Drawn West

Oregon has 130,000 elk. That's not a rumor — it's one of the largest herds in the country. But most non-residents either overlook it or misunderstand what it actually offers. If you're building a Western elk strategy, this is the episode that puts Oregon in the right place.We break down both sides of the state — Roosevelt elk on the west side of the Cascades, Rocky Mountain elk to the east — and walk through exactly what the draw looks like depending on how many points you're carrying. From zero-point opportunities all the way into the 20-plus-point elite units, Oregon has more range than most people realize. The deadline to apply is May 15, so if this is on your radar, the window is closing fast.What we get into:• Why Oregon is built for opportunity — and what that means for trophy expectations• The Rocky Mountain units pushing 320, 350, and even 360 inches of antler (and what it takes to draw them)• Why unit 58 might be the best mid-range value in the whole state for non-residents• Roosevelt elk 101 — why they hunt differently, where the public land actually is, and which units are worth your time• A full breakdown of what's realistic with zero, four, and ten-plus points for both species and both weapon types• The non-resident cost breakdown — and why Oregon's 10-to-1 resident/non-resident split is actually one of the fairer ones in the WestIf you're serious about applying, subscribe so you don't miss the over-the-counter breakdown coming later this summer.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![BigGame Draw Results] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:01 Oregon Elk — Why It Belongs in Your Application Stack00:02:28 Roosevelt vs. Rocky Mountain: How Oregon's Herd Is Split00:04:06 Is Oregon a Trophy State? Setting the Right Expectations00:06:47 The Elite Rocky Mountain Units — 320 Inches and Up00:08:48 Roosevelt Elk Units — What to Expect and Where to Start00:11:03 Zero-Point Options for Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt Elk00:11:26 Four-Point Strategy — Archery and Rifle Breakdowns00:15:00 Four-Point Roosevelt Elk Units — What's Actually Worth It00:19:46 Ten-Plus Points — Where the Draw Really Opens Up00:20:57 Final Thoughts and Application Deadline Reminder

Looking for another option for a deer tag this fall? Oregon might be the perfect fit!The state just renamed and restructured every deer unit in the eastern half of Oregon — which means nobody has clean odds data, and for once, experience and points alone won't tell the whole story.Oregon doesn't get talked about much — and that's part of why it's worth a closer look right now. The combination of new units, zero historical odds, and a 25% random draw makes this a year where even someone with a handful of points has a legitimate shot at a tag that would normally take a decade to draw.How the 2026 eastern unit rename wipes out draw history and what to do when there's no reliable odds data to work fromThe real nonresident cost breakdown — $203 to apply, $500 for a tag, and a point-saver option if you want to skip the draw this yearHow Oregon's 75/25 hybrid system works and why the random pool matters more than most hunters realize in a year like thisHigh-end mule deer areas with 180-inch potential including Southeast 02, Crooked River, South Wallowas, Trout Creeks, and Southeast SteensWhy controlled archery hunts are still the most reliable path to drawing an Oregon deer tag if you need a hunt this yearTop blacktail units for a deer slam — Applegate, Indigo, Dixon, and McKenzie — with realistic trophy expectations and current draw timelinesThe tiny but huntable Colombian whitetail herd, why archery is the smart play at three points for nonresidents, and how Eastern whitetail fits into a long-game strategyIf this helped you figure out where Oregon fits in your plan, subscribe so you don't miss the elk and antelope episodes dropping this week. And if you're getting value from the show, a quick rating goes a long way — it genuinely helps more hunters find this content.Want more like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Drawn West newsletter and we'll send you application updates, strategy breakdowns, and new content as it drops.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/master-your-application-strategyFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 – Why Oregon deer is worth a serious look in 202601:05 – Deadline, costs, and the point-saver option explained03:32 – Oregon's drought, snowpack, and what it means for deer this year05:32 – How Oregon's hybrid preference point system actually works07:30 – Group applications, point averaging, and the 18-person rule08:45 – Oregon mule deer reality: what to expect from the state overall10:00 – New high-end mule deer units with 180-inch potential11:08 – When to swing big vs. protect your points in a zero-data year12:05 – Controlled archery hunts: best draw odds in a shakeup year13:06 – Columbia blacktail overview and standout controlled units15:47 – Colombian whitetail and Eastern whitetail: deer slam strategy18:11 – How to e-scout new units when draw data doesn't exist yet

Fourteen dollars. That's the cost to add a desert bighorn, mountain goat, or moose application to your Nevada big game submission — and for the right hunter, it might be the best $14 you spend all year.This is part four of the Nevada Application Series, the final installment covering the big three: moose, sheep, and goats. If you haven't listened to parts one through three covering mule deer and antelope, start there — those are where your real drawing opportunities live as a nonresident. This episode is about the long game, the lottery ticket add-ons, and why a few of them are more strategic than they look.We break down Nevada's squared point system and what it means for species with fewer than 20 nonresident tags. We cover desert bighorn population trends, which units have the best trophy potential, and where the draw odds actually start to get interesting for residents. We get into California bighorn and Rocky Mountain bighorn — including why nonresidents can't apply for Rocky Mountain at all. And we cover mountain goats and Nevada's brand new moose program, which is residents-only and only two years old.What's covered:• Nevada application deadline: May 13, 11 p.m. Pacific — costs for license, app fees, and tag prices for residents and nonresidents• Desert bighorn population decline (8,000 to 6,300 animals) and why Nevada still leads the country in desert bighorn tags• Nonresident desert bighorn draw odds — max points at 33 years, best unit under half a percent — and how to decide if it's worth it• Resident desert bighorn strategy — unit 268 approaching 24% draw odds at max points, and why ewe tags are worth a second look• California bighorn and Rocky Mountain bighorn — resident odds, best units, and why the odds are brutal even at max points• Mountain goat population growth (340 to 430 animals in four years) and the one nonresident tag available in unit 102• Nevada moose — residents only, 37,000 applicants for a handful of tags, and why getting in now matters for the long-term point curveIf this series helped you sort out Nevada, subscribe on your platform of choice so you don't miss the Wyoming mule deer and antelope breakdown coming up next.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![NevadaMule Deer Application Article] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 — Nevada Application Deadline and Fees00:02:30 — Should You Apply for Nevada's Big Three?00:04:13 — Desert Bighorn Population and Tag Numbers00:07:11 — Nonresident Desert Bighorn Draw Odds00:09:37 — Resident Desert Bighorn Draw Odds and Unit 26800:11:54 — Best Units for Trophy Desert Bighorn00:12:56 — California Bighorn Sheep Overview00:15:08 — California Bighorn Trophy Units and Resident Draw Odds00:16:30 — Rocky Mountain Bighorn — Residents Only00:17:30 — Nevada Mountain Goats: Population and Draw Odds00:19:38 — Goat Trophy Potential and Best Units00:20:00 — Nevada Moose — Residents Only Program Explained00:21:57 — Final Nevada Wrap-Up and What's Coming Next

Want to hunt 400” bulls? Me too.Somewhere in Nevada, there are bulls pushing 400 inches on public land that almost no one will ever hunt. The draw odds are that bad. But if your name comes up, it's probably the best elk hunt you'll ever go on.This is part three of the Nevada application series, focused entirely on elk. Nevada doesn't have the numbers Utah has, but unit for unit, the top public land tags in the state compete with anything in the West — Colorado, Utah, Montana's Missouri Breaks, Arizona, New Mexico. The difference is access. There are only a handful of non-resident tags in even the best units each year, which is exactly why this is a lottery ticket conversation, not a guaranteed hunt conversation.We break down what those draw odds actually look like at every point level — from zero points to max — across archery, muzzleloader, and rifle. We cover which unit groups to target, how to think about stacking your five choices, and why the $19 application fee only makes sense in the context of what else you're already doing in Nevada.• Whether Nevada elk is worth applying for if you're not already in for mule deer or antelope• The $19 vs. $1,200 cost breakdown and what it means for your application strategy• Units 111–115 and 221–223: what makes them elite and how many non-resident tags actually go out• Draw odds at 10 points and max points — and what "less than 1%" really means long-term• How to use your five choices between top-tier units and higher-odds fallback picks• The secondary draw and leftover tag list: when to check and why it's worth watching• Why you should never skip a year in Nevada because of drought conditionsSubscribe wherever you listen, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped your application strategy, leave a five-star rating and pass it along to someone else putting in for Nevada!Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![2026Big Game Draw Results] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 – Nevada Elk: Why the Draw Odds Are Bad and the Tags Are Elite01:03 – How Nevada's Best Units Stack Up Against Utah, Colorado, and Montana02:30 – The Decision Framework: Should You Even Apply for Nevada Elk?03:23 – Application Fee vs. Tag Fee: The Real Cost Math04:20 – Deadline, Group Rules, and the 90/10 Non-Resident Split04:50 – Drought Conditions and Whether to Skip a Year05:42 – Why You Should Always Keep Building Points in Nevada06:00 – Tag Cost Breakdown: $1,200 and How It Compares to Other States07:06 – Bonus Points, Secondary Draw, and the Leftover Tag Opportunity08:32 – The Best Nevada Elk Units: 111–115 and 221–22309:10 – How Few Non-Resident Tags Actually Go Out Each Year10:33 – Draw Odds at 10 Points: What the Numbers Actually Look Like11:30 – Max Points Draw Odds: The Honest Reality for Non-Residents12:51 – How to Stack Your Five Choices as a Lottery Strategy14:45 – Wrap-Up: Nevada Goat, Sheep, and Moose Coming Next

