ElkNut Pro-Staff

Hot Shot

Montana

Kyle Tanner

My name is Kyle Tanner, aka K.C. Tanner. I grew up in central Illinois on a cattle farm where I learned to fish, trap, and hunt at a young age from my grandpa and dad. The bowhunting bug bit me my freshman year of high school and I quickly became addicted to stalking and still hunting whitetails. In 1999 I moved to southwest Montana and immediately became addicted to bowhunting elk! Five seasons later, in 2004, I purchased Elknut videos, now I understand elk!

Justin Doucet

My name is Justin Doucet and I’m 23 years old. I moved to Missoula, Montana in 2006 to attend college, ever since my mind has been consumed of elk. It seems like I study about elk more than my textbooks. I started bowhunting 6 years ago as the challenge has always intrigued me. I prefer to hunt with my bow but will hunt with a rifle if the opportunity arises. I live for the challenge and memories each hunt brings and can hardly wait to get out in the wood for the next adventure.

Idaho

Chris Burger

Hello, my name is Chris. I live in southeast Idaho with my loving wife who doubles as my best hunting partner. I have chased elk in just about every type of habitat the great state of Idaho has to offer over the last 23 years (16 of them as an actual hunter), and loved every single minute of it! While I am now primarily an archery hunter, I do enjoy jumping in with my family when they get together to go rifle or muzzleloader hunting. I owe my passion for hunting and the outdoors to my father, and as I have grown I have found great joy in teaching others the thrill that is chasing and calling elk. When I am not scouting for elk and big mule deer, I can be found flinging flies on any of the blue ribbon trout water around my home and helping on the family ranch.

John Mace

John Mace has lived in the Panhandle of Idaho his entire life. He was exposed to the outdoors at a very young age by his parents. Since then(well over 30yrs ago), John has been fortunate enough to have taken many animals from bear,whitetail deer, mule deer and elk. His focus over the past 20 years has been hunting elk. John's main objective today is to help educate people on elk hunting so others can enjoy success at a quicker rate. Learning where elk live and what sounds they make and mean are the keys to success. John also serves on the Board for the Selkirk Crest Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Of course none of this would be possible without the continued support and encouragement from his family.

Joey Logue

Hello all of you hardcore ElkNuts! My name is Joey Logue, I am 30 years old, live in Northern Idaho with my wife and four children, and have been big game hunting for 15 years. I began elk hunting at 15 years old with archery equipment and loved the excitement any elk at close range provided, and I still do to this day. Backpacking into the backcountry is my preferred method to get in on animals, and gives me the space I need each fall. No matter the weapon which one chooses to chase elk, I believe we should all strive to perfect our skills and enjoy every aspect of the hunt. Calling, training, studying elk behavior, and shooting is something I look forward to everyday. Not only that but I try to set an example for my children to be ethical, and preserve our wildlife resources so we can all pass down the hunting tradition.

Ben Newsome

Ben is 28 years old and lives in Southeast Idaho with his wife and two sons. He has been a dedicated elk hunter since 2006. Although he enjoys many different outdoor activities, bowhunting for elk is his number one passion. Ben likes to spend much of his free time shooting his bow, researching and scouting hunting areas and reading anything elk related that he can find. He is constantly searching for new techniques and stategies to help make him a more successful hunter.Ben is very excited to share his knowledge with others so that they too can enjoy the addiction of elk hunting

Oregon

David Rydman

My name is David, and I live in Western Oregon. I am a 3rd generation Oregon Hunter, and have been hunting in Oregon since I was 8. I have always hunted the Blue Mountain region of Oregon and particularly enjoy wilderness hunts. I am married to a wonderful wife of 10 years, and have 3 children; two daughters and a son. I came across Elknut’s material as a result of my pursuit of elk knowledge and passion for elk hunting. I am thankful to Paul and the team for their passion to share their knowledge with anyone with a desire to better themselves as a hunter. One of my great dreams is to be able to pass on good successful elk hunting techniques to my son. I can’t wait for our first hunt together. Good Hunting!!!

