The HuntLeague Podcast

In this first episode of the HuntLeague Champions League Hunt, we’re finally in camp — four hunters, four tags, and one shared goal: make the most of Colorado’s second rifle season.
2023 Outdoorsman of the Year Wally King, 2022-23 Western Hunt League Champion Josh Dishman, 2023 Deer of the Year & current Apex Predator Champion Brandon Anderson, and HuntLeague founder Jared Newman kick off their multi-species adventure with a base camp conversation before opening day.
Josh and Brandon just made the long haul from Oregon, while Wally and Jared arrive at camp ready to put glass on animals. Together, the crew shares what it took to prepare for this hunt, the expectations heading into the mountains, and the excitement (and nerves) of chasing elk, deer, and bear with a camp full of champions.
🎯 Tags & Team Setup:
Josh & Brandon: Colorado OTC Elk Tags
Wally: Deer Tag
Jared: Bear Tag
🔥 Episode Highlights:
Arriving in camp and first impressions of the country
Pre-hunt planning, scouting, and gear prep
Expectations for opening day
Team dynamics in a camp full of proven hunters
The stories and laughs that always start around base camp
🏕 About the Series:This is Episode 1 of the HuntLeague Champions League Hunt — a real-time, day-by-day look into life at base camp with top hunters from across the HuntLeague community. Follow the daily podcast recaps, field updates, and join us for the unfiltered highs and lows of a true western rifle hunt.
#HuntLeague #HuntingPodcast #ColoradoElkHunting #DeerHunting #BearHunt #WesternHunting #HuntingCommunity #RifleSeason #ElkCamp

In this Sweet September Series episode, we sit down with Keenan Molnar, an Oregon bowhunter whose pursuit of his first bull spanned nearly a decade. Keenan opens up about the long road of close calls, setbacks, lessons, and unwavering faith that kept him going year after year. When the moment finally came, it wasn’t just a harvest — it was a moment of personal triumph, gratitude, and answered prayer.
This conversation is about patience, perseverance, and honoring the journey — not just the result.

In this Sweet September episode, David King reflects on one of his most meaningful seasons yet — not because of the bull he harvested, but because of the adventure he shared with his teenage son and nephew on their first archery elk hunt. With multiple herds, high-energy calling, and a morning filled with non-stop bugles, this season was an all-out mountain experience. David’s story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest trophy is simply the time spent together in the wild.

In this Sweet September episode, we sit down with Joel Yanke, a Colorado elk hunter whose story is one of heartbreak, humility, and redemption. After years of chasing success and enduring repeated failures, Joel faced a breaking point this season — losing his first bull and nearly walking away from the hunt entirely.
What followed was a powerful moment of surrender. Leaving his bow behind for the first time in six years, Joel chose to focus on helping a friend instead — and in that selfless act, found a renewed sense of purpose and faith. Days later, against all odds, he recovered the bull he thought was lost forever.
Joel’s journey reminds us that elk hunting is about far more than tags and trophies — it’s about perseverance, community, and the grace we find when we stop chasing success and start living the story.
🎯 Sweet September celebrates effort, passion, and the personal journeys that define every hunter.
Host: Jared NewmanGuest: Joel Yanke

In this episode of the Sweet September Series, we sit down with JP Gorham, a newcomer to Colorado who left the hardwoods of Alabama for the rugged peaks of the Rockies. With a bow in hand and a heart full of purpose, JP embarked on his first-ever archery elk hunt—a season defined not by success on the scorecard, but by the lessons, friendships, and faith found along the way.
JP shares how a promise to his grandfather inspired his pursuit, how he learned to embrace both humility and perseverance in the face of challenges, and what it felt like to hear that first bugle echo through the mountains. His story captures the spirit of Sweet September—where the true trophy is found in the experience itself.
This is the first of four stories from the 2025 Sweet September League inside the HuntLeague mobile app.  JP is new to the app and elk hunting but has found himself in the mix for the league title as one of four finalists. 
🎯 Sweet September celebrates effort, passion, and the stories that shape us as hunters.
Host: Jared NewmanGuest: JP Gorham

In this HuntLeague Podcast, we sit down with Tony Smotherman — the “TravelinHunter” from CVA and Bergara. Tony shares the story behind his nickname, his journey from outdoor writer to one of the most recognized voices in the muzzleloading community.
Just before recording the podcast, Tony helped me order my first Muzzleloader (Accura MR-X) opening up an entirely new world of hunting opportunities. I learned a ton from Tony about the history of muzzleloaders and how they have evolved over time. This is the beginning of a new era of muzzleloaders as CVA launches their new muzzleloader that changes the game once again!
We dive into:
-How Tony became known as the TravelinHunter
-The evolution of muzzleloading technology from the 1970s to today
-The groundbreaking Paramount & NEW Endura line of muzzleloaders
-Why bolt-action muzzleloaders have changed the game for consistency & accuracy
-The history and legacy of Bergara Rifles and CVA
 
Key Takeaways:
-Modern muzzleloaders shoot how far???
-Cleaning and maintenance are easier than ever
-One Cartridge for all North American big game?
-Storytelling is at the heart of hunting and connecting generations of outdoorsmen
Whether you’re new to muzzleloaders, a die-hard Bergara fan, or just love good hunting stories, this episode has something for you.
 
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes in the HuntLeague Podcast series and join the conversation in the HuntLeague app.
 
#HuntLeague #HuntingPodcast #BergaraRifles #CVA #Muzzleloader #TravelinHunter #HuntingStories

Kolby Morehead, the man behind Bear Hunting Magazine joins the HuntLeague podcast. We take a deep dive into the world of bear hunting—its culture, challenges, and unmatched adventures.
Kolby shares how his journey into bear hunting began in 2018 and how it quickly became more than a pursuit—it became a passion. From wild encounters in the backcountry to humbling moments in the field, Kolby’s stories are sure to inspire and entertain.
We explore what sets bear hunting apart from other big game hunts, including the importance of camaraderie, close encounters baiting, and why storytelling and education are critical for the future of this misunderstood pursuit.
Topics Covered:
-Kolby’s start in bear hunting and evolution into a magazine owner
-What makes bear hunting uniquely rewarding
-Field stories: challenges, close calls, and hilarious moments
-Common misconceptions about bear hunting
-The role of Bear Hunting Magazine in preserving hunting heritage
-How community and education fuel conservation efforts
-Advice for hunters looking to begin their own bear hunting journey
 
Whether you're an experienced hunter or just bear-curious, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real talk about one of North America’s most compelling game animals.
🔗 Learn more at: bear-hunting.com
📬 Subscribe & follow HuntLeague for more hunting adventures!

In this episode of the HuntLeague Podcast, Tate Cunningham joins Jared Newman as they discuss the journey from college friends to passionate fathers and outdoor enthusiasts. They reflect on their shared history, Tate's transition from a music career to family life, and the legend of Smith Cunningham coming up clutch to finish out his Little League career.
The conversation then shifts to their hobbies, including rock climbing and fly fishing, before diving into the world of precision rifle shooting and competitive matches like PRS and NRL Hunter. They share insights on the challenges and highlights of competitive shooting, the importance of community and resources, and the new Sportsman Division in PRS that makes the sport more accessible to hunters. The episode concludes with valuable tips for improving shooting skills and the impact of these experiences on hunting.