Nevada might be the most overlooked antelope state in the West — and the hunters who know about it are already building points.Statewide, Nevada produces a higher percentage of mature, oversized bucks than any other state. In peak years, a third of all antelope harvested were 15 inches or taller. Even in down years, about a quarter of the harvest hits that mark. No other state comes close to those averages across the board.And the tag is $300 for non-residents — one of the best values in Western hunting when you factor in the quality.This episode is part of the Drawn West Nevada series. We cover what non-residents need to know about applying for antelope: the draw system, group application risks, surrendered tags and the leftover list, herd quality, and unit strategy by points level.• May 13th deadline (11pm Pacific) — same as mule deer• $155 hunt/fish combo license + $14 antelope application fee to start building points• Nevada checks all five of your hunt choices before moving to the next applicant — always use all five• Applying as a group in Nevada is risky — with limited tags, a group of three can be disqualified if only two tags remain when their number pulls• Archery is the most realistic path: double-digit draw odds are available with as few as five points in units like 141 (16%), 31 (15%), and 32 (13%)• Muzzleloader is a solid mid-tier option; top northwest corner units (12, 13, 14) showing 7% odds at five points• Rifle antelope as a non-resident is effectively a long-term lottery — don't count on it• Top trophy units: northwest corner (11–15), central units (145, 161, 162, 172, 251) — 80-inch potential, 70–90% public land• Surrendered tags go back into a first-come-first-serve list — worth monitoring if you're local to the regionDeadline is May 13th. If you're already applying for mule deer, adding antelope costs just $14 more and uses the same license. No reason not to be in.Subscribe so you don't miss the elk and once-in-a-lifetime episodes coming next in this series. And if you want to go deeper on unit research and draw odds, GoHunt Filtering 2.0 is what Brian uses throughout this episode — use code drawnwest when you sign up.Stay up to date with everything Drawn West at GetDrawnWest.com.   Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![MasterYour Application Strategy] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 Nevada Antelope 2026 — Why ItBelongs in Your Strategy00:01:51 Trophy Potential and Why NevadaStands Apart00:02:30 Deadline, Costs, and What ItTakes to Apply00:04:15 How the Nevada Draw Works (All 5Choices Explained)00:06:00 Group Applications — Why NevadaIs Different00:08:30 Surrendered Tags and theLeftover List00:10:14 Nevada Antelope Herd Status andQuality Breakdown00:12:34 Archery vs. Muzzleloader vs.Rifle — Realistic Timelines00:14:44 Draw Odds at 5 Points — BestArchery Units00:19:03 Top Trophy Units at 15–20 Points00:23:25 Rifle Reality Check forNon-Residents00:24:30 How to Pick Your 5 Hunt Choices— Final Strategy

Is Nevada mule deer even worth putting in for as a non-resident? That depends almost entirely on where you're at in your strategy, and this episode breaks down exactly how to think about Nevada Mule Deer.Nevada doesn't hand out a lot of non-resident tags, but the trophy potential is as high as anywhere in the West. Twenty units with 180-inch-plus potential. A minimum 140-inch floor across the entire state. Tags that cost non-residents $240. And a draw system built around giving every applicant multiple real chances — because Nevada checks all five of your hunt choices before moving on to the next person in line.This episode covers everything you need to make a decision before the May 13th deadline: how the weighted bonus draw works, what the current drought conditions actually mean for antler quality and herd health, why feral horses are a bigger long-term threat than people realize, and how to structure your five choices whether you're applying for the first time or sitting on 20 points.• How the weighted bonus system works — and why it makes Nevada one of the most fair draws in the West• The secondary draw, surrendered tags, and the first-come-first-serve leftover list that flexible hunters should be watching all summer• Why the archery and muzzleloader seasons are underrated entry points for non-residents• Unit breakdown: which units Brian targets at trophy potential, and which ones have real draw odds with zero, five, and ten points• Why the 130s (131 and 132) are the benchmark for best-in-state trophy potential• How drought conditions might actually produce some of the biggest bucks of the decade — and why the next three years may be the window• The case for applying for all five choices every year, and when points-only actually makes sense• The deadline to apply is May 13th at 11pm Pacific. Results drop around May 29th. If you're on the fence, apply — Nevada always gives you a chance, and you never want to sit out a year.Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the Nevada series — elk, antelope, and once-in-a-lifetime species are all coming. And if you're getting value from the show, a quick rating genuinely helps more hunters find this content.Want more like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Drawn West newsletter at GetDrawnWest.com and we'll send you application updates, strategy breakdowns, and new content as it drops.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![How To GoElk Hunting for $1500] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 Welcome — Nevada Mule Deer 2026Overview00:02:15 Deadline, Costs, and Tag Fees00:04:20 How the Nevada Weighted BonusDraw Works00:07:50 Five Hunt Choices and Why YouShould Always Use Them00:10:06 Points-Only vs. Applying: WhenEach Makes Sense00:10:32 Secondary Draw, SurrenderedTags, and the Leftover List00:13:45 Nevada Mule Deer Herd: Drought,Feral Horses, and What It Means00:16:15 Current Herd Status and WhyQuality Is Still High00:18:45 Unit Breakdown: Best TrophyPotential Units (131, 132, 221, 231+)00:21:00 Draw Odds at Zero, Five, and TenPoints00:26:00 Long-Term Play: What 20 PointsGets You00:28:00 Should You Apply? StrategySummary and Final Advice

How many points do you actually need before you can hunt elk in Colorado? If you've been watching that number climb and telling yourself "maybe in five more years" — you might be sitting on a play you haven't tried yet.Brian sits down with Dwayne Jones — sales manager for Novick's Outdoors, co-founder of Dream Dirt, and the man behind Shed Season — to talk through his journey from lifelong whitetail hunter to first-time Western elk applicant. Dwayne has never been west of Kansas, but thanks to a tip straight from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife employee, he's heading into the backcountry this September with a bow, a solid group of experienced buddies, and months of elk calls already practiced.The conversation covers what Eastern hunters actually need to know before going West — how elk behave differently than whitetails, why calling strategy matters more than calling perfection, what broadhead to run and why, and how fitness changes your mental game in the mountains. They also get into farm habitat, CRP programs, predator control, and turkey hunting with a bow. The kind of wide-open conversation that happens when two guys who genuinely love this stuff sit down without a hard stop.• The Colorado two-choice application strategy that lets you build a point and get drawn in the same year• Why a bull that "chuckles" back at you is telling you something specific — and what to do next• Fixed blade vs. expandable broadheads for elk and why pass-through matters more than you think• What CRP actually does for deer and turkey habitat — and why the critics are comparing it to the wrong thing• How fitness training changes your mental ceiling when things get hard in the mountains• Why Brian, despite a 354 bull in the next room, wouldn't pass a raghorn on a bow huntStay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![Forging TheFuture: Benchmade’s Newest Hunting Knife] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00:00 Introducing Dwayne Jones00:00:43 The Colorado Two-Choice Application Hack00:04:01 Archery Elk vs. Whitetail: What Changes00:07:05 Base Camp, Spike Camp, and First-Timer Advice00:08:37 Fitness for Elk Hunting — What Actually Matters00:11:20 Knowing Rich Froning and Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable00:17:00 Brian's Close Calls: Five Elk at Close Range, No Tags00:33:21 Reading Elk — When to Call, When to Shoot, When to Wait00:34:50 Broadheads for Elk: Why Brian Runs Fixed Blades00:43:10 CRP Programs, Habitat Management, and What's Actually Working00:53:01 Predator Control and Turkey Hunting with a Bow01:25:48 Elk Calling Deep Dive and Paul Medel's Playbook

Did you know there are over-the-counter Bighorn Sheep tags in the lower 48? We dive in to that and more in this episode!Montana runs a squared bonus point system, which means you always have a chance no matter how many points you have — but the odds climb very differently depending on the species. Moose points actually build toward something real. Sheep is closer to a lifetime lottery ticket. Goat and bison sit somewhere in between. Before you decide whether to apply, you need to know which of these is actually worth your time and money.This episode breaks down all four species — what the draw odds look like at every point level for both residents and non-residents, why Montana's tag prices are surprisingly affordable compared to Wyoming, and how to think about whether building points here beats saving up for a guided hunt somewhere else.What we cover:• How Montana's squared bonus point system works — and why you always have a shot even with one point• The only five units offering unlimited bighorn sheep tags, the harvest quota system, and why success rates sit at just 2–7%• Why Montana moose odds actually climb to meaningful percentages — and what that means for your long-term strategy• Rocky Mountain goat draw odds for non-residents vs. residents, and why this is one of the best resident opportunities in any state we've covered• Montana's Yellowstone-corridor bison hunt: no point system, pure lottery, and what a quarter-to-half percent draw odds really means• Why the same bison herd costs $1,250 to apply for in Montana vs. $6,000 in WyomingHit subscribe and leave us a five-star review — and get on the Drawn West newsletter at getdrawnwest.com so you never miss another deadline like this one.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![HowComedy Can Help Save Hunting] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 Montana Once-in-a-Lifetime Overview& May 1st Deadline02:08 Tag Costs, Refund Policy & HowMontana's Hybrid System Works04:13 Squared Bonus Points Explained: WhyYou Always Have a Chance05:13 When to Apply vs. When to BuyPoints Only07:26 Montana Bighorn Sheep: Best in theLower 48 — But Declining Tags10:00 The Over-the-Counter Sheep Hunt:What the Success Rates Actually Say13:00 Top Trophy Units & Non-ResidentDraw Odds by Point Level16:35 Resident Bighorn Sheep Odds: ADifferent Story Entirely18:00 Montana Moose Breakdown:Population, Harvest & Trophy Quality20:08 Moose Draw Odds: Why This SpeciesIs Worth Playing the Long Game23:39 Rocky Mountain Goat: Best ResidentOdds We've Seen in This Series25:40 Resident Goat Odds at Max Points —Legitimately Exciting26:30 Montana Bison Hunt: YellowstoneMigration, No Points, Pure Lottery29:00 Should You Apply? Brian's PersonalTake on All Four Species