Tim Adair

I'm a Oregon native ..I have been been been a bow hunter since the age of 6 , although as much as I wanted to hunt and sometimes begged ,the long wait until 12 was definitely a right of a passage for say . Lucky enough to have a father to take me and get me into what is truly my passion in life . I have hunted all over the state for lasts 25 years .All the while using a bow for my pursuits ..A bow hunter through and through To say! I Have been recently putting alot of time into the central cascade region for my elk and deer hunting .I have a wife of 10 years... A beautiful daughter and a rambunctious son . My family and I definitely live a a active life style . We shoot a lot of 3d shoots and camp as much as we can together, as well as hike a local mountain out of town during the late spring and summer months! I have been really taking the pre and post season fitness end of my hunting very seriously the last recent years . Running and lifting all year. Competing in trail and distance runs and this year adventure runs I have been blessed to live in the town I do Running is a big deal hear so it always easy to find a good run.. This truly a great privilege to me . I have been preaching a elknut's products for years to my family and friends and have had great success using his methods and tactics ... Good hunting!!

Wyoming

Trent Williams

Like most other "elknuts" I've been hunting big game as long as I can remember. My dad took me on my first hunt for deer when I was less then a year old, or so I've been told. It might have been the first and last time my mom joined us on a hunt. I also have a picture of me at 2 years old holding up the head of a deer my father just killed, so the desire to be in the outdoors was instilled in me at early age. At 12 years old I was able to pick up a rifle and hunt for myself instead of stumbling around in my dad's footsteps. I hunted big game strictly with a rifle (as that's what my father has always done) until a family friend showed me just how fun shooting and hunting with a bow can be! Since getting that bow I have made hunting in September my number 1 priority. I just can't get enough of those bugling bulls! With that said, If I don't get it done with the sharp stick I'll gladly pick up the rifle, just as long as I'm in the elk woods I'm happy. At the ripe old age of 20 all of my hunting has been done in Wyoming, and for virtually every species that runs or flies. Plans are currently being made to hunt other states and hopefully this is the year it happens, as hunting more then one elk a year just sounds too good to be true! Currently when my elk season is over I help my friends and family fill their tags and even help pack out a quarter or two!

Brad Jones

I'm Brad Jones from Newcastle, Wy. 37 year old admitted elk addict here, September can't get here quick enough! I've been hunting elk for 22 years now, as well as a host of other big game over a good part of North America. However, for all of the places I've been, none of em compare to September in the high country with my closest friends and family. Been pretty much exclusively a bowhunter (mostly with a compound) for a number of years now, but my main passion now is traditional archery. There is nowhere I'd rather be than hiking the high country in the early fall, bow in hand, chasing the majestic wapiti. Is it Septerber yet?

Washington

Ty Reed

My name is Ty Reed, I'm 42 and live in Pasco, WA. I grew up hunting the Washington coast chasing Roosevelt Elk with my Dad. That is where my elk obsession began. My Dad instilled the never give up attitude. I've been chasing elk, deer, and bear for a little over 20 yrs. Being in the backcountry watching elk and other animals in the mountains, enjoying the scenery, spending time with family and friends in the outdoors, and passing on my knowledge, is what its about. Backpack bowhunting the high country for elk, deer, and bear is what I enjoy most. When the Elk season ends I'm already planning for the next years hunt. I am ADDICTED to Elk Hunting.

Dustin Howard

Dustine Howard

My name is Dustin Howard, I am 20 years old and from Friday Harbor, Washington. I have been bow hunting big game for since I was 11…I Started elk calling 5 years ago and I fell in love. With Elk calling I am a perfectionist! I practice and practice till I can make the perfect call at the right time. I couldn’t imagine elk hunting without calling. Makes it soo much easier. My goal is to help people learn how to elk call and share with them my elk hunting experience so they can have the same experience as me in the woods. I call every year in the World Elk Calling Championships and I love it. It tunes me up for the hunting season. I am the Co-Owner of Next Level Outdoors.

Arizona

Richard Kauffman

Ty Reed

My name is Richard Kauffman, I am 39 years old and live in Show Low, Az. I am a husband and a proud father of 2 wonderful kids. My daughter is 16 and my son is 14. We are a hunting family and their is nothing we enjoy more than spending quality time in the woods together. Taking kids hunting is very important to me. I live right in the heart of Arizona's big bull country. I have been hunting for over 30 years. I have taken most all of my big game in Az, from Coues deer, Javelina, Turkey, Mule Deer, Antelope, Predators and of course Elk. Although I love glassing for Coues deer in Arizona, chasing bugling bulls with a bow is my first passion. From August through the end of the year I can be found out in the woods scouting, learning and trying to pattern these awesome animals. If not out trying to fill my own tag its the joy of helping others be succesfull on their elk hunts!

