetails in the bush, surviving the cold and so much more!
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @_jordanliske @theguideside
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, True North Trophy Adventures, The Guide Side
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.truenorthtrophyadventures.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast Jim Aiken @theguidesessions sits down with Jerrod McGill of JM Outdoor Ops @jmoutdoorops, an outfitter in Southern Illinois. They discuss what it takes to start an outfitting business, trail cameras, stand setups, all things whitetail, turkeys and much so more!
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @jmoutdoorops
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, JM Outdoor Ops
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by his buddy Jesse Scholl @scholl.jesse. The two of them recap their adventure to South Africa. They discuss what went bad, what went well, crazy stalks, missed opportunities, the plan to return and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @scholl.jesse
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Matt Babson with @whitetail_dreams_outfitters in Ohio. Matt is a native North Caroliner who had a dream to start an Outfitting business for whitetails. Through some trials and tribulations he made it happen. In this episode we discuss the highs and lows of starting an outfitting business, deer leases, what it takes to setup for hunters and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @whitetail_dreams_outfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Whitetail Dreams Outfitters
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.whitetaildreamsoutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Ryan DeMerchant @outfitterryan with @quad.b.adventures in New Brunswick, Canada. Ryan is a life long hunter who has followed his calling to be an outfitter. In this episode we discuss bear baiting, moose tactics, chasing waterfowl and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @outfitterryan @quad.b.adventures
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Ryan DeMerchant, Quad B Adventures
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.quad-b-adventures.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Jordan Budd @jordan.budd with @runningwaterhunting in Nebraska. Jordan is a life long hunter who has chased her passion of taking people hunting. In this episode we discuss trail cams, growing up hunting, booking hunts through Craiglists, filming hunts, replacing your legs with glass and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Running multiple trail cams
Guiding in high school
Mountain hunts
Cameras
Setting expectations
Discounting from the world
Managing a herd
Staying warm
Tripod systems
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @jordan.budd @runningwaterhunting
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Jordan Piper-Budd, Running Water Hunting
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.runningwaterhunting.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Draya Grangroth @whats_your_wild with @uppercanyonoutfitters in Montana. Draya is a multi-talented guide who also designs clothes @ridgepatrol and most recently, a published author. She has overcome a difficult childhood by finding herself in the wilds. Draya has taken her life skills of living off of the land and passion for hunting to pursue numerous adventures that have eventually led her to becoming a hunting guide. In this episode we discuss pursuing your passion, overcoming trauma, elk calling strategies, not dwelling on the past and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Grizzlies
Learning on your own
Public vs Private
Learning new areas
Use glass vs your feet
10 second hold
Elk calling scenarios
Overcoming childhood trauma
Being comfortable in the field
Packs worth wearing
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @whats_your_wild @ridgepatrol @uppercanyonoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Draya Grangroth, Ridge Patrol, Upper Canyon Outfitters
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Steve Peachey @moosepeach with @macmillan_river_adventures in California. Steve is an adult onset hunter who fell in love with hunting moose after his first ever encounter with one. He leveraged his love for hunting and experience in customer service to land a moose hunting guide position that many only dream about. In this episode we discuss becoming a guide, the importance of understanding your client, calling moose, not being afraid to make the right kind of noise, patience is key, fitness, gear and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Guiding is an email away
Know your skill set
Moose grunts
Uses of shoulder blades
Fending off bears
The mental game
Rifle vs. Bow
How fit do you need to be
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @macmillan_river_adventures @moosepeach
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Steve Peachey, MacMillan River Adventures
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Joseph Sousa @joseph_sousa_ with @syvalleyguidedhunts in California. Joseph jumped right into the guide life as early as he could. He took his childhood love of the outdoors and turned it into a full time career. Joseph runs the hills of California chasing pigs, blacktails, and turkeys. In this episode we discuss stalking, safety, helping novice hunters, pig strategies, broadheads and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Stalking blacktails
Handling variety of clients
Pigs and more pigs
Broadhead selection
Turkeys
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @syvalleyguidedhunts
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Chris Stefanou @lisharkmanofficial @lihuntsman . Chris is a lifetime resident of New York and was drawn to the outdoors at a very young age. The majority of his success is attributed to his strong work ethic and that he never gives up on learning. Chris not only guides hunters in woods of upstate New York, he also guides fishermen on the shores of Long Island where he mainly targets sharks from the beach. In this episode we discuss social media and the outdoor industry, how fishing brings everyone together, chasing turkeys, catching great whites and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Outdoor industry and social media
Fishing is therapeutic
Using ONX
Approaching landowners
Beginners luck
Creative turkey hunting strategies
Dealing with Karens
Sharks and more sharks
Participating in shark conservation studies
Shark fishing setup
Ethical shark release
Using drones for casting
Editing Videos
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @lisharkmanofficial @lihuntsman
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, LI Sharkman
YouTube:
LISharkman
LIHuntsman