Would you pay $6000 to apply for a Bison tag?This episode we dive into the Wyoming Moose, Goat, Sheep & Bison applications for 2026.Moose, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, and free-range bison are all on the table, but the draw odds, the point system, and the upfront costs are a completely different game than anything else in the West. Before you write that check, you need to know what you're actually getting into.This episode breaks down each species individually — who has a realistic shot, which units non-residents should actually target, and whether buying Wyoming preference points for 30 years makes more sense than putting that money toward a guided hunt somewhere else.What we cover:• The only bighorn sheep unit offering non-residents random draw odds — and what it means if you don't have 26+ points• The three moose units with random odds and why success rates are still near 100% if you pull the tag• Why Rocky Mountain goat is all-random for everyone — and what the odds look like after units 4 and 5 were eliminated• The Yellowstone-corridor bison hunt: best odds of all four species and why success rates have been slipping• The real upfront cost reality and how the May reimbursement timeline worksIf this helps, subscribe and leave us a five-star review — and get on the Drawn West newsletter at getdrawnwest.com so you never miss a deadline again.Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![HowComedy Can Save Hunting] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Someone bid $290,000 for a Utah Rocky Mountain bighorn tag at this year's Hunt Expo. You can enter the same draw for $21.That's the whole argument for applying for Utah's once in a lifetime species — and it's a strong one. These aren't tags you build toward with a realistic finish line. The point creep is real, the permits are scarce, and you're probably never going to hit 100% draw odds. But if you're already buying a Utah hunting license to apply for elk, deer, or antelope, adding sheep, moose, or bison to your application is just a lottery ticket on top of a purchase you already made. And the payoff, if you draw, is genuinely life-changing.This is the fourth and final episode in the 2026 Utah application series. I break down every once in a lifetime species Utah offers — Rocky Mountain bighorn, desert bighorn, mountain goat, moose, and bison — covering draw odds, permit numbers, success rates, trophy potential, and which ones are actually worth adding to your application. The April 23rd deadline applies here too, so the timing matters.In this episode:• Why Utah once in a lifetime tags are pure lottery tickets — and exactly what that means for your point strategy• Conservation permit auction prices from the 2026 Western Hunt Expo that show just how valuable these tags really are• Rocky Mountain bighorn breakdown: only 5 non-resident permits, 100% managed success rates, and units producing 175-inch bulls• Desert bighorn vs. Rocky Mountain bighorn — the differences in permit availability, odds, and trophy potential• Mountain goat reality check: declining populations, pulled non-resident permits in some units, and why easier access makes it interesting for certain hunters• Moose in the lower 48: 10 non-resident permits, mostly 100% success rates, and why the point pool makes it a true lottery• The over-the-counter bison warning — why buying the Nine Mile OTC permit forfeits your ability to ever apply for the Henry Mountains or Book Cliffs draw• Which species Brian actually applies for — and the honest framework for deciding which $21 applications are worth it to youIf this series helped you get your Utah applications dialed in, take a second to leave a five-star rating and follow the show. It genuinely makes a differenceFollow along for more tag breakdowns, application strategy, and behind-the-scenes content: @getdrawnwestWant to stay ahead of every deadline and draw strategy before the season hits? Sign up for the Drawn West Newsletter — practical, no-fluff emails straight to your inbox:Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![2026Big Game Application Results] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 

Is Utah Antelope worth it?A lot of people skip Utah antelope entirely. That might be exactly why you should be building points right now.If you're already applying for elk or mule deer in Utah, adding an antelope point only costs you $— and some of the best pronghorn tags in the state are starting to come within reach. Utah doesn't carry the same reputation as Wyoming or Nevada, but the herds are recovering, the trophy quality is climbing back, and the hunting pressure on antelope is almost nothing compared to what you see on deer and elk tags.In this episode, we break down the full Utah antelope picture for 2026 — where the herds stand after the tough stretch following the 2023 winter kill, which units give you a real shot at an 80-inch buck, and how to think about Utah as part of a bigger multi-state antelope strategy. The April 23, 2026 application deadline is right around the corner.In this episode:• Utah pronghorn herd recovery after the 2023 winter kill — why trophy quality took a hit and where things stand now• How the Parker Mountain herd has served as a statewide source population, including 317 animals transplanted to new units in 2025• The four units with the strongest 80-inch-plus potential: San Rafael North, Book Cliffs South, Fillmore, and the Beaver• Draw odds breakdown for residents vs. non-residents — and the weapon-type combos where tags get realistic faster than you'd expect• Why Utah is a long-term state, not a cornerstone antelope state — and where it fits in a smart multi-state plan• The $21 point investment that makes complete sense if you're already buying a Utah hunting license________________________________________Follow along for more antelope breakdowns, application tips, and behind-the-scenes content: @getdrawnwestWant to stay ahead of every deadline and draw strategy before the season hits? Sign up for the Drawn West Newsletter — practical, no-fluff emails straight to your inbox:Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article![2026Big Game Application Results]FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Want a shot at hunting some of the biggest public land elk in the country? In this episode, we break down what Utah elk tags cost, how the draw works for nonresidents, and where both limited entry and OTC tags fit into a long range elk strategy.We walk through the nonresident math on the 365 day hunting license, general, spike only, any bull, and limited entry tag prices, and why Utah’s cheap bonus points become a bargain once you’re already buying the license. Then I break down Utah’s hybrid bonus point system for limited entry elk, how the resident/nonresident split works, and why Utah’s age class management creates some of the best public land bull potential in the country—up into the 340–380+ range in top units like Beaver, Boulder, and Pahvant.What we cover in this episode:• 365 day license hacks and point stacking• How Utah’s hybrid elk draw works• Best limited entry elk units for nonresidents• When to chase top tier vs “second tier” tags• Using OTC spike and any bull hunts while building pointsIf this episode helps you sort out where Utah elk belongs in your Western plan, subscribe to the podcast and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don’t miss the rest of the Utah application series!Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveaway updates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![UtahMule Deer Application Guide]FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 – Why Utah elk is so underrated fornonresidents01:40 – 2026 Utah elk deadlines and basic rules03:15 – Nonresident license, tag costs, and 365‑daylicense math06:30 – Limited entry vs general elk, weapon types,and season breakdown09:00 – How Utah’s hybrid bonus point draw works forelk13:00 – Why Utah elk quality is so high (age classand herd management)17:30 – Top‑end limited entry units: Beaver, Boulder,Pahvant, San Juan23:30 – Draw odds, long‑term odds modeling, andauction tag values30:30 – How to build a long‑term Utah elk strategy bypoint level37:30 – OTC spike‑only and any‑bull elk tags andwhere they fit43:00 – Key 2026 dates and how to stay on top of Utahelk applications

Want to chase some of the biggest mule deer in the country? In this episode, I break down what Utah really costs, how the draw works, and which units are actually worth your points so you can decide if it belongs in your long range strategy.We walk through the nonresident math on the 365 day license, general and limited entry tag costs, and why Utah’s cheap points become a bargain once you’re already in the system. Then I break down Utah’s bonus point system for limited entry, the true preference points for general season, and real world unit examples from zero points up into the 20 plus range.What we cover in this episode:• How to time the 365 day license so you get two application cycles out of one purchase.• The difference between premium limited entry, standard limited entry, management buck, cactus buck, and HAMS hunts—and what happens to your points when you draw.• High end units like Paunsaugunt, Henry Mountains, Fillmore Creek, and San Juan, plus realistic general units like Pine Valley, Zion, North Slope, Chalk Creek, Bonanza, La Sal, and Monroe from 0–10 points.• Why nonresidents often have more opportunity in Utah than residents when it comes to limited entry applications.• How I think about folding Utah into a bigger Western application plan using GoHunt Filtering 2.0.If this episode helps you sort out Utah, subscribe to the podcast and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don’t miss the rest of the Utah bonus series. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.Join Here: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletterLooking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article![2026 Utah Elk Application Guide]FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest Chapters00:00:00 – Why Utah MuleDeer Matters in 202600:00:24 – Utah Deadline and How It Fits with MT, WY, CO00:02:36 – Nonresident Costs: License, Tags, and Points00:04:06 – Utah Draw System: Bonus vs Preference Points00:06:48 – Premium, Management, and Cactus Buck Hunts00:10:35 – General Season Deer and Draw Order Rules00:13:05 – Using GoHunt Filtering 2.0 for Utah Units00:16:11 – High‑End Limited Entry Units Worth Waiting For00:19:40 – Shortcut Tags with HAMS and Late Muzzleloader00:20:19 – Zero‑ to Ten‑Point General Units and Long‑Range Strategy

Ever walk through the woods thinking “Elk don’t exist” ? I’ve had a few of those days myself – On this episode we have the host of the Elk Don’t Exist podcast himself, comedian and hunter Dillon Deitz. We covered shed hunting and hunting stories stories, but it turned into a really solid conversation about getting into hunting and why it feels harder than it should.Dillon’s working on a series called Rookie Season where he’s taking guys with zero hunting background and helping them go through their first hunt. No experience, no shortcuts, just figuring it out as they go. That led into a bigger conversation about how complicated hunting has gotten, especially for someone looking in from the outside.We also got into public land pressure, non-residents, and the whole social media side of hunting — not trying to solve anything, just talking through what we’re seeing and what actually lines up with reality.Overall it’s just a laid back conversation, but there’s a lot in here whether you’ve been hunting your whole life or you’re just getting started.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed it, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who’d get something out of it.Check out the first episode of Dillon’s project The RookieSeason on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4j637LQffc Follow more of Dillon’s content on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dillondeitz/ Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle![How To GoElk Hunting for $1500] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 – Shed Hunting Stories08:30 – What “Rookie Season” Is22:30 – Why Hunting Feels Hard to Start35:30 – Public Land & Non-Residents49:00 – Keeping Hunting Fun1:03:00 – Hunting with Family1:14:00 – Social Media & Criticism1:20:00 – Gear & Getting Started

A Colorado moose, sheep, or goat tag is one of the hardest tags in the lower 48 to draw, but it may be worth applying for and we breakdown why!In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down how Colorado’s moose, sheep, and goat system actually works, what makes it different from the straight preference draws for deer, elk, and antelope, and why these tags are still one of the more realistic long-game plays if you want a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. He covers the $2,823 nonresident tag cost, the three-year preference point buy-in, how weighted points create a random-but-improving draw system, and what the current outlook looks like for bighorns, goats, and especially moose. He also gets into an option most hunters overlook: ewe, nanny, and antlerless moose tags that can cut the wait down in a big way. • Colorado deadline: April 7 at 8 p.m. Mountain Time • Nonresident tag fee: $2,823, plus qualifying license • Three preference points required before you even have a chance to draw • Desert bighorn is random and separate from Rocky Mountain bighorn • Antlerless/female tags can dramatically improve draw odds Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article!ColoradoElk Application StrategyFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest0:00 – Colorado Moose Sheep Goat Overview0:34 – April 7 Deadline and Tag Cost4:44 – How Colorado MSG Points Work12:05 – Why Weather Matters Less for MSG Applications13:22 – Rocky Mountain Bighorn Breakdown18:44 – Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown22:51 – Why Colorado Moose Looks So Promising27:55 – Faster Draw Odds with Ewe, Nanny, and Antlerless Tags

