EP 604: Passion, Precision and Maximizing Potential with Shawn Melland
Release Date: 02/20/2026
EP 604: Passion, Precision and Maximizing Potential with Shawn Melland
Beyond the Kill
If you’re a serious elk hunter, odds are you’ve heard of Shawn Melland. If not, you’ll have a hard time believing what this guy has achieved over the past 10 years. Shawn has taken 8 bulls in 10 years, with an average score of 375”. Each and every one DIY. As he puts it, he lives and breathes bowhunting giant bulls. He’s also a former NFL linebacker and a guy that still trains like a professional athlete, even at 40 years old. Shawn’s perspective on how his pro athlete mindset has impacted his ability to have the success he’s had in the field is the kind of material that...
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EP 603: Capital “H” Hunting with Craig Francis of Ultraview Archery
Beyond the Kill
This episode features Craig Francis, the VP of Brand at , and a guy whose content, perspectives, and opinions are the furthest from mundane. Craig’s been in the hunting creative space for over 10 years and has worked with numerous brands over that timeframe, many that are household names in our community. He’s a writer, photographer, and one of the more capable storytellers in the game. Topics covered include the tension between building a brand that stands for something while also keeping an eye on the bottom line, what capital “H” hunting means, and of course, an...
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EP 602: Baiting Giant Bears – Throw Your Assumptions Out the Window (with Kevin Toye and Landen Fidek)
Beyond the Kill
This episode features repeat guest Kevin Toye, an avid BC-based bowhunter, and Landen Fidek, a close friend of Kevin’s and another very dedicated bowhunter from Saskatchewan. If you’ve ever looked at hunting bears over bait and considered it cheating, or easy, prepare to have your mind opened. Kevin and Landen recount the time and effort they put in chasing giant bears in Manitoba, and what it takes to put it all together and have a chance at arrowing bears in the 400 – 500 plus pound range. NOTABLE QUOTES: “I was really taken away with just how much harder it...
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EP 601: Aggression, Instincts and Finding Your Hunting Style with Jared Miller
Beyond the Kill
This episode features Jared Miller, a highly experienced and successful hunter from Montana that loves to chase a variety of species with both the bow and the rifle. The show kicks off with a lesson-filled elk hunting story from this past season and then shifts into the benefits of competing in precision rifle matches, optics, rifles and ballistics, and ultimately mindset and motivations for why we hunt. Jared is a guy worth following (if you don’t already) and does an incredible job of sharing his experiences in a way that’s sincere and meant to help anyone level up in their...
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EP 600: Trust Your Eyes, Not the Specs with Hamilton Boykin of Leica
Beyond the Kill
This episode features Hamilton Boykin, the Product and Training Manager for Leica, with seventeen years of experience at the company. With his wealth of experience in the optics industry, not just with Leica, Hamilton lays out the key points of differentiation between and the vast number of options on the market today. Hamilton brings a measured, honest approach to the show and takes us inside the optics industry so you can make the best decision possible when it comes time to invest in whatever optics you need for whatever species you hunt. NOTABLE QUOTES: ...
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EP 599: De-Listing Wolves & Conservation Battles with John Stallone of HOWL For Wildlife
Beyond the Kill
For the first show of 2026, the focus is on current conversation trends and the ongoing fight to preserve the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. John has been on the podcast before, and as a key leader at , he brings a ton of experience to the show, both in the field and in fighting conservation battles across North America. A crucial and timely topic he covers is the current opportunity to have wolves de-listed federally (in the U.S.) so that states and regional wildlife managers can do what’s right for their jurisdictions and the wildlife and people in...
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EP 598: Awards, Trophies and Defining Failure with Tanner Dannish of Frontiersmen Gear
Beyond the Kill
Tanner Dannish, a regular on BTK and the owner and founder of , returns for a breakdown of the that will be part of the Wild Sheep Society of BC’s convention schedule for 2026. With an eye towards hunting heritage and a clear conservation ethos behind the awards being presented, Tanner unpacks why he felt it was important to bring these awards back to the BC mountain hunting community and how they’re different from many of the awards given out at other conventions. Later in the show, the topic of failure and what makes a hunt a truly successful hunt is debated. ...
