Whether you're cleaning up bloody gear or eating tag soup, this is the time of year when every hunter starts thinking ahead. In this solo episode, Jaden breaks down his 5-step system for planning next year's Western hunts — from setting your goals to getting yourself and your gear ready to execute.

He covers how to define what kind of hunt you actually want, research tags that fit your goals, truth your ideas on the map, build a realistic game plan, and start prepping now so you're not scrambling next fall.

It's equal parts mindset and mechanics — the same planning framework Jaden uses for his own hunts and for Hunt West clients every year.

You can download this checklist here >> 

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Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >>

• Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this week's episode, I sit down with my brother, Tyler Bales, to talk about his wife's upcoming late-season Oregon elk hunt: a classic roaded-country challenge where finding unpressured elk takes creativity, patience, and a little local knowledge.

We dive into how he scouted a heavily roaded unit with a fresh burn, what he's learning about elk using edges between timber, burns, and private land, and how to hunt smart when you've got family (and a baby) along for the ride.

You'll hear us talk through everything from reading sign and choosing glassing knobs, to camping logistics, and how to build an elk plan that balances real-life constraints with solid hunting strategy.

If you've ever hunted late-season elk in places where "road access" doesn't necessarily mean "easy elk," this one's for you.

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Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Huntwestplanning.com >>

• Learn about the Argali Clothing Project at Argalioutdoors.com >> 

• Idaho Tag Draw Webinar — Nov 5 @ 6 PM MT • $47 Seat → Click here for more info

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this bonus solo round, Jaden talks with you straight from the road with a fresh field update: a once-in-a-lifetime Wyoming cow moose hunt, the chaos and camaraderie of packing out 400 pounds of meat, and some bonus elk encounters that prove the rut is heating up in some places.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The wild story of arrowing the same moose twice (and why moose are tougher than nails)

• How a crew of friends turned the pack-out into a celebration

• First-hand elk rut action from the first week of September

• Practical tips for hunting elk around full moons, hot weather, and heavy pressure

If you're getting ready for your own hunt this fall, this field report will give you a clear picture of what's happening on the mountain right now—and how you can adjust your game plan for the future. 

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Welcome to September — the month elk hunters live for. In this episode, I sit down with Cody Rich, longtime mentor and host of The Elk Hunt Podcast, to talk through the 201-level elk hunting playbook.

We dive into the real differences between a "101 hunter" who's just out walking the woods and a "201 hunter" who consistently finds and kills elk year after year. Cody breaks down what separates the average Joe from the top 10% of elk hunters — and how you can bridge that gap this season.

Inside this episode, you'll hear us cover:

• 🚫 How not to be "Average Joe" on opening weekend

• 🐂 Why finding people-free country often matters more than finding "perfect elk habitat"

• 📍 How Cody adapts tactics in pressured units vs. limited-entry hunts

• 🎯 Tools in the elk hunter's toolbox — when to rely on one skill vs. build new ones

• 🔥 Contingencies for wildfire, pressure, and weather changes mid-season

• 🗺️ Backpack hunting, wallows, glassing, and why "diesel sometimes kills more elk than boot leather"

• 🧠 The mindset shift from chasing opportunity to intentionally picking the skill you want to sharpen

Cody also shares stories from his own hunts — from missing bulls on opening day to glassing elk seven miles away with binos — and gives one clear assignment for anyone wanting to level up their elk hunting game this September.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Subscribe to the Elk Hunt Course at Elkhunt201.com >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast here >> 

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

September means velvet bucks, blown stalks, and long days behind the glass. In this episode, Jaden sits down with Hayden Richins (@wynotwild) to talk all things September mule deer hunting.

The two swap stories from past hunts, break down archery and rifle strategies, and get honest about the mistakes (and lessons) that come with chasing deer in September. From velvet to hard horn, ambush setups to full-send stalks, this one is packed with practical insights and plenty of laughs.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Why September deer hunting is special (and brutal)

• Lessons learned from blown stalks (and why practice stalks matter)

• Ambush vs. spot-and-stalk strategies in early season

• How to work with (not against) landowners when recovering deer

• Rifle hunting September bucks in the high country

• Picking your trophy expectations depending on the weapon in hand

• Why time and pressure still make the best hunting "diamonds"

Whether you're a die-hard mule deer hunter or just gearing up for your first archery season, this episode will leave you with tactics you can use on your next September hunt.

👉 Follow Hayden on Instagram: @wynotwild

Do you have more questions about your hunt related to this topic? Ask the AI Hunt Mentor things like:

• How do you plan a stalk for a buck on a northeast slope? 
• What should my day look like for an archery September mule deer hunt?

It's now FREE so use the AI Hunt Mentor here to find out what you should do >>

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Every hunt you go on has two stories: the one you're living in the moment, and the one that quietly sets up your future seasons.

In this bonus episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden lays out how you can use your 2025 hunts to build momentum into 2026 and beyond. Whether you're driving through prime elk country, eyeing a future mule deer unit, or keeping a finger on application deadlines, the key is to hunt with your eyes open—not just for what's in your crosshairs, but for what's coming next.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How pulling over to glass on your way to this year's tag can bank you a scouting trip for 2026.

