Got Game University Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Game Tech University “Just the Tip Tuesday” podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Game Tech co-founder Tayler Tibbitts to break down an elk hunt that had just about everything: big summer expectations, painful misses, dad duty on the mountain, and a last-day bull that finally came together in the snow and fog.

Tayler shares how a carefully scouted “plan A” fell apart when rifle season hit and the elk weren’t where he’d found them all summer. He talks through:

• Missing the same bull twice—once long, once at 40 yards
• A 7-hour solo track job with no pack, no water, and rabdo in the back of his mind
• Three big 10-mile days hunting with his 12-year-old son and balancing “hard hunts” with “fun hunts”
• A basin absolutely lit up with rutting elk, cows contact-buzzing, and silhouetted bulls bugling in the dark
• Rebuilding confidence by re-checking his rifle mid-hunt and finally making a perfect 300-yard shot on a unique 5-point herd bull on the very last day

Along the way, Ryan and Tayler dig into lessons on scouting for the right season, always having a backup plan, spending enough time behind your gun, hunting with kids the right way, and staying mentally in it—right up until the final evening light.

On this Just the Tip Tuesday, Mike and co-host Ryan Smith welcome Tayler Tibbets for a no-BS breakdown of what an elk really yields and why so many hunters think they got shorted. We dig into realistic hind/front quarter weights, how aging changes flavor and reduces weight, the 30% trim + rind loss many folks forget, and when it makes sense to grind early vs. age big cuts. We also hit rib meat (love it or leave it), cold-room setups (temp & humidity matter), and a couple spicy butcher stories about expectations vs. reality. If you’ve ever believed every elk is “200 pounds of meat,” this episode is your reality check—and your roadmap to tastier meals and fewer arguments with your processor.

We’re bringing back a classic ElkNet conversation from the Got Game University Podcast archives. In this second episode of the series, Ryan and Taylor sit down with Paul “ElkNut” Medell for an in-depth discussion that’s just as valuable today as it was when it first aired.

Paul unpacks whether bulls use challenging bugles toward cows, explains the emotional nuance in elk vocalizations, and shares proven strategies for hunting in open terrain. He also highlights the biggest calling mistakes hunters make—and how to fix them.

Even though this episode was recorded years ago, the lessons are timeless. From slow play breeding sequences to adapting for pressured elk, this rerun delivers insights that continue to help hunters succeed season after season.

We’re excited to bring back one of our most popular podcast series with the ElkNut, Paul Medel. As one of our earliest guests, Paul shared timeless elk hunting strategies, calling techniques, and insights that every DIY elk hunter can apply in the woods. Whether you’re new to elk hunting or looking for a refresher before the season, these rerun episodes are packed with knowledge and practical advice. Join us as we revisit the original ElkNut series and learn from one of the best in the business.

On this Just the Tip Tuesday, Mike and Ryan blend hunting humor with a huge announcement: the brand-new CutRite app update. From improved video angles and real-time butchering tutorials to added taxidermy prep and meat care tips, the update redefines how hunters process game—at a fraction of the cost of a butcher. The guys also dive into why patience with purpose is one of the most valuable skills in the elk woods, sharing stories of close calls, smart plays, and lessons learned. A must-listen for both new and seasoned hunters.

CutRite app link - https://gotgametech.com/our-apps/cut-rite-app/

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of Just the Tip Tuesday on the Game Tech & Cut-Right Podcast, Mike and Ryan share the unforgettable story of 10-year-old Griff’s first elk hunt. From early morning stars and hand signals to a nail-biting shot sequence, every moment is packed with pride, humor, and a dash of chaos. Along the way, Mike drops his game-changing coffee steak rub recipe—perfect for wild game or beef—that delivers a crust you won’t believe. Whether you’re here for the hunting stories, the cooking tips, or the father-son legacy moments, this one will hit you right in the feels.

In this week’s episode of Just the Tip Tuesday, Mike Edgehouse and Ryan Smith dive deep into a simple but profound question: Why do we hunt? Beyond the gear, the packouts, and the early mornings, this episode explores the emotional, psychological, and spiritual reasons that keep them returning to the wild. From multi-day backcountry therapy to late-night meat prep, they reflect on the pride, peace, and purpose hunting brings. Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or just love the outdoors, this episode is a heartfelt reminder to pursue the things that fill your cup.

In this scorcher of an episode of Just the Tip Tuesday, Mike and Ryan dive into elk hunting during extreme heat warnings just days before Mike and his kids head out early season. From pre-cooling your cooler and choosing the right moment to pull the trigger, to knowing your knife skills and packing plenty of water, they drop crucial tips to protect your meat and your sanity. Oh and don’t forget the secret weapon against yellow jackets: black pepper. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or heading out for your first early August elk, this one's for you.

In this no-fluff episode, Mike and Ryan dive nose-first into elk scouting, literally. Skip the polished tactics and get real insights from a couple of Idaho rednecks who scout with their senses, not their gear. From turning family hikes into recon missions to sniffing out bedding areas mid-day, it’s grassroots elk wisdom with some fart jokes and man-cave banter thrown in. If you're short on time but big on drive, this one’s for you.

We’re setting the record straight on two of the most common hunting myths we hear: “Elk don’t bugle anymore” and “The 6.5 Creedmoor can’t kill elk.” Spoiler alert — both are dead wrong. Ryan breaks down why elk are still vocal and aggressive during the rut, and Mike defends the 6.5 Creedmoor with real-world kills from his family’s hunts. It’s not about trends or forums — it’s about what works in the field. Tune in for truth backed by experience.