The off-season isn’t downtime—it’s prep time. While you're lifting, shooting, or planning your next trip, filling your head with expert insight can be just as important as physical training. The best hunters don’t stop learning when the season ends. They stay sharp—mentally, physically, and tactically. Here’s a list of the best hunting podcasts and books to keep your mindset dialed, your skills sharp, and your motivation high—even when you're not in the field.
Top Hunting Podcasts
1. The Hunting Public
Follow a crew of DIY hunters as they chase game across public lands with transparency, grit, and tactics that translate to real-world success. They break down strategy in a relatable, boots-on-the-ground way that resonates with hunters of all skill levels.
Best Episodes:
- “How We Hunt Public Bucks”
- “Scouting Sessions in New Territory”
2. East Meets West Hunt
Geared toward the backcountry hunter, this podcast blends fitness, scouting, gear, and strategy with top-tier guests and in-depth conversations. Host Beau Martonik bridges the gap between the gym and the mountains with hard-earned insights.
Great For:
- Hunters looking to improve physical prep for high-elevation hunts
- Deep gear dives and scouting tips
3. Wired To Hunt – MeatEater Network
A go-to for whitetail hunters, Mark Kenyon dives deep into tactics, conservation, and the philosophies behind the hunt. It’s not just about success—it’s about understanding the why behind your pursuit.
What Makes It Different:
- Strong storytelling
- Emphasis on conservation ethics and land management
4. Gritty Podcast
From elk hunts to gear reviews to hard-hitting guest interviews, this one’s built for the mountain hunter who trains as hard as they scout. Brian Call’s direct, no-BS style makes it an engaging listen.
Suggested Episodes:
- “Archery Elk Prep with Ryan Lampers”
- “Hunting With Kids & Teaching the Next Generation”
Other Notables:
- Bear Grease Podcast (Clay Newcomb, MeatEater): Storytelling meets tradition.
- KIFARUCAST: Technical gear + real-world experience from Aron Snyder.
Top Books for Hunters and Outdoorsmen
1. "The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook" – Steven Rinella
A practical (and delicious) guide for anyone looking to cook what they kill with intention and skill. This book turns wild game into meals that respect the hunt.
Best For:
- New wild game cooks
- Hunters wanting to expand their backstrap repertoire
2. "Becoming a Backpack Hunter" – Josh Kirchner
An essential read for any hunter new to backcountry adventures, focused on gear, mindset, and solo prep. Kirchner’s approach is beginner-friendly but still offers nuggets for seasoned mountain hunters.
Takeaways Include:
- Choosing the right pack system
- Planning backcountry nutrition
- Managing discomfort in solo hunts
3. "That Wild Country" – Mark Kenyon
Part memoir, part conservation rally cry—this book will make you appreciate public land access like never before. It’s introspective, eye-opening, and perfectly paced for long off-season evenings.
Themes Covered:
- History of public lands
- The emotional value of wild places
4. "Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails" – John Eberhart
Old-school grit meets advanced tactics. Eberhart’s aggressive strategies are perfect for those hunting heavily pressured woods where mature bucks are rare and elusive.
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Pre-season scouting with minimal intrusion
- Stand placement for daytime buck movement
More Books Worth Grabbing:
- “Meditations on Hunting” – José Ortega y Gasset: A philosophical take on what it means to hunt.
- “Blood and Thunder” – Hampton Sides: For lovers of western history, rugged characters, and the raw frontier.
Tips to Maximize Your Off-Season Learning
1. Pair Podcasts With Workouts:
Listen during long rucks, gym sessions, or while doing cardio. Learning while moving keeps your brain sharp and builds the discipline loop.
2. Make Notes for Later:
Jot down gear tips, quotes, or ideas from podcasts and books. Build a field-ready strategy doc or hunting journal from your takeaways.
3. Share What You Learn:
Talk through new insights with buddies, family, or your hunting partners. Teaching is the best way to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Training your body is one thing. Training your mind is another. These books and podcasts aren’t just background noise—they’re tools to sharpen your edge, deepen your understanding, and keep your fire lit year-round. When the next season comes, you’ll show up better—stronger, smarter, and more intentional in the field.
Train with your ears and eyes, but don’t slack on the gear. Explore our Performance Shorts and Oryx Water Bottles while you listen and learn.