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.sharkbitegear.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Sam Breitenstein @samsofresh of Boulder Creek Outfitters @bouldercreekoutfitters in Idaho. Sam jumped on an opportunity as a back country cook which quickly evolved into a guiding opportunity and he hasn’t looked back since. After learning from his mistakes and listening to his co-guides, he has developed his skill set to be able to provide his clients with the experience they desire. In this episode we discuss capitalizing on opportunities, guiding for elk, sneaking across open spaces, wolves and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Going full send
Hells Canyon
Elk tactics
Stalking
Elk calling
Dealing with stock
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @samsofresh @bouldercreekoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Steve Bland of Leatherstocking Guide Service in New York. Steve has been guiding for nearly 20 years for numerous types of game. He is an upland bird hunter at heart but is not shy about feeding his sense of adventure. Steve loves sharing his experiences and truly enjoys helping others succeed. In this episode we discuss guiding for upland game, dog training, turkey hunting, mountain goat hunting, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Catching pigeons
Blue sky rule
Dog training
Lining up shooters
Turkey tactics
Hunting Mountain Goats
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Steve Schwartz @south_african_hunting_journal of Nkwazi Safaris @nkwazisafaris_outfitters. Steve has been guiding in South Africa for nearly 20 years. He loves what he does and his passions can be felt in this conversation. In this episode we discuss filming hunts, archery tactics, better bullets, breathing, dangers of cape buffalo, stalking kudu, bow hunting giraffe while on crutches, capitalizing on opportunities, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Filming hunts
Bow setups
Bullet weights
Shot placement
How to stay calm
Cape Buffalo Hunting
Kudu with a bow
Teams for Dangerous game
Dealing with paperwork
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @south_african_hunting_journal@nkwazisafaris_outfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions Steven Schwartz Nkwazi Safaris
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.Nkwazisafaris.co.za
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Tyler Kuhn of A-Team Outfitting up in Alaska. Tyler grew up in western Pennsylvania with a lifelong dream of becoming a hunting guide. After a failed first attempt of guiding in Alaska, he found himself in a homeless shelter, however he wasn’t ready to give up on his dream. After a second chance at his dream, he didn’t look back. Tyler has spent the last 10 years chasing animals across the Alaskan tundra. He guides nearly 260 days out of the year. He has been put through some of the worst situations a guide can go through and has come out on the other side with a great appreciation and humbleness towards other up and coming guides. In this episode we discuss how employees should and should not be treated, never giving up on a dream, surviving charging grizzly bears, dealing with the Alaskan elements, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Chasing a dream
Learning from mistakes
Never giving up
Life of a packer
Being a honest and upfront business owner
Free education from clients
Setting the correct expectations
Gear to survive the Alaskan elements
Moose hunting
Grizzly hunting
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.ateamoutfitting.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Jordan Liske @theguideside of Agassiz Outfitters @agassizoutfitters in Manitoba. Jordan grew up living the guide life and learned early on how much he wanted to be a guide. He guides nearly 7 to 8 months out of the year. He has seen a lot and experienced even more, which has given him numerous opportunities to learn what it takes to become a top notch guide and outfitter. In this episode we discuss tips to identify trophy boars, fly suits, extreme temps, baits, trail cams, moose strategies, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Record book animals as a kid
Canadian regulations
Trophy bear identification
How to prepare for Canadian hunts
Baiting tactics
Old school trail cam strategy
Prepping for remote camps
Moose tactics
Communication
Gear that works
Trophy Whitetails
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @theguideside @agassizoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Agassiz Outfitters
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.agassizoutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Leeanna Young @leeannaky of The Last Resort Outfitters and Guides @the.last.resort.outfitter in Idaho. Leeanna used her years of experience volunteering with a fire department on the swift water rescue team to get her hours to start guiding on a drift boat. While guiding wasn’t her initial plan when she retired, she is loving every minute of it. In this episode we discuss client expectations, the history of the Kootenai River, the power of a sharpie marker, flies for success, the importance of safety, spey casting, tricks to cleaning fly line, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Drift Boat Etiquette
Kootenai ecology improvements
Fly patterns
The “W” work
The protection of a hat
Foam is home
When to wait for the pull
Calming clients on big fish
Learning through failure
Don’t net too early
Safety First
Unknown use for a a foot spa
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @the.last.resort.outfitter @leeannaky
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, The Last Resort Outfitter and Guides, Leeanna Young
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.thelastresortoutfitter.com
NEW PODCAST! On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Morgan Abbott of Kolob Outfitters @kolob_outfitters in Utah. Morgan kinda stumbled into the guide life through work. He quickly started connecting the dots and next thing he knew, he became an outfitter. He hasn’t looked back and continues to provide numerous successful opportunities on both over-the-counter tags and draw tags for trophy animals. In this episode we discuss lessons learned starting an outfitter, trophy moose, OTC tags, a lucky draw on a big horn sheep tag, large footprint of guides, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
The guiding bug has many faces
Once in a lifetime moose hunt
Guide requirements
Know your area
Once in a lifetime big horn sheep hunt
Gear that works
Hunt preparation
Using the public to your advantage
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @kolob_outfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Kolob Outfitters
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.kolobhunting.com