It’s been a while since Trail was at the mic, but he’s back with a postseason Game Trail podcast. This week, he focuses on answering your questions, including several that focus on obtaining permits for next year and, where you should be applying, and buying points. He talks about buying OTC tags in Idaho and what the nonresident OTC archery elk change to draw hunts in Colorado might mean for 2025. He also answers questions about pack recommendations, glassing from a tripod vs the Sig ZULU6 binoculars, and he also talks about the new Dialed Pruf sight and UV 1K arrows.

On this week’s episode, Trail catches up with Chris Neville, where Chris recaps the wild hunting story for a giant Iowa whitetail. They also talk about their summer preparation for the upcoming mule deer and elk season and offer archery insights on form, shot execution, and equipment in their quest to become more confident and accurate when the moment matters most.

Like most things, the key to opportunity in hunting is in how well you prepare and the first piece of the puzzle is how you obtain a permit. The western states primarily allocate hunting permits through state lotteries or selling permits over the counter. Trail breaks down his planning process to ensure he obtains permits each year. He discusses requirements to apply, application deadlines, costs/fees, draw systems, preference, and bonus points, draw odds, and the tools he uses to get organized and ultimately draw permits. If you want to hunt elk, mule deer, antelope, and other species in the west, those opportunities are available and this podcast is a great first step. Now is the time the time to prepare and apply!

Andrew Whitney of Stone Glacier sits down to chat about picking a backpack, what layering systems to use for early and late season hunts and his favorite shelter choices. More specifically, Trail and Andrew talk about the difference between Stone Glaicer’s Krux and XCurve frames and why he believes the Krux is the better choice for most people. Andrew also talks about how to load a backpack and how you should consider packing each item of gear. He talks about the reasons why he prefers merino layers for early season hunts and synthetics for late season and why a down vest is a great piece of gear for early season hunts. They round out the discussion discussing sleep systems and why a 15° bag is likely the only bag you need.

This podcast is presented by Mathews Archery

September is synonymous with archery elk hunting. On this week’s episode Trail recaps a couple archery elk hunts and lessons he’s learned about what to do after the arrow is released. He offers tips and tricks that will help you find your bull, including what the reaction of the bull at the shot can tell you and what the color of blood and sign left behind might mean. He also recaps a hunt with his dad and lessons learned on anticipating what elk might do and why. The goal of every archery elk hunter is to make that shot and harvest the animal, this is a great episode to help you ensure you recover your bull!

As archery hunts are opening up across the west, Jared Knighton joins Trail to discuss high country spot and stalk mule deer hunting. Jared has found success consistently over the past several years on great bucks and offers some tips in tricks to both find bucks and how to close the distance. The guys also talk about bow and arrow setups, boots, and other gear required to give yourself the best chance in the high country. Jared has released films on his own Youtube channel that we highly recommend, including Cliff Dweller and Chasing Ghosts. Make sure to watch those, listen to the podcast, and get ready for one of the west’s most challenging and rewarding hunts…spot and stalk high county mule deer!

Austin Kincaid owns High Voltage bowstrings. His obsession began in a two-car garage several years ago where he researched what equipment was necessary to build bow strings, what fibers and supplies are required and he started building strings. Austin built strings over and over and over again until precision met performance. Austin joins Trail to talk about bowstring materials, maintenance, serving, and how often you should change your strings out. This podcast goes deep into all things bowstrings.Follow Along: GOHUNT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

Chis Bee joins Trail on the second episode of the Game Trail Podcast. Chris is an avid bowhunter, content creator, Mathews Archery Team Shooter, accomplished archer, and heavily involved in product design and direction at Ultraview Archery. Trail picks Chris’s brain on practicing, shot process, arrow and nock setup, and explores several of the new products that Ultraview Archery has rolled out recently.Follow Along: GOHUNT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNTTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNTWebsite: https://www.gohunt.com/More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

This week I go down the rabbit hole of sleep systems for hunting. I discuss sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and shelters and offer ideas on why picking the right gear is important for your success. I discuss the pros and cons of down and synthetic bags, what does Power Fill rating really mean, and why the fit of your sleeping bag matters. I also talk about selecting the right air mattress in regards to comfort, insulation, durability and weight. I round out the podcast comparing traditional freestanding shelters, and floorless shelters. Along the way I offer my thoughts on several brands and sleep system pieces.