If you’re already applying in Colorado… you might be missing one of the easiest hunts you can add.In this Colorado Antelope breakdown, Brian walks through exactly how to approach the 2026 application—what it costs, what kind of hunt you can expect, and how to actually pick a unit based on your point level. With the April 7 deadline looming, this episode focuses on strategy—especially for hunters already in the Colorado system. Antelope might not be the flashiest tag in the West, but it can be one of the most efficient ways to add a hunt to your fall if you’re already applying for deer or elk.Brian also dives into herd recovery after the brutal 2023 winter, what realistic trophy expectations look like (and where they’re better than advertised), and how public land access—not trophy size—is often the biggest factor in draw odds.From zero points to 20+ year strategies, this is a practical, no-BS walkthrough of how to actually use your points—and whether it’s worth waiting or just going hunting.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!ColoradoElk Application StrategyFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Thinking of an elk hunt this year? Colorado needs to be on your radar!In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, we dig into Colorado elk—what’s changing, what’s coming next, and where the real opportunity still lives depending on your point level.Colorado is still the center of the elk hunting world, but it’s evolving. OTC archery has shifted, rifle tags could follow, and a major draw system change in 2028 is starting to reshape how people think about points. At the same time, there are still ways to hunt every single year—if you’re looking at it the right way.We walk through how different point levels actually play out, where things quietly open up, and why some strategies look better on paper than they do in reality.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re playing Colorado the right way—or just want to understand it a little deeper—this one’s worth your time.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!Forging TheFuture: Benchmade’s Newest Blade Technology FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00 – Colorado Elk Overview01:10 – Deadline & Point Rules02:00 – OTC Archery Changes03:30 – Future Rifle Tag Changes04:30 – Colorado Elk Costs05:30 – Draw System Explained07:00 – 2028 System Changes09:00 – Elk Population & Trophy Potential11:30 – Using Unit Data & GoHunt13:00 – Best Units (0 Points)15:30 – Best Units (3 Points)17:30 – The 7–20 Point Dead Zone19:30 – High Point Strategy21:30 – Final Application Advice

Colorado is the king of Mule Deer States – and this episode we breakdown why!Big country, a pile of public land, and more opportunity than just about anywhere else in the West—it’s one of the few states where you can still put a plan together and actually go hunt.This episode kicks off the Colorado series with mule deer, and we start with what makes it so good. From early high-country hunts to late-season rut hunts, Colorado gives you options—and that’s really the story here.We get into how the draw works, what the April 7 deadline means, and how to think about points without overcomplicating it. There’s also a look ahead at the 2028 changes and how that might shape decisions over the next couple years.And then we dive into the fun part—seasons, units, and where you might start looking depending on how many points you’ve got.If you’ve ever thought about hunting mule deer out West, Colorado is hard to ignore.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!ColoradoElk Application Strategy FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest0:00 Why Colorado Mule Deer2:00 Colorado Application Overview4:30 April 7 Deadline7:10 Preference Point System12:00 2028 Draw Changes18:30 Season Breakdown24:00 Early Season vs Rut Hunts30:00 Unit Options (0–5 Points)36:00 Mid-Level Units42:00 High Point Units47:00 Final Thoughts on Colorado

Montana might be one of the most confusing application systems in the West—and if you don’t understand how it works, it’s really easy to waste money or burn points for no reason.This episode is a full breakdown of the Montana draw system, but more importantly, how to actually make decisions inside of it. We walk through the difference between preference points and bonus points, how the combo licenses work, and why Montana’s system forces you to think multiple years ahead instead of just applying on a whim.The biggest takeaway here isn’t just how the draw works—it’s how to decide when to apply, when to buy points, and when to sit out, depending on your situation. There are scenarios where having zero points is actually better than one, and others where a single decision can set you back years.If Montana’s ever felt confusing, this will simplify it—and help you avoid some expensive mistakes.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!MontanaElk Application Strategy [2026] FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest 00:00 – Why Montana Confuses Everyone02:15 – Key Deadlines (April 1 + Point Periods)04:20 – Combo Licenses Explained07:45 – Limited Entry Permits Breakdown11:20 – Bonus Points vs Preference Points14:45 – Why 0 Points Can Beat 1 Point18:10 – Elk Strategy (What You Should Do)21:50 – Deer Strategy (What You Should Do)25:30 – Group Applications Explained28:00 – Final Strategy + Multi-Year PlanningHaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Montana mule deer gets talked about like it’s an easy answer—but I don’t think it’s that simple. In this episode, I walk through Montana’s 2026 mule deer application strategy, what the tag really gets you, and what kind of hunt I think most non-residents should expect if they draw.We cover deadline, cost, draw odds, population trends, limited entry vs. general, and the regions I’d be looking at depending on whether you want an easier hunt, less pressure, or a better crack at quality. I also share some honest thoughts on where Montana still makes sense in a mule deer strategy—and where I think people can talk themselves into it for the wrong reasons.If you’re trying to figure out whether Montana deserves a spot in your application plan this year, this should help you make that call with a little more clarity.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!2026Montana Elk Application StrategyFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Montana elk is one of the best opportunities in the West — IF you can figure out the draw system.In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down everything you need to know about applying for Montana elk in the 2026 application season. Montana is one of the most popular elk states for non-resident hunters, but it also has one of the most complicated draw systems in the West.Brian walks through the April 1 application deadline, major 2026 rule changes, rising tag costs, and the new rule that Montana will purge preference points if you skip a year applying. He also explains how Montana’s two-tier system works — preference points for general tags and bonus points for limited entry permits — and why planning your strategy 2–3 years ahead matters.You’ll also hear a breakdown of Montana’s elk regions, population trends, drought conditions, and how to find a good general unit using harvest data, public land filters, and terrain analysis.Whether you’re applying for the first time or deciding how to use a stack of bonus points, this episode lays out a clear strategy for navigating one of the most confusing draws in Western hunting.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!2026New Mexico Application Strategy FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest0:00 – Intro0:45 – Montana Elk Application Deadline2:00 – New Preference Point Rule4:15 – Rising Elk Tag Prices6:30 – Grizzly Bears in Montana Units8:50 – Chronic Wasting Disease Concerns11:45 – How Montana’s Draw System Works16:30 – General Tags vs Limited Entry21:30 – Montana Elk Regions Explained26:00 – Best General Units to Start With30:20 – How to Find Hidden Gem Units34:40 – Strategy Based on Your Points39:30 – Final Montana Elk Application Advice

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down the full strategy for applying in New Mexico’s big game draw, one of the most unique systems in the West.Unlike most states, New Mexico has no point system, meaning every applicant has the same odds each year. Brian walks through how the three-choice draw system works, how to structure your hunt choices, and why New Mexico can be a great “swing for the fences” state—especially for elk hunters chasing giant bulls.He also explains the resident vs non-resident tag allocations, the cost structure for applications, and how the New Mexico deadline lines up with other states like Wyoming. Finally, Brian breaks down each major species—elk, mule deer, pronghorn, sheep, ibex, and oryx—and shares when it might make sense to apply and when it might not.If you’re building a western hunting application strategy, New Mexico might be the wildcard tag that changes your season.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!HowTo Draw a Tag in the West FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest0:00 – Intro & Maven Sponsor2:05 – New Mexico Application Deadlines3:20 – How the New Mexico Draw System Works5:00 – Using Your Three Hunt Choices Strategically7:00 – Non-Resident Tag Allocation Explained9:20 – Costs and Application Fees12:15 – Elk Strategy & Trophy Units17:30 – Mule Deer Opportunities in New Mexico21:15 – Pronghorn Draw Odds and Access Challenges24:50 – Sheep, Ibex, and Exotic Species28:30 – Is New Mexico Worth Adding to Your Strategy?

In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian Krebs breaks down one of the most common dilemmas Western hunters face: when should you keep hunting the same unit—and when should you move on and try somewhere new?After a recent ice-fishing trip to Devils Lake, Brian reflects on a conversation with friends about choosing between several Montana elk units. From thick black-timber grizzly country to open terrain better suited for spot-and-stalk, each unit has strengths and weaknesses. Brian walks through the exact criteria his group uses to evaluate hunts over time.He explains why elk encounters, terrain, travel distance, hunting style compatibility, and public access all matter when deciding whether a unit deserves another chance. He also shares real examples from hunts in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and antelope country—highlighting both successes and lessons learned.If you’re building a long-term Western hunting strategy or trying to find your own “cornerstone” unit, this episode will help you evaluate hunts more objectively and make smarter decisions year after year.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!How to GoElk Hunting for $1500 FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest

Imagine this: Wyoming. Antelope tag in your pocket. Tough hunt. Then a giant buck steps out at 400 yards. You’re seated. Bipod down. Crosshairs steady. And you’re asking yourself one question: Do I take the shot?Last week we talked long range. Today we’re talking about the part nobody really wants to admit — just because you can hit steel at 400… doesn’t mean you should shoot that buck at 400.Brian breaks down the Shot Decision Triangle — the three variables that actually determine your effective range:• Your caliber and bullet construction (energy, velocity thresholds, expansion windows)• Your personal shooting ability and practice standard• The real-time scenario (wind, animal movement, angle, stability, time of flight)He walks through minimum energy benchmarks for common western species, explains how different bullet types behave at varying impact velocities, and lays out a practical field rule: cut the animal’s vital zone in half during practice to establish your real effective range.The episode then transitions into archery — fixed vs expandable broadheads, penetration vs cut width, pass-through priorities, deer ducking strings, and how to honestly evaluate your range with a bow.This isn’t about giving you a magic number. It’s about building a system so the answer becomes obvious when the moment arrives.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode sharpened your thinking, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy who needs to hear it.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/how-to-draw-a-tag-in-the-west FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest00:00–08:45 — The 400-Yard PronghornDecision08:45–24:30 — Bullet Construction, Energy & Velocity Explained24:30–34:45 — The Practice Standard: Cut the Kill Zone in Half34:45–44:30 — Wind, Angles, Stability & Time of Flight44:30–56:45 — Archery: Broadheads, Penetration & Range Limits

