LHC-Approved Learning Resources

By: Lee Harrison and Austin Bell

Welcome to our guide dedicated to empowering hunters with reliable learning resources. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the field, enhancing your skills is key. In this series, we'll navigate the vast landscape of hunting education, highlighting vetted resources endorsed by the Leaf Hat Company crew. From online courses to mentorship programs, we'll equip you with the knowledge needed for successful hunts.

Let’s break things into categories so you can jump straight to the resource type you like the most. In this blog we’ll be looking at resources on Youtube, Podcasts, Online Courses, Books, and In-Person Events.

Youtube:

Chris Bee: In Chris’ deep library of videos a newbie archer could become a competent bowhunter in just a year or so if they learn and implement from his content.

Elk Shape: In these videos the host, Dan Staton, teaches you how to get your body and bow ready to punch tags on elk and deer year in, year out.

Cliff Gray: Cliff is our favorite source for all things elk. From behavior, habitat, and hunting techniques Cliff has a wealth of knowledge around the King Of The Rockies. Cliff even has a dozen or so amazing videos for those looking to dial in your rifle hunting proficiency.

Podcasts:

Big Hunt Guys: The team over at goHUNT produce an amazing podcast to help folks learn about all aspects of hunting, but their info on applying for tags across the country is unrivaled. 

Eastman’s Elevated: Eastman’s publishing’s podcast, hosted by Brian Barney, is an excellent podcast for hunters wanting to learn about all aspects of hunting a myriad of species around the globe.

Hunt Backcountry: A podcast produced by pack manufacturer Exo Mtn Gear, the Hunt Backcountry Podcast has tons of information for western hunting newbies and veterans alike.

E-Courses:

Treeline Academy: Mark Livesay puts on an e-scouting master class that will allow you to find hunting areas without leaving your couch. We put his info into use each year and can say first-hand this course is a must-take if you are having trouble finding animals. You know the old saying, “Fail to plan and plan to fail.” Mark will take the guesswork out of preparing for a western big game hunt and if you’re willing to do the work, you’ll head into your hunting areas with full confidence that you have enough plans made that eventually on your trip, you’ll find your target animal and earn an opportunity to take your shot. 

Shot IQ: Joel Turner is the authority on how to shoot better. Not just bows, but any weapon you pick up. Joel will teach you how to beat target panic, use a process for consistent shooting, and manage stress when putting your sights on animals. Every successful hunt will come down to the moment when you get your shot opportunity and you need to capitilize in this moment, don’t leave this crucial step to chance and invest in your skillset of being a good shot by taking this course. 

Elk Hunt 201: Cody Rich puts on this advanced course for elk hunters. Skip the basics covered in other courses and dive into meaningful information that will actually move the needle on consistently notching tags. If you want to get no nonsense information on killing elk every year, you’ll want to sign up for his course. 

Events:

The Western Hunting Summit: We have personally attended Western Hunting Summits in the past and can say without a doubt if you are looking to level up your western hunting game this course is worth every penny. It does cost ~$1700, however, class sizes are small which allow attendees face-to-face time with the presenters for specific questions and information. Additionally, on site amenities are included so when you consider what is provided each day for the cost, it’s very reasonable and you’ll leave as an improved western hunter with access to an incredible community and network of other die hard hunters. 

Mountain Archery Fest: Becoming a better hunter is easier when you get more reps, however, getting reps shooting in realistic western scenarios is harder than it sounds. Mountain Archery Fest has event locations across the country and boasts 5 different 3D courses that put you in realistic and extra-challenging shooting scenarios. Attendance is limited which allows shooters to complete more courses in a weekend instead of standing in lines.

Western Hunt Expo: This expo is a great event to attend for folks looking to get discounts on gear, learn from their many breakout sessions, and even win world class hunts with affordable raffle tickets. It’s also a great event to just get more involved in the community and meet new hunting buddies.

Books:

Hunting Big Mule Deer: How To Take The Best Buck Of Your Life By Robby Denning: With his boots on the ground and his eyes scanning rocky ridgelines across the West for more than 30 years, Robby Denning has more in-the-field trophy mule deer hunting experience than most. Whether you're planning your first Western hunting adventure or you've already been bitten by the trophy mule deer bug, you will gain from this book an arsenal of proven tips and tactics, along with a renewed vigor to seek lonesome mountains in pursuit of the buck of a lifetime.

Bowhunting Modern Elk: Patrick Meitin: From tried and true strategies to a state-by-state breakdown of where the best bulls live, Patrick shares all of his hard earned secrets and techniques used to harvest today's elk with archery equipment.

Extreme Ownership: Jocko Willink: Less to do with hunting and just more to do with living a more intentional life, we have read this book more than once and have even taken aspects of Jocko’s ideologies and engrained them into our company ethos. If you want to be more intentional about your days and live better in and out of the field read this.