Ep 47 California Marine "Hunting & Angling" - proposed closures, need for hunting community to rally!
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
1M ago
Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity.  Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to b ..read more
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Ep 46 Calif. Coastal "hunting" threatened - AllWaters.org needs support
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
1M ago
Nearly 150 MILLION Americans live within 2 hours of an ocean... so the concept of "hunting the coastal waters" is something that we all need to be aware of and support. Just like hunting, angling opportunity is part of the basic human experience, and as a community we need to be concerned about habitat quality, access and opportunity.  Nearly 1200 pages of petitions have recently been submitted to the Calif. F&G Commission, most of them attempting to severely limit your opportunity to "hunt coastal waters" in California. Just like protecting the mtn lion hunt in Colorado, we need to b ..read more
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Ep 44: Where do our TAG $$$ go??? Plus - deer & bear mgmt. plans on the horizon.
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
3M ago
"The steal our tag funds and squander them away on BS that does nothing for wildlife!!!!"  This is THE rant we hear too often... but is it true?  Listen in on this episode where Mike talks with the #1 expert on big game hunting regulatory process and topics in Calif. He's a hunter and has been working as a lobbyist to represent hunters and conservation groups in Calif. for many years. Listen in and tell me what you think.  ALSO: coming up in 2024 and 2025... expect new bear and deer mgmt plans. These are going to be EPIC projects that will certainly spur some big debate, but sho ..read more
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Ep 43: ”Headwaters Retreat” X-Zone habitat project...for muleys and more?
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
4M ago
Habitat matters.  Nothing else matters about wildlife populations and management if the underlying habitat isn't robust and healthy.  On the bet that enhancing and restoring the forest and riparian areas of a chunk of burned land can add value and improve things for mule deer and other critters, I just bought myself a habitat project!  Listen in and follow along... as this multi-year project is just getting started!  "Plumas Headwaters Retreat" on IG HOWL for Wildlife online  Camp Leland - Tiny Cabin for Big Adventures @ 6300'  2 Dog Lodge - Camp Connell @ 5000'&n ..read more
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Ep 42: Don’t call them animal rights activists. Winning the non-hunter mind. Consumptive or not, we love critters.
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
4M ago
The attacks from a global anti-hunting (anti-human) industry are ever present. They have incrementally shifted minds and hearts by defining words while our community was not looking. Now we must enter the arena, fight to share our stories, values and the success of hunting as a sustainable tool for wildlife success and conservation.  In this episode:  - Winning the minds of non-hunters - Don't call them animal rights activists  - Consumptive and non-consumptive users have the same goals.  How to engage and participate as a hunter-advocate - go to HOWL for Wildlife Looking f ..read more
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Ep 41: Vantage Point Archery, talking advocacy, single bevels + a new handgun accessory
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
4M ago
The team over at Vantage Point Archery reached out to talk shop and we went down all the rabbit holes. Listen along as we discuss the importance of advocacy, HOWL for Wildlife, archery and of course their lineup of premium American made broadheads.  Are you a hand-gunner? You'll want to learn about the new compensator from Vantage Point Armory!!  Click through, comment, follow and engage!  Vantage Point Archery - IG Vantage Point Archery - online HOWL for Wildlife - your fast & effective hunter advocacy portal  Camp Leland - D6 Zone Adventure Cabin 2 Dog Lodge - Camp Co ..read more
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Ep 40: California mule deer hunt / last week + alpine zone + winter weather = mental grind.
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
6M ago
Calif. end of season mule deer hunting... chasing the buck after a cold and snowy fall storm, hoping to catch them on the way towards their migration routes. I talk about some of my winter gear setup, the mental break that I had and subsequent "quit" on the hunt. Some thoughts about staying in the game instead of giving myself an "out" from the grind of wind, snow and cold.  Let me know your thoughts @ Instagram "HuntingAintEasy"  #muledeer #californiahunting #backcountryhunting #nationalforest #deerhunting #muledeercountry #muledeerhunting #publiclandhunting  *** Camp Leland ..read more
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Ep 39 2023 Calif. Mule Deer Hunt Part 2
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
6M ago
Apologies for the scratchy sound!!  In Part 2 I talk through hunt days 4 through 7, with a lot of focus on a doe that I watched for nearly 9 hours and then the 7+ hour spot and stalk on a mature buck high up in an alpine basin. Everything came together in textbook style.  This hunt validated so many lessons from master muley hunters, it was incredible to experience and replay - and this hunt will form the basis for many future adventures I have new levels of confidence in the skills and tactics that helped it yield success.  Please visit the sponsors below :)  ** Camp Lelan ..read more
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Ep 38 2023 California Mule Deer Hunt - Part 1
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
6M ago
We're back!!!  2022 and 2023 have been tough on the podcasting schedule, but this hunt is a perfect reboot for the podcast and will lead into several hunting stories, and advocacy topics that hunters here in CA need to stay engaged on.  In this episode I share a little background about my new "Sponsors"... (HA!)  "2 Dog Lodge" and "Camp Leland".  As always I also encourage you to click over to HOWL for Wildlife - and take action!  ** Camp Leland – Tiny Cabin for Big Adventure, surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest at 6300’ elevation this cabin in the woods is your p ..read more
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Ep 36 (part 2) What Irks Mike, with Charles from Howl For Wildlife
Hunting Ain't Easy
by Mike Costello
1y ago
There are some things that really piss me off. This Part 2 of 2...  Charles (Howl For Wildlife) is often on the receiving end of my texts, calls or emails where I'm just a bit triggered by what I consider BS in and around the hunting community. Whether it is legacy NGOs who don't pull their weight, or anti-hunting orgs who corrupt data and manipulate the hunting community.. or actual "hunters" who think hiding our adventure and success is the way to protecting what we love.  Agree or disagree, let me know.   Want to get involved and support a media campaign that nurtures su ..read more
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