In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, host Matt Hartsky breaks down the mindset and process that separates casual hunters from consistent ones — the off-season planning that starts long before next year’s tags are even available. Success in the mountains doesn’t begin on opening day; it starts months earlier with the decisions, habits, and preparation you build when everyone else is shutting down for the year.

Matt walks through his complete system for post-season reflection, goal setting, budgeting, and hunt planning, showing exactly how to evaluate your past season, identify what worked and what didn’t, and turn those lessons into actionable steps for next year. He explains how to set clear hunt and development goals, build a realistic time and financial plan, and strategically choose states and species that align with your long-term hunting strategy.

You’ll also learn how to research effectively — breaking down draw odds, harvest data, and terrain layers to find consistent opportunity instead of chasing luck. Matt shares how he uses e-scouting to study terrain and movement patterns before setting foot in the field, along with how to organize your year-round training and preparation phases so you hit the next season ready, not rusty.

This episode goes beyond hunting tactics — it’s about building the discipline, structure, and mindset that create lasting success. Whether you’re planning your first Western hunt or refining your multi-state strategy, you’ll come away with a repeatable blueprint for year-round readiness that keeps you one step ahead of the pack.