Colorado
Andy Dworak	My name is Andy Dworak. I am 36 years old and run a landscaping company started by my dad, “Big Ron” over 30 years ago. I have been chasing critters with my dad and brother, Matt for longer than I remember (only because I’ve seen photos in the baby album!). I haven’t started my own family yet but I love hanging out with my nephews (especially since I can give them back when it’s time!). The only reason I work is so I can hunt another season. Bowhunting elk has become my passion ever since I shot my first cow when I was 19. I now realize I was very lucky since it took 10 more years for my next shot opportunity. Then five years ago my brother and I discovered Elknut and with his teachings we've dramatically changed our success in the field, now consistently filling tags instead of going home empty handed. One of coolest lessons I remember about making sure you do everything you do to find an animal after taking a shot was when Dad climbed a 50’ spruce tree to pull a wounded squirrel out of a nest after a bad shot with a .22. Every year is a learning experience and I can wait for the next schooling.
Matt Dworak	My name is Matt Dworak, I’m 37 years old and if there’s one thing I’m truly passionate about in life it’s chasing elk with a bow and arrow! I remember my brother and myself tagging along on elk hunts with our dad when we were barely tall enough to see over the brush. Now I’ve got two little guys (3 & 5) of my own and can’t wait to drag them along with me into the elk woods. I started hunting elk with a rifle at age 14 but told myself as soon as I got one with a gun I’d give a bow a try. That first archery hunt took place over 20 years ago, and with some close-range encounters I’ve been hooked ever since. Our favorite type of hunting is bivy style, we just love going until we find the elk, then doing what it takes to fill our tags. We’re very fortunate that our dad still straps on a pack and keeps up, although he does seem to complain more these days! I’ve been involved in the local archery community for many years, serving as Vice President and Youth Archery coordinator for the Fort Collins Archery Association since 2006, life member of the Colorado Bowhunters Association and maintain a blog Dirty’s Dealings where I keep an eclectic mix of our hunting stories and family adventures.
Dave Shaklee	I'm Dave Shaklee & have lived in Colorado since 1963. 57 years young & married to the love of my life Twila for 38 years. Together, we have raised 3 terrific children who have married & started families of their own. In the last 18 months , they have blessed us with 2 little future hunting buddies & we have another on deck due to arrive in August of 2012. My Father & Mother instilled in me the love of the outdoors, hunting & fishing at a very early age & I'm forever grateful they took the time. The memmories we shared will last a lifetime.For the last 25 years I've hunted big game exclusively with the stick & the string & some wheels tied in there. Archery is my passion, but have had some terrific times rifle hunting & muzzleloading. There just is'nt any place I'd rather be in the month of September than the high country. All camoed up with an arrow on the string. That coupled with a screaming, slobbering bull barreling in is what I live for 365 days a year. I also enjoy hunting BIG mulie bucks & calling coyotes here in eastern Colorado through the winter months. To me,introducing a "newbie" to hunting is greatly rewarding & downright entertaining at times. There's something special about setting a guy up to have a rut crazed bull or a hungry coyote come in close. Sometimes they make noises like my week old Grandson. I think we all need to step up & do our part in getting young people involved at an early age. They are the future & we need to pass that heritage down to them. For me,a successful season does'nt require the harvest of an animal. Those crisp, clear mornings... the golden quakies...a distant bugle at sunset....the stories around the camp fire. Thats all I really need..Well, that & a hot cup of coffee in the morning. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Elknut field staff for Elknut Outdoors & looking forward to the opportunity to share what the last 45 years of hunting has taught me. Shoot straight & have a great hunt!
Bill Kuehl	I've been an archery nut ever since I got my first pocket knife at the age of 5. The first thing I did with that knife was to go out and cut a good willow stick and tie a piece of carpenter's chalk line on it for a string. Archery has always been my passion and hunting elk is my life. I am a long time member of the Colorado Bowhunters Assn. and have served as their northwest area rep. in the past. I have also been an elk hunting guide. I enjoy helping others out and showing them how to do elk talk and try to explain what each particular sound means. Also, I have entered several elk calling contest. Once qualifying for the world competetion. But going to Vegas or Reno to compete was more than my pocketbook could stand. LOL! I have a wonderful wife of 39 years and she tolorates my elk adiction. And she is a pretty good butcher as well. I imphasise the pretty part! I feel honored that Elknut would have me on his field staff. I consider him to be a very close friend. To all of you who might read this short bio, I wish you the best of hunting luck. May many elk fall to your arrows.

