Rookie Hunter

Shane Mahoney returns for our 200th episode to reflect on a life shaped by Newfoundland's wild places, a career spent living alongside big game in remote country, and why those experiences can be hard to translate back home. Shane also shares major updates from the Wild Harvest Initiative, including new regions of expansion and what the latest data suggests about the scale and social value of wild food in North America. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com. If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this special episode, Mike revisits the very first Rookie Hunter recording from March 1, 2016, sharing a short snippet that dives into how he and Kelly got into hunting and why they started the podcast in the first place. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com. If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this field guide episode, Mike shares practical ways to stay motivated through the off season and use the slower months to set yourself up for success in the fall. From organizing and cleaning gear, sharpening knives, and taking advantage of sales, to reviewing what worked and what didn't last season, scouting new areas, and building a solid fitness baseline, this episode is all about preparation. Mike also talks partner dynamics, fixing nagging injuries, planning hunts early, and why the work you put in now pays off when the season comes fast. WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details. The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com. If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this special episode, Mike runs an episode of The Outdoor Life Podcast titled "Our Senior Staff Writer Nearly Died on a Backcountry Hunt." Episode Description: As many Outdoor Life listeners and followers might have heard, our senior staff writer Tyler Freel was severely injured during a backcountry hunt in Idaho earlier this fall. Tyler was thrown from a horse during the ride back to the trailhead. He knew that he was hurt the instant he hit the ground, but nobody quite knew the extent of his injuries at the time, which turned out to be extremely severe. So today on the podcast Tyler is going to explain what exactly happened on that hunt. And our shooting editor, John B. Snow, who was there on the hunt with Tyler is going to outline what we've learned from the experience. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio.

In this special episode, Mike introduces the Wild Sheep Foundation's brand new podcast, Kicked Out. Episode Description: When Chelsea drew a coveted Alaska sheep tag, she knew it would require everything—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, she walks listeners through the full journey: months of preparation, the doubt and determination that shaped her mindset, and the pivotal moments on the mountain that tested her limits. Hunting alongside another woman added a unique layer of support and camaraderie, reminding her that shared grit can carry you further than sheer strength. Chelsea about the highs and lows of the hunt, from chasing rams across steep country to the quiet moments of reflection when no one else was around. Her story reveals the dedication behind a dream hunt and the sense of fulfillment that comes from earning every step. This isn't just a hunt—it's a testament to what happens when passion, preparation, and opportunity collide. Whether you're a seasoned mountain hunter or simply someone who loves stories of perseverance, this episode will leave you inspired to chase your own "once-in-a-lifetime" goals. To hear more, subscribe to Kicked Out, on your favourite podcast app. If you'd like to share your Kicked Out story, email Maddie Richards at mrichards@wildsheepfoundation.org WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details. The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Maddie Richards from the Wild Sheep Foundation to talk about Kicked Out, WSF's new podcast that highlights stories from the WSF's Sheep Show 2026 runs January 22 to 24 in Reno, Nevada and registration is now open. Visit wildsheepfoundation.org for full details. The Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo takes place February 26 to 28 in Penticton, BC. To secure tickets, visit wildsheepsociety.com. If you need a blade for the backcountry or a new chef's knife for your kitchen, check out our friends at North Arm Knives.

In this Field Guide episode, Mike shares how he prepped his mule deer and whitetail for the butcher after both went into the freezer whole, covering thawing just enough to work with, cleaning and cubing the meat, keeping everything cold, and organizing cuts for pepperoni, chorizo, grinding, and bone broth. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

Wind, rain, and doubt fade into one of the most rewarding hunts we've had in years and a reminder of why we keep going back. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

In this episode, Mike takes you on a three-day solo hunt with his dog Earl. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives

In this episode, Mike gives a quick update on the start of the season. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this episode, we dive back into the vault with Episode 33, which featured Brian Chan. Brian is a fly fishing legend known for his expertise in stillwater fishing in British Columbia's Interior. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!

In this Field Guide episode, Mike breaks down the pros and cons of hunting solo versus with a partner or group. From safety and success rates to personal preference and pack-out logistics. We're very proud to have The Wild Sheep Foundation as our title sponsor. To register, to become a member, to renew your membership, and to join the wildsheepfoundation.org Are you in the market for a new satellite communicator? We've been using ZOLEO since the start of the 2024 spring season, and its passed the test and earned our official stamp of approval. Safety is import, and so is a reliable device! Get yours at ZOLEO.com Need a blade for the hunting season, or a new chef's knife for your kitchen? Check out our friends at North Arm Knives!