The Game Trail Podcast is officially live! In the first episode, the host Trail Kreitzer of GOHUNT, catches up with good friend Chris Neville. Chris is the video content specialist at GOHUNT and has produced many of the GOHUNT Original Films for several years. Chris and Trail have shared several hunts together, including elk hunts in Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Alaskan caribou hunt as featured in the film “Nothing but Daylight.” The guys catch up on Chris’ recent move to Ft. Collins, Colorado, before they dive into topics covering bow setup and tuning, practice routines, archery equipment selection, and key factors in making a shot under pressure.

Jason Wittwer is a Nevada born and raised firefighter, bowhunter, and guide who continually has success across the west on great bucks and bulls. On this weeks episode Jason joins me to talk tips and tactics for scouting, stalking mule deer, archery practice and what it takes to make the shot when it counts. He also shares some hunting stories and lessons he has learned that we can learn from and apply to our own efforts in the field this year. We wrap up talking about what it's like being a hunting guide and shares some ideas on what a client can do when going into a guided hunt to help them find success. This is a great preseason preparation episode for the bowhunters out there that are planning on getting out this fall. Bowhunts across the west will be kicking off in short order!

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

On this week’s episode of The Game Trail podcast, I tackle the topic of buying and setting up a new bow sight. I discuss what I like in a sight, the number of pins, pin sizes, and if you should buy a slider sight. I also talk about peep sight sizes and alignment. I work through the process of setting up a slider sight and weigh in on which option might be the best for hunting situations out west. Finally, I wrap up with a review of four of the top-selling sights on the market. Whether you are buying a new sight or working to dial in the the sight you already have for the upcoming year, this is a good episode with several tips and ideas to consider.

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

On this episode of The Game Trail, I sit down and spend time talking with GOHUNT’s Brady Miller. I’ve known Brady for a number of year’s but we rarely get a chance to have a long conversation. I ask him some random questions to get to know him better and a bunch of hunting related questions to discover more about how he approaches adventure hunting. Topics include, what’s more important physical or mental preparation, what food he craves on a long hunt, why did Brady stop bowhunting, and much more!

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

Arrow selection and build process are among the most commonly asked questions we receive, so for today's Game Trail podcast, Trail talks at length about all things arrows. He discusses arrow spine, arrow straightness, total arrow weight, and FOC and offers opinions on brands and components. Trail also talks about his own personal arrow building process and weighs in on the most critical elements of selecting and building arrows. It’s that time of year when we are all tinkering with arrow builds, and this is a good listen to help you make the best choice to ensure you are accurate and successful in the hills this fall.

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

Sam Davis joins Trail on this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast. There’s a saying that 10% of all hunters fill 90% of the tags each year. Sam is in the 10% club. He has the experience, attitude, and determination to fill permits every single year. He talks about gaining experience and his approach to hunting and drops a ton of knowledge in this episode. He shares his experiences that can, in turn, hopefully help you be more successful this fall. He also talks about Wyoming elk, deer, and antelope conditions and shares his approach to archery and gear selection.

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

On this week's episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail talks about attending the Super Bowl of archery and the lessons he learned from watching the pros. He talks about form, release selection, shot activation, and several other factors that can help you be more consistent with a bow and arrow.

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

The StHealthy Hunter, Ryan Lampers, joins The Game Trail podcast to chat with Trail this week. Ryan talks about recently testing his mental and physical abilities with his diet choices and what he has learned. He also discusses using pack animals and other strategies to ensure he can continue hunting as he ages. Ryan and Trail also talk about the hunt application strategy; he shares some tips on picking an area and finding older age-class animals.

Follow along:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gohunt/GOHUNT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOHUNTofficial/GOHUNT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GOHUNTGOHUNT

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gohuntofficialGOHUNT

Website: https://www.gohunt.com/

More resources: Sign up for Insider today and use promo code PODCAST to receive $50 to the GOHUNT Gear Shop: https://join.gohunt.com/try/insider

Trail is back with a Game Trail Podcast! This week he sits down for a solo episode to talk about his thoughts on the outcome of Prop 127. He also discusses the recent film, “One Good Chance.” Specifically, what it’s like to hit and lose an animal and what he is working on to try to eliminate those misses in the future. He concludes the podcast talking about some of his favorite gear pieces from this year.

Per request, on this episode of the Game Trail, Trail breaks down the draw options for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison tags in the west. The odds of drawing these tags are tough, but for many applicants, the dream is to one day draw one of these highly coveted tags. Trail talks through each state draw and offers input on which state and species make the most sense.

