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The Western Rookie - Hunting Podcast

Sportsmen's Empire
Elk Hunting
Mule Deer
Hunting
Hunting Strategies
Western Hunting
Gohunt
Elk
Shed Hunting
Wyoming
Antelope Hunting
Antelope
Montana
Mule Deer Hunting
Hunting Season
Whitetail Deer
Hunting Applications
Public Lands
Application Strategies
Colorado
E-Scouting

The Western Rookie Hunting Podcast is dedicated to those who are interested in becoming better western hunters. Elk hunting, mule deer hunting, antelope hunting and other western big game species will all be up for discussion in this educational and entertaining podcast. The guys will also discuss the logistics of western hunting along with the gear that you will need in order to be successful.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes242Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessSportsTechnology

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Western Rookie

Latest Episodes

Discover the wild truth about chasing elk — not with perfect gear or endless time, but through overcoming mountain adversity and mental grit. If you're dreaming of your first Western hunt or feeling daunted by elevation, heavy packs, and steep hikes,... more

Unlock the secrets of successful western hunting with a service that could change your entire season. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by Colorado's vast public lands or wondered how to get insider intel without the endless scout trips, this episode i... more

Most Western hunters underestimate how critical simple logistics—like fuel, access, and gear—are to their success. Dan Johnson reveals the hard lessons he's learned from close calls with gas tanks, private roads, and hidden property boundaries—lesson... more

Join us for an insightful discussion with Wyoming wildlife expert Justin Binfett, who sheds light on how droughts, weather fluctuations, and policy influence wildlife populations and hunting regulations in Wyoming. Whether you’re a hunter, conservati... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Podcast Host
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Recent Guests

Josh Sears
Founder of Boots on the Ground, scouting services
Boots on the Ground
Episode: Remote Scouting
Justin Binfett
Deputy Chief of Wyoming Game and Fish wildlife division; experienced wildlife biologist
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Episode: Wyoming Wildlife Insights
Matt Pletzer
Founder of Tag Compass, hunter and entrepreneur
Tag Compass
Episode: Tag Compass: Hunt Planning & Logistics
Peter Hackett
Emergency physician focused on high-altitude illness and acclimatization
HighAltitudeDoctor.com
Episode: Hunting At High Elevations
Garrison Kinzel
Hunter and content creator based in Colorado, soon Texas
Guest on Hunting Gear Podcast
Episode: Bonus Episode: Cold Weather Gear
Jess Byers
Elk hunter and brain relations manager at Montana Knife Company
Montana Knife Company
Episode: Elk Hunting: A Wedding Gift
Garrison Kinsel
Hunter and guest on this episode; discussed Colorado elk and mule deer late-season hunting
Colorado-based hunter
Episode: Late Season Rifle In Colorado
Dustin DeCroo
Owner of Big Horn Outfitters
Big Horn Outfitters
Episode: How To Pick The Best Outfitter
Ben Guttormson
Experienced elk hunter and bow specialist
Episode: Learning How To Hunt Elk

Host

Dan Johnson
Host of The Western Rookie Podcast; frequent in-depth hunting discussions and gear insights.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 217 ratings
  • Love the new direction

    Great first guest, I just started listening to Jaden’s pod a month or so ago and have been back through most of his episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    T2023yeyhevsbdhrjirje
    United States10 months ago
  • Good content, poor audio

    I feel like your audio quality has dropped off significantly in the past few months, to where it’s hard to listen to a full episode. Even the guest calling in is significantly easier to hear.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    T2023yeyhevsbdhrjirje
    United Statesa year ago
  • BBD

    Bring back Dan, just a better listen overall.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    DiggsJr
    United States3 years ago
  • Keeping it real

    None of these reviews shown are for the Western Rookie, but instead for the original feed of The Backcountry Rookie with host Chad Ryker.

    Nothing bad to say about the new show and host, but it should stand in its own without riding the coattails of the previous show’s popularity.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    ElkBro Joe
    United States3 years ago
  • Fantastic

    Great show! I stumbled upon it because I was looking to create a podcast just like it. I’m AD military and a rookie in the backcountry and have been researching to go in my first elk hunt. If your ever looking to take another military member along with you guys let me know!

    Thanks for the great show

    -Max

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Havsysusnsbzbzbaj
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners note audio quality dips but content remains valuable.
Rugged, practical hunting wisdom with real-world gear notes.
Honest, authentic hosts who break down complex logistics.
Strong gear and field-prep focus, helpful for new hunters.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tag Compass: Hunt Planning & Logistics
Q: What sparked the idea for Tag Compass?
The combination of Newfoundland moose hunting, Alaska and New Zealand experiences highlighted the need for a holistic, transparent system that helps plan multi-hunt goals, manage logistics, and connect hunters with providers.
Hunting At High Elevations
Q: Is there a medication that can help you acclimate faster, and what are its caveats?
Diamox can speed up acclimatization by stimulating breathing, but it should be used under medical guidance and is not a guarantee against altitude sickness; it should not replace gradual ascent.
Hunting At High Elevations
Q: What are the red flags that would indicate you should descend or seek help?
Red flags include brain symptoms such as dizziness or confusion and inability to walk straight, and lung symptoms like severe shortness of breath at rest or progressing chest tightness; these require descent and medical evaluation.
How To Pick The Best Outfitter
Q: What happens if I injure myself and can't make it?
Injured clients may get their preference points and fees back, allowing for a potential rescheduling of the hunt.
How To Pick The Best Outfitter
Q: How does a guy like me set proper expectations?
An outfitter should provide a realistic deal about the average size of the game.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Western Rookie

What is The Western Rookie about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on western big-game hunting, with a practical, veteran-host approach to elk and mule deer adventures, gear reviews, logistics, and planning for Western hunts. Episodes blend field storytelling with actionable advice on budgeting, scouting, outfitting, altitude considerations, and multi-state planning, often weaving in sponsor gear and real-world workflows. A notable strength is the coaching-like delivery and emphasis on approachable, stay-in-the-field tactics that help rookies up their game while keeping seasoned listeners engaged with fresh terrain and state-specific insights.

A standout angle is the focus on building a community around practical hunting education—covering everything from late-season strategies and high-... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Western Rookie?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Western Rookie:

1. Big Hunt Guys
2. Rokcast
3. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
4. Eastmans' Elevated
5. Elk Hunt

How many episodes of The Western Rookie are there?

The Western Rookie launched 7 years ago and published 242 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Western Rookie?

Recent guests on The Western Rookie include:

1. Josh Sears
2. Justin Binfett
3. Matt Pletzer
4. Peter Hackett
5. Garrison Kinzel
6. Jess Byers
7. Garrison Kinsel
8. Dustin DeCroo

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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