The Huntian Podcast

E-scouting your hunting unit can make or break your success, especially if you've never hunted or been in the unit. E-scouting is the foundation for boots-on-the-ground scouting and hunt planning. This episode I breakdown every tactic and secret I use to find areas other hunters overlook. At the beginning of the episode, I also touch on why some hunters never draw permits. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com  

This is a fun solo episode with something for everyone. First, are you obligated to return a dead head or sheds of an animal to someone who killed that animal but didn't recover it? Next, I jump into some gear talk. I got a new wall tent and I'm building a couple new rifles. Then, I tell the craziest coyote story I've experienced on a recent bear hunt. Last, I go through some of the last application deadlines. PS I'm breeding to make a mule?! What...!  @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Buckle up for a random solo episode with a little bit of everything. I give my .02 on the Wyoming shed hunt entrapment sting. Should Fish & Game be able to implant sheds with GPS to sting illegal pick ups? Nevada draw deadline is May 13, 2026. I give unit specific suggestions and strategies to maximize your draw application. Is Nevada even worth applying? Finally, Wyoming has set final permit numbers and season dates for 2026. I highlight the highly popular Region G & H deer units. Enjoy! PS Excuse my coughing and running nose during the episode! I'm just getting over a weeklong man cold. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com

Here is the latest state fee increase. It seems like we get a new fee or application increase every other year across the West. Wyoming is the most recent. Is a Wyoming antelope point worth $75? I give my answer in this episode along with some perspective for listeners to consider when applying for various state applications. I also keep you up on the next state application deadlines to not miss. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Erik consistently gets it done on big, mature mule deer bucks with the help of his pack goats. I was excited for this one! This is an interesting conversation with my perspective from using horses, mules, and pack llamas. Erik has found the pack animal and system that works for him. We discuss everything from weight capacities to camp logistics and even taking pack goats with you on a mule deer archery stalk! Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Erik Bailly - @the_savagehunter Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

This is a big one! Dioni has been one of the most requested guest for a while. I was finally able to corner him at Western Hunt Expo and talk him into joining the podcast. Dioni loves hunting big mule deer and has a pile of them to show for it. He thinks outside the box, works hard, and knows what it takes to find a big, mature mule deer buck. We talk specific tactics for big bucks and I get a couple good hunt stories out of him. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

This is the most interesting mule deer podcast I've ever recorded. Jeremy and I dive into the mindset of a mature buck. We discuss where mature bucks live to escape hunting pressure and grow old, the type of terrain they use to their advantage, and how they move through country during late season. If you only listen to one Huntian mule deer podcast, make it this episode. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @muleymojo @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

Kenneth and I meet up at the Hunt Expo in Salt Lake. We discuss 2025 mule deer hunts and the launch of the new Kifaru hunting clothing line. We dive into mule deer behavior once they shed velvet and how they respond to pressure. We talk tactics of hunting around other hunters and how to be successful chasing big, pressured bucks. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @kenneththrall  Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

Ian and I have worked together in the long range rifle world for the last 5 years or so. We finally sit down to discuss some of the most critical pieces to a great long range hunting rifle. We discuss scope features, cartridges, barrel lengths, etc. This episode is very gear specific. In the future we'll cover the application side for someone getting into long range shooting. Ian is a former marine scout sniper and currently works as a professional trainer for himself and The Cadre. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @unextraordinaryman @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

This episode is for all the wall tent horse or mule packers! I go through weeks worth of research shopping for the best wall text to pack in the backcountry on my horse. I had some very specific parameters as far as size, weight, and most importantly, price. I cover 8 different wall tent companies and 13 different tent models. I finally explain the tent I chose and why. Mixed in is some Hunt Expo wrap up and my formal protest for a buck scoring contest I won! :) Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian  Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com Link to the tent I bought: https://www.reliabletent.com/store/p/the-teton  

Jace joins the podcast again. Before jumping into his fall of a lifetime chasing late season elk, we have a discussion on Utah's mountain lion management plan. This is a controversial topic with multiple opinions. We close with some great elk hunting stories about Jace's Nevada and Utah late season bull elk hunts, including a bowhunt. Jace killed a couple monster bull elk on these hunts. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @jdgsheds Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com 

You asked, I answered! This is a question and answer episode from some Instagram followers. I answer questions about Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, and more! Questions range from antelope to elk to bison and everything in between. I also start with some details about the Western Conservation & Hunting Expo coming up in SLC, UT including where to find the Mule Deer Panel seminar with Marc Smith! Enjoy Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Franco is a wealth of knowledge about the upcoming Arizona elk & antelope draw currently open. Don't apply for Arizona BEFORE listening to this episode! Franco also hunts and guides mule deer in western Wyoming. You knew I couldn't help but squeeze in some mule deer stories, including hunting off mules. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

