Western Hunter

Chris Denham, publisher of Western Hunter Magazine and co-host of The Western Hunter TV show talks about all things relevant to western hunters. Nothing is off the table, just honest conversation with true experts.

EP 34: Leica Sport Optics with Ryan Holm 07/24/2025

EP 34: Leica Sport Optics with Ryan Holm Ryan Holm is the new Director of Marketing for Leica’s Sport Optics division. While Ryan is new to the high-performance optics industry, he is no stranger to the hunting market. I first met Ryan when he was in a similar position with the pack company, Mystery Ranch. I still give him major credit for building that brand into the category leader. Revitalizing an optics company in the hunting, birding and outdoor recreation industries simultaneously is tricky business, they all have their own biases, and he has to be sensitive to all of them. Ryan and I talk about how 20 years of experience will help him to accomplish just that. It was great catching up with him, but I more excited to see what he can do with a legacy brand like Leica. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/37505375

EP 33: Exo Mtn Gear with Steve Speck 07/03/2025

EP 33: Exo Mtn Gear with Steve Speck In this episode, I sit down with Exo Mtn Gear owner and founder Steve Speck. My son Mark Denham and I had just completed a tour of their innovative manufacturing facility, which was remarkable. Steve and I explore the fundamentals of not just making a pack but also building a business and customer base that will sustain a company. In my opinion, Exo Mtn Gear has one of the best podcasts for western hunters called “Hunt Backcountry.” In our conversation I referenced a few episodes in which they discuss the efficacy of small caliber rifles for big game hunting. Those are episodes 479 and 498. These are fascinating conversations and confirmed many of my personal thoughts on the topic. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/37273670

EP 32: Leupold HQ + Optics Academy 11/21/2024

EP 32: Leupold HQ + Optics Academy Chris and Kevin were recently invited to tour the Leupold factory and visit the Leupold Optics Academy in Oregon for some long-range and NRL training. During a break, they sat down with CEO Bruce Pettet and Shooting Sports Marketing Manager Nic Kytlica to talk legacy, optics, rifles, and Leupold's bright future in American manufacturing. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/34081206

EP 31: Western Hunter Magazine introduces Wing Hunter 10/15/2024

EP 31: Western Hunter Magazine introduces Wing Hunter Western Hunter Magazine introduced a western bird hunting section starting with the September 2024 issue. Kevin Guillen and Chris Denham explain many of the reasons the editorial staff decided to offer this new content. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/33471537

EP 30: Casey Richmond & Greg Williams of Eberlestock 02/05/2024

EP 30: Casey Richmond & Greg Williams of Eberlestock On the March/April cover of Western Hunter Magazine we have a spectacular image of Casey Richmond with his Idaho bull. When I first saw the picture, I knew there had to be a crazy story behind it. Casey works for Eberlestock so while we were at the Wild Sheep Foundation show we took the time to record this podcast. Greg Williams also with Eberlestock joined the conversation. Of course, we talked about the hunt, but we also discussed the history of Eberlestock and the future of this dynamic company. Casey’s hunt was filmed by Limitless Outdoors and is available on YouTube, Click to watch. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/29792758

EP 29: A year in the life of Alaskan boat captain Ross Hodek 12/12/2023

EP 29: A year in the life of Alaskan boat captain Ross Hodek The Western Hunter crew just returned from a blacktail deer hunt on Kodiak Island, Alaska. This was a boat-based hunt meaning we lived, ate, and slept on the boat. Each morning one of the two boat captains would run us to shore in a zodiac type small boat to hunt and pick us up each night. The captains do this every single day from early October until the middle of December. The life they lead is a crazy one, so I decided to sit down with boat captain and owner Ross Hodek and talk a little about the year in the life of a Alaskan boat captain. By the way, if you are interested in booking a Kodiak Island blacktail hunt on The Spirit you need to reserve your spot soon! It is the dollar-for-dollar value for Alaskan hunting adventure. You can book through Alaska Coastal Adventures 907-262-4359. Tell them Western Hunter sent you. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/29050858

EP 28: Kodiak Island Blacktail 12/05/2023

EP 28: Kodiak Island Blacktail I have hunted blacktail deer on Kodiak Island in Alaska and believe the experience offers the most adventure for the dollar in all North America. This year our crew included three guys who had never hunted in Alaska; Mark Denham, Levi Sopeland, and Kevin Guillen (who had never been to Alaska prior). We sat down to capture their emotions and thoughts, there enthusiasm and awe reminded me of my first trips to the state. After you listen to this show, you will want to book your own adventure. If the boat-based trip interests you call Alaska Coastal Marine at 907-262-4359 /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/28937823