How far is too far when it comes to rifle shots on big game?In this episode, I sit down with Jayden Miller of West Elk Precision to break down what actually determines an ethical shot in the field — and it’s not just a number. We dive into zeroing properly, shooting positions, wind, cartridge selection, bullet performance, and how your real-world skill level changes everything.We talk about the difference between shooting paper and shooting animals, how to test your true limits before season, and why ego ruins more hunts than bad equipment. Jayden also shares real-world examples from this season — including a 760-yard bull — and we unpack what went into that decision.If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I take this shot?” — this episode gives you a framework to answer it yourself.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/elk-hunting-knivesFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest 0:00 – How Far Is Too Far?0:19 – Meet Jayden Miller (West Elk Precision)3:00 – What Counts as Long Range?10:45 – The Importance of a True Zero18:00 – Shooting Positions & Real-World Data29:30 – Wind, Environment & Confidence41:45 – Caliber & Bullet Performance Explained58:00 – Breaking Down the 760-Yard Elk1:12:00 – Ego vs Ethics in the Field1:22:00 – Final Thoughts on Ethical Distance

You don’t need 20 points, a decade of waiting, or a once-in-a-lifetime tag to hunt the West consistently. If you’re willing to think strategically, you can build a system that gets you out there every single year.In this episode, we break down exactly how to hunt elk, mule deer, or pronghorn every season by rotating states, stacking applications, and using Idaho and Colorado as strategic anchors. We dig into point creep, how to build preference points without wasting years, when to swing for the fences in places like Arizona or New Mexico, and how to structure a 5–10 year plan that actually compounds instead of resets.If you’ve been wondering whether to build points or burn them, this episode gives you the framework to decide — before deadlines close.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article:How To Draw a Tag in the WestFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest0:00 – Why You Need a Multi-Year Strategy3:15 – Understanding Point Creep7:02 – Rotating States & Species11:30 – Pronghorn Annual Plan16:14 – Mule Deer Rotation Explained18:41 – Why Idaho Is a Strategic Anchor23:20 – Mixing in Arizona & New Mexico25:30 – Elk Every Year Strategy28:41 – Wyoming & Montana Reality Check32:57 – What Happens If Colorado Goes to a Draw35:18 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps

If you want to hunt the West, drawing a tag isn’t a detail—it’s the entire game.Western tags aren’t “grab one on the way to deer camp” — they’re a 6–12 month planning game, and this episode breaks the whole thing down in plain English. You’ll hear a listener question from Josh (Tennessee) who’s trying to get himself and his son out West this fall for mule deer or antelope with zero points, and we use his situation to walk through what’s actually realistic (and what’s just internet noise). From there, we lay out the four core draw systems (OTC, random/no-points, preference points, bonus points), why “easy to draw” often means “hard hunt,” and how point creep can quietly bury your long-term plan. Then we turn it into an actual strategy: short-term vs mid-term vs long-term rotations, plus a simple “application stacking” method to swing at multiple states in the same year without ending up with overlapping tags.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/getting-into-trappingFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers00:00 – Why “draw a tag” is step one

If you’ve ever been curious about trapping but felt like it was confusing, intimidating, or just “not for people like me,” this episode is for you.I sit down with Zach from Okayest Trapper to talk through what getting started actually looks like when you didn’t grow up trapping. The mistakes, the learning curve, the frozen ground, the gear decisions, and why most people underestimate how much work (and problem-solving) is involved.We cover how trapper education works in different states, how trapping changes the way you think about animals and habitat, and why so many hunters eventually get drawn into it — even if they never planned to. We also talk honestly about fur, conservation, and whether trapping is something that stays a hobby or can turn into something more over time.If you hunt, own land, or just want to understand another side of the outdoor world without the gatekeeping, this conversation will give you a clear picture of what trapping really is — and whether it’s something you’d ever want to try.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this helped you see trapping differently, leave a 5-star rating and share it with someone who’s been curious but unsure where to start.Check out our latest article:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/articles/elk-hunting-knivesFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Collab kickoff + trapping bug01:45 – How Idaho vs Minnesota trapping education works06:15 – Early exposure to trapping culture (and what changed)09:45 – “Why am I doing this?” — the addiction to challenge14:10 – Trap prep debate: boil, rust, dye, wax… or just run them18:10 – Anchors vs drags + frozen ground problems23:00 – Cable restraints: lighter, faster, more scalable26:10 – Collector mode: species goals (fox, coon, coyote, fisher, bobcat)31:45 – Fur boom talk + could markets ever come back?41:15 – Alternative markets: squirrels, gophers, skulls, and making it pencil

Is it worth applying for Elk and Antelope in Arizona? Lets dive into it!In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down exactly what non-resident hunters need to know before deciding whether Arizona deserves a spot in their Western application strategy. From deadlines and costs to draw mechanics and realistic hunt expectations, this episode is built to help you avoid common mistakes and spend your application dollars smarter.You’ll learn how to legally cut Arizona application costs nearly in half using the license timing strategy, how loyalty and Hunter Ed bonus points actually impact your odds, and why Arizona’s modified bonus point system is confusing—but still gives every applicant a chance. Brian also explains why group applications can quietly destroy your odds, especially in units limited by the 5% non-resident cap.On the hunting side, this episode takes an honest look at where Arizona elk stands today. While it’s no longer the king of 400-inch bulls, Arizona still offers some of the best mid-range elk opportunities in the West if you’re willing to hunt late archery or late rifle seasons. Brian lays out realistic timelines for different hunt types and explains where Arizona fits compared to states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana.Finally, Brian addresses Arizona antelope head-on—why it’s largely overvalued for non-residents, when it might still make sense to apply, and why most hunters are better off treating it as a cheap lottery ticket rather than a long-term points investment.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If this helped clarify your application strategy, leave a 5-star rating and share the episode with a buddy who’s still on the fence about Arizona.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb01:45 Arizona License & Application Costs03:10 The Every-Other-Year License Strategy05:00 Arizona Weather, Drought, and Herd Health06:45 Arizona’s Modified Bonus Point Draw09:10 Group Applications & Non-Resident Caps11:40 How Good Is Arizona Elk Hunting Today?14:00 Arizona as a Mid-Range Elk Strategy18:00 Arizona Antelope Reality Check21:30 Final Verdict & Application Advice

Apply, skip, or just buy a point — this is how to make the right Wyoming elk decision in 2026.In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down everything non-resident hunters need to know before applying for a Wyoming elk tag in 2026 — including deadlines, costs, point strategy, and when it isn’t worth applying.This episode covers how Wyoming’s elk system really works, from the confusing regular vs. special draw and preference vs. random pools, to tag types, regions, group applications, and realistic draw odds at every point level. Brian also explains why Wyoming’s early deadline and full upfront payment change the math for many hunters — especially those with low point totals — and offers honest guidance on when to apply, when to skip, and when to simply buy a point later in the year.If you’re trying to decide whether Wyoming fits into your 2026 elk plan, this episode gives you the clarity to make a smart call instead of guessing.Key Takeaways:• Non-resident Wyoming elk deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT• Upfront cost required: Full tag + fees charged at application• Draw results: Tentatively May 21, 2026• Preference points: No longer automatic — must be purchased separately July 1–Nov 2• Regular vs. Special draw: ~4-year point reduction for ~$1,250 more• General tag reality: Now takes ~3–6 points depending on region• When NOT to apply: Low-point hunters in South & West regions• When to apply: Borderline odds (30%+) or high-point limited entry playsSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If this helped, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy stressing over applications.GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Wyoming Elk Deadline & Fees02:35 – Preference Points Are No Longer Automatic03:48 – How the Wyoming Elk Draw Works07:25 – Wyoming Elk Tag Types Explained09:45 – General License & Regions12:15 – Group Applications & Point Averaging13:54 – General Tag Draw Odds by Region16:18 – Regular vs Special: Is It Worth It?18:40 – Limited Entry Options by Point Level21:03 – When You Should Skip Applying23:25 – Elk Herd Health & 2026 Outlook25:57 – Final Recommendation & Wrap-Up

Inside SHOT Show 2026: the biggest hunting and shooting industry trends, gear, and surprises from the show floor.SHOT Show 2026 just wrapped, and this was my first-ever SHOT Show experience—so I went in expecting a hunting trade show and walked into one of the biggest shooting sports and firearms industry events in the world.In this episode, I break down what SHOT Show is really like, how it compares to other outdoor expos, and the new hunting gear, firearms technology, and outdoor products that stood out most this year. From suppressor-ready rifles and long-range cartridges to innovative hunting packs, coolers, blinds, and knives, this episode covers the products and trends that matter most to serious hunters.I also share my Top 3 things from SHOT Show 2026, including:• The new 7mm Backcountry cartridge designed for 20” suppressor-ready rifles• Why Beretta’s 500-year history might be the most impressive story in the firearms industry• Benchmade’s brand-new bi-metal blade patent that could change how hunting knives are builtIf you’re curious about SHOT Show, the future of hunting gear, or what new products are actually worth paying attention to in 2026, this episode gives you a ground-level look from the show floor.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If this episode helped you, leave a 5-star rating and share it with a buddy heading west this fall.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

