The Guide Sessions: Recent Episodes
Jim Aiken
Sharing the experience from the stories of adventure as told by the outdoor guides who lived them. Connecting and educating others so they can improve their own experiences.
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 Colorado. 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
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Niel Bekker of Red Sand Safari Lodge @redsandsafarilodge . Niel is a lifetime hunter of the African and lives to share hunts with clients. Niel has been constantly working on his Lodge and property to make it become one of African’s top safaris in the Limpopo province. Red Sand Safari’s is spread out over a wide variety of landscapes across 55,000 acres. In this episode we discuss difficulties starting an outfitter in Africa, predator encounters, stalking the variety of game, tips for a successful hunt and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
What it takes to start an outfitter in Africa
Predators throughout the landscape
How safe is Africa to hunt
Kudu hunting
Warthog hunting
Stay in the game and suck it up
Bumping into other game
Weapon strategy
Best practices for successful shots
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @redsandsafarilodge
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, RedSand Safaris
Website:
www.theguidesessions.com
www.redsandsafaris.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Jason Matzinger @jasonmatzingeroffical. Jason is a lifetime resident of Montana and grew up chasing most of the animals the state has to offer. Most people know Jason from this TV show ‘Into High Country’, but what isn’t well known is that Jason originally started his career in the outdoor industry as a hunting guide. So we cover his journey from being a hunting guide to a TV producer. We talk about how Jason knew he wanted a career in the outdoors, how he made the jump into TV, bear hunting, food supply for the year, journaling through video, non-traditional hunting strategies and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Capturing what others don’t see
Trying to film while guiding
Self filming vs not
Telling stories through film
Breaking down bear hunts
Cross referencing data
Hunting turkeys in open ground
Patience in the elk woods
Selective hunting
Clothing systems
Gear
Battery systems
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @jasonmatzingerofficial
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Jason Matzinger Official
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
www.intohighcountry.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Jimmy Oswald and Evan Koster with Flat Tops Wilderness Guides @flattopswildernessguides. Flat Tops has been around for many years. Jimmy and Evan have followed in the same footsteps of the previous owners, which is one of the reasons Flat Tops is still a premier outfitter in Colorado. Whether it's hunting or fishing, there is an adventure year round with the team at Flat Tops Wilderness Guides. We talk about learning how to stay organized with scheduling hunts, setting up comfortable drop camps, importance of scouting in the off season, deadly archery tactics, starting calm in the moment, bear numbers, hungry trout and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Pay could be better
Don’t fix it if its not broken
Drop camps
Jail break horses
Previous years of knowledge
When move in on elk
The emotional environment
Mule Deer
Black Bears
Catching cuttys
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @flattopswildernessguides
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Flat Tops Wilderness Guides
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
www.flattopswildernessguides.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Rob Taylor @robtaylor.guide with Boulder Creek Outfitters @bouldercreekoutfitters. Rob is fresh off his first year of guiding big game in Idaho and I was able to grab him before he heads back out west for spring bear season. Even though he only has been guiding for one season, he has already had experiences that he has learned from and is eager to share his journey becoming a guide. In this episode we cover Rob attending guide school, learning how to handle stock in the backcountry, entertaining clients, staying patient in adversity, glassing for long periods of time, taking chances and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Pursue your dreams
Attending guide school
Staying calm when things go wrong
Importance of the providing an experience
Elk, whitetails and bears
The waiting game
Gear that lasts an entire season
Going for it
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @robtaylor.guide @bouldercreekoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Boulder Creek Outfitters
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
www.bouldercreekoutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Shawn Lytle @whiterockoutfitters with White Rock Outfitters. White Rock Outfitters is one of the prime destinations in Nevada for elk and mule deer. Shawn is a 6th generation cattle rancher who lives and breathes the outdoors. Shawn takes his life long knowledge of the land to produce a top quality experience in one of the most sought after hunting destinations. We talk about learning what it takes to grow big animals in Nevada, working the land for generations, what traits separate professional guides from average guides, worrying about controlling what you can control, backup bows, stalking tactics, and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
NV Draw system
The North American Outback
Problems hunting public land
Professional standards for a guide
Own your decisions
Being honest with you hunters
Importance of of having spare parts
Practice multiple scenarios
Sneaking in the desert
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @whiterockoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, White Rock Outfitters
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
