ElkShape

Today we're sitting down with Evan Hunter, better known as The Elk Nerd, to discuss one of the most ambitious elk hunting research projects we've seen. Evan is conducting a free, data-driven study focused on elk shot outcomes, recoveries, and losses, and he's asking hunters across the country to contribute their experiences. His goal isn't to prove anyone right or wrong—it's to analyze thousands of real-world data points and uncover the trends that actually matter. We'll dive into the variables he's studying, including shot placement, broadhead selection, total arrow weight, hunting experience, shot distance, cartridge selection, recovery rates, and more, all with the hope of identifying the factors that most influence successful recoveries—or heartbreaking losses. If you've ever wondered what the data says instead of relying on campfire opinions or internet debates, this conversation is for you. Evan's analytical approach could help all of us make better decisions before that once-in-a-lifetime shot presents itself. Most importantly, this study needs your help. The more 💢 Discount Codes 💢 INITIAL ASCENT - 5% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE PODIUMARCHER.COM 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE https://www.podiumarcher.com/collections/all-products-1 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://get.aspr.app/SH1sot PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://canvascutter.com/ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://wildernessathlete.com/ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/SheepFeet onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/ONXHUNT OLLIN | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://ollin.co/collections/snapshot DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/3P5x3BY BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 - https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/9LnW0E FOUNDATION OURDOORS | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://www.foundation-outdoors.com/?sca_ref=10392320.yNY8hl6qQLCpq TRICER GEAR | 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE ============================= 📱 Subscribe and Listen to the The ElkShape Podcast HERE: ============================= Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elkshape/id1315352438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EplB7OPWM5HcsT2c0HzEv ============================= This Video was Filmed Using: ============================= AMAZON STORE 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/elkshape?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_X57159T6BSR8HN6Z3T3W A CAM - SONY A1 BODY ➡️ https://amzn.to/3wLZLBW B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS ➡️ https://amzn.to/3InUGST SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/433SXLW WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 ➡️ https://amzn.to/3uYPku5 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/3PbhZD8 DJI DRONE ➡️ https://amzn.to/3TqrAZo DJI ACTION 4 ➡️ https://amzn.to/49FDPXA HEADPHONES ➡️ https://amzn.to/4bwRa6c ============================= We are selling hard work! Behind The Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshapetraining https://elkshape.com/ #elkshape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Dan sits down with longtime friend **Josh Jones (MFJJ)** for a conversation that's been over 20 years in the making. The two catch up on life, archery, and Josh's brand-new podcast based out of Nashville, Tennessee. They dive into how the show came together, what he's learned behind the microphone, and some of the most memorable guests and conversations from his first year. Of course, it wouldn't be an ElkShape podcast without going down a few archery rabbit holes. From bow tuning and equipment philosophies to lessons learned from decades in the industry, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and plenty of laughs between two friends who have shared a passion for archery for decades. To wrap things up, Josh makes a special announcement about the **2027 MFJJ Camp**, including its brand-new location in **Nashville, Tennessee**. If you've ever wanted to learn directly from one of the best bow technicians in the game, you won't want to miss it. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 INITIAL ASCENT - 5% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE PODIUMARCHER.COM 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE https://www.podiumarcher.com/collections/all-products-1 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://get.aspr.app/SH1sot PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://canvascutter.com/ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://wildernessathlete.com/ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/SheepFeet onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/ONXHUNT OLLIN | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://ollin.co/collections/snapshot DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/3P5x3BY BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 - https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/9LnW0E FOUNDATION OURDOORS | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://www.foundation-outdoors.com/?sca_ref=10392320.yNY8hl6qQLCpq TRICER GEAR | 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE ============================= 📱 Subscribe and Listen to the The ElkShape Podcast HERE: ============================= Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elkshape/id1315352438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EplB7OPWM5HcsT2c0HzEv ============================= This Video was Filmed Using: ============================= AMAZON STORE 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/elkshape?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_X57159T6BSR8HN6Z3T3W A CAM - SONY A1 BODY ➡️ https://amzn.to/3wLZLBW B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS ➡️ https://amzn.to/3InUGST SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/433SXLW WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 ➡️ https://amzn.to/3uYPku5 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/3PbhZD8 DJI DRONE ➡️ https://amzn.to/3TqrAZo DJI ACTION 4 ➡️ https://amzn.to/49FDPXA HEADPHONES ➡️ https://amzn.to/4bwRa6c ============================= We are selling hard work! Behind The Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshapetraining https://elkshape.com/ #elkshape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the endless opinions, conflicting advice, and internet myths surrounding archery, this episode is for you. Today we're joined by **George Ryals**, one of the most respected archery coaches in the world, along with **Jonathan from Last Chance Archery**, to simplify the sport and break complex concepts into practical, easy-to-understand lessons that will immediately improve your shooting. Throughout this listener Q&A, George tackles your biggest archery questions, explains the "why" behind proper form and tuning, and debunks several long-held myths that might completely change the way you think about accuracy and consistency. Whether you're brand new to archery or chasing tighter groups before elk season, there's something in this conversation that will make you a better archer. To learn more from George, visit **ImproveMyArchery.com**, and be sure to check out his weekly "A Thing A Week" segments on the Last Chance Archery YouTube channel for even more practical coaching. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 INITIAL ASCENT - 5% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE PODIUMARCHER.COM 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE https://www.podiumarcher.com/collections/all-products-1 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://get.aspr.app/SH1sot PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://canvascutter.com/ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://wildernessathlete.com/ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/SheepFeet onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/ONXHUNT OLLIN | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://ollin.co/collections/snapshot DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/3P5x3BY BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 - https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/9LnW0E FOUNDATION OURDOORS | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://www.foundation-outdoors.com/?sca_ref=10392320.yNY8hl6qQLCpq TRICER GEAR | 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE ============================= 📱 Subscribe and Listen to the The ElkShape Podcast HERE: ============================= Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elkshape/id1315352438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EplB7OPWM5HcsT2c0HzEv ============================= This Video was Filmed Using: ============================= AMAZON STORE 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/elkshape?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_X57159T6BSR8HN6Z3T3W A CAM - SONY A1 BODY ➡️ https://amzn.to/3wLZLBW B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS ➡️ https://amzn.to/3InUGST SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/433SXLW WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 ➡️ https://amzn.to/3uYPku5 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/3PbhZD8 DJI DRONE ➡️ https://amzn.to/3TqrAZo DJI ACTION 4 ➡️ https://amzn.to/49FDPXA HEADPHONES ➡️ https://amzn.to/4bwRa6c ============================= We are selling hard work! Behind The Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshapetraining https://elkshape.com/ #elkshape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four elk seasons. Plenty of close calls. More mistakes than successes. And one goal that still burns just as hot: punching that first archery elk tag. Today I'm joined by Nate Illingsworth as we unpack his entire elk hunting journey—the failures that stung, the lessons that changed the way he hunts, and the habits that are finally starting to stack the odds in his favor. We talk about the mental side of staying motivated when success doesn't come quickly, what he's doing right, what still needs to improve, and why every season has been building toward this one. We also pull back the curtain on content creation. From the outside it can look like hunting trips and YouTube videos, but we discuss the reality of making a living in this industry, the long hours behind the camera, balancing business with hunting, and what most people never see. Whether you're still chasing your first elk or trying to build something bigger than yourself, this conversation is packed with honest lessons from both sides of the camera. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 INITIAL ASCENT - 5% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE PODIUMARCHER.COM 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE https://www.podiumarcher.com/collections/all-products-1 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://get.aspr.app/SH1sot PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://canvascutter.com/ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://wildernessathlete.com/ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/SheepFeet onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/ONXHUNT OLLIN | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://ollin.co/collections/snapshot DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/3P5x3BY BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 - https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/9LnW0E FOUNDATION OURDOORS | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://www.foundation-outdoors.com/?sca_ref=10392320.yNY8hl6qQLCpq TRICER GEAR | 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE ============================= 📱 Subscribe and Listen to the The ElkShape Podcast HERE: ============================= Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elkshape/id1315352438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EplB7OPWM5HcsT2c0HzEv ============================= This Video was Filmed Using: ============================= AMAZON STORE 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/elkshape?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_X57159T6BSR8HN6Z3T3W A CAM - SONY A1 BODY ➡️ https://amzn.to/3wLZLBW B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS ➡️ https://amzn.to/3InUGST SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/433SXLW WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 ➡️ https://amzn.to/3uYPku5 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/3PbhZD8 DJI DRONE ➡️ https://amzn.to/3TqrAZo DJI ACTION 4 ➡️ https://amzn.to/49FDPXA HEADPHONES ➡️ https://amzn.to/4bwRa6c ============================= We are selling hard work! Behind The Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshapetraining https://elkshape.com/ #elkshape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode! Elk season is here, the truck is getting loaded, and it's almost time to point the headlights toward elk camp. After 25 consecutive seasons chasing public land elk with a bow, Dan shares the last-minute checklist and mindset he relies on during the final week before departure. From gear organization and bow confidence to physical preparation, travel logistics, and mental readiness, this episode is all about eliminating preventable mistakes before they happen. Dan also sprinkles in a handful of practical elk hunting nuggets he's learned the hard way over the years—small details that can make a big difference once you're miles from the truck and finally get your opportunity. Whether this is your first September or your twenty-fifth, this quick bonus episode is designed to help you arrive at elk camp prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of every opportunity. Good luck this season. Hunt hard, hunt ethically, stay safe, and enjoy every minute of the adventure. We're rooting for you to punch your tag. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 INITIAL ASCENT - 5% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE PODIUMARCHER.COM 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE https://www.podiumarcher.com/collections/all-products-1 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://get.aspr.app/SH1sot PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://www.peaxequipment.com/ CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://canvascutter.com/ WILDERNESS ATHLETE | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://wildernessathlete.com/ SHEEPFEET | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/SheepFeet onXhunt ELITE Membership | 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/ONXHUNT OLLIN | 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE - https://ollin.co/collections/snapshot DARK ENERGY | 10% Off CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://bit.ly/3P5x3BY BLACK RIFLE COFFEE | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE20 - https://blackriflecoffeecompany.pxf.io/9LnW0E FOUNDATION OURDOORS | 20% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE - https://www.foundation-outdoors.com/?sca_ref=10392320.yNY8hl6qQLCpq TRICER GEAR | 10% OFF CODE: ELKSHAPE ============================= 📱 Subscribe and Listen to the The ElkShape Podcast HERE: ============================= Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elkshape/id1315352438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EplB7OPWM5HcsT2c0HzEv ============================= This Video was Filmed Using: ============================= AMAZON STORE 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/elkshape?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_X57159T6BSR8HN6Z3T3W A CAM - SONY A1 BODY ➡️ https://amzn.to/3wLZLBW B CAM - SONY A7 IV W/KIT LENS ➡️ https://amzn.to/3InUGST SONY LONG LENS 70-200MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/433SXLW WIRELESS DJI MIC 2 ➡️ https://amzn.to/3uYPku5 STUDIO LENS 24-70MM ➡️ https://amzn.to/3PbhZD8 DJI DRONE ➡️ https://amzn.to/3TqrAZo DJI ACTION 4 ➡️ https://amzn.to/49FDPXA HEADPHONES ➡️ https://amzn.to/4bwRa6c ============================= We are selling hard work! Behind The Scenes: https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshapetraining https://elkshape.com/ #elkshape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices