Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Drawn West
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mule Deer Plans w/ Abbey Krebs | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:50:55 | |
Brian and Abbey sit down around a bonfire at their Back 40 farm to talk about Abbey's first western hunt, what it’s like preparing for out-of-state hunts, and the difference between hunting from your backyard stand versus hitting the road for a big trip. The two share stories from past hunts, discuss how they’re preparing for a Colorado mule deer hunt this fall, and break down the added pressure that comes with limited time and long-distance hunting. ________________________________________ Key Topics Covered:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Drawn West and leave a rating to help us reach more hunters who live for that one big trip each year. Follow us on Instagram at @getdrawnwest and visit getdrawnwest.com for bonus content, free resources, and the latest giveaways. ________________________________________ Win a Mathews Lift X!
FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.westernrookie.com/freeproducts Connect with Brian Krebshttps://linktr.ee/thewesternrookie Have Questions or Comments? Send an email toBrian@westernrookie.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4 GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold!https://bit.ly/RTICCoolers OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers!https://alnk.to/31sVDzF First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4uSave 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb | |||
| This Is Drawn West: What to Expect | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
Drawn West is a Podcast for hunters who load up the truck, burn vacation days, and hit the road chasing the kinds of adventure you can't find close to home. Brian shares the origin of the new brand, how it evolved from his time hosting The Western Rookie, and why this podcast is laser-focused on the unique challenges and rewards of travel-based, out-of-state hunting. Whether you're a Midwest whitetail hunter heading west, or just trying to make the most of your one big hunt a year, this episode lays the foundation for what’s to come. Brian also reveals details on a huge Matthews Lift X bow giveaway, talks through some of his past mule deer hunts, and previews some of the free tools and downloads that are coming to help you plan and execute better hunts. ________________________________________ Key Topics Covered: • Why Brian launched the Drawn West podcast • What makes this show different from The Western Rookie • What to expect as a traveling, DIY public land hunter • Behind-the-scenes of the Matthews Lift X bow giveaway • Upcoming free resources and how to get bonus entries ________________________________________ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and share a screenshot to get bonus entries in the Matthews bow giveaway! Follow along on social: @getdrawnwest Enter Mathews giveaway & learn more at: getdrawnwest.com | |||
| Bridge-Lock Bonus Series – Building A Bow | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:33:58 | |
Welcome to the first episode of the Bridge-Lock Bonus Series brought to you by Mathews Archery and Drawn West. In this kickoff episode, Brian unboxes his complete 2025 bow setup—including the Lift X 33 in shale fade to black—and walks through every piece of gear he’ll be running this season. From sight to stabilizers, quiver to rest, you’ll get a full behind-the-scenes look at his complete build and the strategy behind every component. This episode also includes a special giveaway code for bonus entries to win your own Lift X—don’t miss it. ________________________________________ What’s Covered in This Episode: • Full unboxing of the Mathews Lift X 33 • Why Brian chose green strings, 80 lb limbs, and a 30.5” draw • Deep dive on the Bridge-Lock compatible UV Slider and IMX Rest • Front and back stabilizer strategy for balance and performance • Quiver setup, dampeners, and other small custom touches • Bonus code word for 20 extra entries in the Lift X giveaway ________________________________________ To enter the Lift X Giveaway, head to getdrawnwest.com Follow the podcast and content series on Instagram: @getdrawnwest New episodes of the Bridge-Lock Bonus Series drop throughout the summer as Brian sets up, tunes, and dials in this full 2025 bow build. FREE Western Rookie Application Calendar www.westernrookie.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email toBrian@westernrookie.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Fisherman Turned Bowhunter w/ Matt Waldron | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:43:55 | |
Matt Waldron is a master at finding giant crappies through the ice, but today he talks about another one of his passions - western big game hunting. While Matt is best recognized for his work on the Crappie Chronicles, he opens up about his growing obsession with elk and mule deer, his first western hunting trip to South Dakota, and how his drive to chase big crappies mirrors the ambition many hunters feel when heading west for the first time. Whether you're a die-hard ice angler or dreaming of your next elk tag, this conversation bridges both worlds with laughs, tactics, and relatable moments from two guys who just love the chase. Key Topics: • Matt’s transition from ice fishing to big game hunting • How western hunts compare to chasing giant crappies • The gear shift: saddle hunting vs. hub houses • Matt’s first DIY archery mule deer trip in South Dakota • The shared mindset between hardcore anglers and western hunters If you’ve ever thought about heading west but haven’t pulled the trigger, Matt’s story might just tip the scales. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow along for more episodes like this one. For behind-the-scenes content and more, follow us on Instagram @getdrawnwest. Connect with Brian? Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u Music provided by: Slipstream Musichttps://slipstreammusic.com | |||
| Shot At Over an Elk w/ Stieg Phillips | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:29:47 | |
Stieg Phillips is the man behind the famous Muley Maniacs brand and is on the podcast today sharing one of the wildest hunting stories you’ll ever hear. Stieg opens up about his 2023 Nevada elk hunt — a dream tag he waited nine years to draw — that took an unbelievable turn when a landowner and his friends allegedly started shooting in Stieg’s direction to prevent him from harvesting a giant 380-class bull on public land. From dealing with cross-state law enforcement to the frustration of failed hunter harassment charges, Stieg gives a raw, firsthand account of what happened that night and how it’s shaped his perspective on hunting, landowner conflicts, and perseverance in the field. You’ll also hear about: • The challenges of hunting giant bulls that cross public-private boundaries. • The legal and ethical battles hunters face in high-stakes units. • Why Canady Tripods and Muley Maniacs are raising the bar for serious glassers. • How Stieg balances content creation, entrepreneurship, and hunting big mule deer. • Lessons learned from a near-deadly confrontation that could happen to any public land hunter. If you’ve ever hunted close to private land or wondered how to handle a tough landowner situation, this is a story you don’t want to miss. Listen now, subscribe to Drawn West, and share this episode with your hunting crew — because these are the conversations every public land hunter needs to hear. Connect with Brian Krebs Have Questions or Comments? Send an email toBrian@westernrookie.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds &Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Elk Hunting for $1500 | GoHunt Bonus Series | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:47:41 | |
Think you need five grand and a closet full of Sitka to chase elk out West? Think again. In this GOHUNT Bonus Episode, I break down exactly how to plan a real elk hunt for under $1,500—without cutting corners or eating freeze-dried meals all week. We’re talking real numbers: tag costs in Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico, how to split up gas costs with your buddies, where to camp (or crash), and how to avoid spending thousands on gear you don’t even know if you’ll like yet. If you’ve got the basics—a bow or rifle, some camo, and a willingness to rough it—you can make an elk hunt happen this year. You don’t need top-tier gear, a new truck, or four years of saved-up PTO. Just a plan. We cover: • What states offer affordable non-resident tags • How to travel smart (and split fuel four ways) • Gear you actually need vs. what can wait • DIY lodging and food setups that don’t suck • How to prep for taxidermy and meat processing without killing your budget Bonus: Listen for the Mathews Lift X code word to get 20 extra entries in the giveaway. Enter the Mathews Giveaway:
FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Why 2nd and 3rd Axis Matter | Bridge-Lock Bonus Series | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:20:01 | |
Leveling your bow isn’t just a detail — it’s the foundation for consistent, accurate shooting. In this Bridge Lock Bonus Episode, Brian walks through how to set your arrow rest height, dial in your second and third sight axis, and avoid the mistakes that can throw your shot off in the field. From using a Baker Archery bow vise at home to checking for micro arrow rest changes with drop-away rests and outserts, this is a practical, step-by-step tune-up you can follow in your own garage. Whether you’re chasing whitetails from a treestand or glassing elk on a mountainside, proper leveling ensures your pins stay true on flat shots and steep angles. Brian breaks it down so you can do it yourself without a trip to the shop. Hit play, get your bow dialed in, and be ready for whatever your hunt throws at you. Don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more hunts, gear tips, and western hunting stories. Win a FREE Mathews Bow www.GetDrawnWest.com/giveaway FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick Hunting Blinds &Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| The Future of Euro Mounts w/ Keegan Bruner | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:06:24 | |
Rack Hub just dropped one of the slickest euro mount systems I’ve ever laid eyes on — and it’s built to handle everything from your first whitetail to a moose that barely fits through the door. I sat down with Keegan Bruner to talk about the brand-new RHE mount, why it’s “wife-approved,” and how it solves the headaches we’ve all dealt with when trying to get a trophy on the wall. We dig into the design secrets that make this mount bulletproof, the challenges of hanging giant racks without wrecking your wall, and a few wild hunting stories along the way. From knocking down bulls to chasing big whitetails, this one’s a mix of gear talk, big game dreams, and a couple laughs you don’t want to miss. If you’ve got a euro mount collecting dust or a head in the freezer waiting on taxidermy, this episode will get you fired up to get it on the wall fast — and make it look damn good doing it. Smash that play button, leave us a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more western hunts, gear deep dives, and stories from the road. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Cost of Hunting vs Golfing w/ Dan Mathews | Ep 8 | 19 Aug 2025 | 01:21:14 | |
Hunting and golf might look like worlds apart, but when it comes to gear, costs, and obsession, hunters know they’ve got the upper hand. Brian and Dan dive into why hunters spend far more than golfers, the never-ending rabbit hole of gear, and the unique stories that keep hunters talking long after the hunt is over. They swap tales from Alaska moose hunts gone sideways, the dream of drone pack-outs, and the grind of traveling hunts when you only get a few days to make it happen. Along the way, they explore what makes hunting so addictive compared to other pastimes, from the challenge to the payoff, and why the struggle is often the very thing that makes the success worth it. Key Takeaways: • Why the average hunter spends 4x more than the average golfer • Lessons from an Alaskan moose hunt that almost ended with a world-class bull • Drone technology and the future (or not) of backcountry pack-outs • The difference between locals’ hunting strategies and traveling hunters with limited time • How “easy hunts” can kill the magic, and why the grind matters If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss an episode. And for more stories, hunts, and behind-the-scenes content, check out @getdrawnwest on Instagram. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Bird Dogs & Beards w/ Tim Brown | 26 Aug 2025 | 01:19:54 | |
From pheasant country in the Midwest to prairie chickens on the grasslands, this episode dives deep into the world of upland hunting with Tim Brown — better known as The Bearded Uplander. Brian and Tim swap stories about growing up in bird camps, the bond between hunters and their dogs, and the unique obsession that keeps upland hunters chasing feathers across state lines. They cover everything from managing CRP and cattail habitat, to the difference between sharptails and prairie chickens, to how dogs adapt to each bird species. Tim shares how his passion grew from his first dog, Gus, to hunting over 100 days a year, and why he builds his life around watching dogs work. If you’re an upland hunter — or just want to understand why bird hunting can take over a life — this one will hit home. Hit play, and don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more western hunts, upland stories, and gear talk. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Sponsors and Discounts: GOHUNT Insider - $50 Gear Shop Credit withcode WESTERN GOHUNT Gear Shop – 10% off most items withcode WESTERN https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u RTICCoolers – Keep Your Meat Cold! OkumaFishing – Rods and Reels for Serious Anglers! First Month FREE at MTNTOUGH Fitness with codeROOKIE https://bit.ly/MTNTOUGH_ROOKIE Save $150 on Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes withcode WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/fbNvbFXX6Q Save10% on Maverick HuntingBlinds & Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u | |||
| Base Camps w/ Team Lodge | 02 Sep 2025 | 01:01:20 | |
From fish houses to four-season hunting rigs, Team Lodge has been reinventing what “camp” looks like for outdoorsmen. Brian sits down with Tanner Thompson-Moad to talk about how the company evolved from plywood shanties in 2003 to some of the most versatile hunting and fishing trailers on the road today. They cover the full story — from solving pain points like cramped trailers and freezing nights to building furniture systems like the Bunch and the Sleater that turn any enclosed trailer into a real hunting camp. Tanner explains why durability and comfort matter more than hype, how Team Lodge builds gear that fits both ice season and elk season, and why a good night’s sleep can be the difference between tagging out and heading home early. Whether you’re running a $1,500 Facebook Marketplace special or speccing out a fully loaded toy hauler, this episode will get you thinking about how to build the right basecamp for your hunts. Hit play, and don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more western hunts, gear talk, and stories from the road. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Zeroing Your Bow | Bridge-Lock Bonus Series | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:12:19 | |
Getting your bow tuned doesn’t have to be complicated. In this Bridge Lock Bonus episode, Brian walks through how to set your left/right zero—starting with a five-foot rest alignment shot, then backing out to 20 yards to fine-tune your sight. He breaks down how to chase or correct arrow groups, when to trust a group vs. a single arrow, and how to make micro-adjustments without overcorrecting. Whether you’re shooting broadheads before season or just setting up a new bow, this step-by-step process will give you a clean, centered setup to build confidence on every shot. And don’t forget—this is the final episode with a Mathews Lift X giveaway code word. The code is Mathews, and entries close August 31st, so make sure you’re signed up before it’s too late. Hit play, get your bow dialed in, and don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more hunts, gear tips, and western hunting stories. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Whitetail Gear Checklist | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:42:29 | |
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/giveaway FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Early Season Double | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:04:09 | |
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/giveaway Make sure you enter this episode’s code word for an extra 20 BONUS entries!
FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Mathews Giveaway | Bridge-Lock Bonus Series | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:19:07 | |
This is the episode everyone’s been waiting for — the official draw of the Mathews Lift X giveaway. What started as a goal to get 70 listeners turned into over 1,800 signups, 2,500 emails, and more than 53,000 total entries. Along the way came stories that hit harder than expected — dads who sold their bows to cover medical bills, hunters chasing a dream bow they’ve waited 20 years for, and families entering to give someone else a shot at something they couldn’t swing on their own. In this episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on how the giveaway worked, the behind-the-scenes grind of sorting thousands of entries, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for — announcing the winner. He also looks ahead at what’s next: future giveaways, new digital tools, and even some limited-run merch for listeners only. Hit play to hear the full story, find out who won, and see where Drawn West is headed next. Don’t forget to follow the podcast, drop a 5-star rating, and follow @getdrawnwest for more hunts, gear talk, and western hunting stories. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Floating an Elk Downriver | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:38:45 | |
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/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Clothing System for Any Hunt | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:52:47 | |
Dial in your western-hunt clothing the smart way. Brian breaks down a brand-agnostic layering system that actually works together: lightweight base, a true mid, a windproof shell, and a compressible thermal (puffy) you can mix-and-match from August heat to November glassing temps. He covers why “systems > single pieces,” how to stretch a few core layers across elk, mule deer, and antelope, and when to add vests, rain plans (hello, tarp/rain fly), and Blaze for rifle seasons. Bottoms get the same treatment—light/med pants, merino or heavyweight base bottoms when you’re stationary, plus the forever MVPs: Kenetrek boots, good socks, and gaiters to keep water out. Lots of real-world tips (glove hacks, do-more-with-less gear choices) and where to save vs. spend. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram. Want the free, mobile-friendly Pack Lists? Grab them at GetDrawnWest.com and never forget a critical piece again. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Elk Hunt Gear List: What You Actually Need | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:03:44 | |
FREE Elk Hunt Gear Checklist https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear#rifle-elk-gear-list Nine years of hunts, hundreds of lessons learned, and now it’s all in one place — the brand-new Drawn West Pack List. In this episode, Brian breaks down the launch of his free digital and printable gear checklists for every major western hunt — starting with Rifle Elk, and soon expanding to Whitetail, Mule Deer, and Antelope. He shares how years of forgotten gear, trial-and-error, and long drives back to town inspired him to finally create an all-in-one tool for hunters to pack smarter, travel lighter, and never forget a tag again. From building lists on Google Drive in his early elk-hunting days to crafting a mobile, interactive PDF you can save and check off from your phone — this project has been years in the making. Brian also walks through the must-have gear categories — clothing systems, hunting tools, and camp essentials — while explaining how each piece fits into a real-world hunt. Whether you’re a new hunter prepping for your first trip or a veteran who still forgets a knife every season, this episode gives you everything you need to stay organized and ready when the mountains call. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more western hunting tools, stories, and free resources to help you stay drawn west. FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Giant North Dakota Whitetail w/ Sam Moore | 07 Oct 2025 | 01:02:40 | |
This episode dives into the highs, lows, and lessons of chasing an early-season giant. From scouting new ground in North Dakota to taking a chance on a fresh stand, the story unfolds with all the emotion and intensity that comes when everything has to come together in a single moment. You’ll hear how mobile gear choices, reading trail cam data, and a split-second shot window shaped the hunt, plus the perspective shifts that come from balancing life, faith, and the realities of chasing mature whitetails. This isn’t just another deer story — it’s a look into why we hunt and the mindset behind making it count. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Pronghorn The Hard Way w/ Layton Woods | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:03:43 | |
What happens when you mix open-sight muzzleloader hunting with wide-open Nevada pronghorn country? Well, Layton found out this fall — and the result was an unforgettable antelope hunt that tested patience, gear, and strategy. In this episode, Brian sits down with Layton to unpack the challenges of hunting with primitive weapons, what it takes to draw Nevada tags, and how the stalk of a lifetime ended in a 60-yard shot on a great buck. Along the way, the guys dive into the quirks of antelope behavior, why muzzleloaders can be both frustrating and rewarding, and how hunting evolves once you start raising a family. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram for more hunts, stories, and behind-the-scenes content. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Hunting Antelope in a Kia Sorento w/ Carter McKenzie | 23 Sep 2025 | 01:11:44 | |
Two Georgia kids, a Kia Sorento, and the biggest antelope a Wyoming unit had seen in 17 years. Carter McKenzie from the Hunt Lift Eat podcast joins Brian to share the wild story of his first Western hunt — a trip that started with cheap gear and no clue, and ended with a monster pronghorn in the back of a rental car. From tents blowing across the prairie to flying with rifles out of Atlanta, Carter opens up about what it’s really like to figure out Western hunting as a nonresident, and how those early lessons shaped the Hunt Lift Eat community today. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to follow and leave a 5-star rating to help more hunters find the show. For more hunts, gear, and stories, check out @getdrawnwest on social. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Giant Elk from Treestands w/ Bennett Bradford | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:25:24 | |
What happens when whitetail tactics collide with world-class elk country? Bennett Bradford of DC Outfitters joins Brian to break down how they target once-in-a-lifetime Utah bulls using tree stands, trail cams, and early-season patterning. From running 200+ cameras to setting stands 40 feet high in quaking aspens, Bennett explains how a whitetail mindset can unlock opportunities most elk hunters never see. The conversation dives into the realities of premium Utah units—25+ year draw odds, 400-inch bulls, and why client expectations can make or break a hunt. Brian and Bennett also tackle gear choices like saddles vs. platforms, fixed-blade vs. expandable broadheads, and the challenges of blood trails and recovery on bulls that don’t stop running. Add in stories of family hunts, 390-class legends, and bulls that disappear for years only to show back up, and you’ll get a real look at what chasing giants is all about. Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and join the conversation at @getdrawnwest on social. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| The Bowtackle Story w/ T. Perry Bowers & Dan Ellyson | 09 Sep 2025 | 01:12:35 | |
Buying and selling bows has always been a mess—used racks with slim pickings, eBay fees that eat your profit, and Facebook meetups that feel sketchy at best. Enter Bow Tackle, a brand-new platform built by archery shop owners and hunters for the people who live this stuff every day. Dan Ellyson from A1 Archery and Perry Bowers join the show to talk about how they’re reshaping the archery marketplace, why pro shops need a way to move used and close-out gear without getting crushed by fees, and how Bow Tackle is connecting everyday hunters to trusted dealers across the country. This episode dives into the headaches every bowhunter has faced—what to do with your old flagship, how to score a deal without getting burned, and why keeping small archery shops alive matters for all of us. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest Matthews or looking for a solid starter rig, you’ll want to hear how Bow Tackle could change the game. Follow the podcast for more western hunting stories, drop a 5-star rating if you’re enjoying the show, and connect with us on social @getdrawnwest. FREE Drawn West Application Calendar www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| First Time Bear Baiting: The Strategy We're Running This Fall | 06 Aug 2026 | 01:09:10 | |
Ever wonder what it actually takes to pull a big bear into bow range, or how a guy with an old TV and a pull-up bar racked up 17 million views? This episode answers both. I sit down with Jared Lewis, the archer behind that viral saddle-hunting stunt, to break down his content approach and then dig deep into real bear baiting tactics ahead of fall season. We cover how Jared built a following posting hilarious, high-risk archery content, then shift into the meat of the episode: scent strategy for pulling bears into a bait site, barrel setup, bullet and broadhead selection, and where to actually aim on a bear so you don't lose a blood trail in the swamp. If you're weighing whether to run a bait station this season, or just want to laugh at a guy shooting a TV while hanging from a saddle, this one delivers both. What we cover in this episode: • The real story behind Jared's viral 17-million-view "shoot the TV" archery video and why the stunt worked • How Jared went from zero to over 30 million monthly views across Instagram and Facebook in just a few months of intentional posting • Why scent, not bait itself, is what actually draws bears in from a distance, and how raccoons and squirrels help spread it • Bait barrel setup: plastic vs. metal, hole placement, vertical vs. horizontal mounting, and what holds up to a determined bear • Rifle bullet selection (45-70 with a 300-grain Barnes copper bullet) versus bow broadheads (expandable hybrids and VPA single-bevels) for bear • Why bear shot placement is different from deer, and how to avoid a lost blood trail when their wound channels clog with fat • Balancing a bear bait station with whitetail season on the same property If this one gets you fired up for bear season, subscribe to the podcast and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss part two, the bear season recap. Check out more of Jared’s Content at: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/reveal Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! Best Prices on Trauma Kits & FirstAid at Jase.com 00:00:00 – Intro and welcome to Jared Lewis 00:01:04 – Behind the viral TV-shooting archery stunt 00:09:37 – How Jared started making viral hunting content 00:12:36 – Bear sightings and population talk on Brian's farm 00:16:16 – New Hampshire vs. Minnesota bear seasons and baiting laws 00:20:18 – The real secret to attracting bears: scent over bait 00:24:43 – Picking the best location for a bait site 00:30:58 – Jared's bear bait recipe and barrel setup 00:41:07 – Rifle bullet selection for bear hunting 00:43:17 – Broadheads and bow setup for bear 00:52:30 – Bear anatomy and shot placement 00:56:04 – Running a bear bait alongside deer season 00:59:24 – Cooking and eating bear meat 01:03:41 – Wrap up and where to follow Jared | |||
| How To Pick the Right Ammo For Your Rifle | 30 Jul 2026 | 01:12:03 | |
You've bought the ammo everyone swears are "the best," and they still didn't work in your gun. Ryan Burnett from Pattern Pro USA joins me to break down why that keeps happening, and why his company's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs are about to save western hunters a lot of money and a lot of frustration this season. Ryan and I go all the way back to the origin story: how patterning a shotgun shell actually works, why his company started with a simple variety pack of shells, and how that idea is now expanding into rifle ammo. We get into the real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and why the "best" bullet completely depends on your hunting scenario, not just what's sitting on the shelf. We also cover why trigger time matters just as much as a good zero, and Pattern Pro's brand new upland bird boxes and choke tube rental program. What we cover in this episode: • Why patterning your shotgun (not just sighting in a rifle) can save you hundreds of dollars a season and dramatically cut down on crippled birds • The origin story behind Pattern Pro USA, and how a buddy's bad box of shells turned into a business • Pattern Pro's brand new rifle ammunition variety packs: five calibers, four manufacturers, 20 rounds a box so you can find your best five-shot group • The real differences between cup and core, bonded, partition, and monolithic bullets, and which one actually fits your hunting scenario • Why a hunter shooting 500 yards on a CRP farm needs a completely different bullet than one shooting 75 yards in a Wisconsin food plot • New upland bird boxes and a first-of-its-kind choke tube rental program for waterfowl hunters If this gets you thinking about what's actually sitting in your ammo box, go follow Pattern Pro USA on Instagram and Facebook, and check back for more gear breakdowns like this one. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aidat Jase.com 00:00:00 – Studio Renovation Update and Episode Kickoff | |||
| How To Find More Shed Antlers w/ Alex Kunkel | 26 May 2026 | 00:51:47 | |
Want to find more sheds each season? This is the episode for you! I sat down with Alex Kunkel from Minnesota Shed Hunters, one of the most active shed hunting community pages in the Midwest. Alex has been doing this long enough to figure out what actually works — and a lot of what he shared challenged some of the "common wisdom" you hear thrown around, like walking fence lines (spoiler: neither of us has ever found a shed on one). We cover the full strategy side of shed hunting — from how winter severity changes where deer concentrate, to why timing is probably more important than location, to how to use apps like Scout to Hunt and GoHunt Maps to stop re-walking ground you've already covered. If you've ever spent a whole Saturday shed hunting and come home with nothing, this one's for you. Episode Highlights: • How to identify the "limiting factor" in your area — food or cover — and why the answer changes depending on where you live • The exact window Alex targets every year: why late February to early March is his peak and how he thinks about going too early vs. too late • Why public land shed hunting has gotten harder and what private access actually looks like in the Midwest • The Scout to Hunt app breakdown — what it does, how the analytics work, and why the track-width gridding feature alone is worth the $30/year • Why rivers and creek crossings knock sheds loose (and why fence lines are mostly a myth) • How to use snowshoes to access areas that eliminate almost all competition on big public tracts • Habitat projects that actually move the needle for your shed season, not just your hunting season If this episode helped you think differently about where you spend your time this spring, it'd mean a lot if you left a rating or review — it helps more hunters find the show. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| 2026 Wyoming Mule Deer Application Guide | 21 May 2026 | 00:34:46 | |
2026 Wyoming Mule Deer Application Guide Tired of how confusing Wyoming's mule deer draw is? We cover how it works and the best mule deer units in the state! Wyoming's application system is one of the most complicated in the West, the June 1st deadline is coming fast, and 2026 is the last year to buy preference points at the current price before they jump to $75 across the board. If you've been putting Wyoming off, this is the episode that changes that. I break down the full Wyoming mule deer draw — how the splits work, what all those tag types actually mean, what the 2026 weather and snowpack means for your hunt, and which units are worth your points from zero all the way to 10+. What we cover: • Why 2026 is the last year to buy Wyoming points at the current price — and why that matters • How the Wyoming draw actually works: resident/non-resident splits, regular vs. special, 75/25 point draw, and what the random draw means for you • Every tag type (Type 1 through Type 0) explained in plain language so you know exactly what to apply for • The 2026 snowpack situation and what low moisture years mean for antler growth and herd health • Wilderness area restrictions for non-residents — the unit research step most hunters skip • The second-choice trick: how to draw a tag and keep building points in the same year • Unit recommendations at zero, five, and ten points for non-resident regular and special applicants If this helped, subscribe so you don't miss the Wyoming Antelope episode dropping right after this one. And if you've got a hunting partner who's been on the fence about Wyoming, send this their way — it'll save them hours of digging. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:03:03 — Deadlines, Tag Fees, and the 2027 Preference Point Price Increase 00:05:12 — Tag Cost Breakdown: Regular, Special, Reduced, and Youth 00:07:31 — 2026 Weather and Snowpack — What Low Moisture Means for Your Hunt 00:08:30 — How Wyoming's Draw System Actually Works 00:11:00 — Hunt Choices, Second-Choice Strategy, and Retaining Your Points 00:11:45 — Every Tag Type Explained (Type 1 Through Type 0) 00:15:30 — Group Applications — How Averaging Works and Why Wyoming Over-Allocates 00:17:50 — Wyoming Mule Deer Herd Overview: Where It Stands in 2026 00:22:38 — Zero-Point Options: Regular and Special Draw Breakdown 00:27:30 — Ten-Point Range: Units Worth Targeting as Non-Resident Regular 00:29:05 — The Second-Choice Trick and Unit 15 00:31:17 — Five-Point Range: Units to Look At Right Now 00:34:42 — How to Use GoHunt Insider to Research Units Yourself | |||
| 2026 Wyoming Antelope Application Guide | 19 May 2026 | 00:24:03 | |
Want to go Antelope hunting this year? THIS is the episode for you! Wyoming is coming out of one of the worst winters in recent memory, and the antelope herd has responded. Tag allocations are going up almost across the board, units that were off-limits without 15+ points are becoming more accessible, and there's never been a better time to get serious about your Wyoming antelope application. The problem most hunters run into isn't a lack of options — it's knowing where to start. Wyoming has more units than almost any other state, and the draw system is complicated enough to make even experienced applicants second-guess themselves. In this episode, I break down the Wyoming antelope application from top to bottom — what the herd looks like right now, why 2026 is an exciting year to be in the draw, and which units you should actually be targeting based on your point level. Whether you're sitting on zero points or burning 15, there's something worth applying for. What we cover: • Why Wyoming is still the top non-resident antelope state and what makes 2026 especially promising • The difference between regular and special tags — and when paying the extra $800 actually makes sense • Which units consistently produce 80-inch bucks and what it costs in points to draw them • Unit recommendations at every major point level, from zero all the way to 12+ • The public land and access reality in Wyoming — corner crossing, private land, and how to scout before you apply • How to keep building points while still drawing a tag and hunting every year If this episode helped, subscribe on your platform of choice so you don't miss the rest of the Wyoming series. And if you've got a buddy trying to figure out antelope points, share this one — it'll save them a lot of time. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article!
FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:01:17 — Deadline, Tag Fees, and How the Draw System Works 00:03:26 — Where the Herd Stands in 2026 and Why Tags Are Going Up 00:06:19 — Where the Giants Live — Best Regions and Units for Trophy Bucks 00:07:27 — The Special Tag Advantage — Second Choice Units and Hunting While You Build Points 00:09:13 — Top-Tier Units at 12–20 Points (58, 60, 61, 90, 91) 00:12:32 — Options at Every Point Level — Zero Through Five 00:18:04 — Eight to Ten Point Units Worth Targeting (48, 79, 46) 00:20:08 — Non-Resident Special Breakdown — Zero Points to Five Points 00:25:04 — If You Have 10+ Points, It's Time to Pull the Trigger | |||
| Oregon Antelope, Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat Application Guide — Is It Worth It? | 14 May 2026 | 00:21:23 | |
Already applying in Oregon wondering if you should add antelope, sheep, or goats to your application? We breakdown everything you need to know to decide! Oregon isn't known for massive antelope numbers, but what it does have is consistent trophy quality, high harvest success rates, and one of the most cost-efficient point systems in the West. For sheep and goats, it's a fully random draw — no points, no guarantees — but if you're already buying the license, $10 is a pretty cheap lottery ticket. We break down exactly when it makes financial sense to add these species, what point levels unlock for antelope, and what the current tag counts and population data look like for bighorn sheep and mountain goats in 2026. In this episode: • Why Oregon antelope is more consistent than other states — and what that means for trophy hunters • The point level breakdown for non-resident antelope draw odds (0, 5, and 15 points) • How sheep and goats use a completely different, fully random draw system in Oregon • Current non-resident tag allocations for California bighorn, Rocky Mountain bighorn, and mountain goat • Why Oregon mountain goat populations are concerning — and what it means for draw odds If this helped, subscribe and leave a rating — it makes a real difference. Follow along on Instagram @getdrawnwest. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00:03 – Oregon's Bonus Species:Antelope, Sheep & Goats Overview 00:02:02 – Why Oregon Antelope IsDifferent From Other States 00:03:15 – Draw Odds, Trophy Potential& What It Takes to Draw 00:04:41 – Application Deadline, Costs& Tag Prices 00:06:21 – Zero-Point Antelope Strategyfor Non-Residents 00:08:21 – Five-Point Antelope Options:Archery & Rifle 00:10:42 – Fifteen-Point AntelopeBreakdown & Best Units 00:13:45 – Resident Antelope StrategyNotes 00:16:30 – Sheep & Goat Costs, TagPrices & Draw System 00:18:25 – Oregon Bighorn Sheep: Residentvs. Non-Resident Allocations 00:19:19 – California Bighorn & RockyMountain Bighorn Tag Breakdown 00:21:48 – Mountain Goat Trophy Potential& Population Decline 00:23:26 – Should You Apply for Sheep& Goats? The Decision Framework | |||
| Oregon Elk Application Guide — Units, Draw Odds, and What to Expect as a Non-Resident | 13 May 2026 | 00:18:54 | |
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 West If 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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:02:28 Roosevelt vs. Rocky Mountain: How Oregon's Herd Is Split 00:04:06 Is Oregon a Trophy State? Setting the Right Expectations 00:06:47 The Elite Rocky Mountain Units — 320 Inches and Up 00:08:48 Roosevelt Elk Units — What to Expect and Where to Start 00:11:03 Zero-Point Options for Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt Elk 00:11:26 Four-Point Strategy — Archery and Rifle Breakdowns 00:15:00 Four-Point Roosevelt Elk Units — What's Actually Worth It 00:19:46 Ten-Plus Points — Where the Draw Really Opens Up 00:20:57 Final Thoughts and Application Deadline Reminder | |||
| Oregon Deer Applications - Mule Deer, Blacktail & Whitetail | 12 May 2026 | 00:19:07 | |
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.
If 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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Nevada Moose, Sheep & Goat & Moose Applications — Draw Odds, Tag Costs, and Unit Strategy | 09 May 2026 | 00:24:23 | |
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 curve If 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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:02:30 — Should You Apply for Nevada's Big Three? 00:04:13 — Desert Bighorn Population and Tag Numbers 00:07:11 — Nonresident Desert Bighorn Draw Odds 00:09:37 — Resident Desert Bighorn Draw Odds and Unit 268 00:11:54 — Best Units for Trophy Desert Bighorn 00:12:56 — California Bighorn Sheep Overview 00:15:08 — California Bighorn Trophy Units and Resident Draw Odds 00:16:30 — Rocky Mountain Bighorn — Residents Only 00:17:30 — Nevada Mountain Goats: Population and Draw Odds 00:19:38 — Goat Trophy Potential and Best Units 00:20:00 — Nevada Moose — Residents Only Program Explained 00:21:57 — Final Nevada Wrap-Up and What's Coming Next | |||
| Nevada Elk – Best Elk Units in America | 08 May 2026 | 00:17:11 | |
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 conditions Subscribe 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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00 – Nevada Elk: Why the Draw Odds Are Bad and the Tags Are Elite 01:03 – How Nevada's Best Units Stack Up Against Utah, Colorado, and Montana 02:30 – The Decision Framework: Should You Even Apply for Nevada Elk? 03:23 – Application Fee vs. Tag Fee: The Real Cost Math 04:20 – Deadline, Group Rules, and the 90/10 Non-Resident Split 04:50 – Drought Conditions and Whether to Skip a Year 05:42 – Why You Should Always Keep Building Points in Nevada 06:00 – Tag Cost Breakdown: $1,200 and How It Compares to Other States 07:06 – Bonus Points, Secondary Draw, and the Leftover Tag Opportunity 08:32 – The Best Nevada Elk Units: 111–115 and 221–223 09:10 – How Few Non-Resident Tags Actually Go Out Each Year 10:33 – Draw Odds at 10 Points: What the Numbers Actually Look Like 11:30 – Max Points Draw Odds: The Honest Reality for Non-Residents 12:51 – How to Stack Your Five Choices as a Lottery Strategy 14:45 – Wrap-Up: Nevada Goat, Sheep, and Moose Coming Next | |||
| Nevada Antelope Application Strategy | Best Units for 80” Bucks | 07 May 2026 | 00:27:00 | |
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 region Deadline 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.
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00:00 Nevada Antelope 2026 — Why ItBelongs in Your Strategy 00:01:51 Trophy Potential and Why NevadaStands Apart 00:02:30 Deadline, Costs, and What ItTakes to Apply 00:04:15 How the Nevada Draw Works (All 5Choices Explained) 00:06:00 Group Applications — Why NevadaIs Different 00:08:30 Surrendered Tags and theLeftover List 00:10:14 Nevada Antelope Herd Status andQuality Breakdown 00:12:34 Archery vs. Muzzleloader vs.Rifle — Realistic Timelines 00:14:44 Draw Odds at 5 Points — BestArchery Units 00:19:03 Top Trophy Units at 15–20 Points 00:23:25 Rifle Reality Check forNon-Residents 00:24:30 How to Pick Your 5 Hunt Choices— Final Strategy | |||
| Nevada Mule Deer: Draw Strategy, Trophy Units, and Draw System Explained | 06 May 2026 | 00:30:37 | |
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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00:00 Welcome — Nevada Mule Deer 2026Overview 00:02:15 Deadline, Costs, and Tag Fees 00:04:20 How the Nevada Weighted BonusDraw Works 00:07:50 Five Hunt Choices and Why YouShould Always Use Them 00:10:06 Points-Only vs. Applying: WhenEach Makes Sense 00:10:32 Secondary Draw, SurrenderedTags, and the Leftover List 00:13:45 Nevada Mule Deer Herd: Drought,Feral Horses, and What It Means 00:16:15 Current Herd Status and WhyQuality Is Still High 00:18:45 Unit Breakdown: Best TrophyPotential Units (131, 132, 221, 231+) 00:21:00 Draw Odds at Zero, Five, and TenPoints 00:26:00 Long-Term Play: What 20 PointsGets You 00:28:00 Should You Apply? StrategySummary and Final Advice | |||
| Best Over-the-Counter Tags Left This Season | 23 Jul 2026 | 01:09:34 | |
It's July, your buddy's been talking points for years, and you still don't have a fall tag. Before you write off the season, there's a real list of over-the-counter and leftover tag options still on the table — and some of them are better hunts than people give them credit for. Brian sits down with GoHunt's Dave Barnett to break down exactly where OTC opportunity still exists this late in the year, from Colorado's second and third rifle elk to Utah's OTC spike bull tags, plus Idaho's return tag sale and Nevada's first-come-first-served leftover tags. They also dig into GoHunt Insider Plus as a mid-season option for hunters who need a fast plan, and close out with an overrated/underrated tag debate covering Montana mule deer, Nevada return tags, and Utah spike elk. Highlights: • Where OTC elk tags still exist in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho after July 4th • How Nevada's first-come-first-served return tag system actually works • Why the Idaho OTC "DMV line" tag sale rewards solo hunters over groups • What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes and when it makes sense to sign up mid-season • A strategy breakdown for hunting Utah's OTC spike bull tag • Brian and Dave's overrated and underrated picks for backup tags, including Montana mule deer and Nevada return tags • A caliber debate on sunsetting 30-06, 308, and 270 Win in favor of newer 7mm and 6.5 options If this helped you find a plan for fall, subscribe to the show and check out GoHunt Insider Plus using code Drawn West for $50 gear shop credit! Enter the Reveal Giveaway! One winner every month for therest of the year! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00:00 — Intro and catching up with Dave Barnett 00:01:16 — Inside GoHunt's research content role and predictive draw odds accuracy 00:08:38 — Why state application systems feel outdated, and a dream fix 00:14:37 — What GoHunt Insider Plus actually includes 00:19:38 — Is Insider Plus worth it mid-season if you're scrambling for a tag 00:26:46 — Where the real OTC opportunity is right now (Nevada, Idaho) 00:32:00 — Colorado OTC elk, expectations vs reality 00:34:00 — Utah OTC spike elk strategy breakdown 00:37:33 — OTC options for mule deer and antelope 00:44:47 — Overrated vs underrated backup tags segment 00:53:33 — Rifle and caliber talk, sunsetting old cartridges 01:02:31 — Where to find Dave and closing GoHunt discount info | |||
| From Whitetails To Elk w/ Dwayne Jones | 05 May 2026 | 01:46:57 | |
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 hunt 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/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00:43 The Colorado Two-Choice Application Hack 00:04:01 Archery Elk vs. Whitetail: What Changes 00:07:05 Base Camp, Spike Camp, and First-Timer Advice 00:08:37 Fitness for Elk Hunting — What Actually Matters 00:11:20 Knowing Rich Froning and Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 00:17:00 Brian's Close Calls: Five Elk at Close Range, No Tags 00:33:21 Reading Elk — When to Call, When to Shoot, When to Wait 00:34:50 Broadheads for Elk: Why Brian Runs Fixed Blades 00:43:10 CRP Programs, Habitat Management, and What's Actually Working 00:53:01 Predator Control and Turkey Hunting with a Bow 01:25:48 Elk Calling Deep Dive and Paul Medel's Playbook | |||
| Montana Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison Application Strategy | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:32:57 | |
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 Wyoming Hit 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/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00 Montana Once-in-a-Lifetime Overview& May 1st Deadline 02:08 Tag Costs, Refund Policy & HowMontana's Hybrid System Works 04:13 Squared Bonus Points Explained: WhyYou Always Have a Chance 05:13 When to Apply vs. When to BuyPoints Only 07:26 Montana Bighorn Sheep: Best in theLower 48 — But Declining Tags 10:00 The Over-the-Counter Sheep Hunt:What the Success Rates Actually Say 13:00 Top Trophy Units & Non-ResidentDraw Odds by Point Level 16:35 Resident Bighorn Sheep Odds: ADifferent Story Entirely 18:00 Montana Moose Breakdown:Population, Harvest & Trophy Quality 20:08 Moose Draw Odds: Why This SpeciesIs Worth Playing the Long Game 23:39 Rocky Mountain Goat: Best ResidentOdds We've Seen in This Series 25:40 Resident Goat Odds at Max Points —Legitimately Exciting 26:30 Montana Bison Hunt: YellowstoneMigration, No Points, Pure Lottery 29:00 Should You Apply? Brian's PersonalTake on All Four Species | |||
| Wyoming Moose, Goat, Sheep & Bison Application Strategy | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
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 works If 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/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Utah Moose, Sheep, Goat & Bison | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:24:54 | |
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 you If 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 difference Follow along for more tag breakdowns, application strategy, and behind-the-scenes content: @getdrawnwest Want 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/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle!
