Just after we filmed a video with Tyler Denham, a firefighter and longtime friend of ElkShape, he responded to the deadliest firefighter call Coeur d’Alene has ever seen.
We didn’t know it at the time, but that episode could have been our last with him. Two lives were lost—people we knew—and Tyler was one of the first on scene. This Friday, we’re dropping a bonus podcast that gives you a front-row seat to that aftermath:
what Tyler saw, what he felt, and how faith and family are carrying him forward.
This episode isn’t about gear or elk—it’s about what matters when everything else gets quiet.
Scouting, TAC, and Everything Leading to September
In the weeks leading up to that tragedy, we were out putting in work. The kind no one sees on Instagram.
We loaded up and hit the road—four states deep through Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, putting boots on the ground for a multi-zone elk scouting mission.
This wasn’t just about this fall. It was about future falls.
We hung over a dozen Stealth Cam trail cameras, many in spots we may not even hunt for 3–4 years. Why? Because information is power. And the work you do now can shape your hunts later.
Then we rolled straight into Montana Total Archery Challenge in Red Lodge and got to shoot with:
🎯 Joel Turner
🎯 Bodie Turner
🎯 MFJJ
🎯 Towson Jenkins
If you’ve followed us for long, you know TAC isn’t just fun—it’s part of our training pipeline. It’s where we refine shot process, test gear, and work on mental resilience under pressure.
Coming Soon: Videos & Podcasts to Get You Locked In
📹 TAC Prologue Video
Our multi-state scouting trip. Why we scout so far out, how we choose zones, and how you can apply the same discipline to your own hunts.
📹 TAC Red Lodge Recap
Full breakdown of our time shooting with some of the best in the game.
🎙️ Mark Livesay Podcast
One of our deepest and most informative episodes yet—e-scouting, OTC tag chaos, politics, unity in hunting, and everything Treeline Academy offers.
🎙️ Sage Gardner Podcast
Our new ElkShape Training coach is here. Sage shares how he programs workouts to build bulletproof backcountry athletes.
📹 Index vs. Thumb Button Video
The long-awaited release aid showdown. Dan puts the Stan SoleX Clicker and Carter Too Simple head-to-head. The results? Let’s just say they surprised us.
🎙️ BONUS: The Tyler Denham Debrief
Dropping Friday. Tyler opens up about the CDA firefighter attack, what it’s like being first on scene, and how faith and family help carry the weight when the worst happens.
You don’t want to miss this one.
Train Hard. Scout Early. Be Present. Stay Locked In.
→ [Subscribe on YouTube]
→ [Join ElkShape Training]
→ [Listen to the Podcast]
ElkShape isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle rooted in faith, family, fitness, finances, and fieldcraft. We’re here to build men and women who show up when it counts—on the mountain and at home.
P.S.
Happy 4th of July. God Bless America. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
- The ElkShape Crew
3 comments
Looking forward to the podcast Friday.
Prays go out to the families of the fire fighters that lost their life defending us. Fire-fighting is a defense They put their life on the line every time they go out on a call…
I enjoy these updates!
Not just Veterans like myself carry the weight of PTSD. It can happen to any first responder when tragedy strikes. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of your community. And I’m thankful that Tyler is OK (we’d like to see more of him “hint hint” DAN!)and has the faith with help from the Elk shaped crew to lean on through the mental mountain he’s about to climb.
- Justin Roethel (from AZ)