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EP 597: Learn, Laugh and Pay It Forward with Kyle Stelter of the Wild Sheep Society of BC
Beyond the Kill
In the early months of 2026, the will yet again be hosting two of the best events in the mountain and backcountry hunting and conservation space: their Northern Fundraiser and Mountain Hunting Expo & Salute to Conservation. Kyle Stelter, CEO of the WSSBC, hopped on the mics to chat about these incredible events and all the reasons to attend. Whether you’re new to the mountain hunting space or a seasoned backpack hunter, there is simply no question that these shows are more than worth the price of admission. If you live in an adjacent province or state and love mountain and...
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EP 596: Easy Isn’t the Point (NMO Part 2)
Beyond the Kill
After ruffling more than a few feathers a couple episodes back, Nolan Osborne returns to expand on the pointed opinions voiced as it relates to rifles, shooting, ethics, tech, and gear. NOTABLE QUOTES: “At what point do we actually just advance so far with technology that regulations are going to be altered to decrease our opportunities?” @nmo --------------------------- DEALS & PARTNERS: For over 100 years has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new ...
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EP 595: Land: They’re Not Making Any More of It – With Sam Hodson of LandQuest® Realty Corporation
Beyond the Kill
On this episode, Sam Hodson, President of BC’s LandQuest® Realty Corporation, unpacks how to achieve the dream of owning a rural or recreational property and why, in most cases, land is an investment you won’t ever regret. Sam is also an avid hunter and outdoorsman and shares a great Roosevelt elk hunting story to kick off the episode. From recreational hunting and fishing properties to leaving the city to live on that rural property you’ve always dreamed of, Sam covers the ins and outs of how to make owning a piece of land in BC, regardless of where you live, a...
info_outlineIf you’re a serious elk hunter, odds are you’ve heard of Shawn Melland. If not, you’ll have a hard time believing what this guy has achieved over the past 10 years.
Shawn has taken 8 bulls in 10 years, with an average score of 375”. Each and every one DIY. As he puts it, he lives and breathes bowhunting giant bulls. He’s also a former NFL linebacker and a guy that still trains like a professional athlete, even at 40 years old. Shawn’s perspective on how his pro athlete mindset has impacted his ability to have the success he’s had in the field is the kind of material that will change how you approach your hunting goals.
This episode focuses primarily on what it means to be a complete athlete, or better yet, a complete human, operating at his or her maximum potential, and how hunting and athletic performance are inextricably linked. If you care about performing at your best in the backcountry, and life in general, this is a can’t miss episode.
NOTABLE QUOTES:
“I think if everybody could just take that humility and apply it to their own life and their own training and start doing some of those uncomfortable things...man, that’s where the growth comes from.”
@shawn.melland @work.built
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DEALS & PARTNERS:
For over 100 years Leica has set the standard for premium optics. From spotting scopes to binoculars, rifle scopes and the new CRF MAX rangefinders, Leica is the choice for those who accept no compromises.
Don’t miss out on Canada’s best mountain hunting and conservation expo! The 2026 Wild Sheep Society of BC’s Salute to Conservation Mountain Hunting Expo will sell out fast. Get your tickets now!
onX Hunt is the most powerful 3D mapping solution for hunters. Get your FREE trial today. If you’re already a member, check out the exclusive offers and perks available when you upgrade to an Elite Member.
Tired of gut rotting instant coffee? Check out This Is Coffee and get yourself some great instant coffee for when you’re in the backcountry or on the road.
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SUPPORT WILD SHEEP:
Go to Wild Sheep Foundation to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to wild sheep.
Go to Wild Sheep Society of BC to become a member, enter raffles, buy merch and support BC’s wild sheep populations.
SUPPORT MOUNTAIN GOATS:
Go to Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance to find a membership option that suits your budget and commitment to conserving mountain goats and their habitat.