Josh Kirchner
71 articles

Josh Kirchner

Title: Freelance Writer, Photographer, Videographer
Email: dialedinhunter@gmail.com
Location: Peoria, Ariz.
Social Media: IG – @dialedinhunter FB – Dialed In Hunter

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: Hunting, bowhunting, backpack hunting, backcountry hunting gear
  • Years in This Expertise: 10+
  • Number of Products & Number of Hours Expert Has Tested: Incalculable products, incalculable hours

Education & Certifications

  • Education: Self-taught
  • Years of Writing: 10+
  • Club or Association Memberships: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Pope and Young Club
  • Awards or Recognitions:  Author of the book Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry, Winner of 2022 Full Draw Film Tour Filmmaker’s Choice Award

Other Publications: Argali Field Notes, Bowhunting World Magazine, Bear Hunting Magazine, Western Hunter Magazine, Exo Mountain Gear Journal, onXhunt blog, Archery Business Magazine, Born Hunting blog, Western Hunting Journal, Dialed In Hunter blog, Vortex Optics blog

Who Is Josh?

Well before starting his contributions to GearJunkie, Josh Kirchner was a roofer for his dad’s family business for 15 years.  Josh’s dad brought him up with a strong sense of the outdoors, taking him on regular camping, hunting, and fishing trips.  It was during that time that he developed such a potent love for hunting.  

In 2014, Josh decided to start a blog called Dialed In Hunter.  It was a place where he could express his love for hunting and serve as an online journal to reflect on.  Little did he know, people were reading it, and some were editors.  After harvesting his first bear in 2015, he got his first article published in Bear Hunting Magazine. From that point, his writing and content production snowballed.

Come 2020, Josh self-published his book Becoming a Backpack Hunter: A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry. Having gone through the wringer of trial and error, learning the ins and outs of how to backpack hunt, he wanted to release a front-to-back guide for newer hunters looking to get off the beaten path.  


dark energy poseidon pro in the bag

Serious Warmth Without the Weight: Sitka Kelvin Aerolite Jacket Review

Solid Reliability to Send It: Hamskea Everest Arrow Rest Review

Sitka Gear Intercept Pants

Top-Notch Bowhunting on a Budget: Stan SoleX Release Review

spectre lightweight

The Pin Debate Ends: Option Archery Canyon Pounder Review

Bowhunting Accessories You Don’t Want to Sleep On

Hunter holding a poseidon nano portable power bank

Author wearing full hunting gear and sling on a hunting trip

bowman with bow and arrow

How to Prepare for Your First Western Hunt

Canyon Coolers Outfitter 125

author wearing Pnuma's Outdoors Layering System in the outdoors

Tiny and Mighty: Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope Review

5 Must-Haves for Early Season Hunting

Strike Eagle 3-18x44 Riflescope Aim

Testing Princeton Tec Vizz RGB Headlamp in dark

Razor HD 4000 GB Rangefinder

One of the First and Still One of the Best: Marsupial’s Enclosed Bino Pack

Why You Might Be Failing as a Spring Bear Hunter

FHF Gear FOB Bino Harness

Spartan Precision Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod Review

Grayl/Nosler Titanium UltraPress Water Filter

Vortex Edge front of building

Colorado II GTX

Hamskea Epsilon Arrow Rest

Carter Like Mike II Release Review

Fall Bear Hunting: Proven Tactics for Success in the West

Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2 Review