www.whiterockoutfittersnv.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Dan Collins @hardway_outdoors with Hardway Outdoors. Dan hunts and fishes across the nation, however, he calls Pennsylvania home. He has taken his passion for outsmarting trout and guides people on waters throughout the state. In this episode we learn about art of teaching fishing, electro-shock studies, learning to tight line, rowing a boat, Bob Marshall Wilderness, flow matters, stripping streamers and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Teaching fishing
Benefits of being on the water
Be mobile
Ditch the spit shot
Tippet rings
Drift boat
Western back country drifting
Streamer techniques
Dry-Dropper
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @hardway_outdoors
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Hardway Outdoors
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Court Gordon with Live Wild Outfitters @live_wild_outfitters. Court is a lifelong resident of Oregon and has hunted the back country since grade school. He took his experience and passion for hunting the backcountry and started an outfitting business. Live Wild Outfitters focuses on providing an adventure chasing black tails and black bears. On this episode we talk about elk hunting, audad adventures, black tails, black bears and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Growing up in the back country
Focus on what you can control
Challenges in starting a business
Scaling cliffs for audad
Bear encounters
Blacktail strategies
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @live_wild_outfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
www.livewildoutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Bob Terwilliger @bobt756 with Budge’s Wilderness Lodge @budgeslodge. Bob has made the best of his “second career” as a back country elk and fly-fishing guide and shows no sign of slowing down despite being in his mid-60’s. He is a wealth of knowledge and has been built by sweat and grit in the Colorado mountains. We talk about benefits of being open to learn new things, hunting elk through the seasons, horses and mules, snow tactics, mid-day tactics, using the competition, fly-fishing for mountain trout and much more!
Topics:
Being a sponge
Elk hunting in the snow
Hunting with stock
Escape route
Easy way in/out
Sure-footer mules
Staying physically fit
Mountain Trout
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @bobt756 @budgeslodge
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Bob Terwilliger
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Andrew Marlin of The Dry Ground Podcast. Andrew is a life-long resident of Arizona who is just getting his start in his guiding career. He is gearing up for his first Javelina season this coming January. In this episode we cover everything from Javelina to doves. We will learn about tactics for javelina, mule deer, coues deer, gear to survive the desert, and much more!
Topics:
Calling javelina
Mule and coues deer tatics
Cat claws
Trusting your guide
Long distance archery
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @the_dry_ground_podcast @andrew_marlin
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Josh Miller @joshpgh with Trout Yeah guide service @troutyeahguideservice. Josh has traveled the world fishing with Fly Fishing team USA and coaching the Youth Fly Fishing team USA. Our schedules finally crossed and we were able to connect for this episode. Josh is not only passionate about trout, he is passionate about helping others catch more fish. We talk about finding your confidence techniques, fishing another man’s game, how trout are trout wherever you go, first cast theory and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Finding a technique that works for 365 days a yeah
Mathematics of fly fishing
Clear water tactics
First cast fish
Paying attention to temperature
10 second rule
Bite detection
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @joshpgh @troutyeahguideservice
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Trout Yeah Guide Service
Website
www.theguidesessions.com www.troutyeah.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Kyle Windquist @backcountry_kyle with AEI Outfitters. AEI specializes in elk, mule deer, mountain goat, moose hunting and fly fishing in the Taylor Park area of Colorado. Kyle is a passionate elk guide who loves the high country. As with most good guides, Kyle is always learning and adapting to over come any situation. We talk about learning to hunt elk, hunting above tree line, elk calling setups, traction on the mountain, hiking where you hunt and much more! Streaming on @carbontvmedia
Topics:
Stepping stones to be a guide
Allure to high country hunting
Footwear
Elk calling setup
Importance of Angle Compensation
Calling to Cows
Go hiking
Mountains expose weaknesses
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @backcontry_kyle
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Emily Head with Slippery Winds Wilderness Lodge @slipperywinds. Emily is a fishing and waterfowl guide north of the border up in Canada. Emily takes pride in doing it Mother Natures’ way. She talks about the importance of instilling confidence, staying calm, fishing for the lake grand slam, staying warm on the ice and much more!
Topics:
Getting over old habits
How temperature dictates techniques
Journalling
Fishing micro spots
Hooking humans
Always be learning
Layering for warmth
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @emmm72 @slipperywinds
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Zach Bowman. Zach is a former back country hunting guide turned author who recently publish his first book titled “Mountain Drifter – Hunting Camp Adventures From Wyoming’s Thorofare”. Zach has numerous stories and experiences that we all can learn from. Zach and Jim discuss hunting by horseback, the uniqueness of sheep hunting, bear encounters, staying out of the green timber, finding historic sites, being safe while field dressing, don’t be afraid to keep shooting, dealing with stock and much more!
