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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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The call of new hunting grounds beckons as we share our exciting news - we've both drawn South Dakota archery deer tags for this fall! This marks our first major out-of-state hunt together and presents a fascinating challenge as we shift from Montana's abundant public lands to South Dakota's predominantly private hunting landscape.

For two public land hunters accustomed to the mountains and vast wilderness areas of Montana, the Midwest presents a completely different hunting experience - one where permission and access become just as crucial as hunting skill. We dive deep into our preliminary planning, discussing everything from scouting strategies and timing considerations to the specific challenges we'll face when hunting unfamiliar territory.

What makes South Dakota particularly intriguing is the unique intersection of Western big game hunting traditions applied to a Midwestern landscape. The possibility of encountering both whitetails and mule deer, sometimes even hybrid deer, adds another layer of excitement to this adventure. We break down realistic trophy expectations for different units, our preferred timeframe (October, between elk and rifle deer seasons), and the tactical adjustments needed when transitioning between these different hunting worlds.

Beyond our South Dakota plans, we share our complete season strategy - balancing multiple tags across states while prioritizing our Montana elk and deer opportunities. We also discuss our evolving content plans, including new gear reviews, cooking segments, and hunting tutorials that we're developing to provide more value to our growing audience.

Whether you're planning your own cross-state hunting adventure or simply enjoy the strategic planning that goes into a successful hunt, this episode offers both practical insights and the unmistakable excitement that comes with new hunting opportunities. Follow along as we prepare for this journey and consider joining us by sharing your own South Dakota hunting experiences or connecting through our website at huntswiftlypodcast.com.

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Gear that genuinely improves your hunting experience is worth its weight in gold—and sometimes costs nearly as much. Our deep dive into backcountry hunting equipment focuses on three game-changing innovations that have transformed our approach to remote wilderness pursuits.

The Initial Ascent 5K pack redefines weight distribution with its revolutionary frame design. Unlike traditional packs that become unbearable under heavy loads, this system comfortably carries weights that seemed impossible before. Watching a 14-year-old girl effortlessly shoulder 50 pounds at an expo demonstration sold us instantly. Beyond comfort, the ingenious four-buckle meat shelf system eliminates the complexity found in competitors' models. When you're miles from the trailhead with a harvested elk in grizzly country, this simplicity isn't just convenient—it's essential for safety.

Hydration might seem basic, but the Drifter system solves problems you didn't know needed fixing. This pressurized, rigid reservoir won't puncture or collapse under load, while its integrated filtration means never removing it from your pack. The dual-tube design delivers water with force rather than a trickle, and a clever valve system prevents frozen lines in cold weather. Though slightly bulkier than traditional bladders, it actually reduces overall weight by eliminating redundant equipment.

Our weapons discussions reveal how modern technology extends ethical hunting capabilities. From custom rifle setups with precisely calculated dope charts to compound bows delivering arrow speeds exceeding 300 fps, today's equipment provides reliability and performance previous generations could only dream about.

These aren't just purchases; they're investments that expand what's possible in the backcountry. When products work this well, recommending them isn't sponsorship—it's simply sharing what works. Join us at upcoming events like TAC in Red Lodge Montana to continue the conversation about gear that makes a genuine difference in our hunting pursuits.

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Brad from Prey Pursuit joins us to recount our spring bear scouting trip in the Montana mountains where we battled snow conditions and logistical challenges across multiple locations. We share honest reflections on the realities of early season bear hunting while exploring the gear, strategies, and mindset needed for backcountry pursuits.

• Post-holing through snow for 1,600 feet of elevation gain to a glassing spot
• Switching plans multiple times due to unexpectedly high snow levels
• Using mountain bikes (including one youth-sized) to access closed roads
• Setting up a hot tent camp that quickly turned into a smoke chamber
• Discussing bear color preferences and ethical shot selection
• Exploring archery setups and the journey from beginner to experienced bow hunter
• Examining the gear that worked and what needs upgrading

Check out our new website to pick up some awesome gear
huntswiftlypodcast.com

Follow us on Instagram @thehuntswiftlypodcast to keep up with our adventures and upcoming merchandise. The first 1,000 followers will have a chance to win an incredible gear package including Initial Scent, Drifter Hydration, and more hunting essentials.

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The hunting world is experiencing a seismic shift as solid-colored apparel gains traction over traditional camouflage patterns. Two Montana-based hunters unpack this evolving trend, sharing candid insights from their collective years of field experience and gear testing.

Beyond simple fashion preferences, this conversation dives into the science of animal vision – deer and elk can primarily detect blue wavelengths but struggle with other colors, raising questions about the practical value of elaborate camouflage patterns. When rifle hunters already wear bright orange vests by law, does intricate camouflage really provide any tactical advantage?

The hosts share their complete gear systems for spring bear hunting, covering everything from boots and base layers to insulation pieces and accessories. The GoHunt Atmosphere jacket receives particular praise for its exceptional performance in challenging mountain conditions. Throughout their gear breakdown, both hunters reveal why they've transitioned almost entirely to solid colors despite having extensive experience with camouflage systems.

Perhaps most compelling is the psychological dimension of the solid versus camo debate. For many dedicated hunters, gear selection represents a ritual transition into "hunting mode" – a uniform that helps shift mindset toward the task ahead. Solid colors offer this same psychological benefit while providing greater versatility for moving between hunting grounds and public spaces without drawing unwanted attention.

Whether you're considering a gear upgrade or simply curious about evolving hunting trends, this conversation offers honest, unfiltered perspectives from hunters who have experienced both sides of the debate. Subscribe now and join the discussion about the future of hunting apparel – is the industry permanently shifting toward solid colors, or will traditional camouflage patterns maintain their place in the modern hunter's arsenal?

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On the first Episode of The Hunt Swiftly Podcast Quintin and Taylor introduce themselves and discuss their different experiences with hunting and what they want this podcast to be about.