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Dave MacKillop finds himself in an enviable yet challenging position after his wife Jen drew both elk and moose tags in Saskatchewan this season - a statistical anomaly that has hunters across the province both impressed and envious. With consecutive hunting seasons approaching rapidly, Dave shares his comprehensive preparation strategy for these high-stakes hunts.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of Saskatchewan's hunting system, where progressing through the pool status (from D to Super A) typically takes years for a single species tag. For Jen to draw both coveted either-sex tags simultaneously is practically unheard of, setting the stage for an extraordinary hunting season for the MacKillop family.

As an experienced moose hunter facing his first elk hunt, Dave details his meticulous approach to scouting, calling practice, and understanding animal movements. His elk bugling practice sessions have become a family joke, with his children heading outdoors whenever he reaches for the bugle call. Between strategic trail camera placement, mineral site preparation, and understanding wind patterns, Dave's comprehensive preparation showcases the level of dedication serious hunting requires.

The podcast reveals fascinating insights about wildlife behavior, habitat preferences, and the differences between hunting solo animals like moose versus herd animals like elk. Dave's trail cameras have already captured impressive footage of a six-by-six bull elk, providing valuable intelligence about movement patterns and potential ambush locations. Meanwhile, their Winchester Model 70 in .30-06 stands ready, a proven performer that Jen will use for both hunts.

Beyond the technical aspects, the conversation touches on something deeper - the multi-generational nature of hunting traditions and the challenges of introducing young people to hunting in today's digital world. With Dave's 12-year-old daughter also beginning to hunt this season, we witness a father thoughtfully balancing his role as husband, guide, and mentor during what promises to be their most memorable hunting season yet.

Subscribe to Hunts On Outfitting podcast for the follow-up episode where we'll hear directly from Jen about how these hunts unfolded and whether she managed to tag out on both these magnificent animals.

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