Drawn West – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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Key Topics Covered:

• ​ Abbey’s first western hunt and what surprised her
• ​ Why traveling to hunt adds pressure (and how to handle it)
• ​ Gear updates, sleep systems, and camping plans for Colorado
• ​ Balancing bow vs. rifle confidence in the field
• ​ Future dream hunts and the idea of bonus-state trips

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.

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Win a Mathews Lift X!

www.Getdrawnwest.com/giveaway

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

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.

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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

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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

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.

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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

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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

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://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!
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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

Save 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
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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?
linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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/vWHcxHKo4u

Save 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

Music provided by: Slipstream Musichttps://slipstreammusic.com

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
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

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 Hunting Blinds &Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u

Save 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters withcode TWOBUCKS
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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:

www.getdrawnwest.com/giveaway

FREE Drawn West Application Calendar

www.getdrawnwest.com/freeproducts

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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/vWHcxHKo4u

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

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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 Hunting Blinds &Accessories with code WESTERNROOKIE https://tr.ee/vWHcxHKo4u

Save 10% on Ollin Digiscoping Adapters withcode TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

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

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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/vWHcxHKo4u

Save 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

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

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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/vWHcxHKo4u

Save 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb

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

Connect with Brian Krebs
https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest

Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.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/vWHcxHKo4u
Save 10% on OllinDigiscoping Adapters with code TWOBUCKS
https://tr.ee/ZE1XcQ-fbb