This is a full breakdown of Wyoming elk including some specific unit and region highlights. I go through the difference in Regular vs. Special price applications, along with the preference pool vs random pool category. I cover deadlines, costs, party application information, how the point system works, and even some pro tips to help you draw faster and/or save some money! Wyoming is a must-apply state for any serious elk hunter. It is the intersection of opportunity and quality in the west. Don't apply before listening to this episode. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com

This the annual episode where I breakdown my personal application strategy for each major western state. I also contrast how I think the general hunter should utilize each state. Enjoy! The Huntian Select is introduced. These are hand-curated adventures, trainings, and experiences of various kinds. The first is one of my all-time favorite, New Mexico antelope hunt with a two-day intro to long range rifle hunt course. It's an all-inclusive event with limited availability. Contact now to reserve a spot! Email: [email protected] Phone: 307-271-2107 Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

Dustin and Jason keep rolling with the hunt stories from this past season. Part 2 is all about the elk hunts from early season archery struggles to guided hunts to limited draw hunts. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Jason and I jump on the horn to recap our best (and worst) hunt stories from 2025. We tell some guiding stories and some from our own hunts. The episode gets a little long so we split the elk stories into a part 2 that will be released next. Enjoy! PS The audio has been less than great. Thanks for your patience while I work out the bugs! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

The deadly duo joins me to talk all things "thrifty hunter" gear. When I hunted with Storie & Braxton I was impressed with how little "popular" or modern gear they were using. These two are some of the best hunters I know, crushing the idea that you can only kill with the most expensive gear. We end with some highs and lows from chasing mule deer this past season. Enjoy! Instagram: @brax_hamilton @storie_ratcliff_wy  @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

I'm back after a fall hiatus of hunting and spending time with family! Here is a brief recap of my 2025 hunting adventures. This episode foreshadows some of the hunts and guests I'll highlight in their own episode. I also touch on some of the first hunt draws for 2026 coming up very soon, starting with Idaho general deer and elk. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

Me, Corey, and Jason hit record on a typical hunt plan session. We discuss gear that we will need for different types of hunt seasons and weather, who is bringing what gear and how we will divvy up supplies. Jason makes a cameo appearance to breakdown some of the wall tents and shelters he's been researching. This is an all around great episode for gear, hunt prep, and planning your upcoming hunt. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian @enjoyingthepursuit @hubba_3 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

This episode is a full rundown of evaluating gear, replacing gear, and my complete gear list! This is the time of year to replace broken gear, buy new gear, upgrade gear, etc.  Also, if you need help with e-scouting for your big hunt...hire me! I'll attack your hunt like it's my own. You'll receive a complete breakdown of your hunting unit to be as successful as possible. Instagram:  Host - @dustinwittwer The Huntian - @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Ballistic Drop Compensated (BDC) rifle scope turrets can extend the ethical shooting range of almost any rifle hunter. This isn't just about "how to shoot 1000 yards." We explain the benefit, key data inputs, and functional uses to take a rifle hunter from say, 300 yards to 600 yards, for example. Luke's business, Kenton Industries, supplies custom BDC turrets for most major rifle scopes. We dive in to the math, ballistics, and limitations of BDC turrets. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @kentonindustries  Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

This episode is an excerpt from the "boots on the ground" topic with a full rundown of trail cameras. My brother, Jason, and I discuss every aspect of a successful trail camera attack. Know which type of camera to buy and why. Learn where and how to place cameras to be successful. Understand the ethics and unwritten rules of running cameras. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @hubba_3 @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Website: www.thehuntian.com  

This episode we dive into the "boots on the ground" aspect of preparing for a hunt. I go through my entire action plan leading up to a hunt. Making that pre-season scouting trip is crucial but being deliberate about it is more important. Know why you are heading to a specific glassing point, have a plan to test new gear, be prepared with proper glassing technique, and make the most of your precious vacation time scouting for your tag! Enjoy. Instagram: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

This episode I dive into my personal process for attacking a hunt unit once I draw a permit. I touch on e-scouting, using hunting forums properly, trophy potential assessment and when it's time to return a permit. Before that, I explain how the last couple weeks has gone, inspire people to chase their dreams and wish Russell a happy first birthday! Enjoy. Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

