ElkShape

Dan Staton built ElkShape around a simple idea that most hunting podcasts ignore: you cannot outrun a bad fitness plan in the backcountry. Now in its ninth year with 464 episodes, the show sits at the intersection of elk hunting and physical preparation in a way nobody else really does. Staton is a high school teacher from Washington state who got serious about bowhunting elk and realized his body was the limiting factor. That origin story shapes everything about the podcast. The fitness content is genuinely useful, not the generic "get in shape for hunting season" advice you hear elsewhere. Staton talks specific training protocols — rucking programs, leg strength progressions, cardio benchmarks you should hit before a September pack-in. But the show is not a fitness podcast that happens to mention hunting. There is extensive archery content covering bow tuning, broadhead selection, arrow spine calculations, and shooting form. He also brings on experienced elk hunters to break down specific hunts, unit strategies, and calling approaches. Staton is upfront about his faith and family life, which weaves through episodes naturally rather than feeling forced. The weekly format keeps content fresh, and his 4.8 rating from over 600 reviews reflects a dedicated audience that keeps showing up. If your September elk hunts have been limited by your legs giving out on day three or your shooting falling apart at full draw after a steep climb, this is the podcast that will actually fix those problems.