Eastmans Predator Pros

This may be one of my favorite conversations of the year. On this episode of Eastmans Predator Pros, I sat down with Stephan Smith of Chasing Africa’s Sunset Outfitters in South Africa—and from the minute we started talking, I knew this was going to be a good one. Stephan takes us halfway around the world and into the African bush as we talk about hunting some of Africa’s most incredible and dangerous game, including Cape buffalo and leopard. We get into the preparation, the intensity, the respect these animals demand, and some incredible stories Stephan has picked up along the way. But you know me—we couldn’t talk about Africa without getting deep into the predators. We spent a lot of time talking about calling black-backed jackals and caracals, and I was fascinated by just how similar the black-backed jackal is to the coyotes we hunt here in the United States. From their intelligence and adaptability to the way they respond to calling, pressure, sounds and setups, there are some incredible similarities in the tactics used—even though we’re hunting predators nearly 10,000 miles apart. Stephan was an absolute blast to talk with. He’s knowledgeable, easygoing, full of great stories, and we shared plenty of laughs along the way. Dangerous game. African predators. Calling tactics. Great hunting stories. And a look at predator hunting from the other side of the world. This is exactly the kind of conversation I love having on Predator Pros. If Africa has ever been on your bucket list—or you simply love calling predators—you’re going to want to hear this one. Enjoy this one, guys. I know I did. Predator Pros Sponsors: Diligent Defence Foxpro Horizon onXmaps Sig Sauer Safari Club International For more on our sponsors please visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/eastmans-predator-pro/

In this episode of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, I sit down with FOXPRO Inc. General Manager Mike Dillon, for a great conversation about the past, present, and future of FOXPRO. We start out with a little history of FOXPRO and talk about how it’s a family-owned company. From Mike’s dad, John, his brother Steve, and now the next generation with Mike’s sons, Zach and Jace, family has continued to play a big role in what FOXPRO is all about. Then we get into the meat and potatoes of the podcast—the technology behind the X360, what it brings to predator hunters in the field, and when hunters can expect to see the release of the new X48. We also look ahead at where electronic game calls may be headed in the future and if this new technology of the X series of game calls is the ceiling, or just the start of something more. Of course, we mix in plenty of hunting talk, stories, and a few good laughs along the way. All in all, this was just a fun conversation with Mike about predator hunting, FOXPRO, and an industry we’re both passionate about. You won’t want to miss this one! Predator Pros Sponsors: Diligent Defence Foxpro Horizon onXmaps Sig Sauer Safari Club International For more on our sponsors please visit: https://eastmans.com/listen/eastmans-predator-pro/

This week on Eastmans Predator Pros, I’m joined by Galen Hochstetler from Ohio for a deep dive into one of the most exciting ways to hunt coyotes; thick timber, close range, and a shotgun in your hands. Galen breaks down how he approaches timber coyotes, from reading terrain and choosing stand locations, to putting himself in the right position when a coyote could show up at any second. We get into the setups he looks for, how he works coyotes through heavy cover, and some of the little details that can make the difference when everything happens fast. We also dive into the shotgun side of the game; loads, choke configurations, shotgun setups, and the gear Galen trusts in the field. This was just an all-around great conversation with a guy who knows how to consistently get it done in country where you may hear a coyote long before you ever see him. A huge thank you to Galen for taking the time to come on Predator Pros, share his knowledge, and help other predator hunters become better at what they do. If you’re a timber hunter, a shotgun guy, or you just want to add another tool to your predator-hunting toolbox, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

This week on the Eastmans Predator Pros, I’m joined by Torry Cook of MFK Game Calls for a conversation that goes well beyond predator hunting. From his early days hunting with his uncle and the values instilled by his mom and dad, to the friendships that helped build MFK into one of the most recognizable names in predator calling, Torry shares the story behind the man many hunters know today. We also dive into his faith, the importance of family, and the life-changing deer stand accident that forever altered his perspective. Along the way, Torry opens up about the challenges, successes, and lessons he’s learned throughout his journey. If you’ve ever wanted to know the story behind MFK and the man who helped build it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. It’s an honest conversation filled with stories, laughs, and the kind of perspective that reaches far beyond the hunt. You might even learn something along the way. Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

This week I’m joined by Joey Hartley as we dive into the world of decoy dogging and the story behind his dog, Rip. Joey shares how his approach to calling coyotes has evolved over the years, from focusing on crop fields to finding success in timber, on logging roads, and in standing corn, while adapting to whatever each stand has to offer. We also discuss getting his wife Kylie and son Brick involved in filming and hunting, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and how those experiences have become a meaningful part of what they do together. Joey breaks down his philosophy on developing a decoy dog, why giving the dog time to work is important, and what he’s learned through Rip’s more than 100 coyote engagements. We wrap up with aggressive calling tactics, reading coyote behavior, handling the unexpected on stand, and Joey’s advice for anyone looking to get started with a decoy dog. Whether you’re new to decoy dogging or have years of experience, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest conversation that every predator hunter can appreciate. Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