If you followed the question I asked on Instagram, "what is the best bino harness / pistol holster combo?" this is the information I researched from those suggestions. I got a bunch of the same and some unique suggestions. I determined what would be the best style and function for me, then give my personal choice. I also touch on our upcoming Super Championship World Series competition to determine which breed of pack animals will produce the biggest trophy class bucks or bulls, Team Horse vs Team Mule vs Team Llama vs Team Goat. Last, I mention the remaining state application draws that are still open. I highlight some thoughts on the Wyoming Range, region G & H, mule deer situation going into the 2025 fall with a bold prediction.  Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected]

On this episode, I continue with another round of questions from Instagram. I start with the official announcement of the 1st Annual 2025 Team Horse vs Team Mule vs Team Llama vs Team Goat (possibly) competition. This is as petty as it sounds but you won't want to miss the results. I also cover everything from optics to big bull elk application strategies and some talk about the forgotten western states, Oregon, Washington, and California. This is another great episode. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer

This is one of my favorite episodes in a long time. I came across Branson through his social media page. I knew right off we were kindred spirits. Branson loves to chase big mule deer and hunts with gaited horses. We chat about a three year saga chasing a monster buck in his home state of Colorado. He talks about the moment he decided he needed gaited horses for the backcountry. We also discuss bringing our kids along on our adventures. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

On this episode, I dive into some Instagram follower questions. I cover everything from phone digi-scoping adapters to elk application strategies to scouting for mule deer. There is even a bit of 6.5 creedmoor talk. I go into the "can't eat the antlers" mindset and the eventual consequences. This is a good one! Enjoy. Look for the remaining questions in part 2 coming soon! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer 

It's not too late! Listen to this before the Utah application deadline. Utah will let you amend or change your application choices right up to the deadline. I give my brother a call to discuss the state of hunting in Utah, especially the southern half where we spend a lot of our time. I also give a quick deep dive into what "points" mean across the west and how to utilize them. I mention The Huntian Advantage email newsletter you can sign up to receive. Enjoy! Website: www.thehuntian.com Email: [email protected] Social: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @deep_creek_utah @hubba_3

Part two with Robby Denning. We keep on recording after our mule deer discussion and dive into what it takes to be successful on a hunt using horses. Robby has been around and used horses to hunt with most of his life. We dive into advantages and disadvantages of hunting with horses, cost for maintenance, training techniques, and most importantly, how to utilize them to kill big bucks. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian - The Huntian @dustinwittwer - Dustin Wittwer, host @robbydenning - Robby Denning, guest Email: [email protected] - Robby Denning, guest [email protected] - Dustin Wittwer, host

Robby and I share a passionate discussion about mule deer, management strategies, and the what the future might hold. Mule deer was not the specific topic we planned to discuss. After an hour or so we realized this better be its own episode. We still recorded the "hunting with horses" episode as intended and it will be released soon. Enjoy! Instagram: @robbydenning @rokslide @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Marc and I catch up after the Hunt Expo. We recap the event, including the Q&A mule deer seminar Marc hosted with myself, Robby Denning, and Jeremy Dugger. We summarize some of the best questions from the seminar. Then we discuss what our mule deer hunting plans look like going forward and the optimism we have for mule deer. Enjoy! We are just entering the beginning of tag application season here in the western US. If you or anyone you know could benefit from hiring a professional to manage, apply, and keep track of your hunt apps, give The Huntian a chance. We are the most personalized, one-on-one white glove service in the industry. No one spends more time with their clients. Instagram: @muleyslayer1 @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

Henry and I jump on to discuss all the major changes coming to big game hunting in Colorado, some as early as this year. The three big changes we discuss are the end of over-the-counter archery elk tags for non residents, the addition of some "first rifle" deer permits in a number of units, and the change from a pure preference point system for deer, elk, and antelope to a hybrid 50/50 preference and random pool drawing. We discuss how these changes will affect the draws and how to best use your points. Enjoy! Instagram: @bigchiefwhackabuck @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

I give you all the basic information you need to know before applying in the New Mexico big game draw. I include permit, application, and hunting license fees. I breakdown permit allocation percentages. I briefly explain the youth opportunity. I end with a 30,000 foot view of each species category. This podcast will be followed by a more specific breakdown of each species and unit overviews. Enjoy! Remember, if you are going to hire a tag application manager, hire the most personal, one-on-one and focused service in the industry! Hire me at The Huntian! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

I catch up with Jeremy Dugger to review the current state of mule deer across the west. We present some out-of-the-box ideas to help increase herds and grow bigger deer. Jeremy shares his favorite new mule deer conservation activity to directly impact the mule deer herd in his core hunting areas. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @muleymojo Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

I sit down with long time friend Terran Leavitt at the Western Conservation & Hunting Expo. We talk about him getting into archery and helping guide hunts with Deep Creek Outfitters. He tells the story of his 200"++ Nevada public land archery buck from this past season. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com Instagram: @terranleavitt @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @deepcreekoutfitters @hubba_3