Iowa

New Mexico

Matt Sweeney

My name is Matt Sweeney. I am an Iowa native living in the central part of the state with my wife Casey, son TJ and daughter Emma. By profession, I am a project manager with the Iowa Soybean Association’s On-Farm Network® where I help farmers become more profitable. I grew up chasing whitetails and turkeys and in recent years developed a passion for chasing and calling elk in the mountains. I especially love the sport of archery, and would eventually like to start filming animals up close during my hunts. I love the outdoors and especially enjoy sharing it with my son and others. I look forward to helping others learn and experience the sports of archery and elk calling/hunting.

Chewy Swatzell

My name is Jesus "Chewy" Swatzell and I'm 27. I am happily married with four children, Ryley 15, Jesse 11 Brayden 4 and daughter Caylie 11. I work as a lab chemist at an oil refinery. I have been hunting since the age of ten. All my hunting as been in the state of New Mexico chasing deer, elk, turkey and all predators. I was hooked since day one, but as my passion grew I became more hardcore! Living and breathing hunting...Hunting elk is my passion!! It's my life right next to my family. I enjoy hunting with all weapons, but hunting with my bow is my first choice.

Wisconsin

Mike Welling

Mike Welling was born in 1960 and lives in northwestern Wisconsin. He has been shooting archery since age 8 and has been hunting with bow and firearm since age 12. In 1998 he discovered elk hunting and shot his first bull on a D.I.Y. backpack hunt in Colorado. Although Mike thoroughly enjoys hunting whitetails in and around his home state, elk hunting has developed into a passion for him and he loves the challenge of exploring and hunting new country in various western states. To date, all of his elk hunts have been archery hunts. A Land Surveyor by profession and a private pilot, Mike believes that his elk hunting success can be attributed partially to his knowledge and understanding of maps and navigation. Mike is also the proud owner of signed copy No. 1 of Elknut’s Playbook, having helped plant the seed with Paul for creation of the Playbook.

Les Welch

Hi all, my name is Les Welch. I am 36 years old, and hail from Central Wisconsin. I have been married to my wife Maggie for 13 years; we have an 8-year-old son, Hunter and a 6-year-old daughter, Alyson. We prefer archery hunting, but also gun and muzzleloader hunt as well. As a family we hunt, fish, shoot, and camp. I’ve been shooting and hunting for over 30 years. I harvested both my first archery deer and rifle deer at the age of 13, and have not looked back since. I’ve traveled to 13 states and provinces to hunt a variety of game. My yearly two-week travels West in search of elk is my most anticipated time of year, yes I am obsessed! Over the years I have received help from a lot of different people. That combined with my determination, physical conditioning and mental attitude has attributed to my overall successes on many public land DIY hunts. When I’m not hunting I am also involved with the RMEF as a Chapter Co-Chair, WI certified hunting and trapping education instructor, and Personal trainer and Fitness Nutrition coach. Remember Pass It On!

Arkansas

Robbie Crocker

My name is Robbie Crocker. I am a 48 year old Arkansas native and proud father of 2 wonderful children. I have a very supportive wife of 25 years who greatly understands my elk hunting addiction. I enjoy the sports of archery and distance running as I was a former All American in college in middle distance running. I grew up in a hunting family and I now hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, or bow with the bow being my preference. Being from Arkansas, I am an avid whitetail deer hunter and turkey hunter. This passifies me til I am able to journey to my cabin in the San Luis valley north of Alamosa, Colorado and pursue my favorite activity, bowhunting elk. I made my first trip to Colorado in 1988 and harvested my first elk in 1989 which was a cow with a muzzleloader. I have been addicted every since to the mystique of elk and elk country. I guess you could say I have been an elknut for over 20 years. There is nothing that compares to the bugle of elk in the Rockies. It is a never ending learning experience to this Arkansas hunter. Elk hunting: Experience it!! And above all, pass it on, the next generation is the future.