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
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| Utah Antelope | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
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: @getdrawnwest Want 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/newsletter https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Utah Elk Application Guide | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:43:08 | |
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 points If 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/newsletter Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00 – Why Utah elk is so underrated fornonresidents 01:40 – 2026 Utah elk deadlines and basic rules 03:15 – Nonresident license, tag costs, and 365‑daylicense math 06:30 – Limited entry vs general elk, weapon types,and season breakdown 09:00 – How Utah’s hybrid bonus point draw works forelk 13:00 – Why Utah elk quality is so high (age classand herd management) 17:30 – Top‑end limited entry units: Beaver, Boulder,Pahvant, San Juan 23:30 – Draw odds, long‑term odds modeling, andauction tag values 30:30 – How to build a long‑term Utah elk strategy bypoint level 37:30 – OTC spike‑only and any‑bull elk tags andwhere they fit 43:00 – Key 2026 dates and how to stay on top of Utahelk applications | |||
| Utah Mule Deer Application Strategy | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:29:05 | |
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. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latest article! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear Connect with Brian Krebs Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!
Chapters 00:00:00 – Why Utah MuleDeer Matters in 2026 | |||
| Elk Don't Exist | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:47:38 | |
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!
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Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00 – Shed Hunting Stories 08:30 – What “Rookie Season” Is 22:30 – Why Hunting Feels Hard to Start 35:30 – Public Land & Non-Residents 49:00 – Keeping Hunting Fun 1:03:00 – Hunting with Family 1:14:00 – Social Media & Criticism 1:20:00 – Gear & Getting Started | |||
| Colorado Moose, Sheep & Goat Draw Strategy | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:32:24 | |
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 Strategy FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 0:34 – April 7 Deadline and Tag Cost 4:44 – How Colorado MSG Points Work 12:05 – Why Weather Matters Less for MSG Applications 13:22 – Rocky Mountain Bighorn Breakdown 18:44 – Rocky Mountain Goat Breakdown 22:51 – Why Colorado Moose Looks So Promising 27:55 – Faster Draw Odds with Ewe, Nanny, and Antlerless Tags | |||
| Colorado Antelope Strategy 2026 — Units, Points & Draw Odds | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:20:24 | |
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! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Best Way to Transport Your Bow w/ ANKR Point | 16 Jul 2026 | 01:06:36 | |
Ever thrown your bow in the backseat only to find your fletchings crushed, your sight bumped, or fresh scratches on your door frame? That annoying, expensive problem is exactly what pushed two Utah hunting buddies to design one of the coolest truck bow mounts on the market. In this episode, Logan Cornwall and Dave Hansen of Anchor Point break down how a bumpy elk hunt turned into a universal bow-storage system that sold out its first batch overnight. They cover the messy prototyping process, why grabbing the bow by the grip (upside down) solved the fit problem across different bow models, and how they're bootstrapping production with a basement full of 3D printers while gearing up to scale into injection molding. The conversation also drifts into classic Western hunting talk — road hunting strategy, Utah's weapon-and-season draw restrictions, elk calling stories, and trail camera setups for summer scouting. Highlights: • The bumpy elk hunt that sparked the idea for a truck-mounted bow holder • Why flipping the design upside down solved compatibility across bow brands and models • How Anchor Point sold out 20 units overnight on launch night, before HuntExpo • The tradeoffs between 3D printing and injection molding for a scaling hunting brand • How to spot (and avoid) scam websites copying small outdoor brands' products • Logan's solo, limited-entry Utah bull elk story and Dave's plans for next season • Trail camera picks and cellular coverage tips for summer e-scouting Check Out ANKR Point: https://www.instagram.com/ankr.point/ If you enjoyed this one, subscribe to the podcast and follow along for more gear breakdowns and Western hunting strategy talk every week. Enter our Reveal Cell Cam giveaway — sign up at https://www.getdrawnwest.com/revealto be entered to win. And stick around for the whole episode: there's a secretcode word in this conversation you'll need to get 20 extra entries, so don'tskip ahead. Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter. Looking for more content from Drawn West? Check out our latestarticle! FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| Colorado Elk - Changes, Points, and Best Elk Units | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:24:53 | |
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!
FREE Gear Checklist: https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear
Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! 00:00 – Colorado Elk Overview | |||
| Colorado Mule Deer | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:30:46 | |
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!
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HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||
| How The Montana Big Game Draw Works | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:29:19 | |
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!
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00:00 – Why Montana Confuses Everyone 02:15 – Key Deadlines (April 1 + Point Periods) 04:20 – Combo Licenses Explained 07:45 – Limited Entry Permits Breakdown 11:20 – Bonus Points vs Preference Points 14:45 – Why 0 Points Can Beat 1 Point 18:10 – Elk Strategy (What You Should Do) 21:50 – Deer Strategy (What You Should Do) 25:30 – Group Applications Explained 28:00 – Final Strategy + Multi-Year Planning HaveQuestions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com! | |||