In this episode I discuss the Great American Outdoor Show in Pennsylvania and the upcoming Western Conservation & Hunting Expo in Salt Lake. I breakdown the Nevada Guide Draw, New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana all coming up soon. I finish off with status update on The Huntian and reasons NOT to use the service. Enjoy! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com

Everything you need to know before applying for AZ Elk and Antelope. AZ is a "must apply" state for anyone interested in great elk or deer hunting, although it is a more of a long term play state. I also touch on a Wyoming bill proposing transferrable landowner tags. Last, we will be at the Great American Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, PA starting this weekend, February 1-9, 2025. Come find us at booth #6323 in the Outfitter Hall, chat western big game hunting permits, and get entered to win a new rifle! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com

Awesome episode where Corey and I break down the basic thought process of building a new rifle, choosing a cartridge, scope, overall rifle weight, barrel length, bullet performance, etc. We dive into some ballistics, explain the difference between FFP and SFP scopes, the importance of rangefinders, and much more! You cannot miss this episode if you plan to build or buy a new rifle setup this year. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @enjoyingthepursuit Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com  

This episode is unique. I do a quick hitting breakdown of my general plans for mule deer applications across the west. Use it to get ideas for your own applications. Feel free to reach out with specific questions about each state. I give what I consider the must-apply-for states for western mule deer hunting.  As always, if you'd like me to manage your western mule deer applications this year, contact me! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com 

I connect with Jace Guymon, a Utah hunting guide and pure bred killer. We discuss his guiding business, tell hunting stories, and dive into the Utah deer herd management. Enjoy! If you'd like more information or help in your Utah hunt applications this year, contact me! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Website: www.thehuntian.com

Attention! The first big application period for the lower 48 is here. Non-resident Wyoming elk applications are open. I break down all the details you need to be successful in the draws. If you want or need help in the western hunt application process, I can help. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: https://thehuntian.com/2024/12/19/apply/

I kick off the new year with a new business venture offered through The Huntian. Officially launching January 1, 2025, the Apply. Scout. Hunt. service will use our T.A.G. (Tailored Application Gameplan) to custom build your application plan. Thank you for following along and I am beyond excited to start this journey! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected] Website: https://thehuntian.com/2024/12/19/apply/ 

Dustin jumps on solo to explain what he thinks are the 3 most common mistakes during application season coming up, and how to avoid them. Some of these might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often they happen...maybe they have happened to you? Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Website link: https://thehuntian.com/2024/12/27/3-common-mistakes-when-applying-for-western-hunts/ Email: [email protected]

In this episode, my brother Jason and I discuss stories from guiding hunts this past fall. We gives tips on how to have a great guided hunt experience, expectations you should have with your guide, and crucial things to communicate for a great hunt. We end with the story of Jason guiding a 16 yr old client on his first big game kill where they tip over a 350" Utah archery bull. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer @deep_creek_utah @hubba_3 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thehuntian.com 

The Utah Wildlife Board recently met to approve (or not approve) of the updated deer management plan items for 2025-2030. After virtually attending multiple Utah RAC and Wildlife Board meetings, I breakdown their final votes and process. Some big changes include lowering the buck to doe ratio on certain general units, weapon restrictive hunts on certain units, a change to the general and dedicated hunter bonus point process, and much more! Enjoy. Instagram: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Email: [email protected] Link to the state article: https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/2043-utah-wildlife-board-approves-updated-deer-management-plan-and-new-hunt-strategies-research-and-other-items.html#:~:text=9%3A54%20am-,Utah%20Wildlife%20Board%20approves%20updated%20deer%20management%20plan%2C%20new%20hunt,items%20during%20Thursday's%20public%20meeting.

Must listen before the Idaho non-resident "otc" deer and elk extravaganza tomorrow! I break down all the details you need to have the best chance at grabbing a permit! Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected]

Long overdue - I finally recap some of my September hunts, including my old man's NV archery elk hunt and my Wyoming deer hunt. Prioritizing hunts is a challenge each year. Once-in-a-lifetime type hunts rarely come along, so we should help with them every chance we get. My dad's NV archery elk hunt was one of those hunts. Enjoy! Instagram: @thehuntian @dustinwittwer Email: [email protected]

Spirits are high going into opening day of Wyoming archery deer season. I give some tips about handling pressure once a hunt starts and ready deer activity once a hunt begins. I give a breakdown of early season hunting gear. I also answer some Questions from Instagram. Enjoy! Social Media: @dustinwittwer @thehuntian Email: [email protected]