Topics:
Chasing adventures in the Thorofare
Sheep hunting
Circle of protection
Importance of good glass
Rifle hunting rutting elk
Altitude Sickness
Maturing as a guide
Being watched by bears
Spot and Stalk strategies
Be comfortable in your camo
Benefits of having your own stock
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions, Mountain Drifter Book
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Tony Taranto @guidealaska. Tony specializes in guiding dall sheep and grizzlies in Alaska. We will learn about life in the Alaskan bush, learning curve on sheep, affects guiding has on the body, close encounters with grizzly, surviving rafting incidents, charging bears, how sheep hunting gets in your blood and much more!
Topics:
Establishing crazy courage
Living in the moment
Open mind approach to learning
Fitness
Getting the most out of hunters
Learn from your own mistakes
Grizzly hunting tips
Moose
Dangers of water
Staying calm
Adventures of sheep hunting
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @guidealaska
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Website
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Wade Skeen of Skeen Gundogs and Outfitters @skeenoutfitters. Skeen Outfitters specializes in waterfowl hunts in Kansas. They also help hunters train their dogs to be champion retrievers. Wade is passionate about his job as a guide, training dogs, and providing a memorable waterfowl hunting experience. We will learn about how to provide an entertaining experience, typical daily habits of ducks, calling ducks, training and hunting with dogs, staying warm and much more!
Topics:
Learning curve of running a business
Importance of growing personal skills
Beginner duck calls
Importance of scouting
Loaf Ponds
When to not hunt the morning
Running multiple dogs
Clothing systems
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @skeenoutfitters
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions
Skeen Gundogs and Outfitters
Website
www.skeenoutfitters.com
www.theguidesessions.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Chase Nash of Nash Outdoor media @nash.outdoor.media . Chase is a young gun fishing guide in Central New York. He has taken his knowledge of all the Central New York fisheries paired it with his passion to have a great time on the water to start guiding others for trout, salmon and steelhead. We will learn how fish can be caught with spin rods, fly rods, and center pin. We also discuss, tackle setups, stream etiquette, how to not be a bad net man, importance of confidence in your setup, the power of patience and much more!
Topics:
Beads and pipe cleaners
Bobber techniques
Scaring fish with nets
Having plan A, B, C…
Knowing when to change techniques
Tiny stream techniques
Spin vs Fly vs center pin
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @nash.outdoor.media
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions , Nash.Outdoor.Media
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Koby Howell of 5 Star Outfitters @5_star_outfitters . 5 Star Outfitters specializes in GIANT whitetail deer, turkeys and exotics in Texas. They treat people like family and provide an unforgettable experience for the young through the old. We will learn about what it takes to raise giants, importance of field judging trophy’s, always treat people like family, how the genetic traits of does play in breeding, how patience pays off, and much more!
Topics:
Hunting Giant Whitetails
Clients are real people, not just a number
Fulfilling dreams
Wounded Warriors
No days off
Its ok to not know
Remote control feeders
Traditional vs “Science Projects”
Rattling
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @5_star_outfitters_
Facebook:
The Guide Sessions , 5 Star Outfitters
Website
www.5staroutfitters.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Justin Dubay of Kokanee Guide Service @kokanee_guide_service who has been guiding in Alaska for the last 25 years. Justin focuses on dall sheep and grizzlies. He has built a reputation of the guide who gets the job done by providing his clients a safe and memorable experience. We will learn about how grizzlies enjoy whale carcasses, staying on the mountain overnight, glassing techniques, using patience, dealing with personalities and much more!
Topics:
Staying on the mountain overnight
Grizzlies
Technological advances in gear
Hunters with bad attitudes
Sheep hunting can be difficult
Patience pays off
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @kokanee_guide_service
Website
www.kokaneeguideservice.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Ray Andreu of R and J Outfitters @randjoutfitters. R and J Outfitters specializes in trophy whitetail deer in Missouri. Ray is passionate about guiding and providing hunts of a lifetime by understanding his clients skills and preferences. We will learn about chasing a dream, benefits of helping strangers, managing deer in accordance with hunters expectations, decoy tactics, maintaining a presence with the deer and much more!
Topics:
Persistence pays off
The power of good deeds
Managing age class
Limiting hunter pressure
Non-hunting pressure
Not giving up on a spot
Listen to your guide
Hunting Scrapes
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @randjoutfitters
Facebook:
R and J Outfitters
Website
www.RandJoutfitters.com
www.mountainarcheryfest.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Greg ‘Griz’ Turner of Raven’s Throat Outfitters @ravensthroatoutfitters. Raven’s Throat Outfitters offers remote wilderness hunts for dall sheep, moose, mountain caribou and wolves up in the north west territory in Canada. We will learn about hunting with horses, navigating at night, patience and time management, hunting out of a backpack, the best method to pack out a moose, bear safety and much more!