On this episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail talks with Colorado Bowhunters Association chairman Henry Ferguson. They discuss the recent conversion of all nonresident elk units in Colorado to a draw system and what it might mean for both residents and nonresidents. The conversation then moves to Henry’s true passion, spot and stalk mule deer. Henry offers tips and tricks for stalking mule deer and how he maintains his composure in the heat of the moment. They talk about archery practice, shot execution, bow selection, and the keys to becoming a better shot with your bow.

Dan Staton joins Trail in this week’s Game Trail episode. Dan is a die-hard bowhunter who brings a blend of physical and mental motivation to the archery hunting community. He’s also a technical gear tinkerer when it comes to tuning and selecting his setup each year. Dan talks with Trail about his background in physical fitness and bowhunting and offers insight into his own personal diet and exercise routine. He also discusses mental focus and the process of picking and making a shot in the field. The guys conclude with a discussion on arrows and broadheads. Dan is a hardworking, disciplined guy worth listening to and emulating if you want to improve your own success each fall.

On this week’s episode of The Game Trail, Trail chats with Weston McArthur. Weston has a unique story, leaving his full-time job to pursue his passion for the outdoors and build the Rise and Shed brand. Rise and Shed focuses on content creation and merchandise, with a desire to inspire and encourage people to get outdoors and discover nature. Weston talks about his love of shed antler hunting and later recaps his 2024 archery elk and mule deer season.

On this week’s episode, Trail’s older brother, Tyler Kreitzer, joins the podcast. They talk about their roots growing up in rural southern Utah. They discuss the role that hunting and the outdoors played in their upbringing. They dive into the topic of hunting in grizzly country and how Tyler deals with the intimidation and fear that some feel when hunting big bear country. The guys also talk about antelope and bear hunting, two of Tyler’s favorites. They wrap up talking about meat care, and they recount a story of an archery elk hunt they shared.

On this week’s episode of The Game Trail podcast, Trail spends time diving into his archery goals for this year and some tips and tricks that are making a difference. He talks about grip, tuning, setting your peep height, and several other tips and tricks. He wraps up the episode with an overview of new gear you may want to look into from the recent Archery Trade Association show.

Trail is joined by his friend and hunting partner, Chris Neville, to recap their experience at the 2025 Vegas Indoor Archery Shoot. They discuss equipment, practice and preparation, expectations, as well as what went well and what didn’t. They talk about identifying holes in their archery game, and how they will approach it in the future. The guys also discuss how the pressure and anxiety of competition archery relates to bowhunting and what lessons they learned that will translate to hunts later this fall.

On this week’s episode, KC Davies from Sevr broadheads joins Trail to talk broadheads and bowhunting. KC talks about his experiences working in an archery pro shop before diving into the details of Sevr's mechanical broadhead design, materials, and function. The guys talk about accuracy and penetration and whether one is more important or if you can have both. They also discuss arrow builds, including weights, spine, and FOC.

On this episode of The Game Trail, Kenneth Thrall joins the podcast. Kenneth works for Kifaru, but when he isn’t in the office, he is pounding the hills, scouting and hunting for mule deer, bears, elk, and antelope. The guys dive into the topic of mule deer hunting before getting to the meat and potatoes of the episode, Kifaru packs. Kenneth outlines what he’s looking for in a hunting pack before sharing tips on getting your pack to fit and ride comfortably. He also talks about his favorite packs and accessories and shares ideas on the size of pack you might choose for any given style of hunt. Kenneth is a die-hard hunter, loves the outdoors and adventure, and always has a positive outlook. This is a great episode if you are gearing up for the season!

In this episode of The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Earl Stroh from Cutter Stabilizers to dive into the topic of bow stabilization. Cutter stabilizers are hand built in Colorado from materials sourced and machined in the USA. Earl discussed set-up strategy, stabilizer lengths for hunting, weight distribution, and how stabilizers can improve your hold. He also talks about using a backbar for hunting and why he thinks every bowhunter would benefit from using one. This is a technical conversation with practical takeaways for every western bowhunter.

In this episode of The Game Trail, Trail walks through his personal process for tuning a compound bow—from bare bow to hunt-ready. He breaks down how he sets up his rest, camp timing, how he paper tunes, the importance of d-loop location, arrow spine, and why broadhead tuning can’t be skipped. Whether you're building out a brand-new setup, replacing strings for the upcoming season or just trying to get the most out of your current rig, Trail shares the real-world steps he takes to make sure his bow is dialed in.