EP 27: Dylan Dowson from OnX Maps 07/15/2022

EP 27: Dylan Dowson from OnX Maps OnX Maps pioneered the hunting GPS industry and has become the gold standard for western hunters. In this episode I sit down with Dylan Dowson from OnX to discuss the past, present and future of this technology. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/23760614

EP 26: Nate Simmons 06/13/2022

EP 26: Nate Simmons 2021 was a heck of a year for The Western Hunter. Nate Simmons and I sit down and talk about the lessons learned and what we will do differently heading into the 2022 hunting season. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/23401043

EP 25: Jordan Jonas 10/18/2021

EP 25: Jordan Jonas My guest today is Jordan Jonas the winner of the hit TV show Alone season 6. Jordan is a hunter and his hunting skills contributed directly to his ability to survive in the Arctic for 77 days. We talked about behind-the-scenes stuff, dreams, family, hunting and mental preparation. He is a character, if you have watched the show then you know what I mean. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/20854265

EP 24: Remi Warren 08/05/2021

EP 24: Remi Warren Remi Warren doesn’t need an introduction to this audience. Like most of you, I think Remi is /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/20045915

EP 23: Dean Capuano from Swarovski 06/25/2021

EP 23: Dean Capuano from Swarovski In this episode I sit down with Dean Capuano from Swarovski. Dean and I met via phone on his very first day on the job at Swarovski over 20 years ago. Since then, we have hunted together in Austria, Africa, Mexico and many different US states. We go into detail about what it takes to make the best optics in the world and what the future may hold. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/19607627

EP 22: How to prepare and cook wild game with Conor Gabbott 05/26/2021

EP 22: How to prepare and cook wild game with Conor Gabbott Connor Gabbott is a professionally trained chef, photographer, videographer and hunter. In this episodes he shares his secrets for preparing and sharing wild game. But we also dig into his evolution as a hunter, his entry into the camera world, and career changes. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/19251803

EP 21: Rafe Nielsen from Browning 04/30/2021

EP 21: Rafe Nielsen from Browning Rafe Nielsen from Browning is back again! In this episode we talk about life without a SHOT Show in 2021. We dig into new rifle products and how those products are developed and brought to market. We also spent time talking about gun safes, why we should all invest in one and the process of purchasing and installing a safe in your home. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/18931427

EP 20: Roy Grace 03/24/2021

EP 20: Roy Grace Roy Grace has been bowhunting his entire life and has hunted every species the west has to offer. Roy is also the records chairman for the Pope and Young club. In this episode we talk about why the record book is important and why we should all consider entering a trophy if it qualifies for the “Book”. He got me so fired up for this summer’s convention in Reno, that I have already made plans to attend! /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/18458177

EP 19: Kendall Card 03/02/2021

EP 19: Kendall Card There are dozens of boot companies, each with dozens of different models from which to choose. Making the wrong choice can cost money and ruin a hunt. In this episode I talk again with Kendall Card from Crispi, about how to research websites to narrow down what features to improve your chances of making the best choice. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/18149597

EP 18: Bakcou Bikes 07/21/2020

EP 18: Bakcou Bikes Electric assisted (e-bikes) are exploding in popularity worldwide. When it comes to western hunting e-bikes, Bakcou is leading the way. In this episode I sit down with Bakcou founders Bryan and Dave to discuss their company, their bikes, the current status and the future of hunting with e-bikes. These guys are hunters first and bike enthusiast second. With years of experience their perspective and expertise is unparalleled. Besides that, they are a lot of fun to hang out with. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/15306209

EP 17: Kelly Glenn 07/02/2020

EP 17: Kelly Glenn In this episode I sit down with Kelly Glenn to discuss the realities of modern ranching, their family history and “the wall” along the Mexican border. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/15062903

EP 16: Warner Glenn 06/18/2020

EP 16: Warner Glenn Warner Glenn is a special man, his story is better than Hollywood could ever dream up. Not only is he a rancher, but he has been hunting mountain lions since he was 5 years old, documented the first jaguar in the US, and worked on multiple films. A family friend Ed Ashurst, authored a book titled “The Life and Times of Warner Glenn” telling the story of the Glenn family along with some amazing adventure stories that had me riveted /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/14871365