Topics:
Guide School
Age doesn’t matter when being a guide
Patience in critical moments
Night navigation
Logistics of maintaining a remote camp
Benefits of having a helicopter
Dangers of field dressing moose
Guiding multiple places year round
Hard work pays off
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @ravensthroatoutfitters
Facebook:
Raven’s Throat Outfitters
Website
www.ravensthroat.com
www.mountainarcheryfest.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Ben Myhre @wildlifewestben of Wildlife West Inc. specializes in hunting mule deer on Catalina Island and Turkeys and pigs in Northern California. Ben is passionate about providing an entertaining and professional experience for his clients. We will learn about hunting mule deer on an island, advantages of technology, using patience, keys of preparation and scouting, pigs can attack and much more! Topics: Teamwork of the guides Importance of being an entertainer Gaining rapport with clients Importance of good optics How be professional Benefits involving family Shooting deer in the antlers Confidence in making quick decisions Turkey hunting isn’t easy Pigs are fun Resources: Instagram: @theguidesessions @wildlifewestben Website www.wildlifewestinc.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Heather Kelly @heathertheresakelly who is the Founder of Heather’s Choice – Meals for Adventuring @heatherschoice. What people may not know is that Heather used to be a river guide in Alaska and Colorado. We will learn about the different river types people guide on, understanding the safety aspect of each river, learning when to go all in and when to back out, how to pull off a classic practical joke and much more!
Topics:
Healthy food for adventuring
Entrepreneurship
Benefit of having mentors
Guide skills transfer to real life
Building rapport quickly
Physical demand on the body
Keep guiding fun
Always be challenged
Simply just Care
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @heatherschoice @heathertheresakelly @mountainarcheryfest
Facebook:
Heathers Choice
Mountain Archery Fest
Websites:
Heather’s Choice: www.heatherschoice.com
Mountain Archery Fest: www.mountainarcheryfest.com
Founder Speaker Series: https://founderspeakerseries.mykajabi.com/a/2147509670/6jLsa28L
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Toby Weaver of Antler Canyon Outfitters @antler_canyon_outfitters.llc which specializes in elk, cous deer, mule deer, and bears in Arizona and New Mexico. Toby is a glassing machine who consistently finds trophy animals for his clients. We will learn about learning from other outfitters, glassing strategies, patience in stalking, gear for the desert, cous/mule deer hunting, elk hunting and much more! Topics: Benefits of having reliable guides for scouting Guiding archery on public land Using radios to help your hunters Finding game at a distance Confidence in shooting bow shots beyond 60 yards The art of patience when stalking animals Gear that stands up to the desert Catering the hunt for the client Elk calling strategies Resources: Instagram: @theguidesessions @antler_canyon_outfitters.llc @heathertheresakelly @mountainarcheryfest Facebook: Antler Canyon Outfitters Websites: Antler Canyon Outfitters: www.antlercanyonoutfitters.com Mountain Archery Fest: www.mountainarcheryfest.com Founder Speaker Series: https://founderspeakerseries.mykajabi.com/a/2147509670/6jLsa28L
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Austin Atkinson @aaaoutdoors of Huntin’ Fool. In addition to being a hunt advisor, Austin takes time every fall to guide elk hunters in New Mexico and grizzlies and Dall sheep in Alaska. Over his years of guiding, he has acquired a wealth of experience and enjoys sharing them. Austin’s commitment to providing his clients with a memorable adventure is the foundation of what makes him such a great hunting guide. In this episode we will learn about what it takes to become a hunting guide in Alaska, how everything in Alaska seems to try and kill you, adapting the hunt to meet the clients need, fitness training, saving a hunter after falling in freezing water, and much more!