SHOT Show week in Vegas, so we’re doing something a little different: a throwback “Rifle Gear 101” episode from the Western Rookie days, republished here on Drawn West. It’s a full, practical walkthrough of what actually matters for a western rifle hunt: layering for chaotic October/November weather, keeping feet dry with gaiters, and building a clothing system you can mix and match instead of buying one “mega jacket.”From there we get into camp comfort (truck-seat mattress vs. tent, propane vs. wood heat, and why warm food matters more the colder it gets), then the unsexy-but-critical stuff: tools, tow straps, shovels, chains, and spare tires so a broken rig doesn’t end your hunt.We wrap with the “gear brain” section: kill kit + game bags, pack setup, glassing systems, and then a straight-shooting breakdown of calibers, bullet types, and rifle optics so you can keep it simple and still be effective.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 — 6.5 Creedmoor Ballistics Lead-In00:33 — Shot Show Week + Throwback Episode Plan03:15 — Rifle Season Weather + Layering Strategy12:59 — GOHUNT Draw Odds + Insider Plug14:15 — Gloves + Cold-Hand System16:23 — Camp Styles + Heaters (Propane vs Wood)25:17 — Truck Tools, Straps, Chains, Spares31:14 — Kill Kit + Game Bags + Pack Setup41:26 — Glassing System: Binos, Tripod, Spotter48:37 — Calibers, Bullets, and Rifle Optics Wrap-Up

Never hunted the West before? This episode is where you start.This is a full, start-to-finish breakdown of how to plan your first Western hunt without wasting time, money, or an entire season learning the hard way. We walk through every major decision — species, weapon choice, tag systems, budget, gear, scouting, and expectations — so you can stop overthinking and start taking action.This episode is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you’ve never stepped foot out West or you’ve gone once and want a cleaner, smarter process, this framework gives you clarity on what to do next — and how to build hunts that fit your life, not your ego.This is the foundation everything else at Drawn West builds on.If this episode helped you, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a 5-star rating — it helps more hunters find the show. And if you know someone who’s always said “someday I want to hunt out West,” send them this episode. Follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more Western hunting strategy, planning, and real-world hunt breakdowns.Up Next: Watch our full Colorado Mule Deer Hunt where we TAGGED OUT on public land!https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7BsFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearConnect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersSave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Why This Is the Start Here Episode05:00 – Choosing the Right First Western Hunt08:00 – Species & Weapon Reality Check20:00 – Understanding Tags, Points & Draw Systems30:00 – How to Pick a Unit Without Internet Noise38:00 – Realistic Budget & Hidden Costs48:00 – E-Scouting: Access, Habitat & Pressure55:00 – Timeline: When to Apply, Scout & Prep01:02:00 – Expectations, Mindset & Final Advice

Dogs running deer, a 200-yard muzzleloader shot, a misfire on the follow up, and an 8-point that somehow stood there forever… this one was chaos in the best (and worst) way.Brian kicks off with two quick updates: the 2025 Colorado mule deer full film is live on YouTube, and a listener question from Joe that turns into a solid breakdown on picking your anchor elk state as a solo hunter. He talks rifle vs archery realities, why repetition matters more than “perfect” tags, and how he’d rotate Montana/Colorado (and maybe Idaho) to stack reps without waiting 10–15 years.Then we get into Minnesota muzzleloader season: a herd gets pushed by two pet dogs, a big buck pauses at 200, the shot breaks, and the follow-up turns into click… click… click. Next morning: blood, pines, and a fast recovery—plus what this long-range muzzleloader setup has changed for his CRP farm hunts.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Watch the full Colorado Mule Deer Film:https://youtu.be/sIqJk35O7Bs FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 Colorado mule deer full filmannouncement02:08 Listener question: solo elkstruggles + point situation04:35 What makes an “anchor elk state”06:00 Rifle vs archery elk when you huntsolo08:04 Why Wyoming general isn’t a truecornerstone state10:24 Colorado as a cornerstone (pressure+ future changes)12:43 Montana general strategy and the“point weirdness”14:30 A practical rotation plan for elkhunting more often16:49 Minnesota muzzleloader: whylong-range matters23:08 Dogs push deer + the 200-yard shot+ misfire chaos34:17 Blood trail, fast recovery, andseason wrap

An 11-day winter road trip, four Airbnbs, overloaded trucks, and some of the most remote ice fishing in the Lower 48.In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian sits down with Matt Waldron to break down an 11-day western ice fishing road trip across Montana and Wyoming—what went right, what went sideways, and why destination ice fishing deserves way more attention from hunters and anglers alike.Matt walks through the logistics of hauling machines, gear overload, rotating Airbnbs, and filming a full multi-episode series for Crappie Chronicles. They dig into the mental shift between hunting and fishing trips, why ice fishing feels more relaxed, and how preparation, flexibility, and experience keep trips like this from falling apart.The conversation covers everything from remote lake trout fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir, destination walleye fisheries like Devils Lake, and why western fisheries offer a completely different experience than pressured Midwest lakes. Along the way, they get into gear systems, truck builds, safety in remote country, filming realities, and why nothing ever goes exactly as planned on long trips.This episode is part trip recap, part strategy session, and part encouragement to think bigger—whether that’s ice fishing out west, planning destination trips, or simply getting more intentional about how you travel and prepare.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave a 5-star rating, and share the show on social media to help Drawn West keep growing.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Brian and Abby are rolling home from Colorado (in the truck, somewhere around Iowa) wrapping Part 3 of their Colorado mule deer trip—and how the last stretch of the hunt actually played out. They break down a “mid-hunt sanity hack” (a rec center day pass for a legit shower), why they stayed committed to the same productive spot instead of gambling on new ground, and the one mistake that made the day feel way harder than it needed to be: forgetting the bino harness with all the critical little stuff in it.The back half is the real meat—spotting two shooter bucks transitioning near private, making a 400-yard play on a solid public-land 3x3, and what happened after the first miss: follow-up shots, closing distance, and making sure the finish was quick and ethical. They wrap with pack-out lessons, why good packs matter, and the bigger takeaway: sometimes whitetail patience is the best mule deer strategy when deer are filtering off private.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 Drawn West intro + headed home00:41 Part 3 context + Minnesota season overlap01:50 Day 5 reset + the rec center shower hack03:12 Staying with the same spot vs gambling new ground|04:38 Forgot bino harness + why it mattered08:21 Spotting shooters + the public-land 3x3 appears12:04 Decision time: shoot now or wait for bigger13:23 Shot sequence, follow-ups, and ethics19:26 Pack-out realities + why good packs matter23:55 Biggest takeaways: whitetail patience + tripod shift33:22 Final wrap: heading home + “stay drawn”

Abbey's Tagged Out!This episode picks up on Day 2 of our Colorado mule deer trip, where the pressure ramps up fast. We roll into our “close to private” ridge in the dark and find trucks, four-wheelers, and guys stacked on every knob. Instead of joining the circus, we bail back to our opening-morning spot, watch a solid three-by-three feed at 325–250 yards, and talk through why Abby decides to pass and keep building confidence.Sunday turns into a bonus scouting day on the far side of the unit, where we find almost no people, a pile of deer sign, and even glass a mega three-by-three in somebody’s backyard—then decide to ride or die on our original ridge. By Day 4 the nerves are real, a buck walks past at 20 yards, Abby’s rifle misfires, and we have to troubleshoot sand in the bolt before the next chance.When a big fork steps out on the pipeline at 325 yards, Abby settles in, holds high, and absolutely drills her biggest buck yet, followed by her first real pack-out.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb 0:00– One Tag, One Week: Part Two Setup0:42 – Day 2: Weekend Pressure and a Crowded Ridge2:16 – Passing the First Real 3x3 Buck at 325 Yards5:05 – Saddles, Private Fields, and Realizing He Was Bigger7:10 – Sunday Scouting: New Country and a Backyard Giant9:30 – Ride-or-Die on the Favorite Spot for Day 311:50 – Camp Routine, Hiking Faster, and Meeting Jake from Arizona14:40 – Day 4 Mindset: “Any Buck I Can Make Happen”16:20 – Misfire at 20 Yards and Fixing the Rifle18:50 – Pipeline Fork at 325 Yards: Abby’s Shot25:20 – Heart Shot, Photos, and Abby’s First Pack-Out28:35 – Abby Tagged Out, Weather Worries, and Brian’s Turn

In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode of the Drawn West Podcast, Brian breaks down Idaho’s big move for 2026 as one of the last “over-the-counter” western states shifts non-resident general deer and elk tags to a full draw system. He walks through what’s actually changing, key deadlines (applications due December 15 at 11:59 p.m. MT), the new five-choice application rules, and how group applications work so your whole crew can still hunt together.Brian also explains why this isn’t the end of the world for traveling hunters, why Idaho’s early-January results are still clutch for multi-state strategies, and how to think about your first and second choices under a random draw with no points. Then he dives into GoHunt’s Insider tools — Filtering 2.0, unit profiles, and trophy/harvest stats — and shows how to sort Idaho elk and mule deer units by success rate, public land, and trophy potential so you’re swinging for the fences smartly.If you’re eyeing Idaho for 2026, this episode is your blueprint — plus a reminder that code DRAWNWEST gets you $50 in gear credit and 10% off most full-price gear in the GOHUNT Gear Shop when you join Insider.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb0:00 – Idaho Apps Season Kickoff with GOHUNT1:05 – Idaho OTC “Over the Counter” Myth3:10 – 2026 Change: General Deer & Elk Goto Draw5:20 – Deadlines, Time Zones, and LicenseRequirements7:10 – Why Early January Results Matter forMulti-State Plans9:30 – Non-Resident Caps, Quotas, andResident Priority12:00 – Group Applications: Keeping YourHunting Crew Together15:30 – How the Random Draw & FiveChoices Really Work19:30 – Building Your Idaho Strategy: DreamUnits vs Realistic Picks23:50 – Using GOHUNT Insider & Filtering2.0 for Idaho Elk27:10 – Idaho Mule Deer Potential and SuccessRates30:30 – Tag Prices, Travel Reality, and WhereIdaho Fits in Your Season33:30 – Final Thoughts: Swing Big, Do theResearch, Stay Drawn