Host Corey Groff is joined by Rich Gonzalez and Nick Nabor for an in-depth conversation about the world of decoy dogging. If you’ve ever been curious about using dogs to hunt coyotes or wondered what it takes to get started, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Nick brings a wealth of experience working with hunting dogs and shares how one special dog, “Gator”, sparked his passion for decoying just a few years ago. What started as a new challenge quickly turned into an obsession, leading to countless lessons learned and unforgettable experiences in the field. The guys dive into the nuts and bolts of decoy dogging, covering everything from getting started and selecting the right dog to training, summertime decoy calling, reading coyote behavior, and understanding what separates successful decoy dogs from the rest. Packed with practical advice, real-world experiences, and plenty of stories from the field, this episode is loaded with valuable information for both newcomers and seasoned predator hunters alike. This was an absolute blast to record, and Rich and Nick brought a ton of knowledge to the table. Tune in now to the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. Diligent Defense: bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

Host Corey Groff sits down with FOXPRO staff member Rusty Gamble for a great conversation covering everything from summertime predator hunting to the art of decoy dogging. Rusty shares how he first got started in predator hunting, what pulled him into decoy dogging, and the tactics he’s learned along the way for both daytime and nighttime setups. The guys also dive into Rusty’s journey through the competition world, including the path that led him to two world titles and several state championships. This episode is packed with stories, experience, and hard-earned knowledge from one of the best to do it. If you’re into predator hunting, decoy dogs, or just hearing the stories behind the success, you won’t want to miss this one. Diligent Defense: https://bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: https://bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: https://bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

Host Corey Groff sits down with FOXPRO staff member Heath Johnson to recap a recent hunt in Kansas. The guys break down a trip that didn’t quite go as planned; battling unseasonably warm weather and those tough, late-season lulls that can make predator hunting a grind. Even though the coyotes didn’t fully cooperate, Corey and Heath made the most of it—sharing plenty of laughs, good conversations, and still putting a couple coyotes and several raccoons on the ground along the way. The guys also drop some solid tips for calling coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons in this episode. It’s a real, honest look at hunting when conditions aren’t perfect, and why time in the field with good people still makes it all worth it. Tune in for the full recap right here on the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast. Diligent Defense: https://bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: https://bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: https://bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

Host Corey Groff sits down with JD Piatt of Bustin Fur Acoustics. JD shares his journey—how he got his start, built his brand, and carved out a name in the predator calling world. The two dive deep into the sound side of the business, with JD explaining how he records audio from his coyotes, captures distress sounds from other animals, and the ethics behind the recordings. It’s an honest look at a side of the industry most people don’t hear about. They also break down some brand-new sounds hitting the market and what hunters can expect this season. Diligent Defense: https://bit.ly/DiligentDefense-Eastmans FoxPro: https://bit.ly/gofoxpro Horizon Firearms: https://bit.ly/HorizonFirearms-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

On this episode of the Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, host Corey Groff sits down with Butch Whiting from Kryptek for a conversation that feels more like two hunters swapping stories around a campfire. The two hit it off right away as Butch shares the story of his first-ever whitetail buck, a memory that sparked a lifelong passion for hunting. Butch also gives listeners an inside look at how Kryptek got its start, the vision behind the brand, and how it grew into one of the most recognized names in hunting camouflage today. To top it off, Butch tells stories from the wilds of Alaska, chasing wolves in some of the most rugged country imaginable. Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Kryptek: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans

In this episode of the Predator Pros Podcast, Corey Groff sits down with Levi Johnson and Logan Sluggett from Dogging With Levi. In this episode the guys talk about the New ECHO line of thermals SIG Optics offers, Logan gives details of what he likes about the Echo line. Levi and Logan also discuss which Sig day optics they prefer.. Levi shares how Dogging With Levi started back in the mid-2000s, and Logan talks about going from a young kid to now hunting predators at night with the SIG ECHO line of thermals. The three break down decoy dogging tactics, day vs. night hunting strategies, and share plenty of hunting stories, tips, and lessons from the field. Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Kryptek: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans Silencer Central: https://bit.ly/SilencerCentral-Eastmans

In Episode 102 of Eastmans Predator Pros Podcast, host Corey Groff sits down with Cal Taylor for a deep dive into Cal’s career as a predator control specialist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Cal shares how he got his start in predator control, what the job really looked like on the ground, and how that experience led him to begin recording his own predator sounds. The conversation also covers Cal’s early role in capturing original sounds that helped shape electronic calling for FoxPro Inc. in its early days. They also discuss the new sounds that Cal has recently released on his own. Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Kryptek: https://bit.ly/Kryptek-Eastmans onX hunt: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans SigSauer: https://bit.ly/SIGSAUER-Eastmans Silencer Central: https://bit.ly/SilencerCentral-Eastmans