Topics:
Becoming a guide in Alaska
Balancing guiding and family
Hunting Grizzlies
Hunting Mt. Goats and Dall Sheep
Stresses of Sheep hunting
Hunting around Alaska residents
Importance of safety
Fitness for Alaska vs Western States
Dealing with Hyperthermia
Long Range Shots
Planning game recovery
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @aaaoutdoors
Facebook:
Austin Atkinson
Website
www.aaaoutdoors.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Steve Sherk of @sherksguideservice. Steve specializes in finding big bucks in the big woods of Pennsylvania. On this episode we pull the curtain back and take a behind the scenes look at Steve’s approach to guiding. We learn about his passion for being a sponge for knowledge and constantly growing his knowledge of deer habits, taking a deeper look at trail cam data, know your safety comfort zone, building positive relationships with clients, problems with other public land hunters and much more! Topics: Writing leads to guide opportunities Making the best of an opportunity to become a guide Difference between guiding and hunting Mental stresses of guiding Successful guiding takes work Trial cam data evaluation Always be learning Managing multiple hunters Importance of providing client experiences Sharing knowledge Resources: Instagram: @theguidesessions @sherksguideservice Facebook: Sherk’s Guide Service Website www.sherksguideservice.com
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by one of Jim’s old friends Ray Smith. Ray has “retired” from guiding; however, he has spent many years guiding turkeys and whitetails from Pennsylvania to Texas. During the conversation, we will learn about the highs and lows of being a guide, importance of maintaining your gear, living in the moment and enjoying the adventure, living through a massive Texas brush fire and much more!
Topics:
Living the guide life
Networking with outfitters
Social media networking opportunities
Progression of new technology
Animals will always be wild
Pit falls of guiding
Dealing with/ preventing accidents
Connecting to the outdoors
Importance of focusing on the experience
Turkey hunting with dogs
Meeting the client’s needs
Gun maintenance
Kids sleeping on hunts
Brush fires
Prescribed burns
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken of @theguidesessions is joined by Sarah Turner of Triple Crown Outfitters (TCO). TCO specializes in whitetail deer in Kentucky and Tennessee. They also help hunters fulfill their wild turkey grand slam win Florida, Kentucky, Texas, and New Mexico. Sarah is passionate about her job as a guide, educating kids and being a positive impact in the hunting community. Her approach of building relationships with her clients before, during and after the hunt to help them have a legendary experience is what sets her apart. We will learn about calling all species of turkeys, trail cam tactics, deer management goals, using patience, importance of staying positive and much more!
Topics:
Giving Back to the youth
Participating in a Guide Challenge
Multi – State hunting
Grand Slam Turkey Hunting
Managing Trophy Whitetail
Trail Cam scouting Tactics
Guiding all in all types of weather
Grooming properties for mature deer
Importance of staying positive
Early vs Late Season strategies
Aging Deer
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions @triple_crown_outfitters_
Facebook:
Triple Crown Outfitters
Website
www.tripecrownoutfitters.net
On this episode of the Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken is joined by Jonathan Bush of Grouse Mesa Outfitters in New Mexico. Jonathan is the man who took a chance on an unexperienced elk hunter from Pennsylvania and gave him the chance of a lifetime to be a guide. Jonathan’s tells us his journey from being a cowboy chasing cattle to starting his own elk hunting outfitter. We will learn about what he looks for in a guide, horse pack out tactics, and his theory of “nomad” elk. We also dive into some stories of hunters being scared of the dark, horse mishaps, and much more! Topics: Capitalizing on opportunities Private Land vs. Public Land Elk hunting Roles of a guide Horsemanship Packing out elk with horses “Nomad” elk Importance of guide/client relationship Fitness Lessons learned Ricocheting bullets Elk hunting success Resources: Instagram: @theguidesessions Website www.grousemesaoutfitters.com
On this episode of The Guide Sessions Podcast, Jim Aiken is joined by Jonathan Bush of Grouse Mesa Outfitters in New Mexico. Jonathan is the man who took a chance on an unexperienced elk hunter from Pennsylvania and gave him the chance of a lifetime to be a guide. Jonathan’s tells us his journey from being a cowboy chasing cattle to starting his own elk hunting outfitter. We will learn about what he looks for in a guide, horse pack out tactics, and his theory of “nomad” elk. We also dive into some stories of hunters being scared of the dark, horse mishaps, and much more!
Topics:
Capitalizing on opportunities
Private Land vs. Public Land Elk hunting
Roles of a guide
Horsemanship
Packing out elk with horses
“Nomad” elk
Importance of guide/client relationship
Fitness
Lessons learned
Ricocheting bullets
Elk hunting success
Resources:
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
Website
www.grousemesaoutfitters.com
Welcome to the Guide Sessions Podcast! In this episode I will be discussing how the Guide Sessions got started, who I am, the type of people I plan to have on, and what you can expect on future episodes. Also, you will learn how an unexperienced elk hunter from Pennsylvania started guiding elk in New Mexico. Additionally, you will hear some hunting stories and a few tips and tricks.
Instagram:
@theguidesessions
Email:
theguidesessions@gmail.com