Spring bear seasons are RIGHT around the corner as I’m writing this! I’m so stoked for another year of spring bear hunting. In light of that, each and every year at this time, I start getting a ton of messages about bear hunting. So, in order to provide a bit of help, I made a video dedicated to the topic. Down below I dive into some of the most key things you need to know in order to be successful spring bear hunting. If you’re new to bear hunting, this is going to be extremely helpful to you!
Earlier in 2025, I did a video going over my 2025 Arrow Setup. Now that 2025 is nearing its close, I wanted to touch base on how everything worked. In short, things worked out fantastically, but I will be making ONE minor change. Here, I want to tell you why and why this will also be my arrow setup going into 2026.
First and foremost, Merry Christmas! It’s December 23rd as I sit here and write this. My house is decorated, there are presents under the tree, and my 5 year old daughter is doing everything she can to stay on the nice list, haha. Aside from that, I wanted to share my latest hunting film with you. It’s about hunting bull elk in Arizona with a bow and I think you’ll really enjoy it!
To skimp on hunting boots is to skimp on your hunt. I’ve had quite a few instances where doing so bit me in the rear end and even ended my hunt altogether. Since those days of old, when I was young and knew everything, I’ve changed my ways for the better. Boots are now one of the highest priorities, in terms of gear, for my hunting trips. As of late, I’ve been putting some of my trust into the Crispi Lapponia III. My trust is growing with each outing.
2025 came with no shortage of gear testing. From the mountains to the desert, I got the opportunity to put equipment through the paces. Throughout that time, there were some standouts that I find myself continuously reaching for. This is what I want to share with you today!
These are in no particular order. Some of them are new for 2025, and some of them honestly just even more solidified their place within my system.
Another year has just about come and gone, but I wanted to drop a note here about gratitude, before the end of the year.
Right off the rip, I want to express my gratitude for my family and my health. My family has always shown me an uncanny level of support no matter what endeavor I take on. It’s important to slow down and realize these things. Life is fast. In all of that chaos, seeing what’s truly important, I will admit, can be difficult at times. As for health, the older I get the more value I seem to put on health. When I was younger it wasn’t a thing in my mind. Now? I think about it everyday and am beyond grateful to have the physical and mental ability to do the things I love. This is a constant chase for me now.
Speaking of chase, we often, myself included, tend to focus on chasing to better our current situation. Maybe it’s buying a new house or striving for a new job? Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for progress. However, there are times when we focus so much on said progress in the future, that we fail to appreciate the current. You’re likely much luckier than you think and there are probably quite a few folks who would love to be in your shoes. So, don’t lose sight of growth, but never forget where your roots are planted right now.
I spent a load of time in the mountains this year. From January and clear through most of November I got to chase my dreams. A huge reason I get to do this is because of YOU. Your support through the years has grown Dialed in Hunter into something I only imagined when I started this thing. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. It means the world to me that you all take the time to read my writing and watch my videos.
Eyes are on 2026. Here’s to a prosperous year, and fruitful hunting season!
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Filming a hunting adventure is not just about pointing the camera at a subject and hitting record. Well, it isn’t if you’re going for that more “film feel” rather than a video. In order to tap into the more artistic side of things, you’re going to want to know how to compose an image. This involves utilizing your eye, gear, and environment to create compelling footage that folks are drawn to look at.
In the video below, I run through a few tricks and rules in regards to image composition. I use these often in the field and don’t think they are too hard to digest for someone new behind a camera.
There are more and more people each year who are trying to film their hunts and preserve memories from the field. I think it’s awesome. With that said, I also know there are more than a few folks who have always thought about filming their hunts, and even wanted to film, but have never pulled the trigger. If that’s you, or you are just starting out with a camera, keep reading.
Usually, it’s just so overwhelming, right? That’s really the thing that holds people back. From all of the camera gear to all of the extra work it takes to film their hunt. It’s just too much and easier to purely focus on hunting. I get it. I was like that. Nowadays, though, most of my hunts are filmed, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
With all of that said, I wanted to put together a sort of beginner’s guide for those interested in filming their hunts. A high-level jumping off point, if you would. And so I don’t write what would likely be similar to a novel in length, here’s an easy-to-digest video going over this!
I know, I know. There is a lot to dive into here after watching this. So, you can plan on more videos coming down the pipeline on the specifics. Remember, this is a marathon, not a race. Enjoy the process and learn every step of the way.
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If there is one thing true about bowhunting, it’s that there’s no shortage of difficulty, and the learning curve is about as sharp as they get. In my first years of bowhunting, I encountered obstacle after obstacle, and there were many times when I thought, “What the heck am I doing out here?” If that’s you, keep reading for some real-world bowhunting tips that will help your game as a beginner.
Guys! I’m back from bear hunting, for the most part at least. I might get out for one more evening and morning, but that’s all she wrote for spring. My spring has been absolutely epic and I hope you’ve been out there enjoying yours as well. I had 2 backcountry bear hunting trips and a super fun turkey hunt with my daughter that I’ll never forget.
In the spirit of spring, I wanted to let you all know about a new film I just recently released. It documents one of my backcountry spring bear hunts from this year and I absolutely love how it turned out. The film is called Heart and it not only tells the story of my hunt, but gives you a glimpse into the balancing act between love and passion. Check it out below and I really hope you enjoy it.
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