• The power of "swap seasons, swap species"—using intel from elk hunts to plan deer hunts (and vice versa).

• Why the application calendar doesn't wait—and how to stay ahead of Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona draws.

• Practical tips for logging notes, dropping OnX pins, and creating your personal library of hunting intel.

Special Offer:
Book a Hunt West Session before Sept. 1st and get a bonus mini-application strategy to help you maximize your time afield this fall and set yourself up for future success. All you need to do is send a quick email to Jaden@huntwest.net to get started.

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden fires up the mic to deliver the pep talk every hunter needs before stepping into the mountains this fall. Too often, hunters head into a season weighed down by excuses, negative chatter, and unrealistic expectations. Jaden pushes back hard on that mindset with a no-excuses, stay-positive approach that will help you make the most of whatever your hunt throws at you.

From wildfires and winter kills to snowstorms, hunting pressure, and quiet elk, Jaden shares real-world stories and lessons learned from years in the field—proving that backup plans, grit, and adaptability are what separate those who go home early from those who notch tags and create lasting memories.

You'll learn:

• How to shut out the naysayers and trust your own preparation.

• Why every hunt will go "wrong"—and why that's part of the magic.

• How to build backup plans for fire closures, snowstorms, and hunting pressure.

• The right way to handle burnout, setbacks, and unexpected challenges.

• Why positivity and grit matter more than gear or even the tag in your pocket.

If you've ever doubted whether it's worth the trip, or felt like the odds are stacked against you, this is the mindset reset to listen to before hunting season kicks off.

Do you have more questions about your hunt related to this topic? Ask the AI Hunt Mentor things like:

• How do I plan for a wildfire in my September elk hunt?
• What do I do if I see a major snowstorm coming in the forecast on my deer hunt?

Use the AI Hunt Mentor here to find out what you should do >>

 

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

This week on the Hunt West Podcast, I sit down with one of the most unique hunters you'll ever meet — Cade Cole. If Jeremiah Johnson and a backcountry rifleman had a kid who grew up in blue jeans, it'd be Cade. He's a young guy with an old soul, a no-nonsense attitude, and the kind of woodsmanship that doesn't come from gadgets — it comes from time in the mountains.

We get into:

• Why Cade hunts with simple, old-school gear, and still gets it done year after year

• The story behind his "primitive" elk hunt with no food, no water, no modern comforts, just a trad bow and his pony

• Real rifle proficiency vs. long-range obsession

• Still-hunting tactics that actually work on elk and mule deer

• How mental toughness often beats physical fitness in the mountains

...And so much more. If you want to sharpen your shooting, toughen up your mindset, and maybe ditch a few "high-speed" crutches along the way, this episode is a masterclass in keeping it simple and hunting hard.

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Watch Cade Cole's Elk Hunt Video Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo round, Hunt West host Jaden Bales dives deep into one of the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects of hunting: what happens after the shot. Fresh back from a successful Alaska blacktail trip, Jaden breaks down his years of trial-and-error experience building a streamlined kill kit and a field processing system that works whether you're backpacking miles from the truck or hunting private ground.

You'll learn:

• How to choose and use the right game bags for your style of hunting

• Knife choices — replaceable blade vs. fixed blade — and when to use each

• How to pack meat efficiently for a safe, comfortable pack-out

Whether you're heading out for antelope on the plains or elk in steep timber, this episode will help you fine-tune your post-shot plan so you bring home the best possible meat and make the pack-out safer, cleaner, and faster.

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Listen to the On Step Alaska here >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this special episode, Jaden sits down with Jeff Lund—Alaska teacher, seasoned blacktail hunter, and host of the On Step Podcast—for a deep dive into gear, strategy, and expectations for their upcoming DIY blacktail deer hunt in Southeast Alaska. They break down layering systems, managing moisture, alpine glassing techniques, and why hunting local-style is sometimes better than going big. Whether you're a first-time blacktail hunter or a seasoned mule deer guy looking to branch out, there's a ton of real-world insight packed into this one.

Give Jeff's show, the On Step Podcast, a listen—especially if you enjoy thoughtful storytelling and raw, unfiltered talk from Alaska's public lands.

🔗 Find Jeff's podcast here: On Step Podcast on Apple

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You can now get help on your hunts without booking a call! The Virtual Hunt Mentor is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl and it's always available even when I'm not.

👉 Try the Virtual Hunt Mentor at Huntwestplanning.com >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this special crossover episode, Jaden Bales joins Brian Lueddeke on the Twilight Hunter's Podcast for a deep-dive into Western tag systems, drawing strategies, and how to secure hunting opportunities every year—especially if you're getting started later in life.

From preference points and random draws to budgeting for multi-state hunts, Jaden and Brian break down practical tips for hunters who don't want to sit on the sidelines. They also swap stories from their own hunting journeys—including the time Jaden and his brother doubled on bucks in Wyoming—and talk through the value of going on meaningful hunts with family.

We hope you enjoy the show and that it helps create some organization in all the western hunting tag game chaos. 

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You can now get help on your hunts without booking a call! The Virtual Hunt Mentor is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl and it's always available even when I'm not.

👉 Try the Virtual Hunt Mentor at Huntwestplanning.com >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

On this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with longtime buddy and seasoned sufferer Hayden Richins to talk about all the times things didn't go according to plan in the field. From frozen rifles and "yard sale" fire-starting to saltwater-induced butt bombs and three-arrow tree slaps, this one's a backcountry blooper reel with some hard-earned lessons baked in.

If you've ever missed a shot, lost your cool, or packed out meat with a broken spirit (and a broken water filter), this episode will hit home and probably make you laugh out loud.

Follow Hayden on Instagram at @wynotwild

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You can now can tap into my brain without booking a full consulting call. The Virtual Hunt Buddy is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl.

👉 Try the Hunt Buddy Here >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo round, Jaden breaks down one of his favorite times of year—the pre-rut window when mule deer bucks start slipping out of their hidey holes and showing daylight movement, but haven't gone full rut yet. It's that sweet spot where weather, timing, and patience make or break a hunt.

Jaden shares what he's learned from hunting and guiding across the West, including:

• Premium Max-Point Migration Hunts — what true migration behavior looks like and why sitting tight beats hiking miles.

• General Tag Late-Season Observations — how pressure and terrain drive mature buck behavior even when rut activity ramps up.

• Colorado 2020 Pre-Rut Lessons — how one snowy, aspen-covered hunt taught the value of intentional movement and sticking it out.

• His Real-Time Game Plan — what he's looking for this week while guiding a Wyoming low country tag, from staging bucks to terrain funnels and weather windows.

From elevation bands to glassing hard, this episode is a tactical masterclass in hunting the edge between bachelor groups and the rut.

Mentioned:

• Idaho Tag Draw Webinar — Nov 5 @ 6 PM MT • $47 Seat → Click here for more info

• Hunt West Digest — Weekly Sunday email with tactics, tips, and stories.

CTA:
If you're planning a hunt, book a Hunt West Session or Plan for 2026 now—spots are already filling. Visit huntwestplanning.com for details.

In this solo round, Jaden breaks down the fundamentals of boots-on-the-ground scouting for mule deer and elk. Whether you're heading to the high country, the desert lowlands, or planning a rut hunt in between, this episode serves as a crash course in when, where, and how to scout. From picking glassing knobs to understanding deer and elk behavior by season, it's a no-BS overview fueled by listener questions that'll help you get more out of your time afield. Perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to level up their pre-season prep.

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You can now can tap into my brain without booking a full consulting call. The Virtual Hunt Buddy is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl.

👉 Try the Hunt Buddy Here >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

If you've ever thought, "I want to hunt elk out West, but I don't know where to start," this episode is your launchpad. Today's show is a special crossover—Weston Homa from the Run the Rack podcast flips the mic and interviews Jaden about how Eastern whitetail hunters can realistically break into Western hunting.

From over-the-counter tags and reissue strategies to what gear actually matters and how to build a multi-year hunt plan, this one's packed tighter than your elk packout dreams.

We hope you enjoy this episode, and if you like this podcast not only share it with a friend, but go check out more of Weston's work at Run the Rack Outdoors, too. 

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You can now can tap into my brain without booking a full consulting call. The Virtual Hunt Buddy is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl.

👉 Try the Hunt Buddy Here >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to hunt deep in the backcountry—and make it back out in one piece—you'll want to listen to this one.

Jaden sits down with Brad Brooks, founder of Argali, to talk all things backpack hunting logistics. From elk vs. mule deer strategies, to hauling meat solo, to common gear mistakes—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and straight-shooting wisdom.

Brad shares personal stories (including a 7.5-mile elk packout with a camera guy), breaks down his "spoke-and-wheel" base camp method, and dishes on why quilts are overrated and your boots probably suck (unless you found the right ones for you).

We hope you enjoy the episode.

Watch and Subscribe to Argali's YouTube here >>

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You can now can tap into my brain without booking a full consulting call. The Virtual Hunt Buddy is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

It doesn't cost a dime to give it a whirl.

👉 Try the Hunt Buddy Here >>

_____

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden takes you along on a midday glassing session from a real knob in Montana, where he breaks down how to effectively find—and use—glassing points to locate game. This isn't about "killing spots," it's about how and where to find animals before you can make a move. Whether you're e-scouting this summer or mid-hunt and struggling to find critters, Jaden lays out a practical, detailed framework to help you locate game from glassing knobs using real hunting scenarios and terrain examples.

What You'll Learn:

• How to e-scout for effective glassing knobs

• Terrain features that make great glassing knobs (e.g. logging roads, elevation benches, and steep draws)

• Pros and cons of glassing from roads, knobs, and highway pullouts

• When to prioritize elevation vs. accessibility

• How thermals, wind, and sun exposure affect animal behavior—and how to glass accordingly

• Gear tips: simple optics setups and gridding methods for scanning terrain

• Real stories of successful deer and elk hunts built around strategic glassing (including a double buck harvest with his brother)

We hope you enjoy this show!

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You can now can tap into my brain without booking a full consulting call. The Virtual Hunt Buddy is up and running and ready to help you get your plans in order—24/7, no scheduling required.

It's trained on everything I've said or written about western hunts in the last 6 years. If you're trying to build a gear list, pick a week to hunt, or figure out where to put your glass on opening morning, this tool can help.

You get 3 free messages to try it. After that, it's just $10.

👉 Try the Hunt Buddy Here >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

What does it take to be a top-tier sheep guide in modern-day Wyoming? Jimmy Owens of Lost Creek Outfitters gives us the behind-the-scenes look at a sheep hunt—logistics, expectations, glassing strategies, and the high-pressure stakes of once-in-a-lifetime tags. Learn why mules matter, how shooting trumps stamina, and what it's really like chasing rams in grizzly country. For hunters who dream of drawing a tag or just want to know what it takes, this one is a dang good one. 

Please note: we recorded these live at the Wild Sheep Expo in Casper and while audio quality may not be crystal clear, the content is awesome!

If you want to support Wyoming Wild Sheep AND have a chance at a 2025 Wyoming Commissioner License, be sure to enter the Last Chance Commissioner Tag Raffle here >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show. His new single, "Any Old Reason" is out now!

In his wild ride through decades of conservation work, Kevin Hurley—Vice President for Conservation Emeritus at the Wild Sheep Foundation—shares the untold tales of bighorn sheep research from the 1980s to today. From TWO plane crashes to backpacking solo into Wyoming's most remote basins looking for bighorns, Kevin's lived experience paints a picture of how modern sheep management was built on grit, passion, and the occasional ram-shaped miracle. This episode is part history lesson, part survival story, and all heart for the wild sheep of the West.

Please note: we recorded these live at the Wild Sheep Expo in Casper and while audio quality may not be crystal clear, the content is awesome!

We hope you enjoy this episode.

If you want to support Wyoming Wild Sheep AND have a chance at a 2025 Wyoming Commissioner License, be sure to enter the Last Chance Commissioner Tag Raffle here >>

_____

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show. His new single, "Any Old Reason" is out now!

If you care about the future of wild sheep in Wyoming and across the West, this episode is for you. Executive Director of the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, Katie Cheesbrough, walks us through the behind-the-scenes work that keeps bighorns on the mountain—from prescribed burns and cheatgrass battles to science-informed transplants and working across private lands. It's a boots-on-the-ground conversation about what is actual conservation looks like, and how every tag, dollar, and decision plays a role in the bigger picture.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

Please note: we recorded these live at the Wild Sheep Expo in Casper and while audio quality may not be crystal clear, the content is awesome!

If you want to support Wyoming Wild Sheep AND have a chance at a 2025 Wyoming Commissioner License, be sure to enter the Last Chance Commissioner Tag Raffle here >>

_____

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show. His new single, "Any Old Reason" is out now!

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales sits down with longtime friend and backcountry nutrition expert Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition. Kyle shares how mastering the basics of nutrition—not chasing the latest fads—is the key to performing at your peak in the mountains. From building sustainable systems to dialing in off-season weight loss and fueling long hunts like a late-season elk hunt, or a dall sheep trek in Alaska, Kyle lays down practical, no-BS advice for every kind of hunter.

Whether you're prepping for September elk season, cutting excess weight for the mountains, or figuring out what to actually eat in the backcountry, this episode delivers. Expect real stories, smart strategies, and a ton of overlap between hunting and nutrition that'll get your wheels turning and your food game dialed.

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we sit down with lifelong hunter and western DIY guy, Seth Oren for a conversation that's packed with stories, overarching strategy, and lessons from the field. From the Wisconsin woods to the high country of the West — and even the islands of Hawaii — Seth has spent a ton of time chasing critters, and he gets into some of the hunts that shaped his western hunting skills along the way.

We dive into what makes western hunting so addicting, how Seth prepares for out-of-state hunts, and the gear he's come to trust after years of trial and error. We also cover Seth's business, Deep Fork Rentals, which lets traveling hunters rent the high-quality gear they need when coming out west for the first time. If you're looking to learn from hard-earned experience, fine-tune your approach to hunts this fall, and dial in your gear, this episode delivers.

Learn more about Deep Fork Rentals and get a hold of Seth at Deepforkrentals.com

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina in 2026 THERE ARE ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net to learn more.

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden has on his friend Jordan Budd after she took a stud of a Wyoming black bear spot and stalk style. They recap the hunt, what they were looking for, the kinds of conditions that came together for this bear to show himself, and all the different pieces of gear that made this an absolutely textbook western big game hunt.

If you like good hunting stories and are a gear nerd like us, this podcast is going to be right up your alley. We hope you enjoy it!

Find Jordan Budd on Instagram or via her outfitting website runningwaterhunting.com

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

When you've been hunting with someone for over 25 years, you know the laughs, the screwups, and the grind are just part of the deal. In this episode, Jaden recaps a Wyoming pronghorn hunt with his lifelong friend Kain — a trip filled with highs, lows, and the kind of luck that only comes when you beat 7% odds in the tag draw.

Kain flew in from Oregon with a freezer to fill, and the duo went to work chasing antelope across windy plains, dealing with wild weather, wardens, and whitetail detours. Jaden dives into what went right (and wrong) with their tag applications, how the Wyoming pronghorn draw has changed fast, and what he learned from hunting a 14% public-land unit where success required equal parts patience and persistence.

From fried heart for lunch to last-minute meat-cooler math at the airport, this hunt was full of classic Hunt West moments — gritty, funny, and real.