We all want confidence in our pins, especially when the shot matters most. Tristan from Precision Cut Archery jumps on The Game Trail podcast to walk us through their smart, easy-to-use online sight tape builder. No more guessing or swapping tape after tape—this tool helps bowhunters cut straight to the best match for their setup. Tristan and Trail also talk wind drift, shot angle compensation, kinetic energy, and why factory sight tapes are likely an inferior option if you want the most accurate sight tape. Listen to learn how it works and why it’s becoming a must-have.

In this episode of The Game Trail, Trail is talking archery antelope. He breaks down ground blind setups on waterholes, spot-and-stalk plays, decoying techniques, and shares hard-earned lessons from the field. Whether you're gearing up for your first antelope hunt or looking to sharpen your edge for the next tag, this episode is packed with insight to help you close the distance and make the shot count.

You think you’re ready, but you’re not, and neither is Trail. On this week's episode, Trail breaks down the most common ways hunters show up unprepared and what you can do right now to fix it. From overlooked gear checks and mental readiness, this is your no-BS guide to making sure your next hunt doesn’t end in regret. Don't get blindsided by reality—gear failures, poor physical prep, or just plain lack of time in your boots. Whether you’re chasing elk in September or deer in November, you’ve still got time—if you start today.

On this episode of The Game Trail Podcast, Trail dives into backcountry fuel—what he actually packs for food on a backpack elk hunt. From daily calories to pack weight and cost per day, he breaks down his system meal by meal. Whether you’re planning your first multi-day hunt or fine-tuning your own food kit, this episode will give you real-world insight into the food he takes, weight, and budget in the elk woods.

GOHUNT’s Dave Barnett joins Trail to talk through the ins and outs of Montana's draw system and the changes to Idaho’s nonresident general elk and deer system for 2026. From preference points, bonus points, and the new random draw for nonresident general elk and deer in Idaho, they cover how to approach these states for upcoming seasons. Dave also gives a full recap of his latest Utah archery elk hunt—what went right, what went wrong, and what he learned along the way.

Trail talks with Matt Tillotson about the craft of spot-and-stalk mule deer hunting and the stories that come from time on the mountain. From tips and tactics on stalking mule deer to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments on camera, Matt shares how he balances the hunt, filming, and the memories that keep him coming back. Matt later discusses mule deer conditions in western Wyoming and how they are rebounding from the tough winter of 22/23. You can check out Matt's YouTube channel to follow along with several of his hunts, highly recommended!

Trail takes a deep dive into his personal optics system — from binos to spotters and tripods. He breaks down why he chose each piece, what he prioritizes in the field, and how to find the right balance between cost, weight, and performance. A must-listen for anyone obsessed with glassing and gear refinement.

In this solo episode, Trail reflects on the unsuccessful hunts — the hunts that didn’t end with a filled freezer or a grip-and-grin photo. He digs into what those experiences taught him about preparation, decision-making, patience, and what really matters in the field. From missed opportunities to hard-learned lessons, this is a real conversation about learning through failure and why sometimes the best takeaways come from the tags that stay uncut.

In this solo episode, Trail walks listeners through his full 2026 application playbook — species priorities, state-by-state reasoning, risk tiers, backup plans, and how he balances premium long-term goals with hunts he wants to draw now. If you’re looking to refine your own strategy for 2026, this is a blueprint worth copying.

Application season is here. Brady and Trail break down how they’re approaching the 2026 Western draws—where points still make sense, where opportunity outweighs odds, and how point creep and tag changes are shaping real-world decisions. From elk and deer priorities to risk tolerance and expectations, this episode lays out the mindset behind every application. If you’re trying to hunt more—and plan smarter—this one’s for you.

This week on The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Dave Brinker to relive his epic elk hunting story from last fall. They also dive into the new year mindset—discussing goal setting, building strong habits, and creating systems to get healthier and stay disciplined. Whether you’re chasing big game or chasing personal growth, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few good laughs along the way.

Most bow buying mistakes happen before you ever draw the string. In this solo episode, Trail walks through how to prepare for the pro shop experience and how to avoid buying the wrong bow for the wrong reasons. He covers realistic budgets, fit over hype, how to test bows properly, and why “shooting the best in the lane” doesn’t always mean it’s the right hunting bow. Practical advice for bowhunters who are buying a new or even used bow this year.

World champion archer and bowhunter Paige Pearce joins The Game Trail Podcast to break down what actually separates great shooters from elite ones. We dive deep into her new mental performance program, Insight, and how archers can build a repeatable shot under pressure. From shot execution and tuning fundamentals to managing nerves, and confidence in the field, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for bowhunters and competitive archers alike.