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What separates a good elk caller from a great one? It's not just technical skill – it's understanding the emotional language of elk. Joe McCarthy, the innovative force behind Slayer Calls, takes us deep into the psychology and mechanics of effective elk calling in this fascinating conversation.

Joe's journey from rural Idaho law enforcement to revolutionizing elk call design began with necessity in the field. When reeds would fail during hunts, he started making his own, developing a unique ability to match the specific sounds of individual elk. This hands-on approach eventually led to his partnership with Slayer Calls, where they've reimagined diaphragm call design with their distinctive half-inch by five-eighths frame that maximizes both sound richness and control.

The most compelling insight? "The worst bugler on the mountain is the actual elk." Joe shares stories of massive bulls making thin, scrawny sounds while smaller elk produce deep, resonant bugles – challenging everything hunters think they know about "perfect" calling. This unpredictability is why Joe advocates for versatility over perfection, building calls that allow hunters to express the emotional context behind elk vocalizations rather than just mimicking standardized sounds.

We explore the revolutionary Enchantress call, which allows hunters to produce both bugles and cow calls without a diaphragm – making quality calling accessible to those who struggle with mouth calls or hunt infrequently due to limited draw opportunities. Joe's philosophy of keeping hunting affordable shines through when he recounts successfully calling in elk using improvised Lipton iced tea bottles when he'd forgotten his equipment.

Whether you're a seasoned caller looking to refine your approach or a beginner trying to understand the fundamentals, Joe's practical wisdom about practicing control before volume and focusing on actual elk recordings rather than human demonstrations will transform how you think about communicating with elk in the field. Ready to speak elk? This episode is your masterclass.

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Four friends gather in a Red Lodge, Montana Airbnb, cracking open cold ones for what they dub "Thirsty Thursday" – the night before tackling Total Archery Challenge. The energy is infectious as Taylor (Swifty) and Quentin welcome archery guide Drew Meisner and filmmaker Hudson Massey for an unfiltered conversation about all things hunting.

The highlight of their gathering emerges as they establish a friendly wager for the weekend's archery challenges: whoever loses the fewest arrows across three courses wins a half-dozen arrows of their choice, paid for by the losers. With premium arrows running $225 per dozen, the stakes feel real despite the casual atmosphere. Their predictions and trash talk reveal both confidence and caution about the notoriously difficult Sitka course they'll face first thing in the morning.

The conversation takes a serious turn when public land issues arise. The group expresses unanimous concern about proposed legislation to sell public lands, particularly Senator Mike Lee's attempts to privatize lands under the guise of affordable housing. "There is not enough people around Salmon, Idaho to need to sell 150,000 acres for affordable housing," one points out. Their passion for protecting access becomes evident as they urge listeners to contact their representatives.

Between discussions of broadhead preferences and hunting setups, Drew shares his unbelievable "zombie turkey" story – shooting a turkey through the head with a broadhead, only to have it resurrect in his truck bed and escape down a residential street, arrow still protruding from its skull. The ensuing chaos and "curb stomping" conclusion has the group both laughing and slightly horrified.

Want to hear unfiltered hunting talk between friends who don't take themselves too seriously but take hunting and conservation with deadly seriousness? Subscribe to the Hunt Swiftly Podcast for more stories, gear reviews, and authentic conversations about the hunting lifestyle. And if you're headed to TAC yourself, stop by and say hello!

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There's something profoundly satisfying about achieving a goal that's taken years of dedication, countless failed attempts, and unwavering persistence. This episode captures that powerful moment as Quintin finally harvests his first black bear after a three-year journey filled with disappointments, hard work, and relentless pursuit.

Through pouring rain and challenging conditions, Quintin shares the emotional roller coaster of his week-long hunt that culminated in a heart-pounding encounter with a mature chocolate black bear. The drama unfolds as the bear initially spooks, only to charge back after a perfectly executed predator call, leading to a clean, ethical harvest that ended his years-long quest.

What makes this story so compelling isn't just the successful hunt, but the complete journey that follows – from the meticulous field dressing in the rain, to the grueling 100-pound pack-out over 2.5 miles, to the careful decisions about honoring the animal through proper taxidermy and full utilization of the meat. Quintin's narrative brings listeners into every aspect of the experience, from the pre-hunt gear preparations to the reverence he feels toward this significant achievement.

The episode also delves into philosophical discussions about conservation ethics, the management of bear populations, and the disconnect many people have with hunting predators. Quintin's passion for bears as magnificent animals worthy of respect shines through as he explains the importance of ethical predator management and his plans to share the meat with friends and family who might not understand hunting.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter who's felt the sweet relief of accomplishment after years of effort, or someone curious about the depth of emotion and respect involved in hunting, this episode offers an authentic window into what makes hunting such a profound, challenging, and ultimately rewarding pursuit. Subscribe now and join us for more genuine conversations about hunting, conservation, and the gear that makes it all possible.

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