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In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why pronghorn draw odds in Wyoming can surprise even experienced hunters

• How to build a smarter application strategy for 2026 and beyond

• The mental grind of hunting low-access units — and how to finally connect

• The white-flag trick for pronghorn…and what not to do

• A lesson in packing meat for flights that might save you a couple hundred bucks

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Resources & Links

• Join the New Idaho OTC Elk and Deer Draw Webinar >>

• Check out the Argali Clothing Project >>

• Book your 2026 Hunt West Plan or Session >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, you're getting a front-row seat to a real Hunt West e-scouting session. Jaden sits down with two Colorado elk hunters and walks through the exact process he uses to break down a unit — from figuring out elk behavior in September to identifying terrain features that hold animals, and how to build flexible game plans based on wind, access, pressure, and feed.

This is way more than just picking waypoints — it's a deep dive into the Hunt West framework that teaches you how to think about a hunt, not just where to go. Whether you're planning your first western elk hunt or looking to sharpen your e-scouting game, this episode is packed with the goods. We hope you enjoy it!

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If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

While old school deer tactics is in the name, this podcast with Robby Denning holds a lot more gems than that. From remembering Robby's father's impact on his hunting passion, to ways guys hunted deer more often "back in the day" and how to use those tools today, Jaden and Robby cover a whole host of topics in this podcast. They also discuss what it takes to find a big, special mule deer and take him home in today's hunting environment, aging mule deer bucks, and so much more. 

This episode is packed full of great stories, lessons learned, and actionable tips for people hunting mule deer today. We hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. 

Referenced in the Show: 
Hunting Big Mule Deer - A Rokslide.com Original >>

Hunting Mule Deer with Robby and Travis >>

Robby Denning's Books on Mule Deer Hunting >>

Breaking 200" - A Rokslide Blog >>

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

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If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

If you want to hear good stories of progressing as a western hunter, this podcast with Matt Emerson is great. Not only that, but today's podcast includes his incredible story of catching high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and how to recognize signs of it before you have to call in a helicopter to the backcountry as he did. I spend a lot of time with Matt, and I even was sucked in by this interview. I am so excited to bring you this podcast with Matt Emerson, and hope you enjoy it, too!
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If you want to go to Argentina, or have other questions about western hunting, contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden picks the brain of his friend Chad Eidson about western hunting with muzzleloaders. Chad shared what he knows about the regulations and technology allowed in different states, and they discussed the evolution of muzzleloader technology, and the limitations of sighting systems. The guys also cover overall advantages and disadvantages of using muzzleloaders for hunting with some good old stories sprinkled in there.

For anyone who has wanted to unlock better drawing odds or interesting season dates with a muzzleloader in the west, this podcast will get you pointed in the right direction. 

We hope you enjoy it!

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

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Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden sits down with coues deer fanatic, and avid western DIY hunter, Jason Scott to cover a ton of topics, and tell a few hunting stories along the way.

First, they dive into Jason's coues deer hunting style and tactics that work for him over the years. The guys also talk about elk hunting strategies in Arizona, dive into Jason's Region G mule deer hunt, what it means to be on an adventure and having fun on western hunts, a few cold weather tips, and so much more. 

This is just a classic conversation between two fellas who love getting out and spending time in the mountains. We hope you enjoy it!

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Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo episode, Jaden Jaden gives you actionable "meat and potatoes" type information to better plan your hunt by breaking down his process for getting started e-scouting and mapping out a hunt for which you drew a tag and don't have a set game plan for yet. He breaks down four steps in detail for getting started: 

1. Set Your Goals
2. Fly Around the Unit
3. Hit the Googlizer
4. Reach Out To People

A good hunt plan makes your week-long vacation much less stressful as you adapt to every obstacle, hiccup, and audible call along the way. Heck, getting out and enjoying your hunt is at the baseline of why we all do it anyway, so why not take all the steps you can to make sure your next hunt is a good one. 

We hope you enjoy today's podcast!

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

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Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Back in 2024, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted a brand-spanking-new mule deer plan using a ton of new data collected from mule deer studies. Today, Josh Smith, the ODFW Mule Deer Coordinator, joins the show to tell us what the proposed changes look like, and for Oregon mule deer hunters, they are going to overhaul how you apply. In the least, it's possible your favorite unit's boundaries won't change much, but the codes and names for hunts you apply for will. At most, your hunt area maybe has three different mule deer herds using it, and that will upend how you apply. 

In today's day and age of difficult tag draws and tough mule deer population numbers, it's refreshing to hear Oregon is putting the latest science to work and making changes that will ideally result in hunters being involved in the continued conservation of the species.

Thanks to Josh for taking the time to be on this podcast. We really appreciate you listening in and hope you enjoy this show!

Want to see the proposed changes for yourself? Click here >>

If you want to plan your 2025 or 2026 Oregon mule deer hunt, be sure to reach out to jaden@huntwest.net to get started. 

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we have Jared Oakleaf from Lander, WY on the show to nerd out about mule deer and their management. Jared is a die-hard big deer hunter who spends as much time learning about mule deer and working to conserve them as he does chasing them.