EP 15: Kendall Card 06/04/2020

EP 15: Kendall Card Boots are one of the most important pieces of hunting gear in our kit. I sit down with Kendall Card from Crispi and cover some important topics we all need to consider when purchasing footwear. Kendall is also the co-founder of Camofire and Black Ovis, so I couldn’t resist digging into how they launched both of these industry leading companies. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/14689514

EP 14: Rafe Nielsen 05/20/2020

EP 14: Rafe Nielsen Rafe Nielsen is not only a hunting partner he is the marketing director at Browning. We spent time talking about John Browning and many of his contributions to modern firearms and to our military. We also dive into modern production practices and why we now have the best hunting product that we unimaginable just a decade ago. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/14500370

EP 13: Remi Warren 03/16/2020

EP 13: Remi Warren Remi Warren has been a field editor for Western Hunter Magazine for so long that neither of us can remember! In this episode we dive into his hunting career, how he got started, and what is really doing right now. Remi is one of the most adventurous hunters I know. Long before New Zealand was a hunting destination he bought a one what ticket there just to check it out….who does that? Take a look behind the scenes of his life. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/13578818

EP 12: Steve Opat 02/28/2020

EP 12: Steve Opat In this episode I sit down with Steve Opat from Fairbanks, Alaska. Steve is an avid hunter and is also a medical helicopter flight nurse. He is in a unique position to learn from peoples mistakes. We talk about the what brought him to Alaska, his experiences, and the survival mindset. Steve always has a unique perspective and this conversation could have gone on for hours! I have no doubt he will be a frequent guest on this podcast. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/13335401

EP 11: Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo 08/16/2019

EP 11: Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo Ralph and Vicki have been producing some of the best video hunting content since before outdoor TV even existed! Not only are they absolute pioneers in the business they are two of the most sincere and authentic ambassadors in the hunting industry. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10890293

EP 10: Bob Lacher 08/02/2019

EP 10: Bob Lacher Bob Lacher was born and raised in Alaska. As a child he hunted with his dad to feed the family, not for trophies. The adventure bug bit him hard! He started flying a bush plane at an early age and has been exploring and hunting the far reaches of Alaska every since. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10758698

EP 09: Heather Kelly and Brad Hurd Heather’s Choice 07/25/2019

EP 09: Heather Kelly and Brad Hurd Heather’s Choice Native Alaskan Heather Kelly was tired of the limited food options available to backcountry travelers. So she did what nobody thought was possible and created her own foods, which lead to the creation of Heather’s Choice. Her dehydrated (not freeze dried) meals were the first pre-packaged options with real meat that were not overly processed. She literally started the trend and now has the biggest companies in the business paying attention. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10658657

EP 08: Steve Felix P&Y World Record Elk 06/29/2019

EP 08: Steve Felix P&Y World Record Elk In 2016 Steve killed the largest bull elk ever taken with a bow. At almost 430” it is my opinion this record may never be broken. I met Steve while on business in Montana. Fortunately I had the recording equipment with me and he had to time to sit down. We talked about the hunt and how his thoughts have changed in the years since that crazy day in Montana. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10324151

EP 07: George Bettas 06/18/2019

EP 07: George Bettas If they were looking for a new “Most Interesting Man in the World” I would nominate George Bettas. He has worked with the Boone & Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was one of the founders of the Mule Deer Foundation, most of which was after he retired from a career at Washington State! He is the author of the regular column “The Hunting Horseman” in Western Hunter Magazine and has packed thousands of miles in the wilderness areas of the Northern Rockies. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10190483

EP 06: Wayne Carlton 06/11/2019

EP 06: Wayne Carlton Wayne Carlton is truly a legend in our industry. He pioneered the art of calling elk with diaphragm calls. Back in the 80’s his elk calling seminars were epic, and folks would drive hundreds of miles for the privilege of listening to his educational, inspirational and always entertaining talk. Though slowed down by Parkinson’s disease, this 76 year old giant still captures my imagination with every story. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/10123273

EP 05: Justin Gordon 04/23/2019

EP 05: Justin Gordon Last fall Justin Gordon killed the largest mule deer ever taken with a bow. In this episode Justin and I talk about his buck, but being one of the most introspective hunters I have ever met, our conversation goes much deeper than just inches of antler. From mental and physical preparation to the plight of mule deer, we cover it all. The Gordon buck will in all likelihood be the highest scoring deer ever taken in my life. /episode/index/show/westernhunter/id/9494171

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