In this episode of The Evolving Hunter Podcast, Jae sits down with Jordan Likes, Hunter and Angler Program Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to talk about what it really takes to become a hunter.

Jordan shares his own path from growing up in a Colorado hunting family, to working as a wildlife officer, to eventually helping lead hunter education and outreach efforts across the state. Along the way, Jae and Jordan explore the role hunter education plays in creating safe, ethical hunters and, just as importantly, what hunter education cannot teach you in a weekend.

They dig into one of the biggest challenges facing new hunters: what comes next?

How do you find a mentor when you don't come from a hunting family? How can parents support a child who suddenly wants to hunt? What skills should a new hunter focus on first? And how do you avoid comparing your first season to the elk hunts and mountaintop success stories you see online?

Jordan and Jae talk about mentorship, preparation, managing expectations, starting with small game, building outdoor skills one piece at a time, and why becoming a hunter is less about reaching some imaginary finish line and more about continuing to learn.

Whether you're trying to figure out how to start hunting in Colorado or you're several seasons into your own journey, this conversation is a reminder that nobody has hunting completely figured out. And that's part of what makes it worth pursuing.

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Send it to community@evolvinghunter.com.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

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Stay safe. Stay curious. Keep evolving.

In this episode, Jae Ellison interviews Brandon Maahs from South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks about hunting, hunter education, and community building. They discuss shot decision-making, public land etiquette, essential gear for beginners, and how to get involved in hunting in South Dakota.

A huge thanks to Brandon for joining us for this episode!

Check out the SD agency website: Click Here

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!

In this episode, Rachel Crume from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shares insights on hunter education, mentorship, and programs like NASP to encourage novice hunters. We explore strategies for building confidence, access, and community engagement in hunting.

Thank you to our partners at CertifiedHunter! Hunter Education is a critical (and often required) part of starting your hunting journey. CertifiedHunter has created an online course that will help you get started on the right foot and meet your state requirements to purchase your hunting license. Visit certifiedhunter.com/evolvinghunter to get started!