If you’re passionate about elk hunting, fitness, and living a life of preparation, Dan Staton of ElkShape is a name you need to know. In our latest North Idaho Experience podcast episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Dan—a North Idaho native, professional content creator, and passionate outdoorsman—who has built an entire business around helping others succeed in the field and in life.

In this blog, we’ll break down some of the incredible insights Dan shared on how ElkShape came to be, what drives his success, and why preparation isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a lifestyle.

How ElkShape Became a Full-Time Business

Like many entrepreneurs, Dan’s journey started with a leap of faith. A former firefighter and gym owner, Dan sold his gym in 2019 to pursue content creation full-time through ElkShape. The transition wasn’t easy, and Dan admits that the uncertainty of the digital space was daunting:

“I told my wife, ‘Give me two years. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go back to the fire department or open another gym.’ But I haven’t had to go back yet. And I love what I do.”

Dan built ElkShape by creating content across multiple platforms—primarily YouTube, Instagram, and his own podcast. He’s amassed a strong following of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts by focusing on training, preparation, and education rather than flashy short-term wins. Today, ElkShape has become a trusted resource for anyone serious about becoming a better elk hunter.

Staying in “Elk Shape” Year-Round

Dan believes success in the mountains begins long before opening day. The ElkShape brand is built around the concept of separation in the preparation—a mantra that encourages hunters to train year-round, live a disciplined life, and be ready for anything the backcountry throws at them.

“It’s easier to stay in elk shape than it is to get out of shape and try to get back in. For me, fitness isn’t just about hunting—it’s about being a better dad, husband, and living longer.”

His background in exercise physiology and gym ownership heavily influences ElkShape’s training programs. These programs focus on building general physical preparedness—strength, endurance, injury prevention, and the ability to pack out hundreds of pounds of meat over steep, rugged terrain.

The Realities of Hunting Content Online

Running a hunting-focused business online has its own set of challenges. Dan revealed how social media platforms can be quick to flag hunting content, particularly when it involves butchering or harvesting animals.

“We get flagged for ‘graphic content’ even when the goal is to educate people. One workaround we’ve found is making butchering tutorials black-and-white to avoid the red color of blood. That helps us stay in compliance.”

Despite these challenges, Dan’s loyal audience often steps in to handle negativity from anti-hunters online. He also adapts his content to each platform, focusing most heavily on YouTube’s long-form videos, which allow for deeper storytelling and education.

Archery Hunting in North Idaho: The Hardest Classroom

North Idaho elk hunting is notoriously difficult, and Dan learned the hard way. He spent years hunting with a bow before finally notching his first archery tag in 2009.

“I didn’t kill a North Idaho bull with a bow until 2009. That wasn’t for lack of effort or time—I’d literally quit jobs to have all of September off. But the learning curve is steep here.”

One major adjustment Dan made was putting away his elk calls. He found that in heavily pressured areas, calling often educates elk rather than lures them in. Instead, he recommends hunters focus on stealth, wind, and learning elk habits.

“The bigger bulls you’ll kill are usually when you put the calls away and sneak in. Most elk in pressured areas have heard every call in the book from roads and ridges.”

The Importance of Ethical Hunting and Food Awareness

Ethics and food awareness are two major pillars of ElkShape’s message. Dan touched on how hunting teaches us to respect where our food comes from—a lesson that’s often missing in modern society.

“I wish every kid before they graduated high school had to field dress an animal. It teaches respect for where your food comes from. No matter what you eat—plant-based or animal-based—life has to be taken to sustain life.”

He also noted that certain hunting methods, such as baiting bears in Canada, can actually provide more opportunities to make ethical decisions because hunters can observe animals more carefully and avoid killing sows with cubs.

ElkShape Camps: A One-of-a-Kind Elk Hunting Bootcamp

One of the most exciting aspects of the ElkShape brand is the annual ElkShape Camp. These five-day immersive events combine fitness training, shooting instruction, butchering demonstrations, and mentorship from industry experts.

“The best part of camp is day one when we butcher an elk from start to finish. We have a chef there who cooks that meat all week. You leave with real, hands-on knowledge that you can apply in the field.”

These camps attract dedicated individuals willing to invest in their growth. Dan notes that raising the price of the camp actually improved the experience because attendees were fully committed and ready to learn.

Why North Idaho Is the Ultimate Basecamp

As a North Idaho native, Dan is deeply connected to the region’s hunting culture. He’s hunted elk across multiple states, but he says North Idaho’s rugged terrain and dense forests make it one of the most challenging—and rewarding—places to hunt.

“These mountains aren’t the tallest, but they’re thick and steep. It’s like Jurassic Park when you hear elk bugle in these drainages. There’s nothing like it.”

North Idaho also offers quick access to multiple hunting and recreation areas, making it a prime location for anyone who values outdoor adventure. From Priest Lake to the Selkirk Mountains, this area has something for everyone.

Lessons for Hunters and Entrepreneurs Alike

Dan’s story isn’t just about hunting; it’s about building a life around your passions. From quitting jobs to pursue elk hunting seasons, to weathering the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, Dan’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone chasing a dream:

1. Prioritize what matters: Dan structures his life around elk season because he knows how finite each September is.
   
   
2. Embrace hard work: Whether it’s training in the offseason or grinding through long hunts, success is built in the trenches.
   
   
3. Be resilient: Injuries, business setbacks, and missed shots happen. How you respond determines your future.
   
   

Thinking of Moving to North Idaho?

Our conversation with Dan also touched on the increasing number of families moving to North Idaho for its values, outdoor lifestyle, and close-knit communities. If you’re thinking about relocating, the North Idaho Experience real estate team specializes in helping families find their dream homes in this incredible region.

👉 Explore North Idaho real estate listings here