Jason would redo the New Mexico archery elk hunt with Luke Combs because it had unfinished business. They had multiple opportunities but didn’t seal the deal, and they discovered promising areas towards the end of the hunt.
Jason’s favorite new gear included the Montana Knife Company’s Stub Horn knife, which held its edge longer and was easier to sharpen, and the Remington 700 muzzleloader with a Leupold Freedom RDS red dot sight, which extended his effective range.
Jason’s favorite hunts of 2024 were the Alaska Dall sheep hunt and the Idaho mountain lion hunt. Both were dream hunts, and he successfully harvested mature animals in challenging and beautiful terrains.
Jason used a system of stretchy Velcro straps to tightly secure his pants to his boots, combined with permethrin-treated gear. This method prevented ticks from crawling up his legs, resulting in a tick-free season.
The Idaho mountain lion hunt was challenging due to the steep terrain and the cat’s refusal to stay in the tree. Jason had to switch from his bow to a 30-30 rifle to make a critical shot under pressure, ensuring the safety of the dogs.
The Alaska Dall sheep hunt was special because it was a spike-out hunt, requiring Jason to live on the mountain for seven days with limited supplies. The rugged terrain and the beauty of the sheep made it a dream hunt he had been planning since 2020.
The Kansas whitetail hunt was unique because it offered a comfortable hunting experience with warm accommodations, good food, and the opportunity to hunt in tree stands. Jason successfully harvested his best whitetail buck within an hour of sitting in his favorite stand.
Hunting with Luke Combs was a fun and lighthearted experience. Luke was curious, asked insightful questions, and chose to hunt on public land despite having the resources to hunt anywhere. Jason admired his down-to-earth personality and hunting ethic.
Jason recaps his dream 2024 season, shares highlights from each of the hunts, as well as discusses some of the new gear he tried out and what will stay in the rotation.
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