The guys touch on a ton of controversial topics, including antler point restrictions, ideal buck-to-doe ratios, the effects (or lack thereof) of limited quota seasons, and so much more. They also break down what may just be the secret to timing your hunting plans to maximize mature buck numbers and quality on your next hunt. 

They reference a ton of work from the Monteith Shop, which you can read by clicking here >>

We'd love it if you supported their work on the website, as well. Click around in there, there's a lot to find on the website. 

We sincerely hope you enjoy the show!

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Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

This could be an episode of the Hunt South Podcast, as friends Hayden and Jaden talk about their month hunting, translating, and guiding in Argentina. They discuss what the roar is all about with red stags, how black buck are South America's speedgoats, what it's like bringing down a water buffalo, and the tactics it takes to get a good wild boar on the barbecue. They share stories from the trip and also give advice for those looking to make the trip down one day. 

If you have ever thought, "what if I could have two fall hunting seasons?" You can with a little planning and some airline miles to burn. The guys cover it all in this podcast.

We hope you enjoy the show.

Reach out to Jaden@huntwest.net if you have any questions about booking a trip to Argentina!

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Learn more about Terra Pampa and hunting Argentina >>

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

 

In this episode, Jaden sits down to talk the messy Montana deer and elk draw, while giving people a sense of tactics to make sure you draw when you anticipate drawing in Montana. In particular, Montana has a split point system using preference points for general elk and deer combo tags, while maintaining a bonus point system for the permitted tags there. The guys also talk about different approaches to using the general seasons to prepare for an upcoming permit tag. 

We hope you come out of this podcast with a clearer approach to drawing Montana tags ahead of the April 1st deadline. 

Reach out to Jaden@huntwest.net if you have any questions ahead of the draw!

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden sits down with Hunt West client and now first-time archery elk killer, Anthony Ortiz, to unpack a four-year journey that went from missed chances and blown stalks to punching tags on a giant Colorado bull AND a Wyoming pronghorn—all this season.

Anthony opens up about what it really takes to go from hopeful to lethal:

• The mistakes that taught him more than success ever could (hint: wind and impatience were his biggest teachers)

• The shooting practice that actually matters—training in awkward, real-world positions

• How a smart approach to scouting, access, and persistence led to two incredible hunts in the same year

Jaden and Anthony also dig into the mental side of elk hunting—the adrenaline dump, the blackouts, the heartbreak, and the payoff when you finally get it right. If you're new to archery elk hunting or just grinding for that first bull, this episode will hit home.

Listen for:

• The moment Anthony realized he had finally done it

• Why slowing down and thinking for five seconds can change your hunt

• The best advice he'd give to anyone still chasing their first elk

• How preparation and planning pay off years down the line

Takeaway:
Success in elk hunting isn't built in one season—it's the product of failure, reflection, and sticking with it long enough to connect the dots.

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Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Hunt West Planning Website >>

• Try the AI Hunt Buddy free this fall—get answers to your hunt questions, even when Jaden's off-grid.

• Want to hunt Red Stags in Argentina with me next year!? Buy a raffle ticket and support Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation while you're at it >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

If you've ever wanted to know about the logistics of hunting Argentina, this episode with Terra Pampa's Remi Donnelly is for you! Remi and Jaden talk about what makes a good outfitter in general in South America, the history of Terra Pampa, free-range hunting in Argentina, how to get heads and hides back to the States, and much more.

If someone doesn't have international hunting on their bucket list, I think they should. It's reasonably priced for an incredible experience, world class accommodations, and a REAL hunt for free-ranging stags and other species. 

For more information, shoot me an email Jaden@huntwest.net

_____

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, we have Cody Rich from The Rich Outdoors and Elk Hunt Podcast back on the show to talk Montana deer and elk. The boys discuss where Montana sits in someone's applications and the strategies that are effective for getting a nice bull or buck in the Big Sky state. The guys also compare Montana to Colorado as guys consider which of the two states they should invest in with their short-term hunting plans. Cody's experience and stories in Montana and around the West are super helpful for anyone considering putting Montana in their plans. 

We hope you enjoy the show!

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden sits down with his good buddy and Colorado resident, Garrison Kinsel. In Garrison's words, he's married to the whitetail game with a love affair with Colorado mule deer. But what he doesn't also mention is that he's been on multiple successful opportunity elk hunts and recently took a great old Colorado bull elk by pounding the timber on a late-season rifle hunt. 

Hope you enjoy this episode and get some ideas for approaching your next Colorado mule deer or elk hunt in 2025. 