Abbey and I are recording this one straight from Colorado deer camp at the end of day one, and it already feels like we’ve been here a week. We walk through the whole road trip out from home, grabbing a Cruise America camper in Denver, rolling into camp at 11 p.m., then scouting all day Friday and hunting hard today.We break down what we’re seeing so far: ridiculous deer numbers, a crazy buck-to-doe ratio, and more 4x4s and “shooter” bucks than I’ve seen on all my other mule deer hunts combined—just not quite on the public line… yet. We talk through the game plan for hunting public on the edge of big ag, waiting for the rut to really crack open and pull those giants up into the hills.There’s plenty of campfire story stuff too: Abbey almost getting “eaten” by a fox she never saw, punching a tarantula-sized spider off her hand on a steep ridge, and why renting a cheap little camper might be the ultimate mid-November deer camp hack.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb0:00 – Live from Colorado Deer Camp2:10 – Scouting Friday and Opening Day Expectations3:30 – 500–1,000 Deer and a Ton of Bucks|5:05 – Public vs Private and Rut Game Plan7:40 – Low Hunting Pressure and Camp Neighbors9:20 – Fox at 10 Feet and Midday Doe Action11:30 – Bear Sign, Elk Tracks and Friendly Hunters14:30 – Camper Setup, Heat, and Better Sleep17:00 – Cold Mornings, Layers and Comfort Over Suffering18:30 – Why This Might Be Brian’s Favorite Mule Deer Hunt Yet20:20 – Mini-Series Plan and Day One Sign-Off

Is the new Mathews ARC actually a game-changer, or just another flagship with fresh paint? In this episode of the Drawn West Podcast, I sit down with Daniel Parker from Mathews to dig into what’s really different about the ARC 30 and ARC 34. We break down the new limb geometry, the updated SWX2 cam with that perimeter-weight “flywheel” feel, and why this bow stays faster and quieter once you bolt real hunting gear to the string. Daniel brings the behind-the-scenes engineering insight, and I bring the “600-grain elk arrow that once welded itself into a steel plate” perspective. We also nerd out on hinge and resistance releases, target-archery lessons you can steal for hunting season, Kodiak Brown vs Green Ambush, and how to actually choose between the 30" and 34" ARC based on how and where you hunt.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Check out the all new Mathews ARChttps://mathewsinc.com/pages/arcFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers– Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing– Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst MonthFREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% onOllin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – 06:32 Intro, Mathews Partnership& New Bow Day Surprise06:32 – 14:58 Lift vs ARC: Noise, Speed,Energy, and Why It Matters14:58 – 22:24 Parallel vs Vertical LimbTravel & The New SWX2 Cam22:24 – 33:01 Riser Updates, IntegratedAccessories & Real-World Setup Talk33:01 – 44:32 Axle-to-Axle Choices: 30 vs34, Who Should Shoot What44:32 – 58:03 Releases: Hinge,Resistance, Thumb, and the Shot Execution Conversation58:03 – 1:10:06 Arrow Builds, FletchingSetups & String Customization1:10:06 – Color Options, Kodiak Brown,Closing Thoughts & Season Plans

In this episode of the Drawn West podcast, I’m joined by Kurt Belding of Western Obsessions TV — and we dive into a story that honestly feels too wild to be real. Kurt just got back from a spring grizzly hunt deep in Alaska’s Chugach Range, and the trip had everything you’d expect from interior bear country: endless daylight, brutal weather swings, days and days behind the glass, bush planes, moose paddles, and country so vast it makes Colorado feel like a county park.But the part that’ll stick with you long after this episode?Kurt and his team get charged by not one, but TWO interior grizzlies at the same time.Not a bluff. Not a slow trot.A full-on brush-breaking sprint from 30 yards that comes down to 17 chaotic, heart-stopping seconds.We break down the whole sequence — from spotting bears after 70+ hours of glassing, to the debate over bow vs. rifle, to the exact moment his guide handed Kurt the .338 because the bow setup had gotten way too dangerous. Kurt walks through the shots, the confusion, the adrenaline, and the moment he locked eyes with the sow at 15 yards while she decided whether to kill them or keep running.We also go deep on mental toughness, the Misogi mindset, how to prepare for true backcountry suffering, and what Alaska teaches you about yourself the moment your comfort zone disappears.Plus:• how shed hunting for moose paddles became the “victory lap” after the shot• how guides actually think about bears in coastal vs interior country• why most lower-48 hunters have no idea how big, wild, or remote Alaska truly is• what it takes to afford bucket-list hunts without being wealthy• and why your first Western hunt probably shouldn't be a 14-day solo OTC elk mission from YouTube UniversityThis is easily one of the most intense and entertaining conversations we’ve had on Drawn West, and it’s packed with wisdom for anyone dreaming of Alaska or trying to level up their Western hunts.If you want to actually see the moment those two grizzlies break through the brush and come straight at Kurt’s crew, go watch the full film on Kurt’s channel, Western Obsessions TV. The footage is raw, real, and absolutely insane — and hearing the story here is one thing, but seeing the chaos unfold on camera is on a different level.Watch the Full Film on Western Obsessions YouTubeOr Search “Alaska and Grizzly – Western Obsessions TV” on YouTubeand give it a watch. It deserves every view it gets.And as always, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don’t miss the next adventure.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions orComments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop –10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10% on MaverickHunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwestRTIC Coolers – KeepYour Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rodsand Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE atMTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE  https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 onSteelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb00:00 – Intro + Kurt’s Background09:45 – Mental Toughness & The Misogi Mindset18:55 – Alaska Grizzly Hunt Setup32:00 – The 17-Second Double Grizzly Charge47:25 – Bears, Danger, and Lessons Learned01:02:50 – Alaska’s Wild Scale & Moose Shed Story01:13:20 – How to Start Hunting Alaska01:24:50 – Building a Hunting Life & Outro

In this episode, we switch gears from tags to tackle and break down my Drawn West Christmas List for Fishermen—with a heavy emphasis on ice fishing. I walk through stocking stuffers, dice-game / white elephant picks, medium gifts, big upgrades, and a few “treat yourself” splurges. We cover proven gear like ice lures (Clam Rattlin’ PT Spoon, Tikka Flash, Pinhead Pro), safety must-haves (ice picks, Yaktrax, Cold Snap auger guards), smart upgrades (inline reels, bait feeders, Vexilar glow rings), and bigger-ticket items like Striker Predator bibs, Otter sonar sleds, Vexilar FLX series, and forward-facing sonar setups.Also, GoHunt just dropped their biggest sale of the year, and it’s a huge win if you’re planning any Western hunts next season. For Thanksgiving / Black Friday week only, when you sign up for GoHunt Insider with code DRAWNWEST, you’ll get $100 in Gear Shop credit instead of the usual $50. Insider gives you 3D maps, Filtering 2.0, application strategy articles, unit breakdowns, and the most accurate draw odds in the game—all for $150 a year, plus a hundred bucks back in gear!All the gear I mention in the episode is linked below so you can build your own list or just send this to your family and say, “Here you go.”Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.GoHunt Black Friday / Cyber Monday DealsGoHunt Insider (use code DRAWNWEST for $100 Gear Shopcredit) – https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GoHunt Gear Shop (Use code DRAWNWEST for 10% off) – https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uStocking Stuffers, White Elephant Gifts & Christmas GiftsUnder $50 ClamRattlin PT Spoon $8 https://lcshop.co/i5En61Clam Platsics $6 https://lcshop.co/HIjmofClam Dropkick $6 https://lcshop.co/GlXOThClam Grab Bags $30 https://lcshop.co/3bgYTEClam Pinhead Pro $8 https://lcshop.co/yACIFeBuddy Heater Self Powered Fan $40 https://lcshop.co/IprZfwIce Picks $12 https://lcshop.co/G8ApFwClam Tikka Flash Kit $20 https://lcshop.co/9uAc4PVexilar Glow Ring $45 https://lcshop.co/E81p11Vexilar Snow Shield $20 https://lcshop.co/u3N1YoCold Snap Auger Cover $40 https://lcshop.co/Nndoc8Cold Snap Reel Wrap Kit $10 https://lcshop.co/dVPfsC Christmas Gifts Under $100ClamSpooler Elite $60 https://lcshop.co/SfWlO0Okuma Ceymar Baitfeeder $75 https://lcshop.co/K7gvLAYakTrak Ice Cleats  $60 https://lcshop.co/MyB4X2Bait Cooler $80 (On sale right now) https://lcshop.co/xo2vJtChristmas Gifts Under $250Otter Sonar Sled $250 https://lcshop.co/pQM7MfHD Innovations Ice Shuttle $240 https://lcshop.co/FLK1BcBubba Fillet Knife $250 (on sale for $200) https://lcshop.co/6ehxPCScheels Ultimate Ice Case $170 https://lcshop.co/j3TdtgTuned Up Custom Bull Whip $160 https://lcshop.co/mKa2faTuned Up Custom Precision Noodle $140 https://lcshop.co/njHCZ7 Exciting Upgrades & Christmas Bonus IdeasStrikerIce Predator Jacket $300 https://lcshop.co/sqeaKAStriker Ice Predator Bibs $300 https://lcshop.co/rBaPezOtter Pro Resort Hub $650 https://lcshop.co/2wZIT0Vexilar FLX-38 BB $700 https://lcshop.co/jAamgiLowrance Eagle Eye 9 $1450 https://lcshop.co/V4eoF9Garmin LVS34 Livescope Ice Bundle $3300 (On sale) https://lcshop.co/NUj90t

In this Christmas Edition of the Drawn West Podcast, I’m running through the biggest gift guide I’ve ever put together — from legit $8 stocking stuffers to the XL gear you pick up when you crushed it at work and feel like treating yourself. Whether you’re shopping for a whitetail hunter, a Western hunter, an ice fisherman, or the family member who already owns everything, this episode is loaded with real gear I use, trust, or genuinely want in my own kit.I’m breaking it all down into simple buckets — stocking stuffers, medium gifts, large gifts, and the splurge-worthy upgrades that can completely change someone’s next hunt. If you hear something you like or want to check out the exact item I’m talking about, every product is linked in the show notes below. It makes knocking out your list stupid easy — just scroll, tap, and you’re done.Merry Christmas, happy BFCM shopping, and good luck picking out the perfect gear for the hunters in your life.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.Links for the Ideas in this Episode:Stocking Stuffers / White Elephant ( Under $50)TopHat Field Points $25 - https://bit.ly/4ieVWsmGoHunt Gear Bags $8-$40- https://alnk.to/31ueWpx- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTHawke Bino Adapter $26 - https://alnk.to/eDTY5mfGlassing Pad $25 - https://alnk.to/cb5lJ90- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTLightweight Gloves $45 - https://alnk.to/gp3syZOUncharted Supply First Aid Core $39 - https://alnk.to/e79YJXsWorksharp Guided Field Sharpener $40 - https://alnk.to/9Ih2dA5Gear Straps - $8 - https://bit.ly/4igOSvnAiders - $20  - https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/accessories/products/reactorMystery Ranch Pack Fly $40 https://alnk.to/90C0iu7My Heater Buddy Power Fan $40 https://lcshop.co/IprZfwMedium Gift Ideas ($50-100)Rifle Carrier $75 https://alnk.to/apW4kZ0- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTRifle Saddle $99 https://bit.ly/4o9w8zrUse- Save 15% w/ code DRAWNWESTTree Stand Carrier $89 - https://bit.ly/3XadwUSEBS Knife $73 https://alnk.to/7BhDY10- Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTHeadlamp $82 (On Sale) https://alnk.to/3yedF9o-Save 10% w/ code DRAWNWESTReveal Solar Panels $60 https://lcshop.co/XQLSE5Large Gift Ideas ($100-$250)Sitka Drifter Duffle $200-$250 https://alnk.to/3U422RASitka Heavyweight Hoodie $169 https://alnk.to/8tRJy6iSitka Dakota Pants $260 https://alnk.to/1N4WhgJReveal Cell Cams $120-200 https://lcshop.co/3TyMiIJetboil MiniMo Stove $169 https://alnk.to/b7ANQtGSaddle Setup $250 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/kits-and-combos/products/invader-mutantClimbing Sticks $200 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/climbing-sticks/products/x2Browning McKinley $180 https://lcshop.co/gbVekeOllin Digiscope Adapter system $160 https://alnk.to/1XZozmy & https://alnk.to/fSjjBlY - Save 10% w/ codeDRAWNWESTXL Gift Ideas ($250+)Sitka Jetstream $375 https://alnk.to/9Ih2q0BSitka Timberline  $300 https://alnk.to/5jo5TBCMystery Ranch 75L $589 https://alnk.to/7X7sBSdUse code DRAWNWEST save 10%RTIC 72 Wheeled $330 https://rticoutdoors.pxf.io/vPdzmARTIC 145 $550 https://rticoutdoors.pxf.io/kOdgPMCarbon Fiber Tripod $400 https://muleymaniacs.com/collections/complete-hunting-tripods-combo/products/canati-pro-backpacker Use code DRAWNWEST save 15%XOP Treestand $500 https://xopoutdoors.com/collections/hang-on-treestands/products/fly  Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!00:00 – Stocking Stuffers for Hunters10:27 – Medium Gift Ideas22:41 – Large Gift Ideas37:36 – XL Gift Ideas and Splurge Gear

One tag, one week, one lucky listener taking home two Reveal Ultras. In this episode, I walk through the full breakdown of our biggest giveaway yet — how the entry system worked, why we built a custom bonus-entry tracker, and how over 1,900 of you helped blow the doors off our sign-up goals. From Instagram follows to podcast subscriptions to the four code-word episodes (“Ultra,” “Mule Deer,” “Colorado,” and “Roam”), I recap how all the entries stacked, why we cap points the way we do, and how the whole goal is making these prizes land in the hands of people who genuinely need them.We also talk about the new giveaway software we built for this one — how it solved the nightmare of 10,000+ summer bow-giveaway emails, why we built live entry totals, and what I want your feedback on for our next giveaway. And of course… we draw the winner. Huge congrats to Jordan Davis for taking home the two-pack of Reveal Ultras.Thank you all for showing up. These giveaways help us grow Drawn West and keep teaching people how to hunt the West — even when you’ve only got a week to make it happen.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

In this episode of the Drawn West podcast, we nerd out on one very specific problem a lot of us have: how do you turn a stump-infested woods into an actual huntable food plot without hiring a dozer crew? I bring on my buddy Jake Polk of Polk Whitetail Management and walk through exactly how we used the Woodland Mills PTO stump grinder to turn a nasty oak-wilt jungle into a clean, plantable half-acre kill plot right off the house.We talk compact tractor setups, how fast you can realistically grind stumps, getting below grade so you’re not destroying implements, and why grinding instead of pushing stumps is a game changer for small landowners. From there we get into how that new “blank canvas” lets you stack food diversity, add crabapple rows, and actually hunt the wind and access instead of just surviving deadfall.If you’ve ever stared at a beautiful patch of woods and thought, “I could kill a giant here if I could just get the stumps out,” this one’s for you.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Hang and Hunt that doesn’t suck! I walk through my exact whitetail tree setup that also works when you’re in a tree out West—stand choice (XOP Roam), the quiet-mod with blaze-orange paracord, Shelf-Lock, and how I carry it all with the XOP Gamma so weight rides on the hip belt. Then we get into the two-stick method with 3-step aiders (why two is enough for ~15–16 feet), my one-trip-up routine with the saddle, bow rope and DIY public-land bow hanger, and how to hang the Roam fast with C3 micros and a hard cam to bite the tree. I finish with the pack-down order so the next tree goes even faster (what lives in which pocket, how I “bear-hug” strap the pack + sticks + stand). If you’ve ever wanted a faster, quieter climb with less gear, this is the blueprint.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Ultra 2-Pack Giveaway! https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaway________________________________________FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWN WEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Stephen Walker’s back on the podcast, and this time we’re breaking down our upcoming Colorado third-season mule deer hunt. We talk about how migration units really work, why Stephen switched from fourth season to third, and how to find those hidden pockets that most hunters walk right past. From dealing with pressure and road hunters to planning for realistic shot distances, this episode’s full of insight for anyone heading west for mule deer.We’re also running a Reveal Cell Cam Giveaway — two brand-new Reveal Ultras to one winner.Hit the giveaway link in the show notes to get entered, and listen for the code word later in the episode for bonus entries.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Giveaway:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsors and Discounts:GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWESThttps://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTIC Coolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkuma Fishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirst Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIEhttps://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWESThttps://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

We’re out chasing mule deer, but I’ve got a quick bonus episode to hook you up: we’re giving away two REVEAL Ultra cell cams to one winner and rolling out the Mid-Season Archery Whitetail Checklist. The checklist’s free (mobile or print), brand-agnostic, and built to reuse your Western system for whitetails: base → mid → windproof shell, then add thermal as temps drop. I break down tops, bottoms, and accessories (why windproof beats bulky, when to switch to late-season bibs/jacket, and a few saddle-hunter hacks like built-in kneepads). We also cover the hunting-gear must-haves you’ll forget if it’s not on the list (license, release, headlamp, bow hoist, emergency kit) and the deer-camp stack (sleep, cook, process, coolers, meat lugs, knives, sharpeners).Giveaway dates: Last bonus pod with a code word drops Nov 13; giveaway ends Nov 15! Enter at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway for instant, trackable points.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend.Sign up for the Reveal Giveaway:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayFREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Early antlerless in Minnesota finally clicked. Abby and I walk through a week where we tagged two clean, quick does and—maybe more importantly—felt in control of the process. We cover why the backyard “test plot” worked, slug choice and hold (hug the shoulder), and how Abby’s doe cartwheeled and dropped while mine sprinted 100 yards before a solid blood trail told the truth. We break down the hitch-carrier + RTIC 145 cooler system, then make the case for the gutless method when temps are 65–70° and the shop would turn into a mess.From there, we pivot to public-land run-and-gun: first hangs with the XOP Roam setup, the shelf-lock backpack carry, and partner safety (bring the extra lineman’s rope). We wrap with a much-needed range day—good bags, good bench—and Abby’s best groups yet at 100/200, plus why we ditched the lead sled. Colorado rifle mule deer is next, camper in tow, and we’re feeling ready.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. If you enjoyed this, leave a 5-star rating and share the show with a friend. Sign Up for the Reveal Ultra 2-Pack Giveaway!https://www.getdrawnwest.com/giveawayMake sure you enter this episode’s code word for an extra 20 BONUS entries! FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

In this episode of Drawn West, Brian catches up with returning guest Dan Matthews to finally tell the full story of his wild first archery elk hunt — a hunt that went from no tag, to a perfect bull, to floating a 700-pound elk down a river with the help of an excavator.Dan shares how a “poorly timed pregnancy” changed his Colorado rifle plans and pushed him into archery season, how he taught himself to bugle on the drive out, and how one perfect morning turned into an elk-hunting roller coaster. The guys also swap stories about calling strategies, blood-trailing logic, elk language, and why hunting styles — from process-driven engineers to pure chaos improvisers — both somehow get the job done.This one’s packed with laughs, elk talk, and plenty of chaos that only makes sense if you’ve ever tried to call in a screaming bull at daylight.🔑 Key Takeaways• How Dan’s first archery elk hunt turned into a wild success• Learning to elk call on the drive out — and somehow making it work• What happens when your bull dies in a river (and an excavator saves the day)• The difference between “Team Chaos” vs “Team Structure” hunting styles• Breaking down elk language — chuckles, glunks, nervous grunts, and what they really mean🎧 Listen anywhere you get podcasts, and make sure to follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for new episodes and elk gear drops.Free resource: Grab the Drawn West Gear Checklist — my complete elk and mule deer packing guide (link in description).Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram.FREE Gear Checklist:https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gearFREE Drawn West Application Calendarwww.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to [email protected]!Sponsorsand Discounts:GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4GOHUNTGear Shop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST https://alnk.to/e75Pm4uRTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolersOkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzFFirstMonth FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with code ROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIESave$150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6QSave10%on Maverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb