The Blacktail Coach Podcast
We're here to share tips, strategies, and stories of hunting the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, we'll help you turn preparation into achievement and passion into results.
So gear up and get ready, because SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT!
Episodes
62 episodes
From Double Shovels to Do-It-Right: Smokey Crews on Records, Dedication, and the Hunt That Never Stops
A record is a number; a trophy is a feeling. That line sets the pace as we sit down with Smokey Crews to unpack the mindset, effort, and odd twists of fate behind a lifetime of tags—from a rare, double-shovel caribou taken on the first morning ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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39:10
Form Follows Function: Lessons From Mr. Roosevelt, Smokey Crews
Meet Smokey Crews, a living legend in the bowhunting world whose journey from self-taught hunter to record book champion offers profound lessons for archers of all skill levels. Known as "Mr. Roosevelt" for his exceptional success with trophy e...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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47:41
From Field to Fork: Mastering Venison and Solo Hunts
Venturing into the wilderness alone creates a unique set of challenges that even experienced hunters must carefully navigate. In this practical episode, Aaron and Dave tackle listener Brian's questions about solo hunting strategies and venison ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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32:19
Decoy Dynamics: Adding a New Dimension to Blacktail Hunting
Decoys have long been a staple in whitetail and turkey hunting, but their potential for blacktail hunting remains largely untapped. Why leave such an effective tool out of your hunting arsenal? Aaron and Dave break down everything you need to k...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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28:01
Transforming 22 Acres: Building Your Dream Deer Habitat
The dream of hunting your own land captivates many outdoorsmen, but what happens when your property is only 22 acres? Can you truly create a thriving deer habitat that supports quality hunting opportunities? Responding to an email ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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30:09
Reading the Woods: What Buck Sign Really Tells You
The silent language of the forest speaks volumes to those who understand it. Join Aaron and Dave as they decode the secret messages left behind by blacktail deer and reveal how these subtle signs can transform your hunting strategy.The ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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35:03
Adapting to Hunting Season Setbacks: Strategies for When Your Plans Fall Apart
What happens when your meticulously planned hunting season suddenly falls apart? When that trophy buck you've been patterning all summer becomes inaccessible because someone dumped garbage on the access road? Or when predators take over your ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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36:28
Your Blacktail Success Depends on Understanding What That Nose Knows
The whitetail hunting industry has conditioned us to believe that spraying a little doe estrus will magically bring in monster bucks within 30 minutes. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially when hunting the elusive blacktail deer....
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39:24
The Hunter's Perfect Storm: Combining 5 Natural Factors for Trophy Success
We break down the five key factors that significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt when combined. These natural indicators compound to create optimal hunting conditions when your target buck is most likely to be on its feet during...
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33:13
Season Prep Countdown
The difference between consistently successful hunters and those who struggle isn't luck – it's preparation. In this detailed conversation, we break down our proven pre-season routine that consistently puts us in position for trophy blacktails....
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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36:23
A Hodgepodge of an Episode
The hunting season approaches, and the Blacktail Coach team is back with essential preparation guidance. This episode addresses the questions hunters are asking right now – from gear priorities on limited budgets to the effectiveness of their s...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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47:34
Bear Hunting Part 4 with Heather Aldrich
What sets apart a dedicated bear hunter from someone just hoping to get lucky? The answer lies in understanding the intricate chess match between predator and prey.Diving into part four of our bear hunting series with expert Heather Ald...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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55:19
Bear Hunting Part 3 with Heather Aldrich
The secret to successful bear hunting isn't just understanding where bears live—it's knowing how they move through their habitat as seasons change. In this revealing conversation with experienced bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we dive deep into h...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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38:09
Bear Hunting Part 2 with Heather Aldrich
Unlocking the secrets of successful bear hunting requires more than just good gear and patience – it demands a deep understanding of black bear behavior, particularly their feeding patterns. In this illuminating conversation with bear hunting e...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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43:44
Bear Hunting with Special Guest Heather Aldrich
The North American black bear remains one of our continent's most fascinating and misunderstood predators. In this revealing conversation with expert bear hunter Heather Aldrich, we explore the complex world of bear hunting, conservation ethics...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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47:53
Beyond Your Backyard: DIY Out-of-State Hunting
The adventure of hunting new terrain in unfamiliar states offers a special kind of challenge and reward that many hunters find irresistible. In this episode, Aaron and Dave break down the essential components of planning a successful DIY out-of...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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42:30
The Blacktail Hunting Names to Know
The legends of blacktail hunting have left an indelible mark on how we pursue these elusive deer, yet many hunters remain unfamiliar with the masters who developed the techniques we use today. From deep in the high Cascades to the dense coastal...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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39:24
The Invisible Factors That Make or Break Deer Habitat
Discovering why seemingly perfect deer habitat sometimes holds no deer is the mystery every serious blacktail hunter eventually confronts. This episode dives deep into the subtle factors that make or break prime buck territory beyond the obviou...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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39:23
Data-Driven Deer Hunting
Unlock the secret advantage that consistently successful hunters rarely talk about – the strategic use of data. Aaron and Dave pull back the curtain on how scientific information, personal observations, and community knowledge can transform you...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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40:57
Eye Guards and Inches: The Math Behind Monster Blacktails
Trophy hunting takes on new meaning when you understand the distinct difference between your personal definition of a trophy and what actually qualifies for record books. This fascinating exploration of blacktail deer hunting breaks down how hu...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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35:35
Becoming a Better Hunter: The Growth Mindset in Hunting
Have you ever wondered what separates consistently successful hunters from those who struggle to fill tags year after year? In this illuminating episode, Aaron and Dave dive into the mindset and systematic approach needed to grow as a hunter th...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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39:49
The Blacktail Coach Year in Review
The whitetail deer gets all the glory across most of America, but here in the Pacific Northwest, we're blessed with the chance to pursue a truly special animal - the blacktail deer. Limited to just three states and dwelling in some of the most ...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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36:30
Into the Dark: Overcoming Fear and Physical Limits in the Woods
Every hunter faces unseen adversaries more challenging than elusive game—our own mental and physical limitations. What keeps many would-be hunters from success isn't lack of skill but fear of the dark, anxiety about wildlife encounters, or the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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43:15
Eyes, Ears, and Nose: Mastering Undetected Entry to Your Hunting Set
Defeating a trophy blacktail's senses requires extraordinary dedication and methodical preparation. In this deep-dive conversation, Aaron and Dave explore the critical components of entering a hunting set without alerting deer through their inc...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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40:07
Washington's Ban on Deer Baiting Forces Hunters to Adapt Their Strategy
Washington's new regulations banning deer baiting and restricting scent attractants have dropped like a bombshell on the blacktail hunting community. As hunters scramble to understand what's legal and what isn't, we break down the official lang...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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45:07