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the HuntWest podcast, Jaden dives into the upcoming changes to Colorado's deer and elk hunting seasons for 2025. He talks about the elimination of the non-resident over-the-counter archery season and explains how to navigate these shifts, offering strategies to maximize your hunting opportunities, from understanding application processes to selecting optimal tags. Jaden also discusses season structures for both deer and elk, providing key dates and ways to think about various seasons, terrain types, and hunting methods for hunting rocky mountain high.   Tune in for a data-nerd's take on how to use the resources at your finger tips to make set you up for a successful 2025 hunting season in Colorado.   You can find CPW's new statistics and management web pages here:  Mule Deer Web Page >> Elk Web Page >> _____ SHOW NOTES:    01:39 Strategies for Navigating the New Elk Hunting System 05:38 Detailed Breakdown of Rifle Seasons 13:38 Late Season Elk Hunting Tips 18:06 Introduction to Mule Deer Hunting in Colorado 19:17 Analyzing Mule Deer Data and Strategies 33:48 Upcoming Changes in 2028 and Final Thoughts 39:45 Conclusion and Upcoming Content

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Welcome to another episode of the Hunt West Podcast! This one with Bo DePeña kicks off a series of Colorado conversations to help you know what you're getting into when you hunt this popular elk and mule deer destination state. Bo and Jaden start by talking about how fatherhood has changed how he hunts, and what he learned from guiding hunters in Colorado. Then, they dive into some stories of Bo's elk and mule deer hunts in 2024. 

This one is a good conversation with friends with good nuggets to get better as a western hunter baked into it. We hope you enjoy the show!

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Find Bo DePeña's music here >> 

Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this solo episode, Jaden repurposed a video recording to help you learn what to look for on your spot and stalk spring bear hunts. It's a shorter podcast that is just chalk full of meat and potatoes information to help you plan spring bear hunts. It's a great opportunity to get out, especially with multiple states still offering great spring bear hunting over the counter. Plus, it's an incredible way to test gear, hone skills, and bring home some tasty meat for the freezer. 

We hope you enjoy this quick hitting spot and stalk spring bear hunting solo episode. 

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Learn about Hunt West planning services >> 

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

Today on the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden brings on Tyler Bales, an off-roading and at-home vehicle project guru who has a wealth of information to bring to the table. From always working on multiple of his hunting-offroad vehicles to his time spent upgrading tires and suspensions at a tire store, he's amassed some great technical information for hunters to know about their rigs.

But first, don't forget to get ahead of the game by planning your western hunts with Hunt West services, which will be largely offline for the month of March. The website is revamped, so if you want to learn more about services that can help you make the most of your time, money, and vacation days on your hunts, then check it out at huntwest.net 

Once you get through the boring house-cleaning items, Jaden and Tyler nerd out on tire selection for hunters, recovery gear for hunting, and even tell some stories of big "oopsies" while on hunts. It's a great podcast for vets and rookies alike as you think about making upgrades to make your vehicle more western hunting-friendly. We hope you enjoy the show!

Follow Tyler on Instagram @tyler_bales8 if you want to talk with him about vehicle stuff.  

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Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

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Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

On this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales tackles the big question: 'Did I shoot a baby giant in 2024?' Jaden dives deep into various studies and personal anecdotes to bust myths about deer ages and antler sizes. He discusses data from the Utah long-term study on mule deer and an interesting Texas Apache Ranch study, sharing insights on how environmental factors affect antler growth. Tune in for a detailed analysis of mule deer data, hunting strategies, and the significance of understanding deer aging in the quest for that big buck.   Check out these studies and resources to come to your own mule deer antler-age conclusions:   The Utah Study: Long-Lasting Effects of Maternal Condition on Free-Ranging Cervids  Antlers by the Numbers: The Apache Ranch Study  Study shows mule deer antlers peak earlier than thought The Wyoming Maternal Effects Study Wyoming Tooth Age Data    ____   01:57 Understanding Deer Aging and Antler Size 02:48 Key Studies on Deer Antler Size 06:59 Texas Apache Ranch Study Insights 10:22 Analyzing Personal Hunting Data 15:35 Wyoming Deer Data Analysis 20:20 Regional Comparisons and Insights 27:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ____

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, we introduce Jeff Lund, an experienced hunter and writer based in Alaska. Lund discusses his history in the hunting space, his experiences hunting blacktail deer, and the challenges posed by the local terrain and weather conditions. The conversation delves into the detailed planning required for a successful blacktail deer hunt, including the importance of scouting, understanding predator impacts, managing habitat for deer populations, and the gear necessary for navigating the rugged Alaskan landscape. Jeff also shares specific stories about his hunting adventures and provides practical advice for listeners planning their own trips.    Check out Jeff's website onstepalaska.com or follow him @alaskalund   You can request to follow Tyler Bales on IG @tyler_bales8 ___   01:16 Jeff's Journey to Alaska and Hunting Beginnings 03:50 Challenges and Changes in Blacktail Deer Hunting 09:07 Comparing Blacktail and Mule Deer Hunting 12:23 Preparing for the Hunt: Strategies and Expectations 22:39 Weather Challenges and Hunting in the Rain 36:24 Navigating Steep Timber with Ropes 37:24 Challenges of Hunting in Rocky Terrain 40:08 Strategies for Spotting and Shooting Deer 54:20 Dealing with Predators and Safety Concerns 01:00:01 Managing Hunting Pressure and Remote Locations 01:08:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections   ___

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

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Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden and Hunter McWaters talk about the whole gambit of western hunting adventure and the mule deer bug. Hunter shares his personal journey from a tumultuous past to finding redemption and purpose in hunting. Hunter recounts his hunting experiences in states like Colorado and Montana, as well as overseas in Spain. He also shares insights on choosing hunting spots in Wyoming and the value of seeking adventure over trophy goals. The episode highlights Hunter's evolution as a hunter, including his use of different weapons and bullet types, and his perspective on the hunting culture in the U.S. versus Europe.   There are a ton of gems to pick up from this podcast. We hope you enjoy! _____   02:22 Hunter's Origin Story 09:57 Success in Western Hunts 13:49 Deer vs. Elk Hunting 17:02 Blacktail Deer Hunt 34:06 Hunting in Spain: A Unique Experience 38:50 Mule Deer Hunting in the US 39:03 Comparing Hunting Experiences in Montana and Colorado 45:11 The Progression of a Hunter 51:28 Wyoming Deer Hunting Strategy 01:01:35 The Hunter's Quest: Where to Find More _____

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

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Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

This two-for-one podcast starts with a scouting report from a tent at 10,000 feet and 8 miles deep in the backcountry before Wyoming's general season rifle opener. This gives you a look into the mind of elk hunters the night before season and how to set yourself up for success on opening day.

What followed was the full execution of a big mountain elk hunting playbook — managing pressure, weather, mindset, and logistics to fill two tags on nice bulls.

From lightning storms and muddy pack-outs to navigating trailheads full of other hunters, this episode breaks down how we found elk in sheep country, and what it took to execute a plan that worked — twice.

Topics covered:

• Managing hunter pressure eight miles deep

• Why "checking off unknowns" matters in new areas

• When to walk past elk to find elk

• How to stay calm when people and weather test you

• Why mountain bull elk usually stay high, not in the valleys

We hope you enjoy this episode to get you stoked for any upcoming rifle elk seasons you may have! 

P.S. It is also available on the Elk Hunt Podcast by Cody Rich. 

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Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Hunt West Planning Website >>

• Try the AI Hunt Buddy free this fall—get answers to your hunt questions, even when Jaden's off-grid.

• Want to hunt Red Stags in Argentina with me next year!? Buy a raffle ticket and support Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation while you're at it >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden catches up with New Mexican friend Jordan Staley. He doesn't look much like Dorothy (he's @therealbeardedhunter on IG) but the two discuss tactics for drawing and hunting elk, pronghorn, and coues deer in Jordan's backyard of New Mexico as well as out-of-state hunts like Arizona, Wyoming, and others. They also get into the nitty-gritty of getting into elk close to roads and the importance of understanding local wildlife behavior, usually by hunting the same place as much as possible or by learning your backyard. 

Jordan also shares his experiences participating in NRL Hunter competitions to improve his shooting skills and reflects on the balance of hunting for himself versus guiding family and friends. The episode is filled with hunting tips, stories from the field, field judging pronghorn, and much much more. 

We hope you enjoy this episode! 

Check out the Pronghorn Guide Service field judging tests here >>

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01:28 Drawing Tags and Hunting Strategies 

11:26 The Importance of Local Knowledge

37:02 Pronghorn Hunting in Wyoming

40:56 Scoring and Judging Pronghorn

51:45 Upcoming Hunts and Plans

59:04 Long Range Shooting and Competitions

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Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this Hunt West Podcast episode, Chad Lubinski shares his experiences of transitioning from hunting Midwest whitetails to digging into filling the freezer out west. The conversation covers a broad range of topics including Chad's adventures with pronghorn and cow elk hunts in Wyoming and the different types of cow elk hunts you can look for in the Cowboy State. The boys also discuss timber hunting versus open country glassing, differences between endurance sports and hunting, the importance of good gear, and the mindset required to be successful in different hunting terrains.  

Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking for information on cow elk hunts, or someone new who wants to hear about the learning curve of western hunting, you'll find learn something from this one and hopefully enjoy the good conversation between friends. 

Follow Chad on social media @chadahooche_ here >>

Check out Chad's YouTube Channel here >>

Listen to the Peanut Butter Mountains Podcast here >>
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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Ice Bath Struggles

02:35 From Midwest to Western Hunting

04:45 Challenges of Oregon Hunting

09:01 Glassing Techniques and Strategies

16:07 Pronghorn Hunting Success

23:53 Elk Hunting Trials and Triumphs

36:36 Strategizing Elk Hunts: Immediate vs. Long-Term Goals

49:53 Endurance Sports and Hunting: A Mental Game

01:01:09 Lessons from Tree Stand Hunting

01:08:34 Final Thoughts and Social Media Plugs

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Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode, Jaden shares a podcast with the Out of State Hunter Podcast host, Chad Ryker. The guys cover the Wyoming elk applications, Arizona elk applications, and how to structure applications and strategies in conjunction with other states. They also talk about their favorite pieces of gear from 2024 (hint: one of these pieces was just released to the public) as well as new items in their backpacks for 2025. 

This is a hodgepodge of information in a conversational style with Chad. We hope you enjoy this old school style interview podcast. 

🎧 Tune in to sharpen your knowledge and gear up for the adventure!

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

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Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.

In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, host Jaden Bales helps you decide whether to wait to apply for a limited quota license or put in for a general license to elk hunt in Wyoming. Jaden shares personal experiences and advises hunters on making decisions with 4-10 preference points. The episode also features a guest, Logan Dix, who discusses his grandpa's limited quota hunt, as they compare various hunting situations and expectations.

Follow Hunt West on Instagram >>

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast Here >>

Contact Jaden at